Tori K.
Legend
LegendLake Rebecca Park Reserve
Great Trails!
Great trails and close to home! Always a good spot for a last-minute trip for me or a place to test out new gear since it is so close to home!
Camping near Waconia, MN
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Campgrounds near Waconia, Minnesota include a range of established sites within a 30-minute drive, offering tent, RV, and cabin camping options. Baker Campground in Baker Park Reserve provides shaded sites with electric hookups, water access, and cabin accommodations in a managed setting. Lake Auburn Campground in Victoria features waterfront camping with basic amenities for tent and RV campers, while Minneapolis Southwest KOA in Jordan adds yurt rentals to its accommodation lineup.
Seasonal considerations affect site availability throughout the area, with most campgrounds operating from late April through mid-October. The region experiences typical Midwestern weather patterns—humid summers and potential for severe storms. "For a County Park, Lake Elmo has an impressive list of amenities. Before we even get to the campsite let's mention the filtered swimming pond," notes one camper about a nearby facility. Reservations are recommended, particularly for weekend stays during summer months when family-friendly campgrounds reach capacity. Cell service varies by location but remains generally reliable except in more remote areas. Most established campgrounds provide drinking water, restrooms, and trash collection, though amenities vary by site.
Campers consistently rate waterfront access and recreational opportunities as key highlights when visiting the Waconia area. Three Rivers Park District properties receive particularly positive reviews for their maintenance standards and family-friendly amenities. Lebanon Hills Regional Park earns praise for feeling secluded despite its suburban location, with one visitor noting it "has everything for the family. Schultz Beach for summer fun. Professional built mtn bike trails for adventure. Camping in Minnesota suburbs." The proximity to Minneapolis-St. Paul allows for convenient weekend getaways without extensive travel time. Sites with electrical hookups tend to book quickly, especially during holiday weekends and peak summer periods. Several campgrounds offer year-round cabin options for visitors seeking alternatives to traditional tent or RV camping.
Best Campgrounds near Waconia (99)
1. Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve
"Baker Park near Minneapolis Minnesota was a our camp choice for inexpensive camping on the last leg of our Minnesota vacation in 2017."
"The beaches are some of the best in Minnesota. The bike trails are nearby and plentiful."
from $25 - $93 / night
Check Availability2. Lake Auburn Campground
"This campground even has 2 walking/hike-in campsites to give your avid campers a real out-in-the-middle-of-nowhere kind if feel, like you drove hundreds if miles to get away from the hustle and bussle"
"But the Eady walk to the lake, sitting on the dock or the grass and swimming III m the water are a great way to destress."
from $22 - $24 / night
Check Availability3. Minneapolis Southwest KOA
"A couple weeks ago we spent some time at the Northwest koa...that one had private tent sites surrounded on 3 sides by trees, quiet spaces etc."
4. Dakotah Meadows RV Park
"The grass around the lots is very green, lush and well maintained. Campground is right next to the hotel/casino and very much within walking distance."
"Shuttle bus comes through the camp if you want to go to the casino and play- it’s also within walking distance."
from $40 - $50 / night
Check Availability5. Baylor Regional Park
6. High Island Creek Park
"Gulley that a large creek runs through surrounded by trees and large forested hills."
"Near Henderson, MN which is one of a kind small town well worth the visit for all. This is rustic with no hookups except very clean portapotty and hand lever water jack."
from $10 / night
Check Availability7. Lebanon Hills Regional Park
"Professional built mtn bike trails for adventure. Camping in Minnesota suburbs. Miles of hiking, horseback riding, cross country ski trails. . perfect for my family's weekend Stay-cation"
"We live about 15 mins. away from this campground. We stayed in the East Loop which is for smaller RVs and tents. it has electricity but no water hookups, however there are water pumps."
from $24 - $42 / night
Check Availability8. Baylor Co Park
"We love the small size of the campground, the nearby lake with paddleboat rentals, the park and the nice hiking area."
9. Lake Rebecca Park Reserve
"Great for birding and walking trails! One of my favorite places to go near home😁"
"When I first pulled in I checked out the single track trail area first and the parking lot was full of mountain bikers. "
from $104 / night
Check Availability10. Town & Country Campground & RV Park
"It’s an easy on and off the interstate, super close to a gas station and RV wash bay. Also super close to some very large power lines. The kids enjoyed the compact playground and pool."
"Great spot close to attractions in the twin cities. The family friendly activities are perfect for families with younger kids, playground, swimming, crafts and games."
