T 
Traveler
TravelerLake Byllesby Regional Park
Nice beach
Well maintained. Nice beach.
Best Campgrounds near St. Paul, MN
Campgrounds near St. Paul, Minnesota range from fully developed parks to more rustic settings, all within an hour's drive of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Lebanon Hills Regional Park in Eagan and Lake Elmo County Park Reserve offer both tent and RV camping with electric hookups, while Afton State Park provides a more natural experience with hike-in tent sites and cabins. William O'Brien State Park, located about 45 minutes northeast of St. Paul along the St. Croix River, features drive-in campsites, walk-in tent areas, and cabin accommodations. Most campgrounds in the region maintain well-developed facilities including picnic tables, fire rings, and access to drinking water.
The camping season for most parks runs from April through October, with limited winter availability at select locations. "Lebanon Hills is a beautiful county park only a few minutes from Minneapolis / St. Paul. The park streets and sites are asphalt. The campground is part of a very large county park offering many activities," noted one visitor. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for summer weekends and holidays when sites fill quickly. Many campgrounds feature both electric and non-electric sites, with some offering full hookups for RVs including water and sewer connections. Cell service varies by location but remains generally reliable throughout the region, with occasional weak spots in more wooded areas. Most parks enforce quiet hours and have specific regulations regarding pets, alcohol, and campfires.
The proximity to both urban amenities and natural features makes the St. Paul area appealing for weekend camping trips. Several visitors mentioned the convenience of being close to the city while still enjoying nature. According to one camper, "Afton State Park is close to St. Paul, and has the best hiking trails!" Water recreation opportunities abound, with many campgrounds situated near lakes or rivers. Lake Elmo County Park Reserve features a filtered swimming pond with a sandy beach, while campgrounds along the St. Croix River provide opportunities for paddling and fishing. Hiking trails are prevalent throughout the region, with Lebanon Hills offering extensive trail networks for hiking and mountain biking. Wildlife viewing opportunities include deer, various bird species, and occasional fox sightings in the more natural areas.
Best Camping Sites Near St. Paul, Minnesota (120)
1. Lebanon Hills Regional Park
43 ReviewsApple Valley, MN12 milesWebsite+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"
"Lebanon Hills is a beautiful county park only a few minutes from Minneapolis / St. Paul. We stayed three nights. Most of the sites are not shady, but there are woods and shade nearby."
2. Lake Elmo County Park Reserve
37 ReviewsLake Elmo, MN10 milesWebsite+1 (651) 430-8370$23 - $80 / night
"Well placed sites nestled near lovely walking trails - Very nice water hook ups and electric- well maintained! Loved this Camping Site!"
"just east of st. paul - 2000 acres with 2 lakes and a swimming pond"
3. Afton State Park Campground
37 ReviewsAfton, MN17 milesWebsite+1 (651) 436-5391$22 - $85 / night
"This park is close to St. Paul, and has the best hiking trails! Highly recommend."
"It's a mere 40 minutes or so from Minneapolis-St. Paul and it's a great beginner campground for backpackers."
4. Willow River State Park Campground
62 ReviewsHudson, WI21 milesWebsite+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."
5. Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park
17 ReviewsLino Lakes, MN16 milesWebsite+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."
"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."
6. St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park
20 ReviewsDenmark, MN18 milesWebsite+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"
7. William O'Brien State Park Campground
39 ReviewsMarine on St. Croix, MN26 milesWebsite+1 (651) 539-4980$25 - $90 / night
"We bike from St. Paul to William O. It is a nice 40 mile ride mostly on paved or limestone trails. You are close to your neighbor here, but really enjoy it."
"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."
8. Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve
38 ReviewsMaple Plain, MN27 milesWebsite+1 (763) 694-7662$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."
9. Bunker Hills Regional Park
16 ReviewsCoon Rapids, MN20 milesWebsite+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. Rice Creek Campgrounds
7 ReviewsLino Lakes, MN16 milesWebsite+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."
"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."
Recent Camping Photos near St. Paul, MN
255 Photos of 120 St. Paul Campgrounds
Kelly H.
Lake Elmo County Park Reserve
Jason S.
