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Best Campgrounds near Mendota, MN

845 Reviews

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.

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Best Camping Sites Near Mendota, Minnesota (113)

    1. Lebanon Hills Regional Park

    43 Reviews
    Apple Valley, MN
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 480-7773

    $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."

    2. Lake Elmo County Park Reserve

    37 Reviews
    Lake Elmo, MN
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 430-8370

    $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."

    3. Afton State Park Campground

    36 Reviews
    Denmark, MN
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 436-5391

    "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."

    4. Willow River State Park Campground

    62 Reviews
    Hudson, WI
    25 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."

    5. St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park

    20 Reviews
    Denmark, MN
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 430-8240

    "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"

    6. Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve

    38 Reviews
    Maple Plain, MN
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (763) 694-7662

    $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."

    7. Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park

    17 Reviews
    Lino Lakes, MN
    20 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."

    "We took a 30 minute drive north of the cities for a quick get away, and were rewarded with a very nice campground! The check in staff was friendly, helpful and efficient."

    8. Tony’s Backyard

    2 Reviews
    Bloomington, MN
    6 miles
    +1 (612) 751-0908

    $45 - $60 / night

    9. Town & Country Campground & RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Savage, MN
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (952) 445-1756

    "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."

    10. Dakotah Meadows RV Park

    13 Reviews
    Prior Lake, MN
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (952) 445-8800

    $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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Mendota, MN

265 Photos of 113 Mendota Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Mendota, MN

845 Reviews of 113 Mendota 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!!!

  • Sarah D.
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Frontenac State Park Campground

    Secluded Site and Great Views Close to the Twin Cities

    We did a one night camping trip for my birthday at Cart-In Site 1 the second to last weekend of September.

    We loved the hiking at Frontenac State Park - walking along the lake and then walking along the bluffs at sunset was magical! Fantastic views. I imagine if we had gone two weeks later, we would have had a fantastic display of fall color. We went a little too early to catch the changing leaves.

    We loved how easy Frontenac was for a casual weekend getaway. It was an easy, scenic one hour drive from St. Paul that was very enjoyable. The park was also nice with great bathrooms at the main campsite, nice trails, and they even had board games to check out at the front office for a rainy day- a great idea!

    We stayed at Cart-In Site 1. I would rate the site itself a 3. It was very secluded and spacious, which was fantastic! We could not see any other campsites from our site, which was fantastic. We only occasionally saw some hikers on a nearby trail. We could hear some other noisy campers, but it wasn't too much of a disturbance. Very wooded, nice, spacious site. There is not water at the Cart-In parking lot, so be aware that you will have to fill up prior to parking and heading to your site (easiest place to do so is the main office/ visitor center).

    I also slept poorly because of a nearby train that kept going past and honking at least until midnight. So if you're a light sleeper, be aware of persistent train noise at these sites!

    Overall good site and an easy, fun, and relaxing weekend getaway from the twin cities.

  • Lance L.
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Cleary Lake Regional Park

    Large campground with plentyy of activities!

    They have two lots for RV and travel trailer use although the first lot only has two spaces and the second one has a total of five. The five space spot has no water or electric hook up but was a great place for me to test out my new solar set up. Word to the wise, gates ACTUALLY close at 10pm, there's no way to contact anyone and I had to walk about a mile in parked outside the gate 😅. The White Pine lot (5 spaces) has a central bathroom/shower building. The park was jam packed Friday/Saturday but a ghosts town the remains sun/mon/tue I stayed.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Frontenac State Park Campground

    Great hiking trails NICE Bathrooms

    The campground is well maintained, all of the sites are clean and laid out nicely. Some sites are kinda close but there is brush growing between sites.

    There are a LOT of NICE TRAILS at this park. Many nice prairie trails and some fun trails in the bluffs along the Mississippi River too. One trail down along the River can be challenging because of MANY STAIRS.

