Several campgrounds dot the landscape within 20 miles of Lakeland, Minnesota, primarily clustered along the St. Croix River valley. The area includes established facilities like William O'Brien State Park Campground near Scandia and Willow River State Park Campground in Hudson, Wisconsin. Accommodations range from basic tent sites to RV-friendly areas with electric hookups, with several parks also offering cabin rentals. Most developed campgrounds in this region provide essential amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and access to drinking water, while maintaining wooded settings that offer privacy between campsites.
Seasonal operations vary significantly across the region, with some facilities like Lebanon Hills Regional Park operating from April to October, while others such as St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park remain open year-round. "It's a great park conveniently located near the twin cities making it a great spot for a quick getaway," noted one visitor about Willow River State Park. Many campgrounds in the St. Croix Valley require reservations, especially during summer months when waterfront and electric sites fill quickly. Cell service can be inconsistent depending on location, with visitors reporting solid 5G coverage in some areas while noting poor reception in more secluded campgrounds situated in valleys or heavily wooded areas.
The waterfront camping experiences along the St. Croix River receive consistently high ratings from visitors, with many campers highlighting the combination of water recreation and hiking opportunities. Willow River State Park stands out for its waterfall access, where a review mentioned, "Beautiful campground with nice trails. It's big with over a hundred sites, some with power." Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with several visitors noting deer sightings on trails and natural settings that remain relatively pristine despite proximity to the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Campers seeking more secluded experiences can find sites tucked away in wooded areas, though these tend to be farther from amenities like showers and restrooms. Mixed-use campgrounds predominate in the region, accommodating both tent and RV camping with varying levels of hookups and facilities.
"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."
$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."
$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."
"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"
$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."
$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."
$30 - $150 / night
"This this is an amazing Campground with two heated pools one up top and one down below they're also campsites located right alongside the river the campground offers tubing disc golf and many other activities"
$10 - $20 / night
"There is a dumping station at the exit. There are no fire pits, bring your own. Great wooded hiking trails."
"Right next to the freeway, so you will hear that at night. There are a lot of restaurant options near by if you don’t want to cook."
$20 - $75 / night
"Kelly's Bar nearby has a great fish fry on Friday. The campground is neat and well managed."
"We have lived in the Twin Cities for two decades and have never visited Rice Creek Chain of Lakes before. We will again!"
$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."
TravelerStaying here currently & they have been very accommodating, friendly & flexible. Water & electric hookup but no sewer however there is a dump station, a bathhouse with real toilets & nice showers. Pretty quiet for being so close to the main highway. My cats are able to free roam the property & my dog can be tied up outside. Usually pretty nice neighbors too.
ScoutThis was our first camping experience and it was a great one! I would highly recommend this for anyone’s first or fifth camping adventure!
RangerBeautiful setting along the Mississippi River. A few campsites right on the river edge. Also sites with Electric.
Across the railroad tracks is the nice little village of Stockholm which is famous for the PIE Shop. The village also has a wonderful bakery and other small shops and cafes.
A very nice Nature Center outside of town with great prairie trails and views overlooking the Mississippi River up high in the bluffs.
The campground does NOT have showers.
Campground does not have sewage dumping station.
The campground is located close to the railroad tracks but the trains go through fast and were not as bad as we expected.
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.
TravelerElectric hookup, dump station on site. Sites are a little close together. $25/night with a 7 day max stay.
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.
ScoutYou have clear views of the River and Valley from the campgrounds.
Camping options near Lakeland, Minnesota concentrate along the St. Croix River valley, with elevations ranging from 675 to 800 feet above sea level. The region experiences humid continental climate with distinct seasons, including summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F during peak camping months. Many campgrounds in the area maintain winter operations with reduced services, allowing visitors to experience the varied conditions across all four seasons.
Hiking and trail exploration: Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park offers extensive trail networks through varied terrain. "There are a bunch of things to do including hiking, horseback riding, swimming in their filtered pond, boating and an insane playground," notes a visitor to Lake Elmo County Park Reserve. The park features "lovely walking trails, nice lake that rents kayaks and canoes," providing multiple activity options.
Water-based recreation: Tubing on the Apple River provides a popular summer activity with organized drop-offs. "Ride to 3 hour tubing right back to the campground," reports a camper at Apple River Family Campground. Some campgrounds offer equipment rentals, while others require visitors to bring their own watercraft or tubes.
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds maintain nature centers with interpretive displays. "The nature center is nice and a great place to spend some time if it is raining during their open hours," mentions a visitor to Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park. Interstate State Park features unique glacial potholes with educational signage explaining their formation.
Diverse terrain experiences: The region's varied landscapes allow for different camping atmospheres within short distances. At Afton State Park Campground, "The terrain is just hilly enough - and in August - the grass long enough to give the sites a sense of privacy and seclusion." Another camper notes, "The park is laid out kinda funky, but that is a product of it being on the river."
Well-maintained facilities: Many parks invest in quality infrastructure. A visitor to Lebanon Hills Regional Park comments, "Top of the line campground. Surprisingly well spaced sites, facilities modern and clean. Trees galore." At William O'Brien State Park Campground, a camper mentioned, "The shower house needs some paint, but had been cleaned."
Proximity to urban amenities: The region's location allows for convenience while maintaining natural settings. "Convenient location. No problems. Facilities were really well maintained," notes a visitor to Lake Elmo County Park Reserve about its proximity to the Minneapolis airport. Another camper appreciates that "It's close to home and an oasis in the middle of the Twin Cities."
Reservation timing matters: Peak season fills quickly, particularly for desirable waterfront sites. "Reserve early online, most weekends were already reserved by mid May," advises a camper at Lebanon Hills Regional Park. Many campgrounds maintain first-come, first-served sites for last-minute campers.
Highway noise impacts some sites: Proximity to roadways affects certain campgrounds. At Hoffman City Park, "This campground is literally adjacent to the highway. You will hear it all night." A visitor to Interstate State Park reports, "The power loop runs right along a 4-lane highway, which you can't really see but for sure will hear."
Variable water access: Water sources and access points differ significantly between campgrounds. "No water at the site. Water nearby at stations," explains a camper at Willow River State Park. At Afton State Park, a visitor warns, "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 accessibility: Many parks feature recently upgraded play equipment. "Great campground, sites are spacious and spread out, electric hookups at all sites, swim pond is great for kids, and other amenities like an archery range and hiking trails are fantastic for kids," shares a visitor to Lake Elmo County Park Reserve.
Consider walk-in versus drive-up sites: Family equipment requirements should dictate site selection. "These sites do require a hike from parking. Would strongly discourage big coolers or lots of weight," advises a visitor to St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park about their carry-in sites. Families with young children may prefer drive-up access.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Animal sightings enhance family experiences. "We can hear frogs all night and we even saw a turtle laying eggs in a different campsite," shares a camper at William O'Brien State Park. Evening wildlife viewing walks around campgrounds provide educational opportunities for children.
Site length considerations: Despite listed dimensions, actual space may vary. "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," explains a visitor to Lebanon Hills Regional Park.
Varied hookup availability: Water and electrical connections differ between campgrounds and even within loops. "Sites with full hookups or more remote sites with electric that are more tucked away in the pines," notes a camper at Lebanon Hills. At Willow River State Park Campground, "It's big with over a hundred sites, some with power. No water at the site."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Lakeland, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, Lakeland, MN offers a wide range of camping options, with 119 campgrounds and RV parks near Lakeland, MN and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Lakeland, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lakeland, MN is Willow River State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 62 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lakeland, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Lakeland, MN.
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