J
Jon E.
Guide
GuideSouth of Sand Dunes State Forest
Tents or small truck camper only
Small pullout area on state forest land. Can walk trail back to tent.
Best Campgrounds near Lindstrom, MN
Campgrounds near Lindstrom, Minnesota cluster along the St. Croix River, with options ranging from primitive tent sites to full-service RV parks. Interstate State Park offers riverfront camping with both tent and RV sites, while Wildwood RV Park & Campground provides 135 developed sites with electrical hookups. Several state parks within a 30-mile radius feature cabin accommodations, including Wild River State Park and William O'Brien State Park. The region includes a mix of established campgrounds with modern amenities and more secluded spots for those seeking a quieter experience near the Minnesota-Wisconsin border.
Many campgrounds in the area maintain seasonal operations, with several only open from May through early October. Road access remains straightforward with most sites accommodating standard vehicles. "The park is not very large but what it offers is lovely. In the river side you'll enjoy rocky trails and the famous potholes and in the hill side you'll enjoy views from way up high," noted one visitor about Interstate State Park. Winter camping is limited, though some state parks like William O'Brien maintain year-round accessibility. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and holiday periods when river-adjacent sites fill quickly. Most developed campgrounds provide drinking water, fire rings, picnic tables, and access to toilet facilities.
The St. Croix River corridor creates a focal point for camping experiences in the region. Riverfront sites at Interstate State Park receive consistently high ratings for scenic views and water access. Campers report good hiking opportunities connected to many campgrounds, with trails leading to geological features like the glacial potholes. A recent review highlighted that "Group campsite one is a lovely open site right on the St Croix River" with "plenty of grassy space to play and set up several tents." Noise levels vary significantly between locations, with some sites experiencing highway sounds while others maintain a quieter atmosphere. Family-friendly amenities appear throughout the region's campgrounds, with several facilities offering swimming pools, mini golf, and organized activities during peak season.
Best Camping Sites Near Lindstrom, Minnesota (141)
1. Interstate State Park Campground
52 ReviewsTaylors Falls, MN9 milesWebsite+1 (715) 483-3747$24 - $50 / night
"This is a state park on the Wisconsin side of the St Croix River, which is mirrored by a comparable but smaller state park in Minnesota on the wrst side of the river, both being part of the wild and scenic"
"Now that I live in Minnesota, I find myself frequenting the Taylors Falls side. Here you have the amazing "Pot Holes" from glacial waters and some pretty spectacular rock climbing."
2. Wild River State Park Campground
45 ReviewsTaylors Falls, MN12 milesWebsite+1 (651) 583-2125$23 - $90 / night
"Stayed for two nights at a drive-in double site here and found it ideal for autumn camping."
"We stayed in campsite 29 in the drive in campsite over Labor Day weekend."
3. William O'Brien State Park Campground
39 ReviewsMarine on St. Croix, MN12 milesWebsite+1 (651) 539-4980$25 - $90 / night
"Easy walking trails surround the park which is nice and convenient. Close proximity to Stillwater which made for a nice day trip. Camp sites were very clean and easy to access."
"We O'Brian has some of the best groomed trails that I have been on."
4. Willow River State Park Campground
62 ReviewsHudson, WI27 milesWebsite+1 (715) 386-5931"Fun to play in the water, go behind the waterfall and a good hike up 200 steps to view the falls from above!"
"Located 5 miles outside of Hudson, Willow Creek State Park is large park with hiking, camp sites, fishing, canoeing, and the waterfall."
5. Wildwood RV Park & Campground
6 ReviewsDresser, WI8 milesWebsite+1 (651) 465-7162$44 - $75 / night
"These primitive sites are down a small dirt road away from the main RV camping area and are nicely wooded, but you can still see neighboring sites."
"The kids tried the bike trail that they could access right from the campground.
Plenty of space to social distance. We never felt uncomfortable and everything was really clean!"6. Interstate Park — Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway
6 ReviewsTaylors Falls, MN10 milesWebsite+1 (715) 483-3747$15 - $28 / night
"I had read somewhere that sites 65 and 67 had direct access to the river--true! But the path does come off the camp road and it really does serve the entire campground, so anyone can use it. "
"Beautiful sites but be careful when booking as some sites are very close to others. North campground is about 1/2 mile from downtown Taylor Falls via a bridge. So a quick walk to town is possible."
7. Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park
17 ReviewsLino Lakes, MN19 milesWebsite+1 (763) 324-3340$20 - $75 / night
"Kelly's Bar nearby has a great fish fry on Friday. The campground is neat and well managed."
"It was very easy to find, close to the twin cities, and clean. There was good access to kindling for a fire in the nice fire pit that has a grill."
8. Camp Waub-O-Jeeg
5 ReviewsTaylors Falls, MN10 milesWebsite+1 (651) 465-3500$35 - $65 / night
"We live in Minneapolis and love having this camp close to home, yet far enough to feel like we are up north. We come here a lot during the summer! The camp is rustic, in a good way."
"This is an awesome campground in a wooded setting just outside of the nearby town. Can't wait to come back!"
9. Kozy Oaks Kamp
5 ReviewsLent, MN12 milesWebsite+1 (651) 674-8471$22 - $38 / night
"Nice pool and a lake. Room between campsites and some tree coverage. All in all a nice place to camp."
"Great little family camp non-motorized lake great for kayaks or canoes couple decent spots for group camping, new owners only four years inand working hard to make it better"
Recent Camping Photos near Lindstrom, MN
228 Photos of 141 Lindstrom Campgrounds
Danielle S.
Stone Creek Farm
Stacy S.
Wildwood RV Park & Campground
Sara A.
Interstate State Park Campground
Mallory S.
Interstate Park — Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway
Krista T.
Camp Waub-O-Jeeg
Josh H.
Big Rock Creek
Steph H.
William O'Brien State Park Campground
Jeff L.
Wild River State Park Campground
Matt B.
Northern Detour RV Site on Poplar Lake
Krista T.
Lily Springs Regenerative Farm
Amy G.
Rice Creek Campgrounds
Elissa W.
Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park
Recent Reviews near Lindstrom, MN
689 Reviews of 141 Lindstrom Campgrounds
Christine H.
TravelerTurtle Lake City Park
Not free
Electric hookup, dump station on site. Sites are a little close together. $25/night with a 7 day max stay.
Jay W.
LegendInterstate Park — Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway
Great park, plenty around the area...BUT THE NOISE!!!
Interstate Park in Wisconsin is just south of HWY 8 on HWY 35. The entrance is located on the west side of HWY 35 in the town of St. Croix Falls. St Croix Falls is a small town with a nice downtown on the river with plenty of restaurants (Dalles House Restaurant and Lounge is a favorite) and places for necessities. There are coffee shops, hotels and even a Wal-Mart nearby. There is also a casino in the town of Turtle Lake about 30 mins away.
The park is home to the western terminus of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail that covers 1200 miles through Wisconsin. The park also offers a Ice Age Interpretive Center which boasts interactive activities and displays of the last Ice Age. The park is also home to several other trails worth discovering.
There are two campgrounds in the park, a North and South campground as well as two group campsites. The South is a bit more rustic. The showers are located at the North campground.
For amenities there are flush toilets and showers. There is a sandy swimming area available as well as boat launch and other water activities.
This park is beautiful especially being on the cliffs of the St. Croix River offering spectacular views through out the park and the area. You can even take the bridge over to Taylor Falls Park Minnesota for more spectacular views as well as other shopping options. If you take this trip, Taylor Falls Park will be on the South and your shopping options will be to your North.
Even being in such a wonderful location with plenty of activities and amenities, I find the camping hard to enjoy at this park for all the noise that generates from the hwy crossing over the river. The sound especially of the semi trucks and their brakes that go all night long. This is the big reason for the average rating for this campground.
T S.GuideSouth of Sand Dunes State Forest
Loved it!
Nice spot right on the lake. Lots of animal noises! Pretty sunrise/sunset.
Greg M.GuideSouth of Sand Dunes State Forest
Good spot for a night
Got in late on a Sunday night and there was plenty of space. Most sites are right along the gravel road so not super private. Wouldn’t recommend for large trailers/RVs as sites are small. Found a couple sets of deer bones right next to my site, not sure if it’s from hunters dumping their waste or coyotes but keep an eye out either way.
DIANNE T.GuideSouth of Sand Dunes State Forest
Girl on first car camping trip
Kind of confusing for first time. Was not sure where I could camp. But then found out it's the spots right along road. Beautiful. Some good spots. Ended up in a pull thru around w view.
