Christine H.
Traveler
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.
Best Campgrounds near Columbus, MN
Campgrounds near Columbus, Minnesota provide a mix of developed facilities and natural settings within the regional park system. Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park stands out as a popular destination, offering tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and even glamping options within proximity to the Twin Cities metro area. William O'Brien State Park Campground and Wild River State Park both accommodate tent campers, RV users, and cabin seekers year-round, providing alternatives with different amenity levels across Anoka and Washington counties. The concentration of county and state park campgrounds creates multiple options for overnight stays in natural settings without venturing far from urban conveniences.
Seasonal considerations affect campground availability throughout the area, with several facilities operating only from spring through fall. Rice Creek Campground and Ham Lake Resort typically open from May through October or November, while others like William O'Brien remain accessible year-round. Most campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly during summer weekends when sites fill quickly. County park camping often requires a separate parking permit in addition to camping fees. The region experiences typical Minnesota seasonal patterns with hot, humid summers that bring mosquitoes and horseflies. A camper noted, "Nice campground with lots of trails, a beach, and many playgrounds. Only recommendation is to get the firewood from down the road and not at the campground."
Campers consistently highlight the spacious sites and relative privacy at Rice Creek facilities despite their proximity to urban areas. "The sites are spaced out better than most other places I've camped and have trees and brush between the sites whenever possible," according to one visitor. Several reviews mention the unexpected seclusion, with campers noting the sites feel more private than typical county or state parks. Amenities like clean shower facilities, swimming beaches, and trail access receive frequent positive mentions. While road noise from nearby highways is occasionally noted as a drawback, many campers describe the parks as "hidden gems" that provide a wilderness feel despite being close to metropolitan areas. Wildlife viewing opportunities, lake access for fishing and boating, and well-maintained facilities consistently appear as highlights across multiple campground reviews.
Best Camping Sites Near Columbus, Minnesota (130)
1. William O'Brien State Park Campground
39 ReviewsMarine on St. Croix, MN15 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."
2. Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park
17 ReviewsLino Lakes, MN7 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."
3. Bunker Hills Regional Park
16 ReviewsCoon Rapids, MN10 milesWebsite+1 (763) 862-4970$20 - $32 / night
"I was very happy with the trails and accommodations available to me, during my stay."
"It has a golf course, a restaurant is on the grounds, there is a stable with horses/ponies that you can take guided trail rides on, a water park(it is called The Beach, which was very confusing for us"
4. Interstate State Park Campground
52 ReviewsTaylors Falls, MN22 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."
5. Willow River State Park Campground
62 ReviewsHudson, WI26 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."
6. Rice Creek Campgrounds
7 ReviewsLino Lakes, MN7 milesWebsite+1 (763) 324-3340$20 - $32 / night
"Access to lake is great. Firewood at $7 a bundle doesn't burn, it just smokes. I asked for a refund. Buy firewood elsewhere."
"Beach was closed but we still got some good walks in. Fire ring was a little shallow for my liking so had to get some solid coals going to get dinner on the table."
7. Lake Elmo County Park Reserve
37 ReviewsLake Elmo, MN22 milesWebsite+1 (651) 430-8370$23 - $80 / night
"For a County Park, Lake Elmo has an impressive list of amenities. Before we even get to the campsite let's mention the filtered swimming pond."
"Lake Elmo County Park in Washington County Minnesota is a great park for families."
8. Wild River State Park Campground
45 ReviewsTaylors Falls, MN25 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."
9. Ham Lake Resort
4 ReviewsAndover, MN6 milesWebsite+1 (763) 434-9492$54 - $999 / night
"The map provided was accurate which made locating the cruiser a breeze. There were further instructions inside as well. The RV was immaculate."
10. Country Camping Tent & RV Park on the Rum River
7 ReviewsCambridge, MN17 milesWebsite+1 (763) 444-9626$40 - $75 / night
"Nice river nearby canoeing swimming pool fireplaces and little store for treats."
Recent Camping Photos near Columbus, MN
233 Photos of 130 Columbus Campgrounds
Amy G.
Rice Creek Campgrounds
Elissa W.
Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park
Arielle P.
Bunker Hills Regional Park
Steph H.
William O'Brien State Park Campground
Carol H.
Country Camping RV Park
Stacy S.
Wildwood RV Park & Campground
Danielle S.
Stone Creek Farm
Lili R.
Interstate State Park Campground
Amy K.
Lake Elmo County Park Reserve
Mallory S.
Interstate Park — Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway
Zach H.
Minneapolis Northwest KOA
Bryce R.
Apple River Family Campground
Recent Reviews near Columbus, MN
744 Reviews of 130 Columbus Campgrounds
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.
David R.GuideSouth of Sand Dunes State Forest
Quick overnight
Nice spot with plenty of space between sites, which gives you some privacy. It’s right off a busy road, so you’ll hear some traffic noise. The hunters were out during my stay, so there were gunshots throughout the day, but that’s to be expected this time of year. Overall, a good spot for a quick overnight stay and it’s conveniently close to the cities.
