Washington County operates this 2,100-acre park reserve with both modern and rustic camping options spread across open prairie terrain near Lake Elmo's shoreline. The modern campground provides electric and water hookups at most sites, while rustic areas offer a more basic experience with portable facilities. Campers should note the park prohibits pets and requires a daily vehicle pass ($7) or annual county park pass ($30) in addition to camping fees.
Steph H. found the amenities impressive "for a County Park," highlighting the filtered swimming pond with its sandy bottom and beach area. The man-made pond eliminates concerns about algae or waterfowl waste that plague natural swimming areas. Multiple playgrounds serve families, including what reviewers consistently describe as a massive play structure in the main park area.
The park's trail system covers significant ground through both prairie and wooded sections. Reviewers mention 5-mile loops and note that hikers rarely encounter others on longer trails. Lake access supports fishing and small watercraft launching, while the park maintains horse trails, archery ranges, and seasonal cross-country ski routes. The Nordic center operates year-round with locker rooms and shower facilities.
Site quality varies by area, with the modern campground offering more spacious, tree-lined spots compared to the rustic section. Krista T. notes the rustic campground "is an offshoot of the horse trailer parking lot" with less privacy and portable toilets only. Some electric sites provide 20-amp service while others offer 30-amp hookups. The dump station serves RVs, though full sewer connections are not available at individual sites.
The park's proximity to Woodbury puts shopping and dining within a 5-minute drive, yet the reserve maintains its rural character. Mosquitoes become problematic after dark during summer months according to multiple reviews. For additional camping options in the region, consider places to camp near Lake Elmo.
Description
Washington County offers two beautiful campgrounds for a relaxing getaway, one located within Lake Elmo Park Reserve and the other within St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park. Find a campsite that suits your needs, from sites with electric and water hook-ups, to group sites, to rustic hike-in sites. Enjoy all the other amenities the parks have to offer, including hiking, fishing, boating, and more.
Washington County Campgrounds are open for the season. Online, in-person, and phone reservations are now being accepted.
Group Campground Features Three sites available for groups of up to 50 people Wheeled cart available for check-out at park office Group Site #2 includes a small picnic shelter Picnic table and fire ring/grill provided at each site Vault or portable toilets available One-day reservations allowed Pets are not allowed
Hike-In Campground Features Five hike-in tent sites - one tent per site Hiking distance from parking lot is approximately 100 to 300 yards Wheeled cart available for check-out at park office with a refundable deposit Modern bathrooms and water available at the Nordic Center Pets are not allowed
Modern Campground Features Eighty campsites, suited for tents, trailers, or motor homes - most sites are back-in Sites 1-58 have 20/30/50 amp with water. Site 59 is 50 amp only (no water). Sites 60-80 are 20/30 amp Camp Host/Work Camper sites include sewer hookup Picnic table and fire ring/grill provided at each site Modern bathroom facilities with flush toilets and hot showers Trailer/RV dump station Play area Handicap accessible One camping unit per site Pets are not allowed
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsLake Elmo County Park Reserve is located in Minnesota near Lake Elmo
Directions
From jct I-694 & I-94: Go 3 mi E on I-94, then 1 mi N on CR 19.
Address
1515 Keats Ave. N
Lake Elmo, MN 55042
Coordinates
44.97072920290309 N
92.90379444021785 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&T5GGood Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&T5GGood Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- WiFi
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 17 min from Minneapolis, MN
- 1 hr 5 min from Eau Claire, WI
- 1 hr 9 min from St. Cloud, MN
- 1 hr 12 min from Rochester, MN































