Glamping near Landfall, Minnesota offers both rustic and modern accommodation options within a 40-mile radius. Located in the St. Croix River Valley, this area features diverse ecosystems including oak savannas, river bluffs, and prairie restoration zones. Winter temperatures can drop below -10°F while summer highs reach 85°F, creating distinct seasonal camping experiences with peak mosquito activity from June through August.
What to do
Trail hiking with elevation changes: The trail system at Afton State Park Campground offers varied terrain for hikers of all abilities. "I hiked 11 miles here and it was awesome!" shares Mike K. The park's combination of prairie, forest and river trails provides diverse hiking experiences throughout the seasons.
Canoeing and kayaking access: Lake Byllesby Regional Park offers direct water access with boat launches adjacent to camping areas. "The lake is right next to the campground with RV sites right on the water," notes Kayla O. The park maintains a clean swimming beach when water conditions permit.
Winter sports options: Many parks offer winter accommodation alongside seasonal activities. At Wild River State Park, one visitor reports: "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."
Wildlife observation opportunities: Parks in this region support diverse wildlife viewing. "We saw sooooo many deer some even walking right through campsites! You can hear coyotes, raccoons and very loud owls," describes a visitor at Wild River State Park Campground, where hiking trails connect to strategic wildlife viewing areas.
What campers like
Private sites with natural screening: Wild River State Park Campground receives consistent praise for site separation. "The campground was very nice. The sites are private, couldn't see any neighbors as there are a lot of trees," notes Stephanie H. This natural screening creates a more secluded camping experience despite being in an established campground.
Clean, modern facilities: Baker Campground maintains high standards for its amenities. One camper mentions: "The bathrooms and showers are nice and clean, some of the best I've seen at a campground!" These well-maintained facilities make extended stays more comfortable.
Accessibility to Twin Cities: The proximity to urban areas while maintaining a natural setting appeals to many. A Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park visitor observes: "Wonderful site! Feels very secluded in spite of being so close to the cities. Great beach & sunrise. Highly recommend!" Most glamping sites in this region can be reached within an hour drive from Minneapolis-St. Paul.
Diverse water recreation: Many campers appreciate water access at these parks. "Less than an hour drive from Minneapolis this is a good get away. As expected it has many walk trails. Highlight of this location is beach which is nice for swim and sun bath," shares one visitor about Afton State Park.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most glamping options require advance planning. For the popular Whitetail Woods Camper Cabins, a visitor advises: "Plan ahead as these are hard to come by." Reservations typically open 120 days in advance for most facilities.
Water availability varies: Some parks have seasonal water restrictions. One Afton State Park 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 before trekking around the park's beautiful hiking trails!"
Site-specific considerations: Research individual sites before booking. At Cleary Lake Regional Park, a reviewer notes: "I really like the hike in sites. Short walk from the car and right by the water yet spaced nicely for privacy." Some parks designate certain sites for tents versus RVs, or offer specialty accommodations.
Varying levels of seclusion: Site privacy differs significantly between parks and within campgrounds. A Baker Park visitor observed: "The sites a Baker Park Reserve are larger than average. This is a big campground with a lot of paved bike trails and a nice lake a short walk away."
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Bunker Hills Regional Park offers numerous kid-friendly amenities. "Huge waterpark, miles of bike trails," notes Tiffany W. The park combines natural spaces with developed recreation areas suitable for various age groups.
Educational programs: Several parks offer structured activities for children. "We spent an entire day hiking and it was decent hiking along the river, some of the trails were a little confusing and trying to figure out where we at, but we made it," reports a visitor about Wild River State Park, which also offers interpretive programs during peak season.
Wildlife encounters: Scheduled wildlife viewing can engage children. A Baker Park camper shares: "We spent two nights in the campground. It was fairly busy, but we still felt secluded despite a full campground. There are nice paved trails around a couple of lakes/ponds for biking."
Winter cabin options: For families new to camping, heated accommodations extend the season. According to a Whitetail Woods Camper Cabins visitor: "The cabins are well-built and heated. The wooded cabins have what seems like full-sized mattress bunk beds built into the wall. Each bunk has its own reading light."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Minneapolis Northwest KOA provides full-service sites. "The sites are well maintained. The staff is very kind and accommodating. There are a few restaurants around that deliver," notes Justin R. The campground offers both 30 and 50 amp service for larger rigs.
Site dimensions: RV sites vary significantly in size and layout. At Lake Byllesby Regional Park, a reviewer points out: "The sites on and close to the water are long, but not very wide. The sites further back have a lot more room at each site."
Seasonal considerations: Year-round accessibility varies. "We stayed here for an overnight stop through MN. Close to downtown which was nice for us coming through. Water fill stations readily available so we loaded up prior to continuing out west," explains an RVer at Minneapolis Northwest KOA.
Dump station access: Most regional parks offer sanitary dump stations, but locations vary. "Very nice water front sites, clean, clean restrooms and showers, dump station. Plan on coming back," reports a visitor at Lake Byllesby Regional Park, noting the convenience of on-site waste disposal.
