Camping near Inver Grove Heights offers access to diverse terrain from riverfront parks along the St. Croix to wooded regional reserves within a 30-minute drive. The area sits at approximately 850 feet elevation where camping seasons typically run from mid-April through October with average summer temperatures ranging 75-85°F during peak season. Winter camping remains limited to heated cabins and yurts at select locations due to the region's harsh cold season.
What to do
Kayaking on quiet lakes: Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park provides calm waters for paddling. According to Chris S., this park features a "nice little lake to kayak on" and visitors appreciate the "gorgeous beach area with tables, a pavilion, changing rooms and a well equipped playground."
Hiking varied terrain: Willow River State Park Campground offers significant elevation changes and waterfall views just across the Wisconsin border. One visitor noted, "We did SO many miles hiking! And at certain points in the river, you are able to get in and swim!" The park provides both paved and unpaved trails for different skill levels.
Archery practice: Lake Elmo County Park Reserve maintains dedicated facilities for archery enthusiasts. As Tina H. explains, "They also have an archery range and on Saturday nights they have a campground program for the kids and families to watch."
Mountain biking: Lebanon Hills Regional Park offers designated mountain biking paths throughout the park. Rico R. describes it as having "great biking and hiking trails" with "great amenities" while being "close to the zoo as well as the city."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Cleary Lake Regional Park earns praise for site spacing. As one camper reported, "Lots of good trees and space between campgrounds which isn't always the case at the regional parks." Site 13 stands out as "HUGE with lots of trees and absolutely beautiful scenery."
Clean, modern facilities: Lake Elmo County Park Reserve receives consistent positive feedback about its amenities. Reviewers describe it as a "top of the line campground" with "facilities modern and clean" and "trees galore." The park also features what one visitor calls a "home made lake that has a sand bottom but it has chlorine like a pool so no weeds."
Proximity to Twin Cities: Town & Country Campground provides convenient access to urban attractions. One camper explained, "We're in town to catch a twins game and see the mall of America and this was a campground not too far from both. It's an easy on and off the interstate."
Seclusion despite suburban location: St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park offers a wilderness feel close to the metro area. Campers praise the "spacious sites" and appreciate that the park is "beautiful" with "lots of hiking." The park maintains a beach area and boat launch while providing "clean facility" conditions.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Most campgrounds fill quickly during summer weekends. One Lebanon Hills visitor advised, "Reserve early online, most weekends were already reserved by mid May."
Trail conditions: Afton State Park Campground hiking paths involve significant elevation changes. A visitor noted, "The hike to the campground is short and grueling" but rewards with "prairie camping with just enough privacy." Water availability on trails varies seasonally.
Site selection matters: Some campgrounds have dramatic differences between sites. At Cleary Lake Regional Park, site 13 stands out as "the only one right on the water" while at Willow River, sites "with thick wooded areas between the sites" provide more seclusion.
Seasonal facility limitations: Water sources may be shut off during colder months. Winter campers at Whitetail Woods Camper Cabins should "bring your own drinking water if you are camping close to/during winter" as "outside water is shut off during some parts of the year."
Tips for camping with families
Filtered swimming options: Lake Elmo County Park Reserve offers a unique swimming experience. One camper described it as "a filtered swimming pond with a sand bottom that has chlorine like a pool so no weeds" making it "great for swimming" without typical lake concerns.
Program participation: Several parks offer organized activities for children. Tina H. noted that Lake Elmo has "Saturday nights...campground program for the kids and families to watch" while being "very organized and clean facilities."
Playground accessibility: Whitetail Woods Camper Cabins provides modern facilities that accommodate various needs. A reviewer mentioned "cabins are accessible for those who need special assistance" though they "don't recall there being an automatic door opener to the cabins."
Site spacing consideration: When camping with children, look for parks with adequate space. At Rice Creek, one family found "ample room to park a car and put up a large tent" and were "impressed with the upkeep of the park."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Lebanon Hills offers various site options. According to Katie C., there are "sites with full hookups or more remote sites with electric that are more tucked away in the pines."
Site leveling: Most developed campgrounds maintain level pads. One visitor to Willow River mentioned "the sites are nice and level, with plenty of space between each one" and that "this feels very much like a nice state park."
Length restrictions: Town & Country Campground accommodates larger RVs but with limited privacy. A reviewer noted it's "a nice park but very close compact. Everyone is squeezed in like sardines. Very tight quarters on roads and sites."
Seasonal considerations: For late-season RV camping, check on utility availability. One camper at Lake Elmo mentioned they "stayed the last night of their camping season and were able to utilize water and electric hookups" before seasonal shutdowns.
