Numerous campgrounds surround Oakdale, Minnesota, with established facilities located within a 10-30 minute drive. Lake Elmo County Park Reserve, just east of Oakdale, features spacious campsites with electricity and water hookups alongside primitive walk-in sites. The Washington County park system provides modern campground options with William O'Brien State Park and Lebanon Hills Regional Park offering tent camping, RV sites, and cabin rentals. Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park north of the city includes glamping accommodations alongside traditional camping areas. Most campgrounds in this region maintain paved access roads suitable for passenger vehicles and RVs.
Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping availability, with many campgrounds operating from April through October. Lake Elmo's modern sites require reservations and feature electrical hookups, though no sewer connections are available at individual campsites. Washington County parks typically require vehicle permits for day use and overnight parking. Public campgrounds across the region enforce quiet hours beginning at 10:00 PM, with no alcohol permitted in several of the state and county facilities. Cell coverage remains strong throughout most camping areas due to proximity to the metropolitan area. "The sites are spacious and far enough away from others to feel like there was enough privacy. Good hiking and geocaching. We would go back to this campground," noted one Lake Elmo camper.
Family-friendly amenities represent a common feature among campgrounds near Oakdale. Lake Elmo County Park Reserve includes a filtered swimming pond with sandy beach, extensive hiking trails, and playgrounds that receive consistent mentions in user reviews. Several visitors highlighted the park's appeal for children. "There is a lot to do in this country park reserve: hiking, walking, horseback riding, playgrounds, swimming, fishing," wrote one camper. Lebanon Hills and Rice Creek facilities provide water recreation opportunities alongside forested campsites. Despite proximity to the Twin Cities metropolitan area, many campers note the feeling of seclusion at these parks. Most campgrounds feature modern restroom facilities with showers, though primitive camping areas may offer vault toilets only. Tent pads and picnic tables are standard at developed sites throughout the region.
$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."
"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."
$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."
$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."
$25 - $90 / night
"Easy walking trails surround the park which is nice and convenient. Close proximity to Stillwater which made for a nice day trip. Camp sites were very clean and easy to access."
"We O'Brian has some of the best groomed trails that I have been on."
$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!"
"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"
"Minnesota is beautiful and there is so much to do here. The bathrooms are spotless and everything is new here."
$20 - $32 / night
"Access to lake is great. Firewood at $7 a bundle doesn't burn, it just smokes. I asked for a refund. Buy firewood elsewhere."
"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."
$20 - $32 / night
"I was very happy with the trails and accommodations available to me, during my stay."
"It has a golf course, a restaurant is on the grounds, there is a stable with horses/ponies that you can take guided trail rides on, a water park(it is called The Beach, which was very confusing for us"
$24 - $50 / night
"This is a state park on the Wisconsin side of the St Croix River, which is mirrored by a comparable but smaller state park in Minnesota on the wrst side of the river, both being part of the wild and scenic"
"Interstate State Park is situated along the St Croix River just outside the small town of Taylor Falls, MN."
TravelerWe stayed here with a group of hot tent campers in early January. The site is large and had a couple of fire pits. Includes a few picnic tables, and a pit toilet. It's a beautiful open area not far from the parking lot with a gorgeous view of the St. Croix River.
ScoutWe visited Avatan Nudist Campground last July with our two kids (ages 8 and 11) for what was supposed to be a wholesome, body-positive family getaway. The website and brochures paint a perfect picture: serene woods, a sparkling pool, family activities, and a "welcoming community" vibe. And on the surface? Yeah, the grounds are stunning—pristine trails, a well-maintained pool. The facilities are clean, the staff (mostly) polite, and the natural setting is genuinely relaxing. If you're just looking for a quiet spot to shed your clothes and unwind in nature, it checks those boxes.
But dig a little deeper, and Avatan reveals itself as something else entirely—a place that's quietly optimized for adult fun, with kids as an inconvenient footnote they have to tolerate to keep the "family" label. From the moment we arrived, it was clear the real energy was elsewhere. Evenings around the fire pits and at the "Squirrel's" (code for the bar area) had this unmistakable swinger-party undercurrent. Lots of lingering glances, couples disappearing into the woods or private cabins, and a vibe that felt more like a discreet resort for the lifestyle crowd than a spot for building sandcastles with the little ones. Our kids picked up on it fast—whispers about "grown-up games" and awkward questions we had to deflect. The camp "tolerates" families, sure, but it's obvious the core membership would prefer a child-free zone. Activities for kids are minimal: a basic playground and the occasional nature hike, while the adults get themed nights, "sensual yoga," and late-night mixers that go until dawn.
What really soured the experience was the toxic underbelly of the community itself. This place is a powder keg of power struggles, with a small cadre of long-time board members and "elders" locked in a perpetual cold war. Gossip flows like the creek itself—endless whispers about who's sleeping with whom, who's "stealing" prime cabin spots, or who's cozying up to the President for favors. We overheard more drama in one week than in a season of reality TV. Cliques form fast: the "party crew" vs. the "purists," the swingers vs. the swingers-who-pretend-they're-not. As newcomers (and parents, no less), we felt like outsiders crashing a private club. Smiles were surface-level; the second you stepped away, the backstabbing started.
