Rice Creek Campgrounds

For many Minnesotans, spending time outdoors, whether tent camping or bringing an RV, is a cherished tradition. Rice Creek Campgrounds, situated within the vast Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park Reserve in Centerville, MN, offers an accessible option for those looking to connect with nature close to the Twin Cities metropolitan area. As with any popular destination, experiences can vary. This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and factual overview of Rice Creek Campgrounds, drawing from public feedback to help local users in Minnesota understand what to expect. We'll explore its location, available services, notable features, and what past visitors have shared, allowing you to determine if it aligns with your ideal camping trip.

Rice Creek Campgrounds is conveniently located at 7373 Main St, Centerville, MN 55038, USA. This prime address places it squarely within the expansive 5,500-acre Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park Reserve. This park reserve is one of the largest in the seven-county metropolitan area, making the campground highly accessible for many Minnesotans, often just a 25-minute drive from Minneapolis and St. Paul. Its location means that campers can easily escape the urban bustle and immerse themselves in a significant native wildlife habitat and water resources.

The accessibility extends beyond simple driving distance. Within the park reserve, visitors have access to a wide variety of amenities including the Wargo Nature Center, Chomonix Golf Course, and Centerville Lake Beach. The campground's position provides a perfect base for exploring the diverse offerings of the larger park system. While a vehicle entry permit ($5/day or $25/year) is required for motorized vehicles, this is a standard practice for regional parks in Minnesota and ensures the upkeep of these valuable natural spaces. The balance of being close to urban centers while offering extensive natural recreation makes Rice Creek Campgrounds a uniquely accessible option for local Minnesotans seeking an outdoor adventure without a long journey. However, campers should be aware that the park's popularity can sometimes lead to full sites and varied experiences, as reflected in some public comments.

Rice Creek Campgrounds, as part of the larger Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park Reserve, offers a range of services designed to provide a comprehensive outdoor experience, though some aspects have received varied feedback from visitors.

• Campsites: The campground features 80 secluded and shaded sites, providing a mix of rustic and modern accommodations. Sites often include water and electrical hookups. There's also a dedicated group site capable of hosting up to 60 people, with water and electricity access. Two comfortable camper cabins are also available for those seeking a cozier stay.

• Vehicle Access: A daily vehicle entry permit ($5) or an annual permit ($25) is required for motorized vehicles entering the regional park.

• Firewood Sales: Firewood bundles are available for purchase on-site, typically costing around $7 per bundle. However, some reviews indicate that the availability can be inconsistent, with the visitor center not always open at convenient times for purchasing wood, and wood sometimes being stored in the open and getting wet. It is important to note that firewood purchased outside of the campground is generally not permitted, and gathering wood from park grounds is prohibited.

• Dump Station: For RV campers, an easy-to-access dump station is available on the way out of the campground.

• Beach Access: There is a short walk to Centerville Lake Beach. However, the beach has a specific "LOT of rules," including no food/drinks, no inflatables, and no pets, which campers should be aware of.

• Restroom Facilities: While not extensively detailed, a reviewer mentioned "subpar facilities for the price," suggesting that while restrooms exist, their quality might not always meet expectations for the cost.

• Nature Programs: Regular nature programs are hosted at the campground amphitheater and at the nearby Wargo Nature Center, enhancing the educational and recreational offerings.

• General Rules and Enforcement: The campground has a set of rules regarding quiet hours, vehicle parking (no parking on grass), and the number of vehicles allowed per site. Enforcement of these rules has been noted as inconsistent by some campers.

Rice Creek Campgrounds offers several appealing features and highlights due to its location within the expansive Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park Reserve, providing diverse recreational opportunities.

• Spacious and Secluded Sites: The campground boasts 80 secluded and shaded sites, many with water and electrical hookups. One positive review highlighted that sites were "large, quiet, with no immediate neighbours," contributing to a sense of privacy.

