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Best Campgrounds near Oakdale, MN

783 Reviews

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.

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Best Camping Sites Near Oakdale, Minnesota (121)

    1. Lake Elmo County Park Reserve

    37 Reviews
    Lake Elmo, MN
    3 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."

    2. Willow River State Park Campground

    62 Reviews
    Hudson, WI
    14 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."

    3. Afton State Park Campground

    36 Reviews
    Denmark, MN
    13 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. Lebanon Hills Regional Park

    43 Reviews
    Apple Valley, MN
    19 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."

    5. William O'Brien State Park Campground

    39 Reviews
    Marine on St. Croix, MN
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 539-4980

    $16 - $250 / 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."

    6. Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park

    17 Reviews
    Lino Lakes, MN
    14 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 have lived in the Twin Cities for two decades and have never visited Rice Creek Chain of Lakes before. We will again!"

    7. St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park

    20 Reviews
    Denmark, MN
    15 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"

    8. Rice Creek Campgrounds

    8 Reviews
    Lino Lakes, MN
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (763) 324-3340

    $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."

    9. Bunker Hills Regional Park

    16 Reviews
    Coon Rapids, MN
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (763) 862-4970

    $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"

    10. Interstate State Park — Interstate State Park

    52 Reviews
    Taylors Falls, MN
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 483-3747

    $24 - $34 / 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"

    "Now that I live in Minnesota, I find myself frequenting the Taylors Falls side. Here you have the amazing "Pot Holes" from glacial waters and some pretty spectacular rock climbing."

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Recent Camping Photos near Oakdale, MN

246 Photos of 121 Oakdale Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Oakdale, MN

783 Reviews of 121 Oakdale Campgrounds

  • David R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 1, 2025

    South of Sand Dunes State Forest

    Quick overnight

    Nice 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.

  • 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.

Guide to Oakdale

Camping near Oakdale, Minnesota, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Many campgrounds, like Willow River State Park Campground, feature lovely trails. One visitor mentioned, "Lovely trails, the beach is a large area with a nice park and picnic area."
  • Water Activities: At Interstate State Park, you can rent canoes and kayaks. A reviewer shared, "Canoe and kayak rentals for more adventures on the river."
  • Wildlife Watching: Wild River State Park Campground is great for spotting deer and other wildlife. One camper noted, "We spotted three white-tail deer."

What campers like:

  • Privacy: Campers appreciate the spacious sites at Lebanon Hills Regional Park. A visitor said, "We were very surprised at the privacy of our site."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds, such as Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve, are noted for their cleanliness. One reviewer remarked, "Shower facilities are very nice."
  • Convenient Location: Campgrounds like William O'Brien State Park Campground are close to the Twin Cities, making them ideal for quick getaways. A camper mentioned, "It’s a great park conveniently located near the twin cities."

What you should know:

  • No Alcohol Allowed: Some campgrounds, like Interstate State Park, have strict rules against alcohol. A visitor noted, "NO alcohol allowed."
  • Limited Amenities: Campgrounds such as Lake Elmo County Park Reserve lack showers and toilets. One camper pointed out, "Only portapotties."
  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. A reviewer at Lake Maria State Park warned, "The mosquitos were awful."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Spacious Sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites, like Wild River State Park Campground, where one camper said, "The sites are secluded by sumac trees."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to check out nearby attractions. A family at Afton State Park Campground enjoyed the trails, stating, "Great trails for all different skill levels."
  • Pack Bug Spray: With the presence of mosquitoes, it's essential to bring bug spray. A visitor at Lake Maria State Park advised, "Be prepared with bug spray/repellant!"

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve mentioned, "RV pads are gravel."
  • Look for Electric Hookups: Many campgrounds, like Lebanon Hills Regional Park, offer electric hookups. A camper noted, "The RV portion has full hookups."
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Some RVers have experienced noise from nearby sites. A visitor at Interstate State Park shared, "People in RVs tend to not recognize their voices penetrate tent walls with incredible ease."

Camping around Oakdale, MN, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

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.

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