Best Campgrounds near Lent, MN

Camping areas near Lent, Minnesota range from developed state parks to rustic forest sites along the St. Croix River valley. Interstate State Park and Wild River State Park provide established campgrounds with amenities like showers, electric hookups, and reservable sites. Both parks accommodate tent and RV camping, while Wild River also offers cabin rentals. Several county parks including Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park and Bunker Hills Regional Park expand the options with family-friendly facilities and seasonal availability from May through October.

Road conditions and accessibility vary significantly across the region's camping destinations. Most established campgrounds maintain paved or well-maintained gravel roads suitable for standard vehicles and RVs, though some of the more remote areas in state forests may require higher clearance vehicles. Seasonal considerations affect camping experiences, with many campgrounds operating year-round but offering reduced services during winter months. Cell service can be unreliable in more remote areas, particularly in the state forests and along river valleys. A camper noted that at Wild River State Park, "Cell service was incredibly spotty on Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. Depending on where you're at, you'll get a low signal, but often it was only enough for texting."

The St. Croix River corridor defines many camping experiences in the region, with several campgrounds offering river access and scenic views. Campsites at Interstate State Park provide opportunities to explore unique glacial potholes and enjoy rock climbing along the river bluffs. Many campgrounds in the area feature hiking trails that showcase the region's diverse landscapes from pine forests to river valleys. Privacy between sites varies considerably across campgrounds, with some offering well-spaced, secluded spots while others have more open layouts. According to one visitor at William O'Brien State Park, "Camp sites were very clean and easy to access. Didn't feel like you were camping right next to others despite a lot of spots surrounding us." For those seeking more solitude, dispersed camping options exist in nearby state forests, though these primitive sites lack amenities and require proper preparation.

Best Camping Sites Near Lent, Minnesota (127)

    1. Interstate State Park — Interstate State Park

    52 Reviews
    Taylors Falls, MN
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 483-3747

    $24 - $34 / 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."

    2. Wild River State Park Campground

    45 Reviews
    Taylors Falls, MN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 583-2125

    $35 / night

    "Stayed for two nights at a drive-in double site here and found it ideal for autumn camping."

    "We stayed in campsite 29 in the drive in campsite over Labor Day weekend."

    3. William O'Brien State Park Campground

    39 Reviews
    Marine on St. Croix, MN
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 539-4980

    $16 - $250 / 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."

    4. Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park

    17 Reviews
    Lino Lakes, MN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (763) 324-3340

    $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."

    5. Kozy Oaks Kamp

    5 Reviews
    Lent, MN
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 674-8471

    $22 - $38 / night

    "Nice pool and a lake.  Room between campsites and some tree coverage.  All in all a nice place to camp."

    "Great little family camp non-motorized lake great for kayaks or canoes couple decent spots for group camping, new owners only four years inand working hard to make it better"

    6. Bunker Hills Regional Park

    16 Reviews
    Coon Rapids, MN
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (763) 862-4970

    $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"

    7. Country Camping Tent & RV Park on the Rum River

    7 Reviews
    Cambridge, MN
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (763) 444-9626

    $40 - $75 / night

    "Nice river nearby canoeing swimming pool fireplaces and little store for treats."

    8. Rice Creek Campgrounds

    8 Reviews
    Lino Lakes, MN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (763) 324-3340

    $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."

    "When Rice Creek Campground opens up again in April I'd highly recommend going there if all you want is a simple camping experience to get away from the city grind."

    9. Willow River State Park Campground

    62 Reviews
    Hudson, WI
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 386-5931

    "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."

    10. Ham Lake Resort

    4 Reviews
    Andover, MN
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (763) 434-9492

    $999 / night

    "The map provided was accurate which made locating the cruiser a breeze. There were further instructions inside as well. The RV was immaculate."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 127 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Lent, MN

710 Reviews of 127 Lent Campgrounds


  • Sarah D.
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Wild River State Park Campground

    Secluded Backpack/Canoe Site with Sunrise Views

    I was looking for a secluded backpack in site where I could have a peaceful 48 hours of prayer and solitude, and this site was perfect! I also wanted one that wasn't too far remote, since I hadn't been on a proper backpacking trip since the pandemic hit. And as a solo female camper, I wanted a reserved site so that there would be a record of my location for safety reasons. I'm so glad I chose the Deer Creek site, and will almost definitely stay here again at some point!

    This site is accessible by either hiking or canoe. It took me about 30 minutes to hike in from the visitor center parking lot. There is easy access to river water to boil or filter from the canoe landing.

    This site was incredibly spacious. It includes a fire ring and picnic table overlooking the creek and river. It also includes 2 large tent pads (look out for widow makers, one of the tent pads is under a dead tree!). It also has a spot nestled in some pine trees that could fit a smaller tent, canoe storage, or I found it to be the perfect spot to hang my hammock! (This would be a great site for hammock camping.) So if you're camping with a small group of people this would be a great site. It also includes a trail to a fairly private latrine, and a bear box (the park ranger warned me that there are bears in the park although I did not see any.) I also found plenty of dead down and dry wood and birch bark on the ground for building fires.

