Campgrounds near Eagan, Minnesota provide a mix of suburban camping options within easy reach of the Twin Cities metro area. Lebanon Hills Regional Park, located in Eagan, serves as the primary developed camping destination with separate loops for tent and RV camping. The region includes additional options like Lake Elmo County Park Reserve, Afton State Park Campground, and Whitetail Woods Camper Cabins. Most facilities offer a range of accommodation types from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV spots, with several parks featuring cabins for visitors seeking camping comfort without equipment.
The camping season typically runs from April through October, with Lebanon Hills and several other campgrounds closed during winter months. Most sites require advance reservations, particularly for weekend stays during peak summer months. Developed campgrounds feature amenities including showers, flush toilets, drinking water, and electrical hookups, though specific offerings vary by location. Several campgrounds provide family-friendly facilities like playgrounds and hiking trails. A camper noted, "Lebanon Hills is a great campsite for families, first time campers, or anyone having a staycation while keeping hotel costs down. The East loop is perfect for tent camping with large, wooded, private sites close to the amazingly clean bathrooms and showers."
Despite their proximity to urban areas, many campgrounds in the region maintain a surprisingly secluded atmosphere. The wooded sites at Lebanon Hills create private camping spaces with natural screening between neighboring campers. Visitors frequently mention the unexpected quiet and nature immersion available so close to metropolitan amenities. Several campgrounds feature access to water recreation, with options for swimming, fishing, kayaking and canoeing. One visitor commented, "This is such a wonderful campground in the middle of the cities. Very well kept, nice camping spots, beautiful hiking trails, and very nice staff." Proximity to attractions like the Minnesota Zoo, Mall of America, and extensive trail systems makes these campgrounds particularly appealing for visitors wanting to combine outdoor recreation with urban attractions.
$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."
$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."
$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."
"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"
"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."
$16 - $50 / night
"I imagine in the middle of summer, it might feel slightly less secluded as there are 3 other sites relatively close by, one of which you have to walk through to get to this one, but in early September,"
"The access to water is really nice and a couple sites were perfect. The hike in sites are super close to the car so it doesn’t even require much work. Plan to come here again!"
$40 - $50 / night
"The grass around the lots is very green, lush and well maintained. Campground is right next to the hotel/casino and very much within walking distance."
"Shuttle bus comes through the camp if you want to go to the casino and play- it’s also within walking distance."
"It’s an easy on and off the interstate, super close to a gas station and RV wash bay. Also super close to some very large power lines. The kids enjoyed the compact playground and pool."
"Some road noise, but you are in the city so expected, but yet still quieter then in some areas being close to things. I recommend this park."
$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."
$21 - $29 / night
"Baker Park near Minneapolis Minnesota was a our camp choice for inexpensive camping on the last leg of our Minnesota vacation in 2017."
"The beaches are some of the best in Minnesota. The bike trails are nearby and plentiful."
ScoutI was able to find a campsite not on the road. There was a trail from the parking spot so keep an eye out. Lots of animals saw a turkey and coyote so just be aware. Very pretty and calm. Had to pick up some trash from other campers just a reminder to leave no trace.
GuideThis place is spectacular,u have to walk down to the creek. God's work. Beautiful
TravelerWe stayed here from about 10pm to 6am. There were a ton of people there so it was hard finding somewhere to sleep. Once we did, it was very quiet and we got a good nights rest. There were a couple of cars that passed us in the morning when we left but nothing too crazy. The scenery was very beautiful. This is definitely a great free option if you’re looking for a peaceful spot in the woods to sleep!
TravelerI stayed there with my RV. Most all of the campsites were too small to park it, but I found one at the very end of the park to stay. Although the land itself is beautiful, the locals were reporting me to the DNR officer, who were clearly his friends, and accusing me of things I was not doing. Also, there’s a lot of traffic in and out of there and they fly through there day and night, as well as a lot of gunfire going off a lot of the time. I use T-Mobile service and I was on SOS most of the time. Not very impressed.
GuideClean 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.
TravelerWell maintained. Nice beach.
TravelerBeen 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.
GuideSmall pullout area on state forest land. Can walk trail back to tent.
LegendInterstate 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.
Camping near Eagan, Minnesota provides outdoor accommodations ranging from traditional campgrounds to cabins within 15 miles of the city's urban center. Located in Dakota County, Eagan sits at 886 feet above sea level with the camping season typically lasting from mid-April through October when temperatures average between 45-85°F. Winter camping options remain limited to select year-round facilities with heated accommodations.
Kayaking and paddling sports: At Lebanon Hills Regional Park, visitors can explore the small lake via kayak rentals. "Nice little lake to kayak on," notes Chris S., while another visitor mentions the park has "a lake with a beach that rents kayaks (single and double), canoes, and paddle boards."