Lebanon Hills Regional Park
Mackenzie G.
Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park
Amy G.
Rice Creek Campgrounds
Steph H.
Afton State Park Campground
Daryl L.
St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park
Jennifer H.
Town & Country Campground & RV Park
Joslyn H.
Bunker Hills Regional Park
Mitch R.
Willow River State Park Campground
Lili R.
Cleary Lake Regional Park
Zach H.
Minneapolis Northwest KOA
Krista T.
William O'Brien State Park Campground
Recent Reviews near St. Paul, MN
821 Reviews of 120 St. Paul Campgrounds
- TTraveler
Cannon River Wilderness Area
Year round free camping
Been 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.
- JJon E.
GuideSouth of Sand Dunes State Forest
Tents or small truck camper only
Small pullout area on state forest land. Can walk trail back to tent.
Jay W.
LegendInterstate Park — Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway
Great park, plenty around the area...BUT THE NOISE!!!
Interstate Park in Wisconsin is just south of HWY 8 on HWY 35. The entrance is located on the west side of HWY 35 in the town of St. Croix Falls. St Croix Falls is a small town with a nice downtown on the river with plenty of restaurants (Dalles House Restaurant and Lounge is a favorite) and places for necessities. There are coffee shops, hotels and even a Wal-Mart nearby. There is also a casino in the town of Turtle Lake about 30 mins away.
The park is home to the western terminus of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail that covers 1200 miles through Wisconsin. The park also offers a Ice Age Interpretive Center which boasts interactive activities and displays of the last Ice Age. The park is also home to several other trails worth discovering.
There are two campgrounds in the park, a North and South campground as well as two group campsites. The South is a bit more rustic. The showers are located at the North campground.
For amenities there are flush toilets and showers. There is a sandy swimming area available as well as boat launch and other water activities.
This park is beautiful especially being on the cliffs of the St. Croix River offering spectacular views through out the park and the area. You can even take the bridge over to Taylor Falls Park Minnesota for more spectacular views as well as other shopping options. If you take this trip, Taylor Falls Park will be on the South and your shopping options will be to your North.
Even being in such a wonderful location with plenty of activities and amenities, I find the camping hard to enjoy at this park for all the noise that generates from the hwy crossing over the river. The sound especially of the semi trucks and their brakes that go all night long. This is the big reason for the average rating for this campground.
T S.GuideSouth of Sand Dunes State Forest
Loved it!
Nice spot right on the lake. Lots of animal noises! Pretty sunrise/sunset.
Greg M.GuideSouth of Sand Dunes State Forest
Good spot for a night
Got in late on a Sunday night and there was plenty of space. Most sites are right along the gravel road so not super private. Wouldn’t recommend for large trailers/RVs as sites are small. Found a couple sets of deer bones right next to my site, not sure if it’s from hunters dumping their waste or coyotes but keep an eye out either way.
DIANNE T.GuideSouth of Sand Dunes State Forest
Girl on first car camping trip
Kind of confusing for first time. Was not sure where I could camp. But then found out it's the spots right along road. Beautiful. Some good spots. Ended up in a pull thru around w view.
Blake K.
ScoutFrontenac State Park Campground
Beautiful Views
You have clear views of the River and Valley from the campgrounds.
CindyTravelerAvatan Family Nudist Campground
"Family-Friendly" in Name Only: A Cautionary Tale from a Disillusioned Par
We visited Avatan Nudist Campground last July with our two kids (ages 8 and 11) for what was supposed to be a wholesome, body-positive family getaway. The website and brochures paint a perfect picture: serene woods, a sparkling pool, family activities, and a "welcoming community" vibe. And on the surface? Yeah, the grounds are stunning—pristine trails, a well-maintained pool. The facilities are clean, the staff (mostly) polite, and the natural setting is genuinely relaxing. If you're just looking for a quiet spot to shed your clothes and unwind in nature, it checks those boxes.