    This site is great for a one nigjt stay on a longer backpacking or canoeing trip, but also great for camping out at for a couple of nights. I stayed for two, and it connects to all the major trails in the park, so I was able to use it as a great base for hiking and seeing the beautiful changing leaves. In the morning I hiked North to do the Riverside trail and looped back through the woods. Then in the afternoon I did the Deer Creek loop, which is a shared horse and hiking trail. It was so nice to he able to hike out to some of the best trails in the park directly from my site.

    This site felt remarkably remote for being only an hour from the twin cities and a mile from the parking lot! I stayed there Thursday -Saturday, and after leaving the parking lot on Thursday did not see another human being for the rest of the day, and Friday not until I hit the main trails! There was no one else staying within at least a mile of me. I was even able to see fantastic stars Friday night. There was amazing wildlife - a blue heron frequented the site, and I heard all types of owls. Two bald eagles had a nest across the river so I got to see and hear them the whole trip, too- it was absolutely magical!

    This site has a great view of both sunrise and sunset. Thursday night there was a gorgeous sunset over the woods reflected in deer Creek. Both mornings I woke up to watch the sunrise while drinking my coffee next to the fire (it was freezing!!!). Watching the sun rise over the river and fog roll over th water and evaporate while eagles soared was truly magical. Having an easy backpack in site surrounded by water on two sides and with views of the sunrise and sunset like this was so incredible!!!

  • H
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve

    First time camping!

    For our first time camping, this was a great site! It was very clean, had friendly staff, and was close to a really fun park for our kids. We will be back!

  • Larry K.
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Willow River State Park Campground

    Never again

    Never again, $81 for an electric only site. Come on Wisconsin let's jab the out of .staters. Entry fee to parks, extra for out of staters. The site was secluded but not close to level. Not close to the facilities. I am going back to SD. They don't add fees because you are from out of town, they actually encourage out of state tourists. Last trip to a Wisconsin state park . And the showers were closed for the season, this is 10/9/25. But still full price and just an electric only site. No thanks Wisconsin

  • Maria D.
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Interstate State Park — Interstate State Park

    Lovely River, Too Much Hustle

    Interstate State Park has some nice features, but overall it wasn’t my favorite. Many of the exterior loop sites have river access, which was a highlight, and we didn’t have to deal with mosquitoes thanks to being right on the water. The nearby towns are also very charming and worth exploring.

    That said, the campground is small and very crowded, likely because it’s so close to the Cities and popular with canoe rentals. Expect a lot of traffic noise, and in the fall, migrating geese can be very loud (which didn’t bother me, but might for some). The ranger office had limited hours, and since firewood is locked up, there’s no self-serve option. Another downside: a riverboat cruises by frequently, blasting music in the evenings and giving tours during the day.

    The sites are close together, with RVs and tents mixed on one loop, so generator noise is common. It wasn’t a terrible stay, but just too small and busy for my preference—I don’t think I’d return.

    Best sites seemed to be 21 (great river views, less private), 23 (fun detached tent pad), and 18 (most private). Sites 4–5 were also lovely but close to the bathrooms and camp host, so expect more foot traffic.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Ann Lake

    Quite camping just out of town

    Just a quick one night trip but a perfect getaway close to home. Very quiet. Camp host was nice . Found a tucked away site that we could park Infront of for more privacy

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Lebanon Hills Regional Park

    Not a bad stay

    Sites are a little close with little to no privacy in most. Fun little trails nearby for an afternoon walk. 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.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Rum River State Forest

    Free parking in solitude.

    No potable water, grey dump, nor trash cans, but it's rugged wilderness along a gravel road with plenty of space to park.

  • Krista T.
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park

    Nice metro get away

    This is a beautiful park and the campsites for the most part all seem spacious, and the loop we were in (whichever one site 52 is in) all had decent tree cover.

    The bathroom facility has seen better days. The nature center is nice and a great place to spend some time if it is raining during their open hours.

  • Kathy L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park Campground

    Really nice campground!

    Really nice campground! Meadow setting where the campsites are, but then TONS of hiking trails with significant trees& shade. Really beautiful. Nice people staying in adjacent sites. We would return.


Guide to Lent

Camping sites near Lent, Minnesota feature diverse landscapes along the Rum River corridor in addition to the St. Croix Valley region. Average summer temperatures hover around 80°F with frequent evening thunderstorms during peak camping season from June through August. Winter camping requires preparation for temperatures dropping to single digits, with several campgrounds maintaining year-round operations despite reduced services.

What to do

Explore glacial potholes: At Interstate State Park, the unique rock formations create an intriguing landscape. According to one visitor, "I stayed two nights in the campground and hiked many of the trails in this Minnesota State Park along the St. Croix River. The draw here is the potholes... When the river ran 200' higher than it does today, tornados of water eroded smooth round, massive holes in the rock."

Canoe the Rum River: Country Camping Tent & RV Park offers river recreation with sandy-bottomed water access. A camper notes, "The campground is nice and clean. Good size spaces. The tubing is a plus. Key thing is the river is very clean and sandy bottom."

