RV Campgrounds In Centerville, Minnesota -
45.1630° N, 93.0558° W
Quick Overview
Centerville sits right in the heart of Minnesota's lake country, where the Twin Cities metro area gives way to genuine countryside. This quiet community offers RV campers a perfect base for exploring both urban attractions and natural Minnesota beauty. You're close enough to Minneapolis-St. Paul for day trips, yet far enough out to enjoy peaceful evenings around the campfire.
The area features several RV campgrounds and parks, with all of them being paid facilities that provide solid amenities for travelers. While there aren't any some free camping options directly in Centerville, the paid parks here focus on quality over quantity. Most offer full hookups with water, electric, and sewer connections, plus amenities like Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and clean restrooms.
From your campsite in Centerville, you're perfectly positioned to explore the Chain of Lakes, go fishing on Rice Creek, or take a short drive to the Minnesota State Fair grounds in nearby Falcon Heights. The area's numerous golf courses attract RV travelers who want to combine camping with their favorite sport. Centerville Lake provides excellent fishing for walleye and northern pike, while the surrounding parks offer hiking trails that showcase Minnesota's signature mix of prairie and woodland.
This destination works well for RVers who want full amenities without the crowds of major tourist areas. The campgrounds here tend to be smaller, family-owned operations where you'll get personal attention rather than corporate efficiency. Big rigs are welcome at most locations, with several offering pull-through sites that make setup and departure hassle-free. Many campers use Centerville as a staging area for longer Minnesota adventures, stocking up on supplies and getting a good night's rest before heading to the Boundary Waters or North Shore.
Summer brings the best weather and longest days, but spring and fall offer their own rewards with fewer crowds and stunning seasonal colors. Winter camping is possible but limited, as some facilities close during the coldest months.
Our listings below show exactly what each campground offers, from basic hookups to resort-style amenities, helping you find the perfect match for your rig and travel style.
Top Rated Dump Stations in Centerville
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All Dump Stations Near Centerville
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rice Creek Chain Of Lakes Park Reserve | 0.9 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Rice Creek Campground Visitor Center | 0.9 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Rice Creek Campground | 1.5 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Camping World | 4.4 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Park Plaza Cooperative | 9.9 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Ham Lake Campground | 10.3 mi | \u2014 | RV Park | Free |
| Bunker Hills Campground Visitor’s Center | 11.3 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Norquist Camp Ground | 11.7 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Golden Acres RV Park & Picnic Area | 12.6 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Rolling Hills Community | 13.0 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
Rice Creek Chain Of Lakes Park Reserve
0.9 miRice Creek Campground Visitor Center
0.9 miRice Creek Campground
1.5 miCamping World
4.4 miPark Plaza Cooperative
9.9 miHam Lake Campground
10.3 miBunker Hills Campground Visitor’s Center
11.3 miNorquist Camp Ground
11.7 miGolden Acres RV Park & Picnic Area
12.6 miRolling Hills Community
13.0 miTraveling to Centerville by RV
Getting to Centerville is straightforward via Interstate 35W, which runs north-south through the Twin Cities metro area. From Minneapolis, take I-35W north for about 20 miles, then exit onto Highway 96 west. The roads are well-maintained and suitable for RVs of all sizes, with gentle grades and wide shoulders.
For those coming from the east or west, Highway 96 provides direct access and connects to other major routes without navigating through downtown Minneapolis traffic. This route is particularly scenic in fall when the maple trees along the roadway explode in brilliant reds and oranges.
RV drivers should note that some of the smaller county roads around Centerville have low-hanging tree branches, so stick to the main highways for the easiest navigation. The area doesn't present any significant elevation changes or mountain passes that would challenge larger motorhomes or trailers.
Fuel up before you arrive, as gas stations in Centerville are limited. The Holiday station on Highway 96 can accommodate larger RVs, with easy in-and-out access and diesel fuel available. For major supplies, the Cub Foods in nearby Blaine offers a large parking area where you can safely park your rig while shopping.
If you're coming from Canada, you'll cross at either the International Falls or Duluth border crossings, both of which are accustomed to RV traffic and process travelers efficiently during peak camping season.
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Dump Station Costs in Centerville
Camping costs in Centerville typically range from $35 to $55 per night for full hookup sites, with most campgrounds falling into the mid-range category. Premium sites with extra amenities like cable TV or premium locations might push into the $60-65 range during peak summer months.
Currently, a portion% of camping options in the area are free, while a portion% charge fees for overnight stays. This means you'll need to budget for nightly campground costs, but the rates are reasonable compared to major tourist destinations in Minnesota.
Seasonal pricing varies significantly, with summer rates typically 20-30% higher than spring and fall prices. Some campgrounds offer weekly and monthly discounts that can reduce your daily rate if you're planning an extended stay. Winter camping, where available, often comes at reduced rates due to limited services and amenities.
Good Sam and Passport America memberships can provide 10% discounts at participating campgrounds in the area. Several local parks honor these memberships, so it's worth asking when you call to make reservations.
Fuel costs in the Twin Cities metro area tend to be slightly higher than rural Minnesota, but competitive with other major metropolitan areas. Grocery prices at the larger chains like Cub Foods are reasonable, and you'll find better selection and prices than at smaller rural stores if you're stocking up for longer camping trips.
Contact station for pricing details.
Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.
What RVers Are Saying About Centerville
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Best Time to Visit Centerville by RV
Winter
December-February
5-25°F
Crowds: Low
Limited campground availability as many close for winter. Check ahead for heated facilities and snow removal.
Spring
March-May
35-65°F
Crowds: Medium
Mud season can affect unpaved sites. Great fishing as lakes thaw. Some campgrounds may have limited services early season.
