Camping options around Lake Elmo, Minnesota range from rustic tent sites to weatherproof cabin structures across several regional and state parks. The area features rolling prairie landscapes interspersed with oak forests and wetlands, with an elevation range of 900-1,100 feet. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing from November through March, making seasonal considerations important for camping plans.
What to do
Hiking extensive trail systems: Wild River State Park offers secluded hiking experiences along the St. Croix River. "I hiked 11 miles here and it was awesome!" reports Mike K. The park's extensive trail network provides opportunities to observe wildlife in their natural habitat.
Beach access and swimming: Lake Byllesby Regional Park offers water recreation with easy lake access. "The lake is right next to the campground with RV sites right on the water," notes Kayla O. The park includes a beach area with tables, a pavilion, and changing rooms.
Golfing opportunities: Cleary Lake Regional Park combines camping with golfing. "The park also has a golf course and is very well kept!" mentions Lili R. The course offers reasonably priced rounds for campers looking to include recreation beyond hiking and water activities.
Winter activities: Opportunities for cold-weather yurt camping near Lake Elmo include snowshoeing and skiing. "We snowshoed and skied. I really enjoyed the snowshoe hike along the St Croix River and watched the full moon rise," writes Joanna B. about her winter experience at Wild River State Park.
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: Baker Campground offers larger-than-average campsites with tree cover. "The sites are good sized, and the bathroom/showers are great," explains Bryan S. Many sites feature enough trees and vegetation to create a sense of privacy despite being in a developed campground.
Clean facilities: Bathroom and shower buildings receive consistent praise across multiple campgrounds. "The bathrooms were nice and clean. The only down fall was there was no trash cans in the campground only with you were leaving the campground," notes Melissa A. about Bunker Hills Regional Park.
Proximity to Twin Cities: Bunker Hills Regional Park provides a convenient camping option without long travel times. "I spent the entire time just saying 'wow'. I had never been here before, despite it only being 20 minutes away," shares Krista T. This accessibility makes these campgrounds practical for weekend getaways from the metro area.
Walk-in sites with privacy: Several parks offer walk-in tent sites that balance convenience with seclusion. "Our 'hike in' spot was very close to the car but hidden in a forest. Gorgeous spot," writes Lili R. about Cleary Lake Regional Park, noting that the short walk from parking creates a more immersive camping experience.
What you should know
Water availability varies: Some parks have seasonal water restrictions. "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," warns Warren H. Always check current water status before your trip.
Site selection matters: Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park offers diverse camping environments. "Nature is always beautiful! Think suburbia meets nature," explains Natalia J. Research specific site numbers when booking to ensure you get the type of camping experience you prefer.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds in the area require advance booking. "Plan ahead as these are hard to come by," advises Scott M. about Whitetail Woods Camper Cabins. Popular sites fill up quickly, especially for weekend dates and during peak summer months.
Insect preparation: Minnesota summers bring mosquitoes and other insects. "Plenty of bugs, so bring your spray!" recommends kristin C. about Baker Park. Sites near water or wooded areas typically experience higher insect activity, particularly at dawn and dusk.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activities: Wild River State Park Campground offers family-friendly amenities throughout the park. "The water park is a blast and we were able to find discount passes online," shares Bryan S. Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas to keep younger campers entertained.
Distance to bathrooms: Consider site location relative to facilities when camping with children. "Our site was on the farthest loop and was very private! Only one shower house and we had to drive there," notes Kate H. Sites closer to restrooms are often more convenient for families with young children.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many parks offer chances to observe local animals. "We saw sooooo many deer some even walking right through campsites! You can hear coyotes, raccoons and very loud owls," reports Kate H. about her experience at Wild River State Park. These encounters create memorable experiences for children.
Camping cabin options: For families new to camping or preferring more shelter, Whitetail Woods Camper Cabins provides sturdy accommodations. "Each cabin has four sleeping spots: 2 bunk beds, and the 2 couches convert to beds. There's a heater inside," explains Blair, making these ideal for families wanting yurt-style camping near Lake Elmo in spring and fall.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Baker Campground offers multiple connection options. "There are nice paved trails around a couple of lakes/ponds for biking, and easy access to the shower and bathroom facilities," notes ERolf P. Many sites include electric hookups with water access points nearby.
Site dimensions: Consider space requirements when reserving. "The sites on and close to the water are long, but not very wide. The sites further back have alot more room at each site," advises Tonya B. about Lake Byllesby Regional Park. Larger rigs should verify site dimensions before booking.
Dump station access: Most developed campgrounds in the area provide sanitary dump stations. "Water fill stations readily available so we loaded up prior to continuing out west," mentions Lynsey M. about Minneapolis Northwest KOA. Plan arrival and departure times to access these facilities during operating hours.