But dig a little deeper, and Avatan reveals itself as something else entirely—a place that's quietly optimized for adult fun, with kids as an inconvenient footnote they have to tolerate to keep the "family" label. From the moment we arrived, it was clear the real energy was elsewhere. Evenings around the fire pits and at the "Squirrel's" (code for the bar area) had this unmistakable swinger-party undercurrent. Lots of lingering glances, couples disappearing into the woods or private cabins, and a vibe that felt more like a discreet resort for the lifestyle crowd than a spot for building sandcastles with the little ones. Our kids picked up on it fast—whispers about "grown-up games" and awkward questions we had to deflect. The camp "tolerates" families, sure, but it's obvious the core membership would prefer a child-free zone. Activities for kids are minimal: a basic playground and the occasional nature hike, while the adults get themed nights, "sensual yoga," and late-night mixers that go until dawn.
What really soured the experience was the toxic underbelly of the community itself. This place is a powder keg of power struggles, with a small cadre of long-time board members and "elders" locked in a perpetual cold war. Gossip flows like the creek itself—endless whispers about who's sleeping with whom, who's "stealing" prime cabin spots, or who's cozying up to the President for favors. We overheard more drama in one week than in a season of reality TV. Cliques form fast: the "party crew" vs. the "purists," the swingers vs. the swingers-who-pretend-they're-not. As newcomers (and parents, no less), we felt like outsiders crashing a private club. Smiles were surface-level; the second you stepped away, the backstabbing started.
And then there's the elephant in the (clothing-optional) room: the camp's ugly history with sexual predators. We didn't know it going in, but after a few days, the stories trickled out from sympathetic members—multiple incidents over the years involving members who turned out to be registered offenders or worse, preying on the vulnerable in this "trust-based" environment. The rules around anonymity are ironclad: no photos, no last names, "what happens at Avatan stays at Avatan." It's sold as protecting privacy in a nudist space, which sounds noble until you realize it shields the creeps. Anyone who dares speak up—whether it's a parent noticing a sketchy guy lingering too long near the kids' area or a survivor sharing a red flag—is immediately branded a "troublemaker," "paranoid," or "anti-community." We've heard of families getting shamed in group meetings, then quietly asked to leave for "disrupting the harmony." Evictions happen fast if you rock the boat, all in the name of keeping the peace and the paying members happy.
Look, we're no prudes. Nudism can be liberating, and we've been to other resorts where it felt truly inclusive and safe. But Avatan? It's a divided house built on denial. The adult-party atmosphere thrives because the kids are an afterthought, and the predator problem festers because calling it out gets you exiled. If you're a child-free couple into the full swinger scene, this might be your paradise—plenty of like-minded folks and zero judgment. But if you're a family hoping for that advertised "safe, empowering space"? Steer clear. Your kids deserve better than being tolerated in a place where silence is golden and the wrong questions get you blacklisted. We won't be back, and I hope this review saves someone else the regret.
Guide to St. Paul
Camping sites near St. Paul, Minnesota range from rustic tent areas to full-service RV parks within a 45-minute drive radius. The region sits at the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers with elevations ranging from 687 to 1,071 feet, creating diverse terrain for campers. Summer temperatures typically average 70-85°F during peak camping season, with humidity levels often exceeding 70% in July and August.
What to do
Paddling opportunities: Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park offers multiple connecting waterways perfect for kayaking. "Nice little lake to kayak on," notes Chris S. of Lebanon Hills, while Rice Creek itself provides a gentle current for beginners.
Hiking trails: Willow River State Park Campground features both paved and unpaved trails with waterfall views. "We did SO many miles hiking! And at certain points in the river, you are able to get in and swim," reports Sarah L. The park has trails ranging from short quarter-mile loops to challenging 3.5-mile routes with significant elevation changes.
Mountain biking: Lebanon Hills Regional Park maintains extensive trail networks specifically designed for mountain biking. One visitor mentioned, "Great biking and hiking trails. Great amenities. Close to the zoo as well as the city," according to Rico R. The trail system includes over 12 miles of single-track trails with varying difficulty levels.
Swimming options: Lake Elmo County Park Reserve features a unique filtered swimming pond with a sandy beach area. Timothy S. explains, "They have a home made lake that has a sand bottom but it has chlorine like a pool so no weeds. Great for swimming."
