Baker Campground in Baker Park Reserve sits just 15 miles northwest of Robbinsdale, Minnesota. This pet-friendly campground offers spacious sites averaging 50-60 feet apart, providing campers with a sense of seclusion despite its proximity to the Twin Cities. The park maintains over 2,700 acres of hardwood forest and prairie with summer humidity levels typically reaching 70-85% during peak camping season from May through September.
What to do
Water activities at Baker Park Reserve: The park provides access to Lake Independence with rental options for canoes and paddle boards. "There are nice paved trails around a couple of lakes/ponds for biking, and easy access to the shower and bathroom facilities (which were very nice)," notes one Baker Campground visitor.
Hiking at Willow River State Park: Located 40 minutes east of Robbinsdale across the Wisconsin border, this park features waterfall trails with moderate elevation changes. "We did SO many miles hiking! And at certain points in the river, you are able to get in and swim," reports a visitor who enjoyed the Willow River State Park Campground.
Visit multiple lakes at Rice Creek: This chain of lakes offers fishing, bird watching, and multiple water access points. "Nature center is nice and a great place to spend some time if it is raining during their open hours," mentions a camper at Rice Creek.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Lebanon Hills Regional Park offers secluded camping spots with natural screening. "Sites with full hookups or more remote sites with electric that are more tucked away in the pines. Great hiking," explains a camper at Lebanon Hills Regional Park.
Clean facilities: Most campgrounds near Robbinsdale maintain well-kept bathrooms and shower buildings. "The bathrooms were nice (no water). The sites are a little close together," notes a visitor to Lake Auburn Campground.
Natural privacy barriers: Many campsites offer tree cover or tall grass providing separation between sites. "In August - the grass long enough to give the sites a sense of privacy and seclusion," mentions a camper at Afton State Park.
What you should know
Site selection strategies: For greater privacy, book early and request specific site types. At Minneapolis Northwest KOA, a reviewer notes: "The owner told me that there is an algorithm that determines the site selection and if I wanted one with trees I needed to put a note on my reservation."
Seasonal challenges: Insects can be problematic in certain campgrounds during summer months. "As we slowly whined down a gravel road the trees became more dense, our site seemed perfect for the two of us! Picnic table and fire pit centered... that is when we started noticing the horseflies were making it known that we were 'trespassing on their turf'," reports a camper at Rice Creek Campgrounds.
Reservation timing: Many campgrounds fill quickly during summer weekends. "Reserve early online, most weekends were already reserved by mid May," advises a Lebanon Hills camper.
Tips for camping with families
Water park access: Bunker Hills Regional Park offers both camping and water recreation within the same complex. "Huge waterpark, miles of bike trails," notes a visitor to Bunker Hills Regional Park.
Playground options: Several campgrounds maintain play areas specifically for children. "Great playground and green space for the kids, beach is very nice," reports a Lake Auburn camper.
Educational opportunities: Take advantage of nature centers at several parks. "The staff at the visitor center were super friendly and informational," mentions a Rice Creek visitor.
Tips from RVers
Cement pads available: Dakotah Meadows RV Park offers concrete parking pads with full hookups. "The sites are paved and have well-maintained grass. We were located near the casino road, which has an occasional loud car, even at night," notes a visitor to Dakotah Meadows RV Park.
RV size considerations: Check individual campground restrictions before booking. "Sites are a little close with little to no privacy in most. 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.
Utilities and hookups: Most campgrounds near Robbinsdale offer electric sites, but water access varies. "The water wasn't turned on yet, but we were able to fill our fresh water tank with a hose from their laundromat," reports an April visitor to Dakotah Meadows.