Rolling hills, majestic forest, and stunning water views await you when you leave the city and set off into the wilds near Minneapolis, Minnesota. Whether you like the challenge of a steep hike or a peaceful afternoon on the river, you can’t miss these 10 gorgeous campgrounds close to the city.
1. Rice Creek Chain of Lakes
While close to the city of Minneapolis, you’ll feel like you’re lightyears away when you visit this campground, nestled in a 5,000 acres natural preserve with wetlands, forests, ponds, rivers, and lakes all around. Abutting George Watch Lake, Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Campground has laundry, showers, and full hookups.
- Price: $20-80
- Number of sites: 78
- RV sites: Yes (max length 45’)
- Hookups: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
“Our site was clear, flat and grassy, and had an established fire pit. Other loops had grills and hookups for pop-up campers and RVs.” – Kristin C.
2. Willow River State Park
Set in an old forest of stately pines that provide ample shade on hot days, the sites at Willow River Campground are spacious and private. There are only basic amenities here, like vault toilets and well water and no pull-thru sites, but you have plenty of access to both river and lake. Don’t miss the great hike to the waterfalls!
- Price: $14-50
- Number of sites: 39
- RV sites: Yes (max length 45’)
- Hookups: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
“Great hiking trails to the river and waterfall. We had little to no bugs!” – Anna
3. St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park
St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park sits among almost 600 acres of gorgeous Minnesota countryside in Washington County, only a 40-minute drive from Minneapolis. Visitors enjoy full hookups with most sites, although they have reserved a few that are hike-in only, and alcohol and dogs are not permitted. Hike the bluffs for a spectacular view of the St. Croix or get out on the river.
- Price: $19-37
- Number of sites: 74
- RV sites: Yes (max length 60’)
- Hookups: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: No
“Such a beautiful park with large sites. Nice playground for the kids. Fantastic bathrooms zoned showers.” – Lisa D.
4. Interstate State Park
Located amongst the steep-side gorge known as the Dalles of St Croix, you can’t get any closer to the river when you camp at Wisconsin’s oldest state park, Interstate.
Hot showers, a sanitary dump, water, electrical hookups, and a lodge make up the amenities. There are tons of hiking and watersports nearby, and the campground has canoes and kayaks available.
- Price: $17-55
- Number of sites: 37
- RV sites: Yes (max length 45’)
- Hookups: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
“The camp park itself is small, but if you can snag a riverside site, it’s the best!” – Tikki B.
5. Lebanon Hills Campground
Under 20 miles from Minneapolis is this hidden gem – Lebanon Hills Campground. This mid-sized campground is close to the Minnesota Zoo and mall but far enough away from everything to make you feel completely at ease. Full hookups, hot showers, and both campsites out in the open or tucked away are available.
- Price: $18-45
- Number of sites: 93
- RV sites: Yes (max length 50’)
- Hookups: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
“In the winter, we love coming here for day trips to take advantage of the cross country skiing and snowshoe rentals.” – Mandee L.
6. Baker Park Reserve
A large campground with tons of amenities and opportunities for fun and adventure, Baker Park Reserve has 98 of 203 sites offering electric hookups or full hookups, and pull-thru sites are available.
Rent paddle boats, stand-up paddleboards, bikes with kid trailers, kayaks, or canoes, or simply enjoy a restful afternoon in the gorgeous 2,700 acres of Baker Park Reserve.
- Price: $21-70
- Number of sites: 203
- RV sites: Yes (max length 40’)
- Hookups: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
“There are showers and dishwashing stations that are very nice. Most of the campsites are shaded.” – Amy A.
7. Lake Elmo County Park Preserve
Lake Elmo County Park Preserve is a charming campground with every amenity you might need. Out of Lake Elmo County Park Preserve’s 2,165 acres or 3.5 mi2, 80% is set aside for preservation and will soon look much like it did before European settlers arrived.
There is a swimming pond with chlorinated water, so you don’t have to worry about weeds or bugs. Goat-grazing keeps the park’s green expanses looking trim and neat, and there are full hookups, a sanitary dump, and showers.
- Price: $21-$40
- Number of sites: 80
- RV sites: Yes (max length 50’)
- Hookups: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
“Lovely back in lots, beautiful in fall. 2 playgrounds, one massive!” – Jaime N.
8. Dakotah Meadows RV Park
Open since 1994, Dakotah Meadows RV Park’s location can’t be beat for its proximity to the Twin Cities. It’s especially amenable to RV travelers as there is an RV-wash bay on-site, and you can get gas 24 hours a day if you have a credit card. Even though you’re close to the action, the campground’s lush, well-maintained sites offer a tranquil escape into nature.
- Price: $34-$50
- Number of sites: 122
- RV sites: Yes (max length 60’)
- Hookups: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
“ I would not hesitate to stay here again.” – Jim M.
9. William O’Brien State Park Campground
Hike amid the rolling hills or the bluffs of the St. Croix or fish for walleye in the river; you will love this peaceful spot near Minneapolis. William O’Brien campground is open all year round, although only 12 out of its 124 campsites are open in the winter (some with electrical hookups). No water or sewer hookups at this campground.
- Price: $21-40
- Number of sites: 124
- RV sites: Yes (max length 60’)
- Hookups: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
“There were plenty of trails to explore and our campsite had plenty of room.” – Tessa Z.
10. Bunker Hills Regional Park
Nestled in one of Minnesota’s only surviving oak savannas, Bunker Hills Regional Park has tons of paved and natural-surface trails to explore, and the colors are especially striking in the fall. There’s a well-equipped playground with close access to a water park. Water and electric, but no sewer hookups.
- Price: $26-$40
- Number of sites: 72
- RV sites: Yes (max length 50’)
- Hookups: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
“Amazing campsites, nice trails, clean showers, and bathrooms.” – Krista G.
You don’t have to go far to get away from it all when you camp in Minnesota. These just are 10 of the stunning campgrounds you can enjoy under an hour’s drive from Minneapolis. For dozens more, refer to The Dyrt’s complete list of places to camp in Minnesota.
