Mendota Heights is surrounded by several established campgrounds within easy driving distance, including Lebanon Hills Regional Park in nearby Eagan and Lake Elmo County Park Reserve to the northeast. The area features a mix of camping experiences, from full-hookup RV sites to more secluded tent camping areas. Campers can find accommodations ranging from basic tent sites to cabins at places like Afton State Park Campground and St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park. Most campgrounds in the region offer amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and access to hiking trails, with varying levels of services from primitive sites to fully developed facilities with showers and electrical hookups.
Seasonal availability varies significantly across the campgrounds, with most operating from spring through fall. Lebanon Hills Regional Park, a popular destination for local campers, operates from April 30 to October 12, while some facilities like Afton State Park and St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park remain open year-round. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekend stays during summer months when availability becomes limited. Many campgrounds in the area feature both drive-in and walk-in sites, accommodating different camping styles and equipment needs. "Lebanon Hills is a beautiful county park only a few minutes from Minneapolis / St. Paul. The sites are a good mix of private, and there's plenty to do with hiking, biking, and fishing available," noted one visitor.
The camping experience near Mendota Heights balances urban accessibility with natural settings. Several campers highlight the surprising seclusion available despite proximity to the Twin Cities. Lebanon Hills in particular receives consistent praise for offering private, wooded tent sites while maintaining convenient access to urban amenities. The east loop of Lebanon Hills provides more secluded experiences with sites spaced further apart and surrounded by trees, while the west loop offers full hookups for RVs with more open layouts. Wildlife sightings, including deer and turtles, are commonly reported at area campgrounds. Most locations provide access to water recreation opportunities through nearby lakes, though these may require short drives from the actual campgrounds. Campers often mention appreciating the balance of feeling removed from the city while remaining close enough for convenience.
$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."
$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."
$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."
"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."
"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"
$21 - $29 / night
"Baker Park near Minneapolis Minnesota was a our camp choice for inexpensive camping on the last leg of our Minnesota vacation in 2017."
"The beaches are some of the best in Minnesota. The bike trails are nearby and plentiful."
$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!"
"It’s an easy on and off the interstate, super close to a gas station and RV wash bay. Also super close to some very large power lines. The kids enjoyed the compact playground and pool."
"Some road noise, but you are in the city so expected, but yet still quieter then in some areas being close to things. I recommend this park."
$40 - $50 / night
"The grass around the lots is very green, lush and well maintained. Campground is right next to the hotel/casino and very much within walking distance."
"Shuttle bus comes through the camp if you want to go to the casino and play- it’s also within walking distance."
ScoutGot a nice spot by the water, big parking spot, little below the spot is an opening towards water with a fire pit. 2-3 bars of service but never had an issue. Worked well. Very private. Bugs weren’t bad either
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!
ScoutI was able to find a campsite not on the road. There was a trail from the parking spot so keep an eye out. Lots of animals saw a turkey and coyote so just be aware. Very pretty and calm. Had to pick up some trash from other campers just a reminder to leave no trace.
GuideThis place is spectacular,u have to walk down to the creek. God's work. Beautiful
TravelerWe stayed here from about 10pm to 6am. There were a ton of people there so it was hard finding somewhere to sleep. Once we did, it was very quiet and we got a good nights rest. There were a couple of cars that passed us in the morning when we left but nothing too crazy. The scenery was very beautiful. This is definitely a great free option if you’re looking for a peaceful spot in the woods to sleep!
TravelerI stayed there with my RV. Most all of the campsites were too small to park it, but I found one at the very end of the park to stay. Although the land itself is beautiful, the locals were reporting me to the DNR officer, who were clearly his friends, and accusing me of things I was not doing. Also, there’s a lot of traffic in and out of there and they fly through there day and night, as well as a lot of gunfire going off a lot of the time. I use T-Mobile service and I was on SOS most of the time. Not very impressed.
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.
Camping sites near Mendota Heights, Minnesota offer a mix of natural experiences within 20-30 minutes of the Twin Cities metro area. Most public campgrounds in this region sit at elevations between 800-950 feet above sea level, creating rolling terrain with varying landscapes from prairie to woodland. Winter camping options remain limited with only three area campgrounds maintaining year-round operations, while peak season runs May through September.
Swimming in chlorinated natural pond: Lake Elmo County Park Reserve features an unusual swimming amenity. "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. The park also offers an archery range and hiking trails.
Explore waterfall trails: Willow River State Park Campground across the Wisconsin border provides waterfall hiking opportunities. "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!" shares Jessica B. The park features multiple trail systems of varying difficulty.
Kayaking on small lakes: Lebanon Hills Regional Park offers water recreation options. "Nice little lake to kayak on," mentions Chris S. The park rents single and double kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards for visitors without their own equipment.
Hiking through prairie and forest: Afton State Park provides varied terrain for hikers. "I hiked 11 miles here and it was awesome!" shares Mike K. Adam P. adds, "Terrific park. Lots of trails with a wide variety of landscapes. Prairie, forest, river, it's got it all."
Private wooded sites: Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park offers secluded camping spaces. "The site was large and flat with a nice fire pit. Thank you!" says Mackenzie G. Another camper adds, "Tent camp sites are far enough from each other that neighbors can't be seen, and we didn't hear them either."
Tent camping near attractions: Afton State Park Campground provides rustic tent sites with privacy. "The hike to the campground is short and grueling. A few of the sites are in wooded areas, but we stayed in one of the prairie sites. The terrain is just hilly enough - and in August - the grass long enough to give the sites a sense of privacy and seclusion," reports Andrew C.
Full hookup RV options: Dakotah Meadows RV Park offers concrete camping pads with full utilities. "The sites are paved and have well-maintained grass," notes Chris F. Another camper explains, "Sites are 60+ feet, concrete and level. Each site has their own fire pit."
Clean facilities: Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve maintains high-quality amenities. "The bathrooms and showers are nice and clean, some of the best I've seen at a campground!" says Jennifer H. Bryan S. agrees: "The sites are good sized, and the bathroom/showers are great."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Mendota Heights, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, Mendota Heights, MN offers a wide range of camping options, with 118 campgrounds and RV parks near Mendota Heights, MN and 3 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Mendota Heights, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mendota Heights, MN is Lebanon Hills Regional Park with a 4.8-star rating from 43 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mendota Heights, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Mendota Heights, MN.
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