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."
"It was very easy to find, close to the twin cities, and clean. There was good access to kindling for a fire in the nice fire pit that has a grill."
"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"
$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."
"Beach was closed but we still got some good walks in. Fire ring was a little shallow for my liking so had to get some solid coals going to get dinner on the table."
$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"
"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."
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
TravelerStaying here currently & they have been very accommodating, friendly & flexible. Water & electric hookup but no sewer however there is a dump station, a bathhouse with real toilets & nice showers. Pretty quiet for being so close to the main highway. My cats are able to free roam the property & my dog can be tied up outside. Usually pretty nice neighbors too.
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.
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.
RangerBeautiful setting along the Mississippi River. A few campsites right on the river edge. Also sites with Electric.
Across the railroad tracks is the nice little village of Stockholm which is famous for the PIE Shop. The village also has a wonderful bakery and other small shops and cafes.
A very nice Nature Center outside of town with great prairie trails and views overlooking the Mississippi River up high in the bluffs.
The campground does NOT have showers.
Campground does not have sewage dumping station.
The campground is located close to the railroad tracks but the trains go through fast and were not as bad as we expected.
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.
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
