South of Sand Dunes State Forest
Tents or small truck camper only
Small pullout area on state forest land. Can walk trail back to tent.
Camping options around Landfall, Minnesota include a variety of established campgrounds located within an hour's drive. Several state and county parks provide developed facilities, including Lake Elmo County Park Reserve just minutes from Landfall, William O'Brien State Park to the north, and Lebanon Hills Regional Park to the south. These parks offer a mix of camping styles with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations. The St. Croix River corridor features multiple campgrounds with river access, including Afton State Park and St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park, which provide both tent camping and year-round cabin options.
Most developed campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, with peak availability from April through October. "Lebanon hills has everything for the family. Schultz Beach for summer fun. Professional built mtn bike trails for adventure. Camping in Minnesota suburbs," notes one visitor of Lebanon Hills Regional Park. Campsite reservations are recommended, especially for summer weekends when popular parks fill quickly. Cell service varies significantly between campgrounds, with some areas like Sand Dunes State Forest offering minimal connectivity. Winter camping is available at select locations including Afton State Park and William O'Brien State Park, though amenities may be limited during colder months. Many parks charge entrance fees in addition to camping fees, and reservation windows typically open 3-4 months in advance.
The mixed-use campgrounds around Landfall provide varied experiences based on proximity to the Twin Cities. Campers report that despite being close to urban areas, many sites offer surprising seclusion. For a more rustic experience, the Lake Elmo Park Reserve features hike-in campsites around a small lake with kayak and paddleboard access. Several visitors mentioned the appeal of camping near water features, with one reviewer noting that Interstate State Park's waterfront sites provide "beautiful" views of the St. Croix River just "steps away." Parks like William O'Brien State Park receive praise for well-maintained trail systems, with hikers appreciating "some of the best groomed trails" in the region. Noise levels vary by location, with campsites closer to highways experiencing more ambient sound than those set deeper within park boundaries.
$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."
"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."
$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."
"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."
$20 - $75 / night
"Kelly's Bar nearby has a great fish fry on Friday. The campground is neat and well managed."
"It was very easy to find, close to the twin cities, and clean. There was good access to kindling for a fire in the nice fire pit that has a grill."
$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."
"Beach was closed but we still got some good walks in. Fire ring was a little shallow for my liking so had to get some solid coals going to get dinner on the table."
$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"
$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."












Small pullout area on state forest land. Can walk trail back to tent.
Interstate 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.
Nice spot right on the lake. Lots of animal noises! Pretty sunrise/sunset.
Got in late on a Sunday night and there was plenty of space. Most sites are right along the gravel road so not super private. Wouldn’t recommend for large trailers/RVs as sites are small. Found a couple sets of deer bones right next to my site, not sure if it’s from hunters dumping their waste or coyotes but keep an eye out either way.
Kind of confusing for first time. Was not sure where I could camp. But then found out it's the spots right along road. Beautiful. Some good spots. Ended up in a pull thru around w view.
You have clear views of the River and Valley from the campgrounds.
We 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.
So, 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.
Nerstrand is so lovely in October. We reserved sites 2 and 4. Though they were right next to each other, they felt very secluded. Site 4 felt a bit more private from the main road because the campsite slightly slopes downward. There is also a log bench positioned close to the fire which some may think is nice but was a bit inconveniently placed for our bigger group to gather around the fire. Plenty of trees to set up multiple hammocks at site 4.
The bathrooms were updated and clean. Unfortunately on our last day, the campground lost running water so only the vault toilets were usable. As someone who doesn’t prefer this option, the vault toilet near the ranger station was actually pretty clean and updated too.
Camping spots near Landfall, Minnesota offer four-season accessibility with fewer crowds during spring and fall shoulder seasons. Located in Washington County at an elevation of 930 feet, Landfall sits near the St. Croix River valley where campers can experience seasonal temperature swings from 10°F in winter to 85°F in summer. Most camping areas operate with limited services from November through March.
Explore freshwater recreation options: At Lake Elmo County Park Reserve, visitors can take advantage of "a home made lake that has a sand bottom but it has chlorine like a pool so no weeds. Great for swimming," according to one camper. The park spans 2,000 acres with two natural lakes plus the swimming pond.
