Tony Y.
Scout
ScoutCannon Falls Campground
Great for Kids!!
This was our first camping experience and it was a great one! I would highly recommend this for anyone’s first or fifth camping adventure!
Best Campgrounds near Cottage Grove, MN
Campgrounds near Cottage Grove, Minnesota feature a mix of county and state park options along the scenic St. Croix River corridor. St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park and Afton State Park provide established camping opportunities with varying levels of amenities. Several campgrounds offer cabin accommodations alongside traditional tent and RV sites, with William O'Brien State Park and Whitetail Woods featuring camper cabins for those seeking shelter-based options. The camping areas typically include fire rings, picnic tables, and access to hiking trails, with many locations providing water and electric hookups.
Reservation requirements apply at most campgrounds in the area, particularly during the peak season from May through October. Many parks close some facilities during winter, though several like St. Croix Bluffs maintain year-round accessibility. According to one visitor, "Washington County, which manages campgrounds at both the Lake Elmo Park Reserve and St Croix Bluffs Regional Park, does a great job of maintaining campgrounds, trails, and bathroom facilities at both parks." Road access is generally well-maintained throughout the region, with most campgrounds accessible via paved roads. Campers should note that several parks, including St. Croix Bluffs, prohibit both alcohol and pets, which may affect planning decisions. Lake Byllesby Regional Park and Lebanon Hills Regional Park maintain seasonal operations, typically closing in mid-October.
The St. Croix River provides a natural focal point for many camping experiences in the region. Campers report high satisfaction with riverfront access at St. Croix Bluffs, which features boat launching facilities and a sandy beach. A visitor noted, "This is a great park if you have a boat of any kind as you can launch from within the park in order to enjoy time on the St. Croix River." Sites at most campgrounds offer reasonable privacy, with many featuring mature trees and natural separation between camping spaces. Backpacking options exist at Afton State Park, where hike-in sites are situated approximately 1.4 miles from parking areas, providing a more secluded experience compared to drive-in campgrounds. Campsites throughout the region vary in size and terrain, with some parks offering specific loops designed for larger RVs with appropriate hookups.
Best Camping Sites Near Cottage Grove, Minnesota (115)
1. Afton State Park Campground
37 ReviewsAfton, MN9 milesWebsite+1 (651) 436-5391$22 - $85 / night
"Minnesota State Parks have just started to build Yurts for 3 campgrounds around the state; Afton, Cuyuna and Glendalough State Parks."
"It is also next to Afton Ski resort. This park has a lot of beautiful prairie landscape with some temperate forest features. Wildflowers, shrubs, fungi, evergreens, and deciduous trees."
2. Lebanon Hills Regional Park
43 ReviewsApple Valley, MN12 milesWebsite+1 (651) 480-7773$24 - $42 / night
"Professional built mtn bike trails for adventure. Camping in Minnesota suburbs. Miles of hiking, horseback riding, cross country ski trails. . perfect for my family's weekend Stay-cation"
"We live about 15 mins. away from this campground. We stayed in the East Loop which is for smaller RVs and tents. it has electricity but no water hookups, however there are water pumps."
3. Lake Elmo County Park Reserve
37 ReviewsLake Elmo, MN11 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."
4. Willow River State Park Campground
62 ReviewsHudson, WI19 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. St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park
20 ReviewsDenmark, MN7 milesWebsite+1 (651) 430-8240"Minnesota is beautiful and there is so much to do here. The bathrooms are spotless and everything is new here."
"Washington County, which manages campgrounds at both the Lake Elmo Park Reserve and St Croix Bluffs Regional Park, does a great job of maintaining campgrounds, trails, and bathroom facilities at both parks"
6. Whitetail Woods Camper Cabins
4 ReviewsRosemount, MN11 milesWebsite+1 (952) 891-7000$85 / night
"There is a fire ring outside of each cabin, along with a table. No cooking is allowed inside the cabins, which can make things rough if the weather isn't cooperating. "
"There is no cooking inside the cabin so you have to use the fire ring outside. Shower facilities are really nice and match the cabins. Plan ahead as these are hard to come by."
7. Lake Byllesby Regional Park
13 ReviewsCannon Falls, MN21 milesWebsite+1 (507) 263-4447"Near lake and excellent bike path. Great brewery and winery close by."
"Lakeside sites are close together, with W/E hookups, but they’re right in the lake with a wonderful view. The facilities are very clean and well-kept."
8. William O'Brien State Park Campground
39 ReviewsMarine on St. Croix, MN29 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."
9. Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park
17 ReviewsLino Lakes, MN25 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."
Recent Camping Photos near Cottage Grove, MN
213 Photos of 115 Cottage Grove Campgrounds
Daryl L.
St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park
Steph H.
Afton State Park Campground
Kelly H.
Lake Elmo County Park Reserve
Anna M.
Lebanon Hills Regional Park
leif D.
Willow River State Park Campground
Tonya B.
Lake Byllesby Regional Park
Heather N.
Cannon Falls Campground
Jennifer H.
Town & Country Campground & RV Park
Lili R.
Cleary Lake Regional Park
Amy G.
Rice Creek Campgrounds
Krista T.
Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park
Erik R.
Champion Valley
Recent Reviews near Cottage Grove, MN
707 Reviews of 115 Cottage Grove Campgrounds
- TTom
RangerStockholm Park Campground
Nice site on Mississippi River
Beautiful setting along the Mississippi River. A few campsites right on the river edge. Also sites with Electric.
Across the railroad tracks is the nice little village of Stockholm which is famous for the PIE Shop. The village also has a wonderful bakery and other small shops and cafes.
A very nice Nature Center outside of town with great prairie trails and views overlooking the Mississippi River up high in the bluffs.
