Campgrounds surrounding St. Louis Park, Minnesota provide a range of developed facilities within a short drive of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Lebanon Hills Regional Park in Eagan and Baker Park Reserve in Medina represent the primary established campgrounds, offering amenities for tent camping, RV sites, and cabin accommodations. Most developed sites feature electric hookups, drinking water, and modern restroom facilities. Lake Elmo County Park Reserve and Bunker Hills Regional Park expand the mixed-use campground options with additional recreational opportunities including swimming areas, hiking trails, and boat access points. The convenient locations make these campgrounds ideal weekend getaways for St. Louis Park residents seeking outdoor recreation without traveling far from home.
Seasonal considerations affect campground availability throughout the region, with most facilities operating from late April through mid-October. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for weekend stays during summer months when campgrounds frequently reach capacity. Many county and regional parks require advance booking through their respective reservation systems, with sites becoming available 3-6 months ahead of arrival dates. Winter camping options are limited, though some parks offer year-round cabin rentals. Road access to campgrounds remains well-maintained throughout the camping season, with paved entrances and gravel interior roads suitable for most vehicles. One camper noted, "Baker Park near Minneapolis was our camp choice for inexpensive camping on the last leg of our Minnesota vacation. This is one of the cleanest camps I've ever stayed at."
Campers consistently highlight the proximity of natural features despite being near urban areas. Lake access represents a significant draw at several campgrounds, with swimming beaches, boat launches, and fishing opportunities available. Lebanon Hills receives praise for its trail system and recreational amenities, with one visitor commenting that it "has everything for the family. Schultz Beach for summer fun. Professional built mtn bike trails for adventure. Camping in Minnesota suburbs." Privacy levels vary considerably between campgrounds, with some offering more secluded sites than others. Lake Elmo Park Reserve features both drive-in sites and more private hike-in camping areas. Most developed campgrounds provide standard amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and access to firewood purchases. Noise levels remain relatively low at most locations despite their proximity to the metropolitan area, though weekend occupancy tends to be high during peak summer months.
$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."
$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."
$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."
$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."
$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"
"The site was spacious and private-surrounded on 3 sides by trees. The bathrooms were clean. The pool area was clean and without issue."
"Sites are close to each other, but easy access, clean grounds and facilities, friendly staff, and a K9 fenced area for a pet friendly campground."
"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."
$15 - $18 / night
"This campground even has 2 walking/hike-in campsites to give your avid campers a real out-in-the-middle-of-nowhere kind if feel, like you drove hundreds if miles to get away from the hustle and bussle"
"But the Eady walk to the lake, sitting on the dock or the grass and swimming III m the water are a great way to destress."
$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."
$16 - $50 / night
"I imagine in the middle of summer, it might feel slightly less secluded as there are 3 other sites relatively close by, one of which you have to walk through to get to this one, but in early September,"
"The access to water is really nice and a couple sites were perfect. The hike in sites are super close to the car so it doesn’t even require much work. Plan to come here again!"
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
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.
GuideThis place is spectacular,u have to walk down to the creek. God's work. Beautiful
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.
TravelerWell maintained. Nice beach.
TravelerBeen camping here year round for 20+ years. Free, first come first served rustic hike/cart in sites with steel fire ring/grill. There are 4 official sites and 2 more unofficial sites with no fire ring.
If you camp with animals: Sites all sit directly off walking trail very popular with dog walkers.
GuideSmall pullout area on state forest land. Can walk trail back to tent.
Camping spots near St. Louis Park, Minnesota range from primitive sites to full-hookup RV parks, with most operating from April through October. Winter temperatures typically drop below freezing, with summer averages around 80°F. Many campgrounds in the region maintain dedicated swimming areas with filtered water or natural lake access, creating family-friendly environments within 30 minutes of the metropolitan area.
Hiking trail networks: Bunker Hills Regional Park offers miles of both paved and unpaved trails throughout its 1,600-acre property. "There are park pavilions and a water park connected to the campsite, a gold course nearby, and shops, too - but the actual campsite, bike/walking/horse trails make you forget all of that," notes one camper.
Water recreation: Lake Auburn Campground provides a swimming beach with shade umbrellas and a fishing dock on its namesake lake. A visitor reports, "The beach area looks nice" and "Lake Auburn's sites are all along a one way road that loops through the campground."
Mountain biking: Lebanon Hills Regional Park features purpose-built mountain biking trails separate from hiking paths. "Great biking and hiking trails. Great amenities. Close to the zoo as well as the city," writes one reviewer who gave the park five stars.