What campers like
Natural privacy: At Afton State Park, campsites offer seclusion through natural features. "The terrain is just hilly enough - and in August - the grass long enough to give the sites a sense of privacy and seclusion," writes Andrew C. The park's walk-in sites require a short hike but reward with greater separation from neighboring campers.
Proximity to amenities: Baker Park Reserve balances nature with convenience. "This campground is a gem so very close to the Twin Cities. The sites are good sized, and the bathroom/showers are great. With great fishing, playground, swimming, and biking trails very nearby," Bryan S. explains. Most sites are within a five-minute walk of bathroom facilities.
Diverse accommodation options: Afton State Park Campground offers alternatives beyond tent camping. "Perfect little cabin nestled in the southern half of the park! Screened in porch, heated with electricity, and two double bunk beds!" reports Alison O. about the Eastern Bluebird camper cabin. The park also features yurts, which Jason S. notes are "perfect for family camping, especially in Fall, Winter and Spring."
Clean facilities: St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park maintains high standards for its amenities. "Spacious sites and very clean restrooms!" notes Daryl L., while another camper mentioned the "clean updated bathrooms" as a highlight of their experience.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak summer months. For Lebanon Hills, one visitor advised, "Reserve early online, most weekends were already reserved by mid May."
Off-season availability: William O'Brien State Park Campground and several others remain open year-round, though with limited services. "I visited William O'Brien in the middle of February with two college roommates... The cabin we stayed in felt very welcoming," shares David K.
Wildlife encounters: Raccoons frequently visit campsites throughout the region. At St. Croix Bluffs, Lizzy Z. warns, "We didn't spot any [bears] on the trail but we did get visited by raccoons both nights so be sure to clean and put away food AND garbage before calling it a night."
Alcohol policies: Policies vary by park. While Lake Elmo and Afton State Park prohibit alcohol, other parks like St. Croix Bluffs have different rules. Rikki I. notes that St. Croix Bluffs "is a dry park" while mentioning nearby options: "Quick trip to Prescott for bloodies at Muddy Waters."
Tips for camping with families
Filtered swimming areas: Lake Elmo County Park Reserve offers a unique swimming experience ideal for children. Steph H. describes it as "their filtered pond, which was amazing" and notes there's "an insane playground" nearby. The swimming pond maintains clearer water than natural lakes, with lifeguards on duty weekends from 11am-7pm.
Educational programs: William O'Brien State Park hosts regular nature programs for children on summer weekends. According to one visitor, "On Saturday nights they have a campground program for the kids and families to watch."
Multi-activity sites: Bunker Hills Regional Park combines camping with numerous family attractions. "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," explains Arielle P. The water park requires separate admission, typically $8-12 per person.
Accessible options: Rice Creek Chain of Lakes offers accessible sites for families with mobility concerns. The campground features paved paths connecting major facilities, level tent pads, and accessible restrooms, making it suitable for families with diverse needs.
Tips from RVers
Site length clarifications: Lebanon Hills campers note that published site lengths can be misleading. "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.
Hook-up availability: Bunker Hills Regional Park offers both primitive and electric sites, including some with 50 amp service. According to Doug B., "There are both primitive (tent) non-electric sites, and sites with electricity, even some 50 amp." The park limits generator use to specific areas and hours.
Early arrival recommended: St. Croix Bluffs has specific check-in procedures worth noting. One RVer mentioned, "The camp staff are very friendly and you'll need to get checked in before 9pm I believe because they close it off to paid guests after that."
Water fill stations: Rice Creek Campgrounds provides centrally located water stations. "Community water pump worked great!" reports Justin Q., though campers should note water connections aren't available at individual sites in most parks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near St. Paul, MN?
What camping is available near St. Paul, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, St. Paul, MN offers a wide range of camping options, with 120 campgrounds and RV parks near St. Paul, MN and 3 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near St. Paul, MN?
Which is the most popular campground near St. Paul, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near St. Paul, MN is Lebanon Hills Regional Park with a 4.8-star rating from 43 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near St. Paul, MN?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near St. Paul, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near St. Paul, MN.
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