Rice Creek Campground Visitor Center

Hello, fellow Minnesotans! If you’re searching for a convenient and scenic escape into nature without venturing too far from the Twin Cities metropolitan area, Rice Creek Campground Visitor Center in Centerville offers an excellent option. As part of the expansive Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park Reserve, this campground provides a fantastic opportunity to unwind, reconnect with the outdoors, and enjoy a variety of recreational activities right in our own backyard.

For us locals, finding a camping spot that balances accessibility with a genuine natural feel is key. Rice Creek Campground largely delivers on this, offering a quiet environment where you can truly experience camping, complete with the chance to observe local wildlife. While some aspects might require a bit of adaptability, the overall consensus from many who visit is that it's a solid choice for a peaceful and engaging outdoor experience here in Minnesota.

Rice Creek Campground Visitor Center is ideally situated at 7373 Main St, Centerville, MN 55038, USA. This location places it within the 5,500-acre Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park Reserve, one of the largest park reserves in the seven-county metropolitan area. For Minnesotans, this means a relatively short and convenient drive from Minneapolis, St. Paul, and other surrounding communities, making it an excellent destination for weekend getaways or even a mid-week escape.

The campground’s address in Centerville ensures easy navigation. Upon arrival, you'll find the campground is well integrated into the larger park system, providing access to a vast network of trails and lakes. While there might be a short stretch of gravel road leading to the campground office, the accessibility generally remains good. The park is open from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., allowing for flexible arrival and departure within these hours.

Rice Creek Campground Visitor Center aims to provide a comfortable and functional camping experience. Here's a look at the services you can typically expect:

• RV and Tent Sites: The campground offers a variety of sites catering to both RVs and tent campers. Many RV sites come with water and electric hookups, providing essential conveniences for a comfortable stay. There are also rustic and walk-in sites available for those seeking a more traditional tent camping experience.
• Spacious and Private Sites: Many visitors praise the size and spacing of the campsites, noting they are "large, quiet, with no immediate neighbours" and offer "plenty of space" and "a good mix of sun and shade," providing a sense of privacy.
• Water and Electric Hookups: For RV campers, sites with water and electric hookups are available, making it easier to enjoy amenities while camping.
• Dump Station: An easily accessible dump station is provided for RV waste disposal, a crucial convenience for those with self-contained units.
• Restrooms and Showers: The campground typically offers restrooms and showers. While experiences may vary regarding cleanliness and maintenance at specific times, the presence of these facilities is a standard amenity.
• Firewood Sales: Firewood is available for purchase at the ranger station, though campers should be aware of specific operating hours and consider bringing an axe for smaller pieces. It's important to note the rules regarding firewood to prevent the spread of tree-killing insects.
• Visitor Center: The Rice Creek Campground Visitor Center itself serves as a central point for information, check-ins, and potentially firewood purchases, making it a helpful resource for campers.

Rice Creek Campground Visitor Center offers several distinctive features that enhance the camping experience for Minnesotans:

• Quiet and Peaceful Environment: A significant highlight repeatedly mentioned by campers is the quiet nature of the campground. It's known for being a place where people genuinely go to "camp" rather than "party," making it ideal for those seeking tranquility and relaxation.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The park is rich in wildlife, and campers frequently report seeing animals, such as turtles laying eggs, foraging at dusk and dawn. This provides unique opportunities for nature observation and photography.
• Proximity to Rice Creek Chain of Lakes: Being part of this large regional park reserve means direct access to the beautiful chain of lakes, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and kayaking.
• Access to Extensive Trail System: The campground is connected to a network of biking and hiking trails, including paved paths that can be used for riding around the lake (approximately 3 miles) or even adventurous rides into Minneapolis. This is a major draw for active campers.
• Centerville Lake Beach: A short walk from the campground leads to Centerville Lake Beach. While there are strict rules regarding food, drinks, inflatables, and pets on the beach (likely for safety and cleanliness), it provides a refreshing spot for swimming on warm days.
• Wargo Nature Center: Located within the park reserve, the Wargo Nature Center offers educational programs and activities, providing an excellent resource for families and nature enthusiasts.
• Staff Friendliness: Many visitors have noted the super friendly and helpful staff, particularly during check-in, which contributes to a positive overall experience.

For reservations, inquiries, or to get the most current information about Rice Creek Campground Visitor Center, you can use the following details:

• Address: 7373 Main St, Centerville, MN 55038, USA
• Phone: (763) 324-3340
• Mobile Phone: +1 763-324-3340

It's always recommended to call ahead, especially during peak camping seasons, to confirm availability, specific site details, and any current park regulations or conditions. The staff at the Visitor Center are well-equipped to assist with your planning.

For us Minnesotans, Rice Creek Campground Visitor Center offers a compelling combination of convenience, natural beauty, and a genuinely peaceful atmosphere that caters to the true spirit of camping. Its location in Centerville, within the vast Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park Reserve, means that a tranquil escape is just a short drive away from our homes in the Twin Cities and surrounding areas. This accessibility makes it ideal for spontaneous weekend trips or planned family vacations without the hassle of long-distance travel.

We appreciate a campground where the focus is truly on connecting with nature, and Rice Creek delivers this with its reputation for being a quiet park where "people aren't 'partying' they're really camping." The opportunity to witness local wildlife, like turtles laying eggs, adds a special touch that resonates with our love for Minnesota's natural environment. While some practical aspects, like firewood availability and adherence to rules, have been points of discussion for some, the large, quiet sites with no immediate neighbors, and the presence of amenities like water and electric hookups for RVs, remain strong advantages.

Furthermore, the extensive trail system for biking and hiking, and the presence of Centerville Lake Beach, provide ample recreational opportunities for all ages. Being part of the Anoka County Parks system also means access to other resources like the Wargo Nature Center. For Minnesotans seeking a serene, natural camping experience that is both accessible and offers a true immersion into our state's beautiful outdoors, Rice Creek Campground Visitor Center stands out as a prime local destination.

You can see a full tour of the campground in this (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIJiOK-Ymvk) video.

Rice Creek Campground Visitor Center

7373 Main St, Centerville, MN 55038, USA