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Best Campgrounds near Hastings, MN

746 Reviews

Campgrounds near Hastings, Minnesota provide a mix of established sites along the St. Croix River and nearby waterways. Afton State Park Campground and St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park offer developed camping with varied accommodation types including tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin options. Several parks in the area feature amenities such as electric hookups, drinking water, and shower facilities, with most campgrounds open seasonally from spring through fall. The region includes both Washington County park facilities and Minnesota state park properties within a 30-minute drive of Hastings.

Seasonal operations affect most campgrounds, with many sites available from April through October. St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park provides water and electric hookups at most sites, while Afton State Park requires visitors to hike into their campsites, typically about a mile from parking areas. Bathroom facilities vary, with some campgrounds offering modern restrooms and others providing vault toilets. Reservation requirements exist at nearly all established campgrounds, and both Washington County parks (Lake Elmo and St. Croix Bluffs) prohibit pets and alcohol. One visitor noted, "We camped over MEA break in mid-October at site #4 and liked how close it was to the bathroom building. There is a lot of open space behind the parking/tent pad on this site."

Campers consistently rate the St. Croix River access as a significant highlight of the region. St. Croix Bluffs features boat launch facilities and beach areas along the river, making it popular for water activities. Tent and RV sites at several campgrounds provide electrical hookups and picnic tables, with many offering fire rings and access to firewood. The area's trail systems receive positive mentions in user reviews, particularly at Afton State Park where backpacking-style campsites offer more seclusion. A camper described Afton State Park as "a perfect backpacking experience" noting that "the campsites are nicely spaced and diverse. Some are more wooded and others in the open prairie." Several visitors mentioned that campgrounds can become crowded during summer weekends, particularly at waterfront locations.

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Best Camping Sites Near Hastings, Minnesota (117)

    1. Afton State Park Campground

    36 Reviews
    Denmark, MN
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 436-5391

    "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. St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park

    20 Reviews
    Denmark, MN
    6 miles
    Website
    +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"

    3. Lebanon Hills Regional Park

    43 Reviews
    Apple Valley, MN
    16 miles
    Website
    +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."

    4. Lake Elmo County Park Reserve

    37 Reviews
    Lake Elmo, MN
    17 miles
    Website
    +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."

    5. Willow River State Park Campground

    61 Reviews
    Hudson, WI
    21 miles
    Website
    +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. Lake Byllesby Regional Park

    11 Reviews
    Cannon Falls, MN
    16 miles
    Website
    +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."

    7. Whitetail Woods Camper Cabins

    4 Reviews
    Empire, MN
    12 miles
    Website
    +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."

    8. Lake Byllesby Campground

    7 Reviews
    Cannon Falls, MN
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 480-7770

    $39 - $60 / night

    "We didn’t get to swim at the lake because it was shut down due to a chemical spill at the time, but we did walk over and check it out. The views are great! We stayed in a RV spot next to the lake."

    "Sites were so easy and the bike trails were awesome! Lots of nature paths too."

    9. Greenwood Campground

    1 Review
    Hastings, MN
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 437-5269

    "Very popular due to location to the Twin Cities. There is a swimming pool. Campground is well maintained."

    10. Tresure Island RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Red Wing, MN
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 267-3060

    "We have dogs so the fact that it’s all asphalt and rock is a bit of a bummer but we are close to the exercise area and they do love little walks."

    "No grassy areas so if you have animals you need to walk a bit to get to the grass"

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Recent Camping Photos near Hastings, MN

221 Photos of 117 Hastings Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Hastings, MN

746 Reviews of 117 Hastings Campgrounds

  • Maria D.
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Frontenac State Park Campground

    Cleanest Campground Bathrooms Ever!

    Frontenac State Park had some of the nicest campground bathrooms and showers I’ve ever seen—clean, and modern. The ranger station was small and charming, stocked with board games to rent, and it’s clear the staff cares about creating a positive camping experience. I also loved the little free library outside the bathrooms.

    The downsides are that the campsites run small, usually only fitting two tents at most, and there aren’t many trees for hammocking. It’s also a popular park, so it can get pretty loud at times.

    Favorite sites: 37 – Shady and on the edge with just one neighbor (though the main road is on the other side). Decent privacy and potential for hammocking.

    21 – Nice views, but likely best for just one tent/car.

    22 – Very private, though the ground looked a little uneven.

    Other solid tent sites: 36, 25, 48, 49, 51. Site 57 also looked spacious with no neighbors, but it does border the visitor parking lot.

  • Maria D.
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Interstate State Park — Interstate State Park

    Lovely River, Too Much Hustle

    Interstate State Park has some nice features, but overall it wasn’t my favorite. Many of the exterior loop sites have river access, which was a highlight, and we didn’t have to deal with mosquitoes thanks to being right on the water. The nearby towns are also very charming and worth exploring.

    That said, the campground is small and very crowded, likely because it’s so close to the Cities and popular with canoe rentals. Expect a lot of traffic noise, and in the fall, migrating geese can be very loud (which didn’t bother me, but might for some). The ranger office had limited hours, and since firewood is locked up, there’s no self-serve option. Another downside: a riverboat cruises by frequently, blasting music in the evenings and giving tours during the day.

