Best Campgrounds near North St. Paul, MN
Campgrounds near North St. Paul, Minnesota range from highly developed county and state parks to more primitive sites along waterways. The area features Lake Elmo County Park Reserve, William O'Brien State Park, and several regional parks with varied accommodation types including tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. Lebanon Hills Regional Park provides electric campsites in a setting that feels removed from urban areas despite its proximity to the Twin Cities, while Interstate State Park along the St. Croix River offers dramatic river gorge scenery. Most developed campgrounds maintain shower facilities, drinking water, and electric hookups, though amenities vary significantly by location.
The camping season in this region typically runs from April through October, with some parks like William O'Brien State Park and Afton State Park remaining open year-round. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and holidays when campgrounds frequently reach capacity. Winter camping requires additional preparation as water systems are typically winterized and facilities reduced. Many campgrounds feature both secluded wooded sites and more open group areas with varying levels of privacy. As one camper noted about Lebanon Hills, "We liked that we weren't super close to any campers unlike most RV spots are nowadays."
Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers in the area, with several parks offering swimming areas, boat launches, and fishing opportunities. Lake Elmo Park Reserve features a filtered swimming pond that receives high praise from visitors. A reviewer highlighted: "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. This man-made pond is a sandy bottom and surrounded by a nice sand beach." The St. Croix River corridor provides additional water-based recreation, with Interstate State Park offering dramatic river gorge views and rock climbing opportunities. Hiking trails connect many campgrounds to natural features, with varying difficulty levels from family-friendly paths to more challenging terrain along river bluffs and through forested areas.
