Best Campgrounds near Waconia, MN

Camping near Waconia, Minnesota, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With beautiful parks and campgrounds, it’s a perfect getaway for families, friends, and solo adventurers alike.

What to do:

• Hiking and Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Willow River State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, “Plenty of sites and hiking to do. Very cool area. The falls are awesome!”
• Fishing and Water Activities: At Lebanon Hills Regional Park, you can enjoy fishing and kayaking. A visitor shared, “The trails were nice, fishing was great, and we enjoyed ourselves the whole time.”
• Wildlife Watching: William O'Brien State Park Campground is known for its wildlife. One reviewer noted, “We saw an abundance of birds while we were there.”

What campers like:

• Privacy and Space: Campers appreciate the spacious sites at Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve. One happy camper said, “Peaceful, quiet, with spacious sites that are situated in a staggered way, so you never feel like you’re on top of each other.”
• Clean Facilities: Clean restrooms and showers are a big plus. A visitor at Afton State Park Campground remarked, “Clean restrooms and showers. Electric, water, and dump station.”
• Friendly Staff: Many campers rave about the helpful staff. A review from Lake Elmo County Park Reserve stated, “The staff and host are very helpful and fun.”

What you should know:

• Mosquitoes: Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially in summer. A camper at Lake Maria State Park Campground warned, “I went in August though and the mosquitoes were awful.”
• Reservations: Some campgrounds fill up quickly, so it’s best to reserve in advance. A visitor at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground mentioned, “Must reserve months in advance as usually full.”
• Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A review for Sakatah Lake State Park Campground noted, “No swimming beach, but that's good because the lake is nasty in late summer.”

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. Red Fox Campground — Minneopa State Park has a “little library” for kids, making it a fun spot for families.
• Plan for Bugs: Bring bug spray and coils to keep the mosquitoes at bay. A camper at William O'Brien State Park Campground mentioned, “We went through a lot of bug spray and coils.”
• Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having snacks handy can keep the kids happy during hikes. A visitor at Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve suggested, “We enjoy walking the grounds down to the lake.”

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for Lebanon Hills Regional Park noted, “RV portion has full hookups. No hookup sites for up to 24ft RVs also available.”
• Bring Extra Supplies: Some campgrounds may not have firewood for sale. A camper at Sakatah Lake State Park Campground mentioned, “Firewood is available at the office.”
• Plan for Noise: Be aware that some campgrounds can be noisy. A visitor at Red Fox Campground — Minneopa State Park said, “The spots are plentiful here, but keep in mind, if you come, the only camping spots available are the ones that have power.”

Camping near Waconia, Minnesota, has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled weekend, the campgrounds in this area have got you covered!