Star-gazing: Wild River State Park features designated areas for astronomy enthusiasts. One visitor shared, "The star gazing area was great! Intermittently had 1-2 bars of T-Mobile with LTE Internet. Wi-Fi is available at the park entrance."

Winter recreation: The region supports cold-weather camping with seasonal activities. A camper at Wild River explained, "We planned on attending their candlelight ski and decided to camp. The campground was fully reserved but was empty, the low was 10 so people must have bowed out. The campsite was plowed out and had a nice spot for the tent."

What campers like

Spacious sites: William O'Brien State Park offers well-sized camping areas. A visitor mentioned, "Site 117 was level, had decent privacy, and was more spacious than some of the other sites (could have put up a 3-5 person tent and a bug house). The fire pit was clean and had a grate on top. There were trees to hang a hammock."

Privacy between campsites: Vegetation and layout provide seclusion at many campgrounds. A camper at Wild River State Park observed, "The campground was very nice. The sites are private, couldn't see any neighbors as there are a lot of trees. The park rangers were very helpful and informative."

Wildlife viewing: Several campgrounds offer opportunities to observe local fauna. A visitor at William O'Brien noted, "This campground is lovely. You can hear frogs all night and we even saw a turtle laying eggs in a different campsite."

Seasonal amenities: Rice Creek Campgrounds provides varied facilities depending on the time of year. A reviewer shared, "Level private sites, lots of trees, Showers were clean. Would definitely camp again."

What you should know

Bug management: Insect populations vary dramatically by location and season. One Rice Creek camper advised, "My husband and I paid for one night at a non electric drive in tent site. As we slowly whined down a gravel road the trees became more dense, our site seemed perfect for the two of us! That is when we started noticing the horseflies were making it known that we were 'trespassing on their turf'."

Site selection strategy: At Bunker Hills Regional Park, campsite positioning affects privacy levels. A visitor explained, "The lower loops are definitely better for tent campers, even though quite a few spots could support an RV. The campground map does a good job of providing visual indicators of what a site provides."

Trail access proximity: Some campsites offer direct trail connections. At William O'Brien, a visitor noted, "The hiking trail was about 500' away, and you could hear the occasional hiker. When the wind died down, you could also occasionally hear the loud motorcycles on the highway."

Firewood considerations: Quality varies between campgrounds, with some campers recommending outside purchases. One camper at Rice Creek advised, "Many campsites are fantastic with good spacing and shade. Access to lake is great. Firewood at $7 a bundle doesn't burn, it just smokes. I asked for a refund. Buy firewood elsewhere."

Tips for camping with families

Water activities: Willow River State Park provides multiple water recreation options. A visitor reported, "Willow River State Park no longer has a beach or a lake, but they are working on the dam to refill the lake once again. Willow River falls is definitely a beautiful site to see."

Playground access: Many campgrounds feature dedicated children's areas. One camper at Bunker Hills noted, "Something for everyone here! The facilities are well kept, the park is patrolled by rangers and the local sheriff after closing hours. Very safe place to camp. Perfect for kids, they have a water park with a wave pool, a disc golf course."

Educational programming: Visitor centers offer learning opportunities for young campers. A visitor at Interstate State Park shared, "The Park Ranger Theresa is the best ranger I have ever met. She is part of a multigenerational heritage of MN State Park Rangers, and her family has a year-round residence in the park. She is so friendly, thoughtful, inviting and experienced."

Animal interactions: Some campgrounds feature small petting zoos or frequent wildlife sightings. A camper at Rice Creek Campgrounds reported, "We experienced wonderful customer service, tent camping, nature center and waterfalls."

Tips from RVers

Hookup availability: Electric options vary between campgrounds. A visitor at Country Camping noted, "This place does have 30amp and 50amp hook ups and has pull through spots and sewer sites. Max trailer length that I've seen here is 70'. Anyone can fit in here!"

Generator policies: Noise regulations affect equipment use. At William O'Brien, a camper appreciated "being in a no-generator loop, which kept things peaceful—though highway noise was noticeable in the evenings."

Off-season considerations: Winter camping requires additional preparation. A Wild River camper explained, "It's a nice distance from the cities, not too far. We planned on attending their candlelight ski and decided to camp. The campground was fully reserved but was empty, the low was 10 so people must have bowed out."

Water access points: Knowing where to fill tanks is important. A Willow River camper noted, "This campground is really beautiful. It's big with over a hundred sites, some with power. No water at the site. Water nearby at stations. Large campsites, most with thick wooded areas between the sites."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Lent, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, Lent, MN offers a wide range of camping options, with 127 campgrounds and RV parks near Lent, MN and 7 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Lent, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lent, MN is Interstate State Park — Interstate State Park with a 4.3-star rating from 52 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lent, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 free dispersed camping spots near Lent, MN.

What parks are near Lent, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Lent, MN that allow camping, notably Saint Croix National Scenic River and St. Croix National Scenic Riverway.