Corinna Y.TravelerOld Railroad Bridge
Great little getaway spot for winter camping!
We stayed here with a group of hot tent campers in early January. The site is large and had a couple of fire pits. Includes a few picnic tables, and a pit toilet. It's a beautiful open area not far from the parking lot with a gorgeous view of the St. Croix River.
CindyTravelerAvatan Family Nudist Campground
"Family-Friendly" in Name Only: A Cautionary Tale from a Disillusioned Par
We visited Avatan Nudist Campground last July with our two kids (ages 8 and 11) for what was supposed to be a wholesome, body-positive family getaway. The website and brochures paint a perfect picture: serene woods, a sparkling pool, family activities, and a "welcoming community" vibe. And on the surface? Yeah, the grounds are stunning—pristine trails, a well-maintained pool. The facilities are clean, the staff (mostly) polite, and the natural setting is genuinely relaxing. If you're just looking for a quiet spot to shed your clothes and unwind in nature, it checks those boxes.
But dig a little deeper, and Avatan reveals itself as something else entirely—a place that's quietly optimized for adult fun, with kids as an inconvenient footnote they have to tolerate to keep the "family" label. From the moment we arrived, it was clear the real energy was elsewhere. Evenings around the fire pits and at the "Squirrel's" (code for the bar area) had this unmistakable swinger-party undercurrent. Lots of lingering glances, couples disappearing into the woods or private cabins, and a vibe that felt more like a discreet resort for the lifestyle crowd than a spot for building sandcastles with the little ones. Our kids picked up on it fast—whispers about "grown-up games" and awkward questions we had to deflect. The camp "tolerates" families, sure, but it's obvious the core membership would prefer a child-free zone. Activities for kids are minimal: a basic playground and the occasional nature hike, while the adults get themed nights, "sensual yoga," and late-night mixers that go until dawn.
What really soured the experience was the toxic underbelly of the community itself. This place is a powder keg of power struggles, with a small cadre of long-time board members and "elders" locked in a perpetual cold war. Gossip flows like the creek itself—endless whispers about who's sleeping with whom, who's "stealing" prime cabin spots, or who's cozying up to the President for favors. We overheard more drama in one week than in a season of reality TV. Cliques form fast: the "party crew" vs. the "purists," the swingers vs. the swingers-who-pretend-they're-not. As newcomers (and parents, no less), we felt like outsiders crashing a private club. Smiles were surface-level; the second you stepped away, the backstabbing started.
And then there's the elephant in the (clothing-optional) room: the camp's ugly history with sexual predators. We didn't know it going in, but after a few days, the stories trickled out from sympathetic members—multiple incidents over the years involving members who turned out to be registered offenders or worse, preying on the vulnerable in this "trust-based" environment. The rules around anonymity are ironclad: no photos, no last names, "what happens at Avatan stays at Avatan." It's sold as protecting privacy in a nudist space, which sounds noble until you realize it shields the creeps. Anyone who dares speak up—whether it's a parent noticing a sketchy guy lingering too long near the kids' area or a survivor sharing a red flag—is immediately branded a "troublemaker," "paranoid," or "anti-community." We've heard of families getting shamed in group meetings, then quietly asked to leave for "disrupting the harmony." Evictions happen fast if you rock the boat, all in the name of keeping the peace and the paying members happy.
Look, we're no prudes. Nudism can be liberating, and we've been to other resorts where it felt truly inclusive and safe. But Avatan? It's a divided house built on denial. The adult-party atmosphere thrives because the kids are an afterthought, and the predator problem festers because calling it out gets you exiled. If you're a child-free couple into the full swinger scene, this might be your paradise—plenty of like-minded folks and zero judgment. But if you're a family hoping for that advertised "safe, empowering space"? Steer clear. Your kids deserve better than being tolerated in a place where silence is golden and the wrong questions get you blacklisted. We won't be back, and I hope this review saves someone else the regret.
- Erik R.