And then there's the elephant in the (clothing-optional) room: the camp's ugly history with sexual predators. We didn't know it going in, but after a few days, the stories trickled out from sympathetic members—multiple incidents over the years involving members who turned out to be registered offenders or worse, preying on the vulnerable in this "trust-based" environment. The rules around anonymity are ironclad: no photos, no last names, "what happens at Avatan stays at Avatan." It's sold as protecting privacy in a nudist space, which sounds noble until you realize it shields the creeps. Anyone who dares speak up—whether it's a parent noticing a sketchy guy lingering too long near the kids' area or a survivor sharing a red flag—is immediately branded a "troublemaker," "paranoid," or "anti-community." We've heard of families getting shamed in group meetings, then quietly asked to leave for "disrupting the harmony." Evictions happen fast if you rock the boat, all in the name of keeping the peace and the paying members happy.
Look, we're no prudes. Nudism can be liberating, and we've been to other resorts where it felt truly inclusive and safe. But Avatan? It's a divided house built on denial. The adult-party atmosphere thrives because the kids are an afterthought, and the predator problem festers because calling it out gets you exiled. If you're a child-free couple into the full swinger scene, this might be your paradise—plenty of like-minded folks and zero judgment. But if you're a family hoping for that advertised "safe, empowering space"? Steer clear. Your kids deserve better than being tolerated in a place where silence is golden and the wrong questions get you blacklisted. We won't be back, and I hope this review saves someone else the regret.
RangerSo, I think you know what you are signing up for here when you stay camp at the backpacking site at Afton, but let me fill in some of the blanks. #1 yes, the hill climb is as big of an effort as other people have said. You will feel like you earned your dinner. I may have found a hack for this, but more in that later. #2 the site are mostly private. I stayed on site #12. I could see (and they could have seen me) site #9, but thankfully no one was there. That would have been a bummer to have other looking into my site. There is even a semi-worn path between 12 and 9. They would make a good combo if you have a group. Other than that, totally secluded. As far space at #12, you could build as big of a tent structure there as you would need, easily room for a massive 16’x24’ palace (if you would dare to carry it) or anything smaller. An Eagle Scout project built hammock posts at this site, so it is ideal for that set up. #3 the campground amenities are very nice. The solar powered water works great year round, the two pits toilets (if you can even call them that) are very new and nice. And the coolest campground feature is the cut your own firewood station. I went a little overboard since it was so nice and had a way bigger fire than I needed. Bring your own saw and you will love it too. #4 After walking around the park, I discovered a possible hack. There is an unmarked entrance to the park on the north side. Instead of walking all my gear back to the parking lot, I walked the .5 miles to the service entrance, dropped my pack, and then walked the 1.8 miles back to the parking lot. I tend to carry too much. The flat short walk to drop my gear was worth it. Then I drop around the park and picked up my stuff. Probably not MN DNR endorsed way to do it, but I was proud of my discovery. All in, this is a unique and wonderful camping experience. Highly recommend.
GuideNerstrand is so lovely in October. We reserved sites 2 and 4. Though they were right next to each other, they felt very secluded. Site 4 felt a bit more private from the main road because the campsite slightly slopes downward. There is also a log bench positioned close to the fire which some may think is nice but was a bit inconveniently placed for our bigger group to gather around the fire. Plenty of trees to set up multiple hammocks at site 4.
The bathrooms were updated and clean. Unfortunately on our last day, the campground lost running water so only the vault toilets were usable. As someone who doesn’t prefer this option, the vault toilet near the ranger station was actually pretty clean and updated too.
GuideNice spot with plenty of space between sites, which gives you some privacy. It’s right off a busy road, so you’ll hear some traffic noise. The hunters were out during my stay, so there were gunshots throughout the day, but that’s to be expected this time of year. Overall, a good spot for a quick overnight stay and it’s conveniently close to the cities.
RangerI 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!!!
RangerWe 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.
GuideThey 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.
RangerThe 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.
Camping areas near Oakdale, Minnesota range from densely wooded parkland to prairie settings, typically situated 250-500 feet above sea level within the St. Croix River Valley watershed. Most sites experience summer temperatures between 65-85°F from June through August, with frequent evening thunderstorms. Water recreation opportunities on lakes and rivers remain the central attraction for most visitors, though site amenities vary considerably between county and state-managed facilities.
Pothole exploration at Interstate State Park: Located about 50 minutes from Oakdale, this unique geological area features the world's largest glacial potholes. "The draw here is the potholes... Very cool to take the quick hike through the maze of small trails that show off these crazy formations," notes Erik R. of Interstate State Park Campground.
