Camping spots near Mahtomedi, Minnesota offer diverse terrain across the St. Croix River Valley, with elevations ranging from river-level sites to bluff-top camping areas. The region sits at approximately 900 feet above sea level, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping season. Most campgrounds in the area operate on a reservation system with booking windows that open 90-120 days in advance.
What to do
Swimming in filtered ponds: Lake Elmo County Park Reserve features a unique chlorinated swimming pond with a sand bottom that eliminates weeds while providing a pool-like experience. "They have a home made lake that has a sand bottom but it has chlorine like a pool so no weeds. Great for swimming," notes Timothy S.
Exploring glacial potholes: Interstate State Park offers hiking trails leading to unique geological formations. "The draw here is the world's largest glacial potholes. When the river ran 200' higher than it does today, tornados of water eroded smooth round, massive holes in the rock. Some are so big that they still to this day have no idea how deep they go," shares Erik R.
Horseback riding: Bunker Hills Regional Park provides guided trail rides for all experience levels. "There is a stable with horses/ponies that you can take guided trail rides on," mentions Krista T., who adds that the park offers "archery, frisbee golf" and more activities spread throughout the grounds.
Paddle sports on Rice Creek Chain: The connected waterways provide excellent opportunities for kayaking and canoeing with rental options. "Just east of st. paul - 2000 acres with 2 lakes and a swimming pond," describes Robert G. about the Lake Elmo area water features.
Waterfall hunting: Several parks near Mahtomedi feature seasonal waterfalls. "There is a beautiful little hidden waterfall that isn't on any of the park maps and you have to go off the trail to find it," shares Lindsay S. about St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Rice Creek Campgrounds earns praise for its spacious layout. "Level private sites, lots of trees, Showers were clean. Would definitely camp again," notes Corey P. The campground's thoughtful design keeps noise between sites to a minimum.
Proximity to metro with wilderness feel: Lebanon Hills Regional Park offers an urban escape without long travel times. "We love Lebanon Hills! Close to home and an oasis in the middle of the Twin Cities. Sites with full hookups or more remote sites with electric that are more tucked away in the pines," shares Katie C.
Volunteer naturalist programs: Weekend educational activities run at several campgrounds from May through September. "On Saturday nights they have a campgound program for the kids and families to watch. Very organized and clean facilities," reports Tina H.
Walk-in tent sites: William O'Brien State Park provides separate areas for tent campers seeking more seclusion. "Per others' advice, I stayed at Savannah campground because the sites are slightly bigger and more private than Riverway," writes Dani K., noting that visiting on Sundays means "very few people in the campground loop."
River access: Multiple campgrounds feature direct access to the St. Croix River. "Our site was right next to the shower building but remarkably quiet and with timer lights it wasn't too bright all night long. The trails nearby were gorgeous and a good workout," shares Lisa O. about her Interstate State Park experience.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campsites book quickly, especially on weekends from June through August. "Reserve early online, most weekends were already reserved by mid May," advises Blair about Lebanon Hills Regional Park.
Park entrance fees: Daily vehicle permits cost $6-7 at most regional parks, in addition to camping fees. "Your reservation fee does NOT include the daily parks fee of 7 dollars just FYI," warns Lynsey M.
Seasonal closures: Most shower facilities close in October, even at year-round campgrounds. "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," suggests Roger D.
Insect preparation: Willow River State Park and other locations require good insect protection, particularly in June and July. "We had a battle with mosquitoes. We went through a lot of bug spray and coils. Deer flies were thick around the water filling station," reports Tim from his William O'Brien experience.
Wildlife encounters: "Raccoons will visit your site at night. We had everything secured but they still tried and plenty of racket until we chased them away," warns Tim about William O'Brien State Park. Food storage containers are essential at all camping areas near Mahtomedi.
Tips for camping with families
Water park access: St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park offers family-friendly amenities. "Beach is great. Easy boat launch. Clean facility. The staff is super nice. Great hiking trails, bike trails, nearby horseback riding," notes Rikki I.
Playground facilities: Several parks feature recently updated play areas. "The play area was really nice and looked brand new. Our girls loved making new friends to play with," shares Angela L. about Lebanon Hills Regional Park.
Camper cabins for beginners: Afton State Park offers alternative accommodations for families new to camping. "Camper Cabin (Eastern Bluebird)🏡🐦 Perfect little cabin nestled in the southern half of the park! Screened in porch, heated with electricity, and two double bunk beds!" describes Alison O.
Nature centers: Educational opportunities exist at several parks during daytime hours. "The nature center is nice and a great place to spend some time if it is raining during their open hours," mentions Krista T.
Weekday camping advantages: Sites are more available and quieter Monday through Thursday. "Arriving on a Sunday afternoon was a dream—very few people in the campground loop (especially the non-electric ones), but still able to take advantage of a weekend day," explains Dani K.
Tips from RVers
Length restrictions: Many campgrounds near Mahtomedi limit RV size to 60 feet or less. "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," advises Davis D. about Lebanon Hills Regional Park.
Electric hookup availability: Most parks offer limited 30-amp service with few 50-amp options. "Theres alot of hiking trails, the rustic sites are very nice, swim pond, fishing pier," mentions Jeff C. about Lake Elmo County Park Reserve.
Seasonal water access: Water connections are typically available May through mid-October, but water is shut off during freezing temperatures. "We stayed the last night of their camping season and were able to utilize water and electric hookups," reports Robert B.
Dump station locations: Several parks provide on-site sanitary dump stations with limited hours. "Clean facilities... there are water pumps. 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," notes Angela L.
Generator restrictions: Many campgrounds prohibit generator use in specific loops or during evening hours. "We wouldn't want to stay here when the loop is fully reserved," comments Dani K. about the non-electric area at William O'Brien, appreciating that "this loop (F LOOP) was 'tent only' meant no generators! It was very quiet!"
