The Twin Cities metro area surrounding Mendota, Minnesota features a variety of camping options within a 30-minute drive. Lebanon Hills Regional Park in nearby Eagan stands out with highly-rated sites operating from April through October, offering both tent and RV camping with modern amenities. Afton State Park, located east along the St. Croix River, provides year-round camping including unique yurt accommodations. Several county parks like Lake Elmo County Park Reserve feature a mix of drive-in and walk-in sites with varying levels of privacy. Most campgrounds in this region balance suburban convenience with natural settings, allowing campers to enjoy outdoor recreation while remaining close to urban amenities.
Reservations are essential at most established campgrounds, particularly during summer weekends when sites fill quickly. The camping season generally runs from April through October, with limited winter camping available at select locations like Afton State Park. As one camper noted about Lebanon Hills, "It has everything for the family. Schultz Beach for summer fun, professional built mountain bike trails for adventure, camping in Minnesota suburbs." Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, though some more remote areas may have spotty coverage. Weather considerations include hot, humid summers with occasional thunderstorms and mosquitoes, making spring and fall popular for more comfortable camping conditions.
Family-friendly amenities distinguish many campgrounds in the area. Lake Elmo County Park Reserve receives particular praise for its facilities, with one visitor commenting, "For a County Park, Lake Elmo has an impressive list of amenities including a filtered swimming pond surrounded by a nice sand beach." Many sites offer electrical hookups, clean shower facilities, and playgrounds. Privacy levels vary significantly between campgrounds and even within the same park. Baker Park Reserve campsites are described as "open with not much privacy between sites," while parts of Lebanon Hills provide more seclusion with tree cover. Proximity to water features, hiking trails, and bike paths adds recreational value to most locations, with several offering boat launches, fishing opportunities, and swimming areas.
$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 near Mendota, Minnesota offers access to over seven lakes and 45 miles of multi-use trails within a 35-mile radius. The region sits at an elevation of approximately 750 feet above sea level with mixed hardwood forests providing natural shade at most campgrounds. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-85°F during camping season with occasional rain showers in June and early July.
Kayaking on small lakes: Lebanon Hills Regional Park features calm waters perfect for beginner paddlers. "Nice little lake to kayak on," notes Chris S., who frequently visits the park.
Hiking varied terrain: Afton State Park offers significant elevation changes unusual for the area. "I hiked 11 miles here and it was awesome!" shares Mike K., while another visitor mentions encountering wildlife: "A Snake gave us great memories... Lots of trails, sites to see, and wildlife to find."
Archery practice: Lake Elmo County Park Reserve features a dedicated archery range open to campers. "Great campground, sites are spacious and spread out... and other amenities like an archery range and hiking trails are fantastic for kids," according to John H.
Swimming in filtered ponds: Several parks offer swimming areas with enhanced water quality. "They have a home made lake that has a sand bottom but it has chlorine like a pool so no weeds. Great for swimming," explains Timothy S. about Lake Elmo's unique swimming facility.
Secluded tent sites: Lebanon Hills Regional Park receives praise for its isolation despite suburban location. "Lebanon Hills is a great park and has a lot of trails for hiking and mountain biking. Our family selected this camp ground to test out some gear... Tent camp sites are far enough from each other that neighbors can't be seen, and we didn't hear them either," says Blair.
Urban convenience: Proximity to metropolitan amenities allows for quick supply runs. "We just found this campground in September and this year we've been there 3 times and we live in Montana, there's no place I'd rather stay... lots of things in the area to do, and the 'city' isn't that far to drive to," reports Suzanne B. about Lebanon Hills.
Unique accommodations: Afton State Park Campground offers yurt camping options uncommon in the region. "Minnesota State Parks have just started to build Yurts for 3 campgrounds around the state; Afton, Cuyuna and Glendalough State Parks. These have some great amenities and are perfect for family camping, especially in Fall, Winter and Spring," explains Jason S.
Prairie camping: Sites with natural screening create privacy. "The terrain is just hilly enough - and in August - the grass long enough to give the sites a sense of privacy and seclusion," notes Andrew C. about Afton's open-field campsites.
Reservation timing: Many campgrounds fill months in advance for summer weekends. "Reserve early online, most weekends were already reserved by mid May," advises Blair about Lebanon Hills.
Site privacy varies: Some parks offer more separation between campsites than others. "Sites are a little close with little to no privacy in most," mentions Davis D. about Lebanon Hills, while Willow River receives different feedback: "Large campsites, most with thick wooded areas between the sites," according to leif D.
Noise considerations: Willow River State Park Campground visitors note occasional ambient noise. "Highway noise was noticeable in the evenings," reports Maria D., though she appreciated "being in a no-generator loop, which kept things peaceful."
Water availability: Seasonal limitations affect water access on trails. "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!" advises Warren H.
Look for filtered swimming areas: Baker Campground offers family-friendly water recreation. "With great fishing, playground, swimming, and biking trails very nearby, the kids were kept as busy as they wanted to be," shares Bryan S.
Consider cabin options: Weather-resistant alternatives provide comfort for new campers. "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. about Afton State Park.
Evening entertainment: Scheduled activities keep children engaged. "They also have an archery range and on Saturday nights they have a campgound program for the kids and families to watch. Very organized and clean facilities," notes Tina H. about Lake Elmo.
Choose sites near playgrounds: Some campgrounds feature recreational areas within short walking distance. "Our spot was spacious, and close to the bathrooms and play area. The play area was really nice and looked brand new. Our girls loved making new friends to play with," reports Angela L. about Lebanon Hills.
Hookup clarification: Dakotah Meadows RV Park provides concrete pads with full amenities. "This place has everything and it's in great as new condition... Sites are 60+ feet, concrete and level. Each site has their own fire pit," explains James and Susan K.
Seasonal water limitations: Early or late season camping may require adaptation. "The water wasn't turned on yet, but we were able to fill our fresh water tank with a hose from their laundromat," shares Michelle A. about Dakotah Meadows.
Size verification: When booking, confirm actual site capacity. "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.
Convenient traveler services: Some parks offer additional amenities for RVers passing through. "There is a RV wash bay available for a fee and the campground even has gasoline available 24 hours a day using a credit card," notes Jim M. about Dakotah Meadows.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Mendota, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, Mendota, MN offers a wide range of camping options, with 119 campgrounds and RV parks near Mendota, MN and 3 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Mendota, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mendota, MN is Lebanon Hills Regional Park with a 4.8-star rating from 43 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mendota, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Mendota, MN.
Keep Exploring