Guide to Columbus
Camping spots near Columbus, Minnesota offer diverse recreational opportunities across several county and state parks within an hour's drive of the Twin Cities. The landscape features a mix of prairie, woodlands, and riparian habitats along the St. Croix and Rum Rivers, with elevations ranging from 800 to 950 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-85°F during peak camping season from May through October, with cool spring and fall nights dropping to the 40s.
What to do
Hiking diverse terrain: Wild River State Park provides extensive trail networks through multiple ecosystems. "The park is huge and beautiful. We snowshoed and skied. I really enjoyed the snowshoe hike along the St Croix River and watched the full moon rise," reports one Wild River State Park Campground visitor.
Water recreation options: Beyond swimming beaches, many parks offer paddling experiences. "I would like to take a few days to canoe the whole length of the park, camping along the different sites," notes a Wild River camper about their river experience plans.
Star gazing: Several campgrounds offer minimal light pollution for astronomy. "It's a great place to star gaze," mentions a visitor at Wild River State Park, where designated star gazing areas provide optimal viewing conditions.
Winter activities: For year-round camping options, some parks maintain winter facilities. "We planned on attending their candlelight ski and decided to camp. The campsite was plowed out and had a nice spot for the tent," reports a winter visitor at Wild River.
What campers like
Spacious, wooded sites: Many campers appreciate the privacy between sites at Bunker Hills Regional Park. "Despite many of these things not being anything that I have a slight interest in, this somehow works for the park and it feels like a hidden paradise," shares a camper about the surprising seclusion.
Unexpected amenities: Parks often offer facilities beyond basic camping. "The campground was very nice. The sites are private, couldn't see any neighbors as there are a lot of trees. The park rangers were very helpful and informative," notes one Wild River State Park visitor.
Proximity to activities: Campers value having recreation options within walking distance. "Huge waterpark, miles of bike trails," writes a Willow River State Park Campground visitor about on-site facilities just across the state line in Wisconsin.
Variety of camping styles: From tent-only loops to RV hookups, the region accommodates different preferences. "I loved the look of the 'TENT ONLY' loop - you don't see this often... the fact that this loop was 'tent only' meant no generators! It was very quiet!" explains a camper at Rice Creek Campgrounds.
What you should know
Seasonal insect conditions: Bug populations peak during summer months. "So my husband and I officially nicknamed this campground 'Horsefly Hell.' And no we don't recommend this one," warns a July visitor to Rice Creek Campgrounds about their experience during peak insect season.
Reservation requirements: Most popular sites fill quickly, especially on summer weekends. "I was only able to stay one night as my cross country trip hit this campground on the Thursday before memorial day and the whole weekend was booked," notes a visitor at Willow River State Park.
Water access limitations: Lakes and rivers may have seasonal conditions affecting recreation. "Willow River State Park no longer has a beach or a lake, but they are working on the dam to refill the lake once again," explains a camper at the Wisconsin state park.
Firewood considerations: Quality varies between providers. "Firewood at $7 a bundle doesn't burn, it just smokes. I asked for a refund. Buy firewood elsewhere," advises a William O'Brien State Park Campground visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Look for kid-friendly water features: Several parks offer swimming opportunities beyond natural lakes. "They have a home made lake that has a sand bottom but it has chlorine like a pool so no weeds. Great for swimming," explains a visitor to Lake Elmo County Park Reserve.
Consider noise levels: Different camping loops offer varying levels of peace and quiet. "We had some loud neighbors during the day but they settled down before quiet hours," notes a Wild River State Park camper about typical noise patterns.
Find playgrounds and activities: Parks with dedicated children's areas provide entertainment options. "They have a heated pool, splash pad area, BIG playground area, indoor game room, HUGE sites!" shares a visitor at Country Camping Tent & RV Park.
Plan for bathroom accessibility: With young children, proximity to facilities matters. "The primitive toilet smelled so bad it burned! It needed to be emptied and wasn't the entire time we were there," warns a Wild River camper, suggesting families camp closer to maintained shower houses.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Research specific site details before booking. "The upper loop (sites 45-64) is definitely more geared towards RVs, so not what I would consider an ideal tent site," advises a Bunker Hills Regional Park visitor about appropriate RV locations.
Hookup availability: Electrical service varies between campgrounds and specific sites. "This place does have 30amp and 50amp hook ups and has pull through spots and sewer sites," confirms a Country Camping visitor about available connections.
Length restrictions: Verify your RV will fit at your chosen site. "Max trailer length that I've seen here is 70'. Anyone can fit in here!" notes a Country Camping Tent & RV Park visitor about accommodating larger rigs.
Dump station access: Not all parks offer on-site waste disposal. "Water fill stations readily available so we loaded up prior to continuing out west," mentions a Bunker Hills visitor about available utilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Columbus, MN?
What camping is available near Columbus, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, Columbus, MN offers a wide range of camping options, with 130 campgrounds and RV parks near Columbus, MN and 5 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Columbus, MN?
Which is the most popular campground near Columbus, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Columbus, MN is William O'Brien State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 39 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Columbus, MN?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Columbus, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Columbus, MN.
What parks are near Columbus, MN?
What parks are near Columbus, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near Columbus, MN that allow camping, notably Saint Croix National Scenic River and Eau Galle Lake.
Keep Exploring