The campground does NOT have showers.
Campground does not have sewage dumping station.
The campground is located close to the railroad tracks but the trains go through fast and were not as bad as we expected.
- PPad F.
GuideFrontenac State Park Campground
Bluffs overlooking Lake Pepin
Clean level campsites, many overlooking Lake Pepin. Sites are short but there are separate areas to park your vehicle if needed. Not many electric sites. Many sites have tent pads and there are frequent pit toilets and well as a new restroom and shower building. Quiet except for the low rumble of frequent trains from both the Wi and MN sides. Lots of great trails! Of varying difficulties.
T
TravelerLake Byllesby Regional Park
Nice beach
Well maintained. Nice beach.
- TTraveler
Cannon River Wilderness Area
Year round free camping
Been camping here year round for 20+ years. Free, first come first served rustic hike/cart in sites with steel fire ring/grill. There are 4 official sites and 2 more unofficial sites with no fire ring.
If you camp with animals: Sites all sit directly off walking trail very popular with dog walkers.
Jay W.
LegendInterstate State 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.
Blake K.ScoutFrontenac State Park Campground
Beautiful Views
You have clear views of the River and Valley from the campgrounds.
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.Ranger
Afton 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 Cottage Grove
The Cottage Grove area offers numerous camping options within 30 miles of the city, with most sites situated along the St. Croix River valley. Elevation changes throughout the region create varied camping experiences, from riverside locations to bluff-top sites with commanding views. Fall camping season typically extends through mid-October at most campgrounds, with spring operations resuming in late April to early May depending on weather conditions.
What to do
Hiking at multiple difficulty levels: Afton State Park features extensive trail networks with varying terrain. "I hiked 11 miles here and it was awesome!" reports Mike K., while Emily G. notes, "Lots of trails, sites to see, and wildlife to find. We will definitely be back for trail running!"
Water recreation on multiple bodies: Lake Byllesby Regional Park offers diverse water activities just south of Cottage Grove. "The lake is nice for fishing, boating or swimming. Has a small store," mentions Carla A. The park includes boat launching facilities and designated swimming areas.
Winter recreation options: Several campgrounds maintain year-round accessibility with specific cold-weather accommodations. "The cabins in the woods are great in winter with snow on the pine trees," writes Krista T. about Whitetail Woods Camper Cabins, mentioning their heating systems and winter accessibility.
What campers like
Modern bathroom facilities: The washroom buildings receive consistent praise across multiple campgrounds. "The bathroom facility has seen better days. 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.
Spacious campsites: Lebanon Hills Regional Park earns high marks for its generous site dimensions. "We liked that we weren't super close to any campers unlike most RV spots are nowadays," Angela L. explains. "Sites with full hookups or more remote sites with electric that are more tucked away in the pines," adds Katie C.
Group camping areas: Multiple parks feature designated group camping spaces for large gatherings. "This place has two group sites the one we stayed at Birch Hollow, hosts up to 20 campers and the other one up to 50. We absolutely loved this place, it was clean and separated from the other campers," reports Lizzy Z. about a camping experience at St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park.
What you should know
Alcohol restrictions vary by park: Several parks near Cottage Grove prohibit alcohol consumption. "While the cabins are close together, noise is not a factor once you're inside," notes Blair from Whitetail Woods, who also mentions that Lebanon Hills allows alcohol while other parks do not.
Pest considerations during summer months: Insect activity increases significantly from June through August. "We had a battle with mosquitoes. We went through a lot of bug spray and coils. Deer flies were thick around the water filling station," Tim shares about William O'Brien State Park.
Reservation competition: Securing campsites requires advance planning, especially for weekends. "Reserve early online, most weekends were already reserved by mid May," advises Blair about Rice Creek Chain of Lakes. For cabins, planning even further ahead is necessary, as Blair notes: "It's difficult to get reservations, so I recommend trying to start booking 120 days in advance."
Tips for camping with families
Playground-adjacent sites: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas within walking distance of campsites. "The playground is a short walk to the tent area, which was a big hit with our kids. Our girls didn't want to leave!" reports Angela L. about Lake Byllesby Regional Park.
Educational programming: Many parks offer structured activities for children during peak season. "On Saturday nights they have a campground program for the kids and families to watch," mentions Tina H. about Lake Elmo Park Reserve.
Swimming options: Multiple parks feature swimming facilities suitable for children. Lake Elmo Park Reserve offers a unique experience according to Timothy S.: "They have a home made lake that has a sand bottom but it has chlorine like a pool so no weeds. Great for swimming."
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Willow River State Park across the state line in Wisconsin provides complete services for RVs. "Spacious sites and very clean restrooms!" notes Daryl L., while Rikki I. explains, "My only wish is that my little dog could join us and they had full hook ups" when comparing different parks.
Generator restrictions: Most campgrounds near Cottage Grove enforce noise limitations, including generator usage. Check individual park rules as several parks specify generator-free camping loops for quieter experiences. "We also appreciated being in a no-generator loop, which kept things peaceful—though highway noise was noticeable in the evenings," Maria D. notes about her Willow River State Park experience.
Site length accuracy: Davis D. cautions about Lebanon Hills' reservation system: "Reservation system is weird and the sites are much bigger than they say. All RV sites are the listed length plus 16' for your tow vehicle, which you need to call to find out."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Cottage Grove, MN?
What camping is available near Cottage Grove, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, Cottage Grove, MN offers a wide range of camping options, with 115 campgrounds and RV parks near Cottage Grove, MN and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Cottage Grove, MN?
Which is the most popular campground near Cottage Grove, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Cottage Grove, MN is Afton State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 37 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Cottage Grove, MN?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Cottage Grove, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Cottage Grove, MN.
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