Campgrounds near Hugo, Minnesota range from state parks to county reserves, offering varied camping experiences within an hour of the Twin Cities. William O'Brien State Park in Scandia provides tent, RV, and cabin camping with access to the St. Croix River, while Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park in Centerville features tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and glamping options. Several campgrounds in the area maintain year-round operations, though amenities and accessibility vary by season. The region includes both primitive sites and developed campgrounds with electric hookups, showers, and sanitary facilities.
Road conditions and campsite availability fluctuate seasonally, with most campgrounds operating at full capacity from April through October. Many sites require advance reservations, particularly during summer weekends and holidays. "Lake Elmo County Park Reserve has an impressive list of amenities including a filtered swimming pond, sandy beach, and both camper spots and hike-in camping spots," noted one visitor. Cell service varies throughout the area, with some campgrounds offering reliable coverage while more remote sites may have limited connectivity. Temperatures typically range from warm summers to cold winters, with spring and fall providing moderate conditions ideal for camping. Most campgrounds enforce quiet hours starting at 10 PM, and many have specific regulations regarding pets, alcohol, and fires.
Campers report high satisfaction with waterfront sites, particularly those along the St. Croix River and at various lakes throughout the region. Interstate State Park receives praise for its scenic river views and geological features, with one reviewer noting that "the setting is spectacular in terms of breathtaking scenery, and myriad outdoor activities from rock climbing in the river gorge, paddling the river, hiking miles of trails." Family-friendly amenities are common at county parks like Lake Elmo and Baker Park Reserve, which feature playgrounds, swimming areas, and hiking trails. Several visitors mentioned the balance of natural surroundings with proximity to urban conveniences as a key advantage of camping in this region. Wildlife sightings, including deer and various bird species, add to the camping experience throughout the area.
$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."
"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."
$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."
$20 - $75 / night
"Kelly's Bar nearby has a great fish fry on Friday. The campground is neat and well managed."
"We took a 30 minute drive north of the cities for a quick get away, and were rewarded with a very nice campground! The check in staff was friendly, helpful and efficient."
$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."
$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."
"When Rice Creek Campground opens up again in April I'd highly recommend going there if all you want is a simple camping experience to get away from the city grind."
$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"
$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."
$20 - $110 / night
"The lake is nice. Good luck catching fish though. Bill the manager is a great guy! Definitely ex military veteran!"
"They have a small bar, small trail, fishing dock, swimming beach, boat dock, boat rental, kayak rental, golf cart rental, game room, parks, showers and bathrooms, pavilion."
$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."
TravelerWe 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.
ScoutWe 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.
RangerSo, 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.
GuideNice 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.
RangerI was looking for a secluded backpack in site where I could have a peaceful 48 hours of prayer and solitude, and this site was perfect! I also wanted one that wasn't too far remote, since I hadn't been on a proper backpacking trip since the pandemic hit. And as a solo female camper, I wanted a reserved site so that there would be a record of my location for safety reasons. I'm so glad I chose the Deer Creek site, and will almost definitely stay here again at some point!
This site is accessible by either hiking or canoe. It took me about 30 minutes to hike in from the visitor center parking lot. There is easy access to river water to boil or filter from the canoe landing.
This site was incredibly spacious. It includes a fire ring and picnic table overlooking the creek and river. It also includes 2 large tent pads (look out for widow makers, one of the tent pads is under a dead tree!). It also has a spot nestled in some pine trees that could fit a smaller tent, canoe storage, or I found it to be the perfect spot to hang my hammock! (This would be a great site for hammock camping.) So if you're camping with a small group of people this would be a great site. It also includes a trail to a fairly private latrine, and a bear box (the park ranger warned me that there are bears in the park although I did not see any.) I also found plenty of dead down and dry wood and birch bark on the ground for building fires.
This site is great for a one nigjt stay on a longer backpacking or canoeing trip, but also great for camping out at for a couple of nights. I stayed for two, and it connects to all the major trails in the park, so I was able to use it as a great base for hiking and seeing the beautiful changing leaves. In the morning I hiked North to do the Riverside trail and looped back through the woods. Then in the afternoon I did the Deer Creek loop, which is a shared horse and hiking trail. It was so nice to he able to hike out to some of the best trails in the park directly from my site.