• Convenient Metro Location: Situated just 25 minutes from Minneapolis and St. Paul, it's an easily accessible outdoor escape for urban and suburban Minnesotans, minimizing travel time and maximizing outdoor enjoyment.

• Extensive Park Reserve Amenities: Campers have access to the wider Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park Reserve, which includes the Wargo Nature Center (just one mile north), Chomonix Golf Course (also a mile away), and Centerville Lake Beach.

• Diverse Outdoor Activities: The park offers a wide variety of activities such as biking, fishing, boating, golfing, swimming, hiking, and birdwatching, ensuring there's something for every outdoor enthusiast.

• Nature Programs: The campground amphitheater and Wargo Nature Center regularly host nature programs, providing educational and engaging activities for all ages.

• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The park's rich natural environment means opportunities to observe local wildlife, as one camper noted seeing a "turtle laying eggs."

• Large Group Site and Camper Cabins: The availability of a dedicated group site for up to 60 people and two comfortable camper cabins provides flexible accommodation options for different group sizes and preferences.

• Easy Dump Station Access: For RVs, the convenient "easy to access" dump station on the way out simplifies departure logistics.

Rice Creek Campgrounds, while not explicitly advertising traditional "promotions or special offers," provides value through its access to an extensive regional park system and its generally consistent pricing. The standard tent camping rate of $30 per night, with additional charges for firewood ($7 per small bundle), forms the basis of its pricing. For those bringing motorized vehicles, a $5 daily or $25 annual vehicle entry permit is required for the regional park, which is a common fee for Minnesota's county and state parks.

The inherent value lies in the broad array of amenities and activities available within the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park Reserve, which campers can utilize. Access to biking and hiking trails, fishing, boating, swimming at Centerville Lake Beach (with its specific rules), and regular nature programs at the campground amphitheater and Wargo Nature Center are all included with the camping fee and park permit. While some campers have expressed concerns about the value for money given specific issues like firewood quality or facility maintenance, others have found the large sites and quiet atmosphere to be well worth the price. The campground's seasonal operation, from late May to early September, means that availability is limited to these months. For the most current information on rates, availability, or any specific booking requirements, it is always best to contact the campground directly.

To contact Rice Creek Campgrounds for inquiries or to plan your visit, you can use the following information:

• Address: 7373 Main St, Centerville, MN 55038, USA

• Phone: (763) 324-3340

• Mobile Phone: +1 763-324-3340

It is highly recommended to call the campground directly, especially if you have specific questions regarding site availability (particularly for RVs or camper cabins), firewood availability and quality, or current rules and regulations, including those for the beach and vehicle parking. Given some of the varied feedback, a direct conversation with the staff can help manage expectations and clarify any potential concerns before your arrival. The campground also operates within the Anoka County Parks system, so their website or main county parks number might also provide additional booking or general park information.

Rice Creek Campgrounds presents a multifaceted option for Minnesota locals, offering both compelling advantages and specific considerations. For many Minnesotans, its most significant draw is its strategic location within the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park Reserve, just a short drive from the Twin Cities. This allows for an accessible escape into nature, providing opportunities for biking, hiking, fishing, boating, and swimming without the need for extensive travel. The large, secluded sites and the general quiet atmosphere can be particularly appealing for those seeking a peaceful retreat close to home. The added value of the Wargo Nature Center and Chomonix Golf Course within the park reserve further enriches the experience for families and individuals.

However, local users should also be prepared for potential inconsistencies in certain operational aspects, such as firewood availability and rule enforcement, as highlighted by some past visitors. The specific rules for Centerville Lake Beach, particularly regarding pets and food, are also important to note for those planning beach activities. Despite these points of feedback, for Minnesotans who appreciate being close to diverse recreational opportunities and who value the convenience of a regional park setting, Rice Creek Campgrounds remains a practical choice. It offers a solid base for exploring the rich natural resources of Anoka County, providing a chance to enjoy Minnesota's beautiful outdoors without venturing far from the metropolitan area.