Drive Time
- 34 min from Minneapolis, MN
- 58 min from Mankato, MN
- 1 hr 5 min from St. Cloud, MN
- 1 hr 41 min from Rochester, MN
Recent Camping Photos near Waconia, MN
150 Photos of 99 Waconia Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Lake Auburn Campground
Minneapolis Southwest KOAC
Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve
High Island Creek Park
Town & Country Campground & RV Park
Cleary Lake Regional Park
Minneapolis Northwest KOA
Champion Valley
Cokato Lake RV Resort
Collinwood County Park
Masonic West River Park
Lebanon Hills Regional Park
Recent Reviews near Waconia, MN
641 Reviews of 99 Waconia Campgrounds
Brett G.
ScoutMinneapolis Southwest KOA
Basic KOA
Nice quiet campground. It's a very basic KOA. Not a whole lot of amenities. Large playground is quite good for children. Our site is right across from the campground.
Campsite is in the middle of nature. Lots of trees cover. Not much of a breeze but well protected.
Water is clean, electrical boxes are in good condition.
Gail G.
TravelerRiver Terrace Park
love the river views and shade
Needs alot of updates, old facility with no amenities. Shower water, barely warm, sign on mens bathroom says, bring your own toilet paper. For most part the park is quiet, shady, but again could use some improvements. There are 3 long pull-thru sites for overnight stops
Arden P.TravelerLebanon Hills Regional Park
Nice, private stay!!
We stayed for a weekend in the East Loop and had such a nice time! They have many trails to a pretty well-kept bathroom and the sites themselves are private nooks in the trees. They had firewood available that we took advantage of, and we overall had a great time!
Ryan M.ScoutNerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground
Great place to visit
My two boys and I camped here for one night on a weekday in late August. It was a great place to relax and spend time together. We chose the cart in campsite and we had the area all to ourselves. The vault toilets near the campsite were clean, and the main bathrooms and showers in the main campground were also very nice and clean. We enjoyed a great hike around the park and had a successful birding outing. The trails closer to the water had more mosquitoes, although their numbers decreased the closer we got to our campsite. From our campsite, we saw five new bird species without even having to get out of our chairs. All in all, I would definitely come back.
Danielle D.ScoutRoberds Lake Resort and Campground
Clean and quaint
As a newer resident on Roberds Lake I decided to walk my son in his stroller down to the resort. It looked like a tropical paradise. The water is treated, there were tons of kids splashing around, his age.. It was the hottest day this year so far. It was packed! Lots of welcoming smiles on the beach...I saw the sign saying "Public Not Allowed." I was like aw that's disappointing ,and I understand completeley, why they do this. I have worked in the food and bev/entertainment industry for all of my life. Im 44...
I went into the little eatery to ask permission from what appeared to be the owner or manager. I asked her and she replied with " NO!" in the rudest way you could say it, and pointed her finger at the door....I mean, come on. Im my opinion, I think she could have handled it a little more professionally and suggest somewhere else, offer a cup of ice water, anything kind....no. All she was, was straight up cruel and I had to rush the first 2 blocks before I lost it. My son, didn't make a peep..anyways. . .I dont like saying negative things about people but in the case, I cant hold back. If you cant be kind and hospitable to EVERYONE that walks in that door, find a new profession like a prison guard or something....
- PPad F.
GuideLake Washington County Park
Nice campground
Well tended county campground surrounded by many good fishing lakes. Good spacing between sites , gravel pads, nice and clean shower house. Not much shade. Both paved and grass trails. Not very busy.
A S.TravelerBunker Hills Regional Park
Welcoming
I arrived after the campgrounds closed I was welcomed and was very happy to be accepted
- A S.Traveler
Bunker Hills Regional Park
Bunker hills
A ranger does nightly rounds of the camps
Guide to Waconia
Camping spots near Waconia, Minnesota can be found within a 30-minute drive of this western Twin Cities suburb, where prairie meets forest at elevations around 950 feet. Seasonal accessibility varies based on specific camping locations, with many facilities offering extended availability beyond the typical May-September window. Weather patterns include significant temperature fluctuations, with spring and fall bringing nighttime lows that can dip below 40°F even when daytime conditions remain mild.
What to do
Hiking opportunities: 6+ miles of trails can be found at Lake Auburn Campground, which connects to prairie lands and a nature center. "This campground also has miles connected trails that lead through prairie lands and to a nature center where you and your kids can learn about the natural surrounding habitats," notes one visitor.
Water activities: Kayaking and paddleboarding are popular at several area campgrounds with equipment rentals available. One camper at Lebanon Hills Regional Park mentions "a lake with a beach that rents kayaks (single and double), canoes, and paddle boards" making it easy to get on the water without bringing your own equipment.
Mountain biking: Professional-built trails attract riders of various skill levels to the region. Lebanon Hills receives particular attention for its trail quality, with campers noting that the park "has a lot of trails for hiking and mountain biking" that are accessible directly from camping areas.