Site privacy levels: Campsites at Baker Campground offer varying degrees of seclusion. "The sites are good sized, and the bathroom/showers are great. With great fishing, playground, swimming, and biking trails very nearby, the kids were kept as busy as they wanted to be," explains one reviewer.
Proximity to attractions: Many campgrounds provide easy access to metropolitan amenities while maintaining natural settings. A camper at Dakotah Meadows RV Park notes, "Very convenient for visiting Minneapolis—25/30 minutes from airport/Mall of America (Aquarium) and Security patrols regularly."
Clean facilities: Regional parks maintain high standards for bathroom and shower facilities. At Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park, "The check in staff was friendly, helpful and efficient. She gave us the info we needed for wood and other campgrounds in the area. Our site was clear, flat and grassy, and had an established fire pit."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly during summer months, especially on weekends. A Lake Auburn visitor advises, "I bought new camping gear and this campground, given its proximity to our house, made for an easy weekend getaway to give the gear a trial run."
Site spacing considerations: Some private campgrounds place units close together. A Minneapolis Northwest KOA camper notes, "The KOA was nice and clean but you're packed in on top of each other like sardines in a can."
Seasonal limitations: Lake Elmo County Park Reserve and similar parks typically operate with defined seasons. "We stayed the last night of their camping season and were able to utilize water and electric hookups," reports one visitor who appreciated the "really well maintained" facilities.
Swimming options: Several parks feature dedicated swimming areas with enhanced facilities. Lake Elmo provides "a home made lake that has a sand bottom but it has chlorine like a pool so no weeds. Great for swimming."
Playground access: County parks invest in quality play equipment. At Bunker Hills, one visitor reports the park is "perfect for kids, they have a water park with a wave pool, a disc golf course, a golf course, several pavilions with grills, a few playgrounds and plenty of trails both paved and unpaved."
Weekend programming: Some parks offer scheduled activities for children. According to one Lake Elmo camper, "On Saturday nights they have a campground program for the kids and families to watch. Very organized and clean facilities."
Hookup availability: Most county and regional parks offer electric service but limited water and sewer connections. Town & Country Campground visitor noted, "The site we're in is w&e only but they have a dump station. It appears to be sold out for the weekend so book ahead."
Site dimensions: Consider rig size when booking. At Lebanon Hills, "Sites with full hookups or more remote sites with electric that are more tucked away in the pines" allow for different camping experiences, according to one reviewer.
Leveling requirements: Several campgrounds feature uneven terrain. Baker Park campers advise checking site details before booking, with one reporting that site C14 has "super peaceful vibes, nice tree cover, flat tent pad, and plenty of space to spread out."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds in St. Louis Park?
While St. Louis Park itself has limited camping options, several excellent campgrounds are located within a short drive. Lebanon Hills Regional Park offers a family-friendly experience with miles of hiking trails, mountain biking, and a beach—perfect for weekend getaways. Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve is another top choice, providing clean facilities and affordable rates near Minneapolis. Both offer convenient suburban camping experiences with various recreational activities. Other highly-rated options in the greater Twin Cities area include William O'Brien State Park and Lake Elmo County Park Reserve, each providing unique outdoor experiences within easy driving distance of St. Louis Park.
What are the most affordable camping options in St. Louis Park?
Budget-conscious campers near St. Louis Park have several affordable options. Cannon River Wilderness Area offers free camping in a beautiful riverside setting. Sites are accessible via a short 10-minute walk from parking, perfect for hammock camping along the water. High Island Creek Park provides another economical option with sites nestled in a scenic forested gulley. For those with RVs looking to save money, Cabela's in Rogers allows overnight parking, though it's worth noting the location experiences highway noise. Budget travelers might also consider Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground, which offers reasonable rates with access to numerous walking trails. These options provide cost-effective alternatives without sacrificing natural beauty or basic amenities.
Are there any lakefront camping options in St. Louis Park?
Lake Elmo County Park Reserve offers excellent lakefront camping with impressive amenities including a filtered swimming pond with a sandy beach and built-in umbrellas. The park features modern campsites with partial shade and easy access to boating, swimming, and hiking. Another excellent option is Minneapolis Northwest KOA, which provides waterfront sites with convenient access for both boats and RVs. For those willing to venture slightly further, Lake Auburn Campground near Victoria offers beautiful lakeside camping with drive-in, boat-in, and walk-in access options. These locations provide the perfect mix of water recreation and comfortable camping experiences within reasonable driving distance of St. Louis Park.
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