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.
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