What campers like
Secluded sites despite suburban location: Several camping areas near Waconia provide surprising privacy. "While the park is nice and has mature trees, the sites are very open and offer little privacy between sites," notes one visitor to Lake Auburn Campground, suggesting weekday visits for more solitude.
Clean facilities: Modern restrooms and showers consistently receive positive reviews. At Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve, campers praise "nice clean bathrooms" and note that "the bathroom/showers are great" even during busy periods.
Natural swimming beaches: Several campgrounds feature swimming opportunities. One camper at Lake Auburn Campground describes "a cute lil beach for swimming" while another mentions "the swim area was cool after a hot day and the beach was gently sloping and smooth."
What you should know
Reservation timing requirements: Most area campgrounds have minimum stay requirements during peak season. At Minneapolis Southwest KOA, visitors should note that "you'll need to book for at least two nights" with one camper adding "book as soon as you can" for summer weekends.
Variable site layouts: Many campgrounds have inconsistent site designs. One camper at Lake Auburn notes "while some sites are a little uneven and better suited to RVs than to tents, all sites are spacious and clean."
Generator policies: Rules regarding generator use vary by location. A number of campgrounds prohibit generators entirely, while others have designated generator-friendly sections.
Traffic noise levels: Road proximity affects some camping experiences. At Lebanon Hills Regional Park, campers note "you can hear road noise — and depending on your site you'll hear the alarm of one of the access gates for the Minnesota Zoo."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature recently updated play equipment. Baker Park Reserve receives high marks for this, with one visitor noting "nice park for kids just a small hike away" while another mentions "with great fishing, playground, swimming, and biking trails very nearby, the kids were kept as busy as they wanted to be."
Educational programming: Weekend nature activities are available seasonally at select locations. At Carver Park Reserve - Three Rivers Park District, "they have programs every Saturday night, some of the ones we've been to were about bugs, raptors, bees, and snakes" according to one family.
Beach safety considerations: Swimming areas typically feature gradual entry points suitable for children. Lake Auburn Campground gets positive reviews with "the beach area looks nice" and another camper noting its family-friendly design.
Tips from RVers
Concrete pad availability: For level setup without blocks, consider Dakotah Meadows RV Park where sites include "cement parking pads with full hookups. The grass around the lots is very green, lush and well maintained."
Dump station access: Several campgrounds offer sanitary dump stations even when full hookups aren't available. A visitor to Baylor Regional Park noted "easy dump and fill" facilities that accommodate quick morning departures.
Site dimensions for larger units: Pad length varies significantly between campgrounds. At Dakotah Meadows, "sites are 60+ feet, concrete and level. Each site has their own fire pit."
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there tent camping facilities around Waconia, Minnesota?
Are there tent camping facilities around Waconia, Minnesota?
Tent campers near Waconia have several excellent options. Cannon River Wilderness Area offers free primitive tent sites in a secluded setting right by the river, perfect for hammock camping with a short 10-minute walk from parking. For those seeking more amenities, Lebanon Hills Regional Park provides tent sites with electrical hookups in the East Loop, water pumps, and family-friendly recreation including hiking trails, mountain biking, and swimming at Schultz Beach. Both locations offer the perfect balance of natural surroundings while still being accessible from Waconia, with Lebanon Hills particularly notable as a suburban camping escape with impressive facilities.
What RV camping options are available near Waconia?
What RV camping options are available near Waconia?
RV campers near Waconia have several excellent options. Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve offers clean, well-maintained sites with hookups managed by Three Rivers Parks, making it an affordable option for RVers. For more amenities, Dakotah Meadows RV Park near Prior Lake provides full-service sites with water hookups and facilities that accommodate big rigs. Both parks are within a reasonable drive from Waconia. For overnight parking needs, some RVers utilize retail locations in the broader area, though these are primarily for temporary stays rather than extended camping experiences. Most nearby county and regional parks require reservations, especially during peak summer months.
Where can I find campgrounds near Waconia, MN?
Where can I find campgrounds near Waconia, MN?
Within a 30-minute drive of Waconia, you'll find Baylor Regional Park near Norwood Young America, offering drive-in sites and boat access to Eagle Lake. Another excellent option is Carver Park Reserve - Three Rivers Park District near Victoria, which features Lake Auburn Campground with reservable sites, water access, and modern facilities. For families looking for additional recreational opportunities, both parks provide hiking trails, fishing, and picnic areas. Several more campgrounds can be found within a 45-minute radius, including Baker Park Reserve to the north and Lake Elmo to the east, making Waconia a convenient central location for exploring Minnesota's diverse camping options.
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