Camping options near St. Michael, Minnesota include multiple equestrian facilities and family-friendly campgrounds within 20 miles of town. The area sits at approximately 950 feet elevation with a mix of prairie and woodland terrain. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F with higher humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions with temperatures between 45-70°F.
What to do
Horseback riding trails: Crow Hassan Park Reserve offers sandy prairie trails that provide excellent bug-free riding conditions. "The best place to be bug-free happens to be the sandy prairie trails, the wooded areas are nice but you may want to hustle out of there if you don't have enough bug protection," notes one equestrian camper. Another advantage for riders is that "bikes are NOT allowed on the trails."
Hiking with variety: Lake Maria State Park Campground features trails that wind through diverse terrain. A camper reports, "The hike itself is rather hilly, and the site is about a quarter mile off of the main path." Another visitor mentions the "winding wooded trails, wildflowers, and glimpses of the lake through the trees."
Swimming options: Country Camping Tent & RV Park provides water recreation beyond just basic swimming. "The campground is nice and clean. Good size spaces. The tubing is a plus... Key thing is the river is very clean and sandy bottom," notes a recent visitor. The park also features "a heated pool, splash pad area, BIG playground area, indoor game room."
What campers like
Privacy levels: Campers appreciate the varying degrees of seclusion at Ann Lake in Sand Dunes State Forest. "Sites are large with varying degrees of privacy. Well spaced out, just some have less undergrowth," explains one reviewer. Another notes, "Sites range from open and flat to secluded and a little hilly. Most sites are fairly private and well spaced."
Clean facilities: Lake Elmo County Park Reserve maintains high standards for its amenities. "Facilities were really well maintained. We didn't see the sites in daylight hours but appreciated the cleanliness of the park," says one camper. Others consistently mention the "modern and clean" bathrooms and showers.
Wildlife viewing: The natural settings provide ample wildlife watching opportunities. "We saw pileated woodpeckers, red squirrels, and a chorus of chorus frogs. Nature feels close here—in the best way," shares a visitor about Lake Maria State Park. At Baker Park Reserve, campers enjoy "the kind of birdsong that makes you forget your emails exist."
What you should know
Poison ivy presence: Ann Lake campsites have significant poison ivy in some areas. "Be aware that the undergrowth is at least 25% poison ivy. Sites are large so they are clear. If you're susceptible, not for you," warns a recent visitor.
Reservation systems vary: Most county parks require advance booking, while some state forest campgrounds operate on first-come, first-served basis. "This campground 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)," explains a camper about Ann Lake.
Cell service limitations: Coverage can be spotty in more remote areas. One Ann Lake camper notes, "2 bars of 4g service made it a little difficult to pay online over the phone. No reception in lower elevation sites." Plan accordingly if you need to stay connected.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and amenities: Baker Campground receives high marks from families for its facilities. "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," shares one family. Another adds it's "great for the active family, not those wanting privacy."
Swimming beaches: Many local campgrounds feature swimming areas specifically designed for younger visitors. Lake Elmo Park Reserve has "a home made lake that has a sand bottom but it has chlorine like a pool so no weeds. Great for swimming," making it ideal for children who might be wary of natural lakes.
Biking opportunities: Paved trails suitable for children are available at several parks. At Baker Park, visitors appreciate that "there is a nice 6+mile biking trail that connects to others, so bring the bikes." Bunker Hills Regional Park similarly offers "many paved trails around a couple of lakes/ponds for biking."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Ann Lake, RVers should carefully consider their site choice based on vehicle size. "30' class C motor home. Some overhanging branches on the road in scrape the top and sides. Campsites are nice, mowed, gravel parking," reports one RV camper. The reviewer adds that "higher elevation sites for air tv reception" are available.
Hookup availability: Electric and water connections vary significantly between parks. Country Camping offers more extensive options, with a camper noting, "This place does have 30amp and 50amp hook ups and has pull through spots and sewer sites." The reviewer adds that "max trailer length that I've seen here is 70'. Anyone can fit in here!"
Seasonal considerations: Utility availability changes with the seasons. One Lake Elmo visitor noted, "We stayed the last night of their camping season and were able to utilize water and electric hookups," suggesting campers should check whether utilities remain active during shoulder seasons.
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