Camping sites near St. Michael, Minnesota range from rustic walk-in tent sites to fully equipped RV parks, with most located within a 30-mile radius. The region features glacial moraine topography with sandy soil and scattered wetlands, creating diverse wildlife habitats throughout the camping areas. Mosquito activity peaks from June through August, especially at dusk near wooded campsites and wetland areas.
What to do
Hiking through pine stands: Sand Dunes State Forest offers miles of trails through unique sandy terrain. "I've been camping here since I was a little kid. The trails are a lot of fun... lots to see. The outhouses are kept up well and pump water road side," notes a camper who visits annually.
Mountain biking single track: Lake Rebecca Park Reserve features 13.25 miles of newly developed mountain biking trails with varying difficulty levels. "Sweet single track for mountain biking. The best kids park at any campground I've been to," reports one visitor.
Hammock camping: The mature trees at many campgrounds create ideal hammock setups. At Sand Dunes State Forest, a visitor highlighted the appeal: "I was able to walk in and find an incredible spot to camp and lay in my hammock." Most dispersed sites require 100-300 feet of walking from parking areas.
Bird watching: The wetlands and forests attract diverse bird species. "Big park! Great for birding and walking trails! One of my favorite places to go near home," mentions a regular visitor to Lake Rebecca.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Baker Campground offers well-spaced sites. "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," notes one camper.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain high standards for bathrooms and showers. One camper at Bunker Hills Regional Park shared: "The facilities are well kept, the park is patrolled by rangers and the local sheriff after closing hours. Very safe place to camp."
Walk-in sites for seclusion: Several campgrounds offer sites away from parking areas. At Lake Maria State Park, a visitor appreciated "backpack sites only...sites 1, 2, and 3 as they are a little more secluded from other sites, however 1 is fairly close to the county road so you will hear some vehicle noise overnight."
Proximity to Twin Cities: Locations allow quick escapes from urban areas. "This campground is a gem so very close to the Twin Cities. The sites are good sized, and the bathroom/showers are great," reports a Baker Campground visitor.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Many campgrounds have spotty connectivity. At South of Sand Dunes State Forest, expect "weak cell service but manageable." Visitors recommend downloading maps before arrival.
Reservation policies vary: Some campgrounds require advance booking while others operate first-come, first-served. Sand Dunes State Forest "is on a first come, first serve basis. There are no reservations for the regular sites (although I do think they might take reservations for the equestrian and group sites)."
Bug protection essential: Prepare for insects, especially during summer months. A Lake Maria visitor warned: "The black flies were dive bombing the car like a scene from Armageddon... First step onto the grassy trail exploded in a cloud of mosquitos."
Poison ivy awareness: Several campgrounds have significant poison ivy growth. At Sand Dunes State Forest, a camper noted "sites are large with varying degrees of privacy. Well spaced out, just some have less undergrowth. Be aware that the undergrowth is at least 25% poison ivy."
Tips for camping with families
Beach access for swimming: Minneapolis Northwest KOA and several other campgrounds provide water recreation. "The hosts at this campground were very nice. We had a tent site with no hook ups. The site was spacious and private-surrounded on 3 sides by trees. The bathrooms were clean. The pool area was clean and without issue."
Playground facilities: Many campgrounds feature play areas. At Bunker Hills Regional Park, "Something for everyone here! 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."
Short hiking options: Look for trails suitable for younger children. Crow Hassan Park Reserve provides "great for birding and tons of beautiful trails!" Most trails under 2 miles can be completed in under an hour with children.
Off-peak camping: Weekdays offer quieter experiences. At Sand Dunes State Forest, a visitor noted: "Took my son on his first overnight camp outside of backyard. During the week so not as many people and not busy at all. Plenty of sites to choose from and the sites have a decent separation between them."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for hookups: Baker Campground provides different levels of services. "We spent two nights in the campground. It was fairly busy, but we still felt secluded despite a full campground. There are nice paved trails around a couple of lakes/ponds for biking, and easy access to the shower and bathroom facilities."
Road conditions to dispersed sites: Access roads vary greatly in quality. In South of Sand Dunes State Forest, "For the proximity to the city and nearby highways, this was a good spot. Didn't expect to see as many campers as I did, but all seemed to be friendly. I stayed here for one night and roads were totally fine for any vehicle."
Dump station availability: Plan waste management accordingly. Most developed campgrounds like Baker Campground provide sanitary dump stations, while dispersed camping areas require pack-in, pack-out practices and have no waste facilities.
Tree clearance for larger rigs: Watch for low branches at some campgrounds. At Sand Dunes State Forest, one RVer noted "30' class C motor home. Some overhanging branches on the road in scrape the top and sides. Campsites are nice, mowed, gravel parking."