Fishing at St. Croix Bluffs: Anglers can access the St. Croix River directly from the park with a designated boat launch area for small watercraft. "Beach is great. Easy boat launch. Clean facility... Quick trip to Prescott for bloodies at Muddy Waters," writes Rikki I. from St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park.
Trail running at Lebanon Hills: With over 20 miles of unpaved trails through forested terrain, this park offers technical trail running opportunities across varying difficulty levels. One visitor commented, "We love Lebanon Hills! Close to home and an oasis in the middle of the Twin Cities... Great hiking," writes Katie C., who frequents the park regularly.
Spacious campsites at Bunker Hills: Sites average 40-50 feet between neighbors, offering more privacy than typical metro campgrounds. "This park and campground is surprisingly woodsy, secluded and spacious. There are both primitive (tent) non-electric sites, and sites with electricity, even some 50 amp," explains Doug B. about Bunker Hills Regional Park.
River views from premium sites: The highest-rated sites back directly onto the St. Croix River, often with small beach access points. "When we first arrived to Interstate State Park our very first thought was 'that this is awful'... And then we came upon our site. With a waterfall on the back side and saint croix river on the other. I could not asked for a better site," shares Nina T.
Filtered swimming at Lebanon Hills: The park's swimming area features a sand-bottomed lake with modern water filtration. "The office was open till 9pm very friendly... Great biking and hiking trails. Great amenities. Close to the zoo as well as the city," notes Rico R. when describing Lebanon Hills Regional Park.
Variable site spacing at William O'Brien: Compared to other nearby parks, the campground has tighter site configurations. "Compared to Wild River State Park, the sites at Savannah are pretty cramped with inconsistent vegetation between sites. I wouldn't want to stay here when the loop is fully reserved," reports Dani K. about William O'Brien State Park Campground.
Seasonal insect populations: Horseflies become particularly prevalent during July and August at several area campgrounds. One camper at Rice Creek described: "As we slowly whined down a gravel road the trees became more dense... that is when we started noticing the horseflies were making it known that we were 'trespassing on their turf'."
Off-season facility reductions: Many parks reduce water access and close shower buildings during April, early May, and after October 15th. "Firewood is $6/bundle. Self-pay available at site 74e if the ranger station is closed. Bring exact change since you'll be paying by envelope," advises a camper at William O'Brien.
Filtered swimming ponds: Lake Elmo's swimming area offers chlorinated water without the algae or weed growth of natural lakes. "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. from Lake Elmo County Park Reserve.
Archery facilities: Several parks offer beginner-friendly archery ranges with equipment rentals available on weekends. "Great campground, sites are spacious and spread out, electric hookups at all sites, swim pond is great for kids, and other amenities like an archery range and hiking trails are fantastic for kids," shares John H.
Designated tent areas: Some campgrounds provide dedicated tent pads raised 4-6 inches above ground level for drier camping. "Our site 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."
Electric hookups but limited sewer: Most parks provide 30-50 amp electric service, but full hookups remain limited. "I stayed in the East Loop which is for smaller RVs and tents. It has electricity but no water hookups, however there are water pumps," explains Angela L.
Reservation timing for weekends: Weekend sites at Willow River State Park book 3-4 months in advance during peak season. "Unfortunately, I was only able to stay one night as my cross country trip hit this campground on the Thursday before memorial day and the whole weekend was booked," notes Leif D. from Willow River State Park Campground.
Site length accuracy: Lebanon Hills reservation system lists sites without accounting for tow vehicle parking space. "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," explains Davis D.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds in Oakdale?
The Oakdale area offers excellent camping options within driving distance. Lake Elmo County Park Reserve stands out with its impressive amenities and family-friendly atmosphere, featuring spacious sites and numerous recreational activities. Another top choice is Lebanon Hills Regional Park, which provides a perfect suburban escape with mountain biking trails, swimming at Schultz Beach, and miles of hiking paths. Both offer a convenient getaway close to the Twin Cities with well-maintained facilities.
What amenities are available at Oakdale campgrounds?
Campgrounds near Oakdale provide diverse amenities to enhance your outdoor experience. William O'Brien State Park Campground offers clean, accessible sites with surrounding walking trails and proximity to Stillwater for day trips. Highland Ridge provides spotless shower and bathroom facilities, good cell service (though T-mobile can be spotty), and firewood available from roadside stands near the entrance. Most area campgrounds include standard amenities like fire rings, picnic tables, and access to potable water, while many also feature playgrounds, swimming areas, and hiking trails.
Can you tent camp at Oakdale camping areas?
Tent camping is widely available throughout the Oakdale region. Cannon River Wilderness Area offers free tent sites beside the river, perfect for hammock camping, with a short 10-minute walk from parking to the farthest sites. Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground provides wooded tent sites with good spacing for privacy, plus beautiful views of Lake Pepin and swimming areas, making it an ideal weekend destination just 1.5 hours from the Twin Cities. Island Campground and Marina near Red Wing also accommodates tent campers, though be prepared for noise from the nearby Highway 63 bridge.
Keep Exploring
