Campgrounds within 30 miles of Richfield, Minnesota range from rustic tent sites to full-service RV parks. The region contains both small county parks and large state park preserves that offer varying levels of amenities and terrain types. Camping season typically runs from late April through mid-October, with some facilities remaining open year-round for winter camping opportunities.
What to do
Hiking trails at multiple difficulty levels: At Afton State Park, visitors can access diverse terrain within a single location. "Lots of trails with a wide variety of landscapes. Prairie, forest, river, it's got it all," notes one camper about Afton State Park Campground. The park maintains both challenging and beginner-friendly trails.
Paddling on small lakes: Lake Auburn Campground provides water recreation without motorboat traffic. A visitor mentions the enjoyment of "sitting on the dock or the grass and swimming in the water are a great way to destress." The paddling areas at Lake Auburn Campground remain relatively uncrowded even during summer weekends.
Beach swimming: Several parks offer swimming beaches with varying amenities. "They have a home made lake that has a sand bottom but it has chlorine like a pool so no weeds. Great for swimming," explains a Lake Elmo visitor. The swimming areas typically open Memorial Day weekend and close after Labor Day.
What campers like
Secluded tent sites: Despite urban proximity, some parks maintain secluded tent camping areas. "The sites are nice and level, with plenty of space between each one. This feels very much like a nice state park," reports a Lebanon Hills camper. Many tent sites require short walks from parking areas, creating buffer zones from other campers.
Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness remains a consistent positive in reviews across multiple parks. At Baker Campground, visitors appreciate the "nice clean bathrooms and showers" that are "some of the best I've seen at a campground." Most facilities include flush toilets and hot showers during peak season.
Urban convenience with nature setting: The campgrounds maintain natural settings while offering urban amenities nearby. "We love Lebanon Hills! Close to home and an oasis in the middle of the Twin Cities," explains a camper at Lebanon Hills Regional Park. Most campsites sit within 15-20 minutes of shopping, restaurants, and medical facilities.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly during summer weekends. "Reserve early online, most weekends were already reserved by mid May," advises a Lebanon Hills visitor. Weekday availability remains much better throughout the season, with Sunday-Thursday nights often available even during peak summer months.
Varying levels of privacy: Site privacy differs significantly between campgrounds and specific sites. At Cleary Lake Regional Park, a camper notes, "Lots of good trees and space between campgrounds which isn't always the case at the regional parks." Research specific site numbers before booking for maximum privacy.
Highway noise at some locations: Some campgrounds experience road noise due to urban proximity. One Willow River State Park visitor mentions "highway noise was noticeable in the evenings," though it generally doesn't significantly impact the camping experience. Sites furthest from park entrances typically offer the quietest settings.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Many parks feature modern playground equipment for different age groups. "Very organized and clean facilities. Reasonably priced," notes a visitor to Lake Elmo County Park Reserve. Most playgrounds include equipment for both toddlers and older children, with safety surfacing underneath.
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer interpretive centers with family programming. "On Saturday nights they have a campground program for the kids and families to watch," mentions a Lake Elmo camper. Programs typically run 45-60 minutes and cover local wildlife, plant identification, and conservation topics.
Multiple recreation options: Parks often feature diverse activities within walking distance of campsites. At Baker Campground, "With great fishing, playground, swimming, and biking trails very nearby, the kids were kept as busy as they wanted to be." Most locations offer at least three different recreational options within the park boundaries.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: RV sites offer different hookup combinations depending on the campground. "Sites are paved and have well-maintained grass. We were located near the casino road," explains a visitor to Dakotah Meadows RV Park. Most parks offer at minimum electric hookups, while full-service sites with water and sewer remain more limited.
Size restrictions: Larger RVs face limitations at some parks. "They have two lots for RV and travel trailer use although the first lot only has two spaces and the second one has a total of five," explains a Cleary Lake visitor. RV length restrictions typically range from 30 feet at smaller parks to 45+ feet at larger facilities.
Reservation confusion: Several campgrounds have specific rules regarding RV site reservations. "Reservation system is weird and the sites are much bigger than they say. All RV sites are the listed length plus 16' for your tow vehicle, which you need to call to find out," advises a Lebanon Hills camper. Contact campground offices directly when questions about vehicle specifications arise.