RangerAfton State Park Campground
A true year-round backpack camping experience
So, I think you know what you are signing up for here when you stay camp at the backpacking site at Afton, but let me fill in some of the blanks. #1 yes, the hill climb is as big of an effort as other people have said. You will feel like you earned your dinner. I may have found a hack for this, but more in that later. #2 the site are mostly private. I stayed on site #12. I could see (and they could have seen me) site #9, but thankfully no one was there. That would have been a bummer to have other looking into my site. There is even a semi-worn path between 12 and 9. They would make a good combo if you have a group. Other than that, totally secluded. As far space at #12, you could build as big of a tent structure there as you would need, easily room for a massive 16’x24’ palace (if you would dare to carry it) or anything smaller. An Eagle Scout project built hammock posts at this site, so it is ideal for that set up. #3 the campground amenities are very nice. The solar powered water works great year round, the two pits toilets (if you can even call them that) are very new and nice. And the coolest campground feature is the cut your own firewood station. I went a little overboard since it was so nice and had a way bigger fire than I needed. Bring your own saw and you will love it too. #4 After walking around the park, I discovered a possible hack. There is an unmarked entrance to the park on the north side. Instead of walking all my gear back to the parking lot, I walked the .5 miles to the service entrance, dropped my pack, and then walked the 1.8 miles back to the parking lot. I tend to carry too much. The flat short walk to drop my gear was worth it. Then I drop around the park and picked up my stuff. Probably not MN DNR endorsed way to do it, but I was proud of my discovery. All in, this is a unique and wonderful camping experience. Highly recommend.
Guide to Lindstrom
Campgrounds near Lindstrom, Minnesota cluster along the St. Croix River Valley within a 30-mile radius. The terrain consists primarily of glacial plains with mixed hardwood forests and river bluffs reaching elevations of 700-900 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F with high humidity, while winter camping requires preparation for temperatures regularly dropping below freezing. The St. Croix National Scenic Riverway provides the region's defining waterway feature with numerous access points for paddlers.
What to do
Hiking glacial terrain: Interstate State Park offers distinctive glacial pothole hiking experiences with varied difficulty levels. "This is a beautiful spot just an hour outside of the cities... The trails also lead to the glacial potholes. Wonderful getaway, will come back again," notes Celina M. from Interstate State Park.
Paddling the St. Croix: Wildwood RV Park & Campground provides canoe and kayak rentals with shuttle service directly from their office. "We went canoeing and kayaking and they provided a shuttle right from their main office... We even saw bald eagles on the ride," reports Amy F. from Wildwood RV Park & Campground.
Winter recreation: Several state parks maintain winter accessibility with plowed campsites. "2/8/20-2/9/20. #91. First time to this park. The campsite was plowed out and had a nice spot for the tent. We snowshoed and skied... The ski trails were groomed and there were miles of trails," shares Joanna B. who visited Wild River State Park during winter.
Star gazing: The area offers designated areas for night sky viewing away from city light pollution. "The star gazing area was great! Intermittently had 1-2 bars of T-Mobile with LTE Internet. Wi-Fi is available at the park entrance," notes Katherine T. about her experience at Wild River State Park.
What campers like
Riverside campsites: Sites with direct river access rank highly with visitors. "Group campsite one is a lovely open site right on the St Croix River with plenty of grassy space to play and set up several tents," mentions one camper. Another visitor at Wild River State Park observed, "Backpack site Buck Hill is right on the river, beautiful view to the east. Circled by flowers, brush and trees. End of the path so zero foot traffic/passersby."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The region hosts abundant wildlife, particularly along the river corridor. "We saw sooooo many deer some even walking right through campsites! You can hear coyotes, raccoons and very loud owls," explains Kate H. from Camp Waub-O-Jeeg.
Trail connectivity: Campers appreciate trails directly accessible from campgrounds. "Gorgeous Trails! This was a last minute camping trip that needed to be near the metro to utilize time... The trails nearby were gorgeous and a good workout," shares Lisa O. about Interstate Park Wisconsin.
Off-season solitude: Fall and spring visits provide greater privacy. "Arriving on a Sunday afternoon was a dream—very few people in the campground loop (especially the non-electric ones), but still able to take advantage of a weekend day," writes Dani K. about William O'Brien State Park.
What you should know
Site selection strategy: Many campgrounds have significant variation between sites. At William O'Brien State Park, "Per others' advice, I stayed at Savannah campground because the sites are slightly bigger and more private than Riverway... Site 117 was level, had decent privacy, and was more spacious than some of the other sites."
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some sites. "The North Campground has sites on the overpass side so there was vehicle noise of varying volume the whole time," notes Mallory S. at Interstate Park Wisconsin, while at Wild River, a camper observed, "Only downside to the site—you can hear cars on both sides (river and opposite side of forest)."
