St. Paul camping options extend beyond the metro area into surrounding natural areas, with sites available for both weekend getaways and extended stays. Most campgrounds within an hour of St. Paul remain open from April through October, though some RV parks operate year-round. The region's camping areas range from suburban parks with urban conveniences to more secluded retreats along rivers and lakes.
What to do
Water recreation access: At Country Camping Tent & RV Park on the Rum River, visitors can enjoy river activities with rental options. "The tubing is a plus. Key thing is the river is very clean and sandy bottom," notes David G. The park offers kayak, canoe, and tube rentals for floating the Rum River back to the campground.
Hiking trails: Many regional parks maintain extensive trail systems suitable for day hikes from your campsite. Baker Park Reserve features paved trails that connect throughout the park system. "There are nice paved trails around a couple of lakes/ponds for biking, and easy access to the shower and bathroom facilities," reports ERolf P.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer swimming areas for cooling off during summer months. Country Camping RV Park provides a heated pool and splash pad. "Fun Fun Fun... Floating on the Rum River, swimming pool with splash pad, little camp store, Golf cart rentals! Our grandkids love it too!" shares Carol H.
Fishing opportunities: Many campgrounds provide shoreline fishing access or boat launches. Lakes near campgrounds contain various fish species accessible from shore or small watercraft. The Rum River at Country Camping offers fishing opportunities with "very clean and sandy bottom" according to reviewers.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve provides generous campsites with good separation. "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," writes Bryan S.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently praise the maintenance standards at regional parks. "The bathroom/shower was among some of the nicest I've used at a campground. The shower stall was big enough for a meaty human like myself to shower comfortably. And you can tell the staff takes good care of the facilities," notes Joanne M. about Lebanon Hills Regional Park.
Natural seclusion: Despite proximity to urban areas, several parks offer surprisingly private sites. "We liked that we weren't super close to any campers unlike most RV spots are nowadays," reports Angela L. about Lebanon Hills. Another camper mentions that tent sites at Lebanon Hills "are far enough from each other that neighbors can't be seen, and we didn't hear them either."
Convenience to attractions: Proximity to Twin Cities amenities while maintaining a natural setting appeals to many. "Convenient location... Facilities were really well maintained. We stayed the last night of their camping season and were able to utilize water and electric hookups," explains Robert B. about Lake Elmo County Park Reserve.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Regional parks fill quickly during peak season. A Lebanon Hills camper advises, "Reserve early online, most weekends were already reserved by mid May." This applies to most parks in the region, especially for holiday weekends.
Weather considerations: Minnesota camping seasons run primarily April through October. Shoulder seasons may have limited services, as one camper at Dakotah Meadows RV Park noted: "The water wasn't turned on yet, but we were able to fill our fresh water tank with a hose from their laundromat."
Noise factors: Some campgrounds experience road noise or other urban sounds. "The only criticisms we have are that you can hear road noise — and depending on your site you'll hear the alarm of one of the access gates for the Minnesota Zoo," mentions a Lebanon Hills camper. At Dakotah Meadows, a visitor suggