Glamping and cabin camping options near Roseville, Minnesota range from tent sites to RV-friendly parks with diverse amenities. The region sits within the Mississippi River watershed with elevations between 800-900 feet above sea level. Parks typically remain open from April through October, with winter cabin options available at select locations for year-round outdoor recreation in the varied terrain of pine forests and prairie landscapes.
What to do
Hiking trail exploration: Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park offers walking paths with diverse scenery just minutes from the Twin Cities. "Wonderful site! Feels very secluded in spite of being so close to the cities. Great beach & sunrise. Highly recommend!" notes Max P. The park maintains clean facilities and shaded sites perfect for weekend trips.
Swimming and beach activities: Lake Auburn Campground features a gently sloping beach area with shade umbrellas and a fishing dock. Sarah S. reports, "The swim area was cool after a hot day and the beach was gently sloping and smooth." This campground offers spacious, clean sites with a relaxed atmosphere just 30 minutes from Roseville.
Winter recreation: For cold-weather enthusiasts, Wild River State Park hosts candlelight ski events with trails marked by colored luminaries. "We snowshoed and skied. I really enjoyed the snowshoe hike along the St Croix River and watched the full moon rise," shares Joanna B. The park grooms ski trails with miles of routes available during winter months.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Afton State Park Campground offers secluded camping with natural separation. "The terrain is just hilly enough - and in August - the grass long enough to give the sites a sense of privacy and seclusion," explains Andrew C. The park includes both wooded areas and prairie sites with sufficient distance between neighbors.
Proximity to urban amenities: Baker Campground at Baker Park Reserve balances nature immersion with practical convenience. Joe R. notes, "Baker Park near Minneapolis Minnesota was our camp choice for inexpensive camping on the last leg of our Minnesota vacation. This is one of the cleanest camps I've ever stayed at." The campground provides easy access to Twin Cities attractions while maintaining a natural setting.
Diverse landscapes: Cleary Lake Regional Park offers unique water-adjacent camping options. "I really like the hike in sites. Short walk from the car and right by the water yet spaced nicely for privacy," Jeff C. reports. Site 13 receives particular praise as "the only one right on the water and it's HUGE with lots of trees and absolutely beautiful scenery," according to Clare L.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Campgrounds in the Roseville area fill quickly, particularly for weekend stays. Bunker Hills Regional Park requires advance planning as Krista T. notes, "Based on the lack of Dyrt reviews and the overabundance of weekend availability for this campground, it might be a nice option for you to get camping even if you are a state-park-loving metro dweller like me."
Seasonal considerations: Glamping close to Roseville, Minnesota works best during specific seasons. Ham Lake Resort visitors warn, "We visited in August and needed gallons of bug spray." Summer months bring mosquitoes, while shoulder seasons offer more comfortable temperatures and fewer insects.
Water availability: Water access varies seasonally at certain parks. At Afton State Park, Warren H. cautions, "None of the water faucets or water pumps on the trails at Afton State Park are working. The good news is you can fill up on cold drinking water at the visitor center before trekking around the park's beautiful hiking trails!"
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activities: Bunker Hills Regional Park offers extensive recreation options for children. "Something for everyone here! They have a water park with a wave pool, a disc golf course, a golf course, several pavilions with grills, a few playgrounds and plenty of trails both paved and unpaved," explains Arielle P. The park maintains ranger patrols for safety.
Beach access for children: Lake Auburn Campground provides family-friendly swimming areas. "Nice, well-maintained campground good for drive-in camping and RVs. Close to several towns in case you forgot something," notes William S. The beach area includes accessible entry points and nearby playground facilities.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Wild River State Park delivers memorable wildlife encounters. Kate H. reports, "We saw sooooo many deer some even walking right through campsites! You can hear coyotes, raccoons and very loud owls." The diverse ecosystem creates natural educational opportunities for children throughout the seasons.
Tips from RVers
Site selection guidance: Baker Campground offers specific advantages for RV camping. Melissa H. explains, "The sites at Baker Park Reserve are larger than average. This is a big campground with a lot of paved bike trails and a nice lake a short walk away." The campground includes electric hookups and water access points positioned for efficient connections.
Utility considerations: Minneapolis Northwest KOA provides essential RV services but requires specific requests. David E. notes, "Sites are close to each other, but easy access, clean grounds and facilities, friendly staff, and a K9 fenced area for a pet friendly campground." When making reservations, experienced campers recommend specifying site preferences rather than relying on automated assignments.
Seasonal access: Many RV-friendly parks in the Roseville area operate seasonally. Justin R. states, "The sites are well maintained. The staff is very kind and accommodating. There are a few restaurants around that deliver." Most campgrounds close by mid-October, with only select locations offering year-round RV accommodations.