Variable phone reception: Cell service varies by location and provider. "Cell reception for T-Mobile was minimal to non-existent. Wifi is available in the visitor center parking lot," reports a camper at William O'Brien State Park, while Interstate State Park visitors report "Good ATT and Verizon cell service."
Timing matters: Summer weekends experience heavy usage. "We loved the campsite and the park ranger was SOOOO helpful!!" shares Josie V. about Interstate State Park, while noting reservations are essential during peak season when river-adjacent sites fill quickly.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly sites: Choose spacious sites with play areas. "Our site was large and flat with a nice fire pit. Thank you!" reports Mackenzie G. about Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park, a camping area that remains accessible to metropolitan residents while offering natural surroundings.
Water recreation options: Many campgrounds offer swimming and boating access. "Fantastic clean campground with a ton of things to do at the campground and in the local area. The pool and playground were clean and nice. The kids tried the bike trail that they could access right from the campground," explains Amy F. about Wildwood RV Park & Campground.
Wildlife education: Nature centers enhance family camping experiences. "The nature center is nice and a great place to spend some time if it is raining during their open hours," notes Krista T. about Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park.
Group camping accommodations: For multi-family trips, select designated group sites. "We have never really camped with friends before, so the point was to just go, not to really travel far. We loved the trails. It was easy to takes hikes of varying lengths," shares Karla J.B. about her experience at William O'Brien State Park.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Electric service varies between campgrounds. "We stayed at the North Campground at an electric site 26E for two nights in a hard side pop up. Nice campground with good separation between most sites," reports Lindsay T. about Interstate State Park Wisconsin.
Road conditions: Access roads present challenges at some campgrounds. "The road to the sites named after birds was rough and I was nervous that I would bottom out going up the hill," cautions Krista T. about Camp Waub-O-Jeeg, while others note some state park roads remain well-maintained.
Size limitations: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger RVs. "Sadly I needed 4 hours of internet and my cellular data here was spotty. I spent this time right outside the office. There is a mini golf course, and an outdoor pool (closed for the fall). A bit close to the highway but quick access to city amenities," notes Jamie N. about Wildwood RV Park & Campground.
Dump station availability: Most established campgrounds provide sanitary services. Erik R. mentions about Wild River State Park, "Like many MN State Park campgrounds, you are close to your neighbors with no real private offerings. I stayed in site 66e. It was a typical site with nothing bad nor special about it."
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Lindstrom, MN?
What are the best things to do in Lindstrom, MN?
Lindstrom, MN offers plenty of outdoor activities throughout the year. Visit nearby William O'Brien State Park Campground for well-groomed hiking trails and family-friendly camping experiences. The park features miles of scenic trails perfect for all skill levels. Explore the St. Croix River for water activities including canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. The town's Swedish heritage is evident in local shops and restaurants. During winter, enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on local trails. Day trips to nearby Stillwater make for a charming excursion with historic sites and boutique shopping. The area's numerous lakes provide opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing during warmer months.
Where can I find camping near Lindstrom, MN?
Where can I find camping near Lindstrom, MN?
Lindstrom offers several excellent camping options within a short drive. Interstate State Park along the St. Croix River provides scenic campsites and is part of the Wild and Scenic St. Croix National Waterway, offering stunning river views and unique glacial potholes. Wild River State Park Campground is another nearby option with spacious sites and riverside camping. For a family-friendly experience with amenities, consider Lake Elmo County Park Reserve which features a filtered swimming pond with sandy beaches, extensive hiking trails, and modern campsites. Most campgrounds in the area require reservations, especially during peak summer months.
What is Ki-Chi-Saga Park in Lindstrom like for camping?
What is Ki-Chi-Saga Park in Lindstrom like for camping?
Ki-Chi-Saga Park in Lindstrom primarily functions as a day-use recreational area rather than a designated campground. For nearby camping experiences with similar amenities, consider Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve, which offers inexpensive camping with clean facilities and is managed by Three Rivers Parks. Another alternative is Sand Dunes State Forest for those seeking a more rustic experience about an hour from the Twin Cities. This dispersed camping option provides a wilderness feel with no amenities (no toilets, water, or trash facilities) following Minnesota DNR guidelines. Verify current camping policies at Ki-Chi-Saga Park with Chisago County Parks before planning your trip, as regulations may change seasonally.
Keep Exploring