Summer
June-August
60-85°F
Crowds: High
Peak season with highest rates and fullest campgrounds. Book well ahead, especially for weekends and holidays.
Fall
September-November
40-70°F
Crowds: Medium
Beautiful foliage and comfortable temperatures. Some campgrounds close after October. Excellent time for fewer crowds.
Explore the Centerville Area
Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve stands out as the best nearby attraction for RV campers, offering hiking trails, fishing access, and picnic areas just minutes from most campgrounds. The park's trail system connects several lakes and provides excellent bird watching opportunities, especially during spring and fall migrations.
For groceries and camping supplies, head to the nearby Cub Foods in Blaine, which has a large parking lot that can handle big rigs. They stock everything from basic groceries to camping gear, plus they have a pharmacy and Starbucks inside. The store stays open until 10 PM, giving you flexibility for late arrivals.
Dining options in Centerville itself are limited, but the nearby communities offer solid choices. The Crooked Oar in Lino Lakes serves excellent walleye and has a large parking area suitable for RVs. For quick meals, the McDonald's and Subway on Highway 96 both have drive-throughs that can accommodate smaller RVs and truck-trailer combinations.
Pet owners will appreciate that most local parks welcome leashed dogs, and several campgrounds have dedicated dog run areas. The Rice Creek trail system is particularly dog-friendly, with water access points where your four-legged companions can cool off during hot summer days.
Photography enthusiasts should visit during early morning hours when mist rises from the lakes, creating ethereal scenes perfect for landscape shots.
National Parks Nearby
Other Cities in Minnesota
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Read more →Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Centerville
What are the best RV campgrounds in Centerville?
Centerville offers several quality RV parks that cater to different camping styles. The area's campgrounds typically feature full hookups with 30 and 50-amp electrical service, clean restroom facilities, and convenient access to local attractions. Most are family-owned operations that provide personal service and maintain their facilities well.
Is there free RV camping near Centerville?
Currently, there are no free RV camping options directly in Centerville, as all local campgrounds charge nightly fees. However, you'll find the paid campgrounds offer good value with full amenities and services. For free camping alternatives, you'd need to travel to state forests or wildlife management areas further north in Minnesota.
What is the best time of year to camp in Centerville?
Summer offers the warmest weather and longest days, making it ideal for outdoor activities and lake recreation. However, spring and fall provide excellent camping with fewer crowds, lower rates, and beautiful seasonal changes. Fall is particularly stunning with colorful foliage, while spring brings great fishing as lakes thaw.
Are there full hookup RV parks in Centerville?
Yes, most RV parks in the Centerville area offer full hookup sites with water, electric, and sewer connections. Many provide both 30-amp and 50-amp electrical service to accommodate different RV types. Additional amenities typically include Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and clean restrooms with hot showers.
Can I boondock near Centerville?
Boondocking opportunities are limited in the immediate Centerville area since it's part of the Twin Cities metro region. For dry camping experiences, you'll need to travel to state forests or wildlife management areas further north. Most local camping requires staying at established campgrounds with hookups and amenities.
How close is Centerville to Minneapolis attractions?
Centerville sits about 20 miles north of Minneapolis, making it an excellent base for day trips to Twin Cities attractions. You can easily reach downtown Minneapolis, the Minnesota State Fair grounds, or Mall of America within 30-45 minutes. This location gives you access to urban amenities while maintaining a peaceful camping environment.
What are the best RV campgrounds in Centerville?
Centerville offers several quality RV parks that cater to different camping styles. The area's campgrounds typically feature full hookups with 30 and 50-amp electrical service, clean restroom facilities, and convenient access to local attractions. Most are family-owned operations that provide personal service and maintain their facilities well.
Is there free RV camping near Centerville?
Currently, there are no free RV camping options directly in Centerville, as all local campgrounds charge nightly fees. However, you'll find the paid campgrounds offer good value with full amenities and services. For free camping alternatives, you'd need to travel to state forests or wildlife management areas further north in Minnesota.
What is the best time of year to camp in Centerville?
Summer offers the warmest weather and longest days, making it ideal for outdoor activities and lake recreation. However, spring and fall provide excellent camping with fewer crowds, lower rates, and beautiful seasonal changes. Fall is particularly stunning with colorful foliage, while spring brings great fishing as lakes thaw.
Are there full hookup RV parks in Centerville?
Yes, most RV parks in the Centerville area offer full hookup sites with water, electric, and sewer connections. Many provide both 30-amp and 50-amp electrical service to accommodate different RV types. Additional amenities typically include Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and clean restrooms with hot showers.
Can I boondock near Centerville?
Boondocking opportunities are limited in the immediate Centerville area since it's part of the Twin Cities metro region. For dry camping experiences, you'll need to travel to state forests or wildlife management areas further north. Most local camping requires staying at established campgrounds with hookups and amenities.
How close is Centerville to Minneapolis attractions?
Centerville sits about 20 miles north of Minneapolis, making it an excellent base for day trips to Twin Cities attractions. You can easily reach downtown Minneapolis, the Minnesota State Fair grounds, or Mall of America within 30-45 minutes. This location gives you access to urban amenities while maintaining a peaceful camping environment.
Are there free dump stations in Centerville?
Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Centerville.
All Dump Stations Near Centerville (120)
RV ParkMobile Manor
RV ParkBay City Campground
RV ParkHay Creek Valley Campground And Old Western Saloon
RV ParkHighland Ridge Campground
RV ParkRiversedge RV Park
RV Park with Dump StationsGlen Hills County Park
RV ParkTurtle Lake RV Park
RV ParkMoodys Wildwoods
RV ParkSt Croix Casino Turtle Lake RV Park
RV Park