Hiking trail exploration: Willow River State Park Campground offers extensive trail systems for all skill levels. "We did SO many miles hiking! And at certain points in the river, you are able to get in and swim," reports Sarah L. The park features waterfalls accessible via hiking trails, with most trailheads starting directly from the campground areas.
Swimming in filtered water: Lake Elmo County Park Reserve maintains a specially designed swimming area. As Timothy S. explains, "They have a home made lake that has a sand bottom but it has chlorine like a pool so no weeds. Great for swimming." This unique feature provides clean swimming without typical lake vegetation concerns.
Privacy between sites: Lebanon Hills Regional Park receives consistent praise for site spacing. As Angela L. explains, "We liked that we weren't super close to any campers unlike most RV spots are nowadays." Another camper notes, "The sites are nice and level, with plenty of space between each one. This feels very much like a nice state park."
Modern facilities: Lake Elmo County Park Reserve maintains high-standard facilities. One visitor calls it a "Top of the line campground" with "facilities modern and clean," while another specifically notes it has "Great bathroom facilities" that are "well maintained." The park also features specialized amenities including an archery range and swimming pond.
Year-round camping options: Afton State Park Campground provides camping through all seasons, with winter accommodation in yurts and camper cabins. A reviewer described their experience: "Perfect little cabin nestled in the southern half of the park! Screened in porch, heated with electricity, and two double bunk beds!"
Site reservation challenges: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially on weekends. Blair's experience at Lebanon Hills confirmed this: "Reserve early online, most weekends were already reserved by mid May." For cabin camping at Whitetail Woods Camper Cabins, reservations open 120 days in advance and weekend spots book immediately.
Alcohol and pet policies: Regulations vary by location. Several parks including Lake Elmo County Park Reserve and St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park prohibit alcohol and have restrictions on pets. One camper at St. Croix Bluffs noted, "My only wish is that my little dog could join us and they had full hook ups."
Variable amenities: Water access may be seasonal. A visitor at Afton State Park reported, "None of the water faucets or water pumps on the trails at Afton State Park are working. The good news is you can fill up on cold drinking water at the visitor center."
Playground access: St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park has family-friendly facilities. "Nice playground for the kids. Fantastic bathrooms zoned showers," reports Lisa D. The campground is designed with families in mind while maintaining a natural setting.
Educational programming: Several parks offer organized activities. Lake Elmo features "Saturday nights they have a campground program for the kids and families to watch," according to Tina H., providing structured entertainment during weekend stays.
Terrain considerations: Hiking trails vary in difficulty. At Afton State Park, a camper noted, "The hike to the campground is short and grueling," which may present challenges for families with young children or those carrying substantial gear.
Hookup availability: Dakotah Meadows RV Park offers comprehensive services for larger rigs. "Sites are paved and have well-maintained grass," notes Chris F. The campground provides full hookups with "cement parking pads" according to another reviewer, making it suitable for all RV sizes.
Campsite length accuracy: When booking, verify actual site dimensions. Davis D. at Lebanon Hills advises, "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."
Gate closure enforcement: Check facility operating hours. One camper at Cleary Lake Regional Park learned this lesson: "Gates ACTUALLY close at 10pm, there's no way to contact anyone and I had to walk about a mile in parked outside the gate."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the campgrounds near Eagan, MN?
The closest campground to Eagan is Lebanon Hills Regional Park, located within the suburbs of the Twin Cities. For additional options within an hour's drive, Lake Elmo County Park Reserve offers camping with impressive amenities east of St. Paul. Other nearby options include Dakota Meadows RV Park near Prior Lake, William O'Brien State Park north of Stillwater, and Baker Park Reserve near Maple Plain. These campgrounds provide convenient getaways for Eagan residents without traveling far from the Twin Cities metro area.
How much do campsites cost in Eagan, Minnesota?
Campsite costs near Eagan vary by location and amenities. At Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground, sites typically range from $15-25 per night depending on the season. Highland Ridge offers clean facilities with shower access, with rates around $20-30 per night. For budget-conscious campers, Cannon River Wilderness Area provides free camping. County parks like Lebanon Hills and Lake Elmo typically charge $20-35 per night for residents and slightly more for non-residents. Most campgrounds in the area also charge reservation fees ($5-10) and may have additional vehicle fees. Some campgrounds sell firewood on-site or at nearby stands.
What tent camping options are available near Eagan?
Several excellent tent camping options exist near Eagan. Cannon River Wilderness Area offers free primitive camping with sites tucked next to the river, perfect for hammock camping with a short 10-minute hike from parking. Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground provides wooded tent sites with minimal noise and beautiful views of Lake Pepin about 1.5 hours from the Twin Cities. For those seeking a unique forest experience, Nerstrand Big Woods State Park offers tent camping surrounded by walking trails in an unexpected woodland oasis amidst farm country. Frontenac State Park also features cart-in tent sites with spacious camping areas.
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