Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park

The air hums softly with cicadas and the scent of pine as you pull into Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park at 7373 Main St, Lino Lakes. The shadows of towering trees stretch across the gravel and dirt campsites, their footprints marking the ground where campers have settled in for the night. The quiet rustle of leaves mixes with distant laughter from the playground and the occasional splash from Centerville Lake, just a short pedal away. Here, the rhythm slows down, inviting visitors to shed city noise and settle into the calm of this wooded refuge.

Morning light filters through towering oaks as cyclists glide along the bike trail circling Centerville Lake, often spotting deer and turtles basking near the water’s edge. A fifteen-minute walk leads to a sandy beach where kids dig in the sand and splash in the shallow waters, their boisterous energy contrasting the peaceful woods. Water sports enthusiasts launch boats into the chain of lakes, though green algae sometimes colors the shallows, a reminder of the organic cycle at play. Hiking trails weave through dense forest, offering pockets of privacy and occasional glimpses of local wildlife. For those wanting a taste of the outdoors without leaving the metro area, this park’s proximity to the Twin Cities keeps adventure within easy reach.

Campers settle into well-maintained sites framed by mature trees that offer shade and privacy, with generous spacing between neighbors. Tent campers appreciate the non-electric sites, where the soft earth cushions sleeping bags and the absence of bright lights lets stars dominate the night sky. RV visitors find level spots with accessible power and water hookups, like site 27, where backing in is straightforward and the quiet surroundings invite restful evenings. The campground’s bathhouse features clean showers, though some visitors hope for sturdier stall doors for added privacy. Mosquitoes are persistent here, so bug spray is a must to fully enjoy evenings on the picnic table or by a campfire. Playgrounds, restrooms, and water hoses near the beach help families stay comfortable while kids explore and clean off after sandy adventures.

Longtime visitors know to pack extra insect repellent and to take advantage of the one-night stay option, a rare convenience in the region. They arrive early to claim shaded spots and linger after dark, lulled by the symphony of frogs and whispering pines. The mix of lakeside activity and forested seclusion keeps campers coming back, drawn to the blend of