Try archery programs: Several parks offer designated archery ranges for beginners and experienced archers alike. Lake Elmo County Park Reserve features "awesome sites that fit the needs of just about anyone. The have beautiful hiking trails and a swimming beach for the hotter days. They also have an archery range and on Saturday nights they have a campgound program for the kids and families to watch," notes a visitor.
Hike waterfall trails: Exploring the cascade formations provides a cooling activity during summer months. At Willow River State Park Campground, "Willow River falls is definitely a beautiful site to see. Definitely a place to camp if you like to be active and explore the trails. Winter, summer or fall!"
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the thoughtful layout at Lebanon Hills Regional Park, where "sites with full hookups or more remote sites with electric that are more tucked away in the pines" provide options for different camping styles. Another reviewer noted that "we liked that we weren't super close to any campers unlike most RV spots are nowadays."
Off-season solitude: Visiting during spring or fall offers significantly more privacy. "My first time solo camping was at William O'Brien State Park on a Sunday evening. Weekends have been packed and reservations scarce for months at state parks in Minnesota. Arriving on a Sunday afternoon was a dream—very few people in the campground loop."
Accessibility to urban amenities: Campers value the proximity to cities while still feeling remote. At Bunker Hills Regional Park, "For being in the middle of the northern suburbs of Minneapolis, this park and campground is surprisingly woodsy, secluded and spacious. There are both primitive (tent) non-electric sites, and sites with electricity, even some 50 amp."
Insect management: Summer brings heavy mosquito and fly populations at certain campgrounds. One visitor to Rice Creek Campgrounds reported: "Horseflies nonstop attacked us. To not get bite we had to run around like chickens with our heads cut off! No joke." Plan visits for May, September or October for fewer insect issues.
Reservation timing: Most campgrounds open their reservation windows 120 days in advance, with peak summer weekends filling within hours of availability. Reserve Sunday through Thursday nights for better availability or book during shoulder seasons.
Vehicle permit requirements: Many parks charge separate entrance fees beyond camping fees. Daily vehicle permits typically cost $6-7 while annual permits range from $30-35, depending on the park system.
Firewood regulations: Policies vary by campground with most prohibiting outside wood. One visitor noted that at Rice Creek Campgrounds, "Firewood at $7 a bundle doesn't burn, it just smokes. I asked for a refund. Buy firewood elsewhere."
Chlorinated swimming options: Families with children often prefer the swimming pond at Lake Elmo County Park Reserve. "They have a home made lake that has a sand bottom but it has chlorine like a pool so no weeds. Great for swimming," reports one visitor, making it easier for parents to manage water safety concerns.
Playground proximity: Look for sites near play areas but not so close that noise becomes an issue. At Afton State Park Campground, "There are park pavilions and a water park connected to the campsite, a gold course nearby, and shops, too - - but the actual campsite, bike/walking/horse trails make you forget all of that."
Educational programs: Weekend ranger programs provide structured activities. "On Saturday nights they have a campground program for the kids and families to watch. Very organized and clean facilities. Reasonably priced," notes a Lake Elmo visitor.
Walking distances: Consider site location in relation to bathrooms and water sources. One camper mentioned: "Our site was perfect. The woods made it very secluded. It was close enough to water and bathrooms so it wasn't bad if you planned."
Off-peak savings: RVers report significant cost differences between peak and shoulder seasons. Full hookup sites generally cost $10-15 more than electric-only options across the region.
Site length accuracy: Reservation systems may understate actual site capacity. One RVer at St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park noted: "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."
Dump station timing: Most parks have single-lane dump stations that become congested on Sunday mornings. "When you first pull in to the park there we're an average amount of annoying bugs, especially for an 85 to 90 degree, summer day in a highly vegetative, woodsy park. Staff was not present due to the COVID-19 but we submitted our cash payment and grabbed the site map and park guide and drove to the left to find our camp site."
Power options: RV sites at William O'Brien State Park offer 30-amp service, while Lebanon Hills Regional Park provides 50-amp connections for larger units. "We stayed at site 72 which is at the beginning of the loop. This site isn't as secluded by trees as the other sites and we weren't able to position our pop up to face into the camping spot."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Landfall, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, Landfall, MN offers a wide range of camping options, with 118 campgrounds and RV parks near Landfall, MN and 3 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Landfall, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Landfall, MN is Lake Elmo County Park Reserve with a 4.5-star rating from 37 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Landfall, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Landfall, MN.
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