    The sites are close together, with RVs and tents mixed on one loop, so generator noise is common. It wasn’t a terrible stay, but just too small and busy for my preference—I don’t think I’d return.

    Best sites seemed to be 21 (great river views, less private), 23 (fun detached tent pad), and 18 (most private). Sites 4–5 were also lovely but close to the bathrooms and camp host, so expect more foot traffic.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Lebanon Hills Regional Park

    Not a bad stay

    Sites are a little close with little to no privacy in most. Fun little trails nearby for an afternoon walk. 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.

  • L
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Holden Park Campground

    Fall Ride in Ocotber

    Our group has been camping at the Holden County Park for 4 years now, this will be our 5th year.

     We are so happy that the shower/restrooms are finally done, its a great plus and we feel that more people will camp there now. 

    We love how quiet it is when we return from our daily rides, its like its our own place as there aren't many if any at all other campers there. This year may be different and if it is we won't mind at all, hopefully they don't either as we do stay up late by the fire but aren't wild crazy loud.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Zumbrota Covered Bridge Park

    Scenic

    Pros: great paved walking and bike trail; leads to state bike trail; MN only covered bridge; huge park playground; disc golf course; along branch of the river; easy walk into town; friendly camp host; very quiet Cons: few site pads, you just drive onto grass where you see electric/water posts and fire ring; restroom with 1 toilet and 1 shower were dirty (husband said it looks like it hadn’t been cleaned in a month) I concur on woman’s as well but there was toilet paper (happy) but no hand soap or paper towels; garbage in women’s shower

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Haycreek Valley Campground

    Beautiful surroundings

    Red Wing, Minn might be the prettiest small town in the US. Rolling hills, greenery, the Mississippi River, and genuinely nice people in a small city with lots of attractions.

    The campground is about a 10 minute ride from the city center. The amenities are sparse and aged, but the sites are level, plentiful, and reasonably priced.

    Be aware however…..The Dyrt is wrong. There are no sewer hookups at this campground. They have a dump station and will pump for a fee.

    There is a perfectly average pub on site. The food is okay, the price is reasonable.

  • Krista T.
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park

    Nice metro get away

    This is a beautiful park and the campsites for the most part all seem spacious, and the loop we were in (whichever one site 52 is in) all had decent tree cover.

    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.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Sakatah Lake State Park Campground

    It was perfect. There wasn’t a lot of people there. The lots are pretty nice and secluded.

    I love the location and how quiet it is and secluded each spot is

Guide to Hastings

Camping near Hastings, Minnesota, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With beautiful parks and campgrounds, it’s a perfect spot for families, friends, and solo adventurers alike.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are many trails to explore. At Willow River State Park Campground, one visitor said, "Lovely trails, the beach is a large area with a nice park and picnic area." The trails lead to stunning waterfalls, making it a great spot for nature lovers.
  • Water Activities: If you enjoy water sports, Interstate State Park offers canoe and kayak rentals. A reviewer mentioned, "The friendly folks at the park office helped me plan a fun day of hiking that included seeing glacial potholes and sandstone bluffs."
  • Wildlife Watching: Many parks in the area are home to diverse wildlife. At Wild River State Park Campground, one camper noted, "We spotted three white-tail deer during our hike."

What campers like:

  • Privacy: Campers appreciate the spacious sites. One visitor at Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve said, "Peaceful, quiet, with spacious sites that are situated in a staggered way, so you never feel like you’re on top of each other."
  • Clean Facilities: Clean restrooms and showers are a big plus. A camper at Whitewater State Park mentioned, "The main shower/restroom area looks brand new and is very nice."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Many parks cater to families. A reviewer at Lebanon Hills Regional Park noted, "Not overly crowded, clean showers and family friendly."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell reception in some areas. A visitor at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground mentioned, "T-Mobile service is one (1) bar of LTE."
  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A camper at Afton State Park Campground advised, "Must reserve months in advance as usually full."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be cautious of raccoons and other wildlife at night. One camper at William O'Brien State Park Campground shared, "Raccoons will visit your site at night."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Spacious Sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites for more room to play. A family at Lake Elmo County Park Reserve said, "The sites are spacious and far enough away from others to feel like there was enough privacy."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor toys. A camper at Minneiska Campground — Whitewater State Park mentioned, "Swimming beach about half a mile from campground."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for hikes and outdoor fun. A visitor at Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve noted, "The grounds are absolutely gorgeous, with huge hardwoods that provide lots of shaded sites."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Make sure your site has the right hookups for your RV. A reviewer at Interstate State Park mentioned, "The site did not have electricity, but there were plenty of sites in the inner circle that did."
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Keep noise levels down, especially during quiet hours. A camper at Wild River State Park Campground shared, "The campground is a long drive into the park from the main entrance."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Stock up on essentials before arriving. A visitor at William O'Brien State Park Campground noted, "Wood was $8 a bundle. This was steep in my opinion."

Camping around Hastings, MN, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure or a peaceful retreat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Hastings, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, Hastings, MN offers a wide range of camping options, with 117 campgrounds and RV parks near Hastings, MN and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Hastings, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Hastings, MN is Afton State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 36 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Hastings, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Hastings, MN.

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