This site felt remarkably remote for being only an hour from the twin cities and a mile from the parking lot! I stayed there Thursday -Saturday, and after leaving the parking lot on Thursday did not see another human being for the rest of the day, and Friday not until I hit the main trails! There was no one else staying within at least a mile of me. I was even able to see fantastic stars Friday night. There was amazing wildlife - a blue heron frequented the site, and I heard all types of owls. Two bald eagles had a nest across the river so I got to see and hear them the whole trip, too- it was absolutely magical!
This site has a great view of both sunrise and sunset. Thursday night there was a gorgeous sunset over the woods reflected in deer Creek. Both mornings I woke up to watch the sunrise while drinking my coffee next to the fire (it was freezing!!!). Watching the sun rise over the river and fog roll over th water and evaporate while eagles soared was truly magical. Having an easy backpack in site surrounded by water on two sides and with views of the sunrise and sunset like this was so incredible!!!
GuideThey have two lots for RV and travel trailer use although the first lot only has two spaces and the second one has a total of five. The five space spot has no water or electric hook up but was a great place for me to test out my new solar set up. Word to the wise, 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 😅. The White Pine lot (5 spaces) has a central bathroom/shower building. The park was jam packed Friday/Saturday but a ghosts town the remains sun/mon/tue I stayed.
GuideThis is a good campground. Very well kept. Fishing from shore and there is a boat launch. Nice playground for kids. Sites are fairly close. Many have no privacy from others, but some do. No water at the sites and pit toilets are the biggest weaknesses. Nice paths for walking and biking.
ScoutFor our first time camping, this was a great site! It was very clean, had friendly staff, and was close to a really fun park for our kids. We will be back!
TravelerNever again, $81 for an electric only site. Come on Wisconsin let's jab the out of .staters. Entry fee to parks, extra for out of staters. The site was secluded but not close to level. Not close to the facilities. I am going back to SD. They don't add fees because you are from out of town, they actually encourage out of state tourists. Last trip to a Wisconsin state park . And the showers were closed for the season, this is 10/9/25. But still full price and just an electric only site. No thanks Wisconsin
Campgrounds near Hugo, Minnesota offer diverse camping experiences from wooded sites to prairie terrain with elevation changes up to 300 feet in some areas. The region has sandy soil that drains well after rain, but can also mean firmer tent stakes are needed. Campsites generally range from primitive walk-ins to fully developed sites with 50-amp electrical service.
Hiking trails for all levels: At Wild River State Park, trails follow the St. Croix River with options for star gazing. "We snowshoed and skied. I really enjoyed the snowshoe hike along the St Croix River and watched the full moon rise. The ski trails were groomed and there were miles of trails," notes one winter camper.
Water activities beyond swimming: Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park offers multiple water-based recreation options. "Great walking paths and clean restrooms. Great for a quick weekend camping trip," reports a visitor who appreciated the park's accessibility.
Winter camping options: Several parks maintain year-round operations with special winter activities. A camper at Wild River State Park mentioned, "2/8/20-2/9/20. The campsite was plowed out and had a nice spot for the tent... The candlelight ski was great and the routes were marked with different colored luminaries - for hiking and skiing."
Archery practice: Some parks maintain archery ranges for target practice. "They have awesome sites that fit the needs of just about anyone. They have beautiful hiking trails and a swimming beach for the hotter days. They also have an archery range," explains a camper at Lake Elmo County Park Reserve.
Private campsites with natural boundaries: Bunker Hills Regional Park offers secluded sites despite urban proximity. "This campground was big with privacy between the camp spots. There were nice trails to help explorer the regional park. The bathrooms were nice and clean," shares a visitor who appreciated the unexpected seclusion.
Filtered swimming ponds: Clean swimming areas with filtered water systems provide family-friendly alternatives to natural lakes. A camper notes, "They have a home made lake that has a sand bottom but it has chlorine like a pool so no weeds. Great for swimming."
Accessibility from the Twin Cities: Many campers value quick access to nature without long drives. "Just east of st. paul - 2000 acres with 2 lakes and a swimming pond," explains a camper who appreciated Lake Elmo's proximity to urban areas.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campgrounds feature diverse habitats supporting wildlife. A visitor to William O'Brien State Park shared, "This campground is lovely. You can hear frogs all night and we even saw a turtle laying eggs in a different campsite."
Site privacy varies significantly: Campsites range from extremely private to more communal settings. At Willow River State Park, a camper noted, "We stayed at Site 133 and found it to be fairly spacious. One downside was that there's a trail running just behind the site, and several campers cut through our area to access it, which disrupted the sense of privacy."
Firewood quality issues: Multiple campgrounds have received feedback about firewood. At Rice Creek Campgrounds, a visitor warned, "Only recommendation is to get the firewood from down the road and not at the campground."
Seasonal insect populations: Bug activity varies tremendously by location and time of year. "My husband and I paid for one night at a non electric drive in tent site... As we slowly whined down a gravel road the trees became more dense, our site seemed perfect for the two of us! Picnic table and fire pit centered and to our left a designated tent landing area... that is when we started noticing the horseflies were making it known that we were 'trespassing on their turf'."
Entry fees beyond campsite costs: Some parks charge additional day-use fees. A visitor noted, "Your reservation fee does NOT include the daily parks fee of 7 dollars just FYI."
Look for filtered swimming ponds: Lake Elmo County Park Reserve offers swimming facilities with treated water. "Lake Elmo County Park in Washington County Minnesota is a great park for families. There are a bunch of things to do including hiking, horseback riding, swimming in their filtered pond, boating and an insane playground."
Consider camper cabins: Several parks offer cabin options for easier family camping. A visitor to Afton State Park shared, "Camper Cabin (Eastern Bluebird)🏡🐦 Perfect little cabin nestled in the southern half of the park! Screened in porch, heated with electricity, and two double bunk beds!"
Seek parks with evening programs: Some parks offer structured activities. One visitor noted, "They also have a campgound program for the kids and families to watch. Very organized and clean facilities."
Check noise levels: Sound carries between campsites at many parks. A visitor to Wild River State Park mentioned, "Noise seemed to travel between sites, I had some loud neighbors during the day but they settled down before quiet hours."
Water and electric access: Interstate State Park offers hookups, but site quality varies. "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."
Site size considerations: Many parks have limited space for larger rigs. "The lower loops are definitely better for tent campers, even though quite a few spots could support an RV. The upper loop(sits 45-64) is definitely more geared towards RVs."
Generator restrictions: Some campgrounds have designated no-generator loops. "We also appreciated being in a no-generator loop, which kept things peaceful—though highway noise was noticeable in the evenings."
Dump station access: Most parks with RV camping offer sanitary dump stations. "Stayed here due to its proximity to Minneapolis airport...had an early flight the next morning. Really convenient location. We stayed the last night of their camping season and were able to utilize water and electric hookups."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find camping sites in Hugo, Minnesota?
While Hugo itself has limited camping options, several excellent campgrounds are located within a short drive. Lake Elmo County Park Reserve offers family-friendly camping just minutes from Hugo with modern sites in a spacious setting. For those seeking a state park experience, William O'Brien State Park Campground near Scandia provides well-maintained sites with beautiful surroundings. Other nearby options include Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park and Veterans Campground On Big Marine Lake. Most campgrounds in the area require reservations, especially during peak summer months, so booking in advance is recommended.
When is the best season for camping in Hugo, Minnesota?
The prime camping season near Hugo runs from late May through early October, with peak conditions in June through August. Summer offers warm days perfect for swimming at places like Interstate State Park, which features beautiful scenery along the St. Croix River. Fall camping at Highland Ridge is spectacular when the foliage changes color, typically from mid-September to mid-October. Spring camping (April-May) can be enjoyable but prepare for cooler nights and potential wet conditions. Most campgrounds in the area are closed during winter months, though some parks remain open for day use and winter activities like cross-country skiing.
What amenities are available at Hugo camping grounds?
Campgrounds near Hugo offer a variety of amenities to enhance your outdoor experience. Lebanon Hills Regional Park features Schultz Beach for swimming, professional mountain bike trails, and miles of hiking paths. Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve provides clean facilities and affordable camping options. Many area campgrounds offer full hookups for RVs, clean shower facilities, filtered swimming areas, and well-maintained hiking trails. Some locations also feature playgrounds, boat access, and concession stands. Most campgrounds in the region provide firewood for purchase, picnic tables, and fire rings at individual sites.
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