    Large drive in picnic areas away from the campground that many people drive in to us and had a nice overlook on the Mississippi River. There are 2 nice overlooks that are great to walk to in the dark and watch the calmness and peaceful nature of the river and forest.

    The men’s bathroom and showers are GREAT! There is also very nice large full handicap bathrooms. The SHOWER WATER IS VERY HOT so be careful!

    Dump station is sloped so it makes it easy to drive in either direction to help dump waste water easily. Also fresh water at the dumping station.

    Always Plenty of firewood in the shed next to the office.

  • Joel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Lake Byllesby Regional Park

    Very nice campground

    This is a good campground. Very well kept. Fishing from shore and there is a boat launch. Nice playground for kids. Sites are fairly close. Many have no privacy from others, but some do. No water at the sites and pit toilets are the biggest weaknesses. Nice paths for walking and biking.

  • 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

    Frontenac State Park Campground

    Cleanest Campground Bathrooms Ever!

    Frontenac State Park had some of the nicest campground bathrooms and showers I’ve ever seen—clean, and modern. The ranger station was small and charming, stocked with board games to rent, and it’s clear the staff cares about creating a positive camping experience. I also loved the little free library outside the bathrooms.

    The downsides are that the campsites run small, usually only fitting two tents at most, and there aren’t many trees for hammocking. It’s also a popular park, so it can get pretty loud at times.

    Favorite sites: 37 – Shady and on the edge with just one neighbor (though the main road is on the other side). Decent privacy and potential for hammocking.

    21 – Nice views, but likely best for just one tent/car.

    22 – Very private, though the ground looked a little uneven.

    Other solid tent sites: 36, 25, 48, 49, 51. Site 57 also looked spacious with no neighbors, but it does border the visitor parking lot.

  • 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.

Guide to Mendota

Camping near Mendota, Minnesota, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With several campgrounds nearby, you can enjoy nature while being close to the Twin Cities.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Trails: Many campgrounds have trails for hiking. For instance, at Willow River State Park Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "Lovely trails, the beach is a large area with a nice park and picnic area." This park is known for its beautiful waterfalls and scenic views.
  • Fishing and Water Activities: If you enjoy fishing, Afton State Park Campground has a nice beach area. A visitor shared, "The eagles soar as you swim in the sandy, shallow warm river stream."
  • Biking: Many parks have biking trails. Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park is a great spot for biking, with trails that connect to the surrounding areas. One camper noted, "It's a lovely park, a reasonable biking distance from the Twin Cities."

What campers like:

  • Privacy and Space: Campers appreciate the spacious sites at Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve. A reviewer said, "Peaceful, quiet, with spacious sites that are situated in a staggered way, so you never feel like you’re on top of each other."
  • Clean Facilities: Clean restrooms and showers are a big plus. At Lebanon Hills Regional Park, one camper mentioned, "The showers were clean and the hot water was great."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. A visitor at Minneapolis Northwest KOA said, "The staff is very kind and accommodating."

What you should know:

  • Reservations Recommended: Popular spots fill up quickly. At William O'Brien State Park Campground, a camper noted, "Must reserve months in advance as usually full."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. One camper at William O'Brien State Park warned, "Raccoons will visit your site at night."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have all the amenities. For example, Lake Elmo County Park Reserve has no showers or toilets, so plan accordingly.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park has playgrounds and trails. A family shared, "There is also a nice little beach for a place to hangout and swim in the river."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Keep everyone happy with snacks. One camper at Afton State Park Campground mentioned, "Good pricing, great trails for all different skill levels."
  • Plan for Mosquitoes: Bring bug spray, especially in summer. A visitor at William O'Brien State Park noted, "We went through a lot of bug spray and coils."

Tips from RVers:

Camping near Mendota, Minnesota, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Mendota, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, Mendota, MN offers a wide range of camping options, with 113 campgrounds and RV parks near Mendota, MN and 2 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 2 free dispersed camping spots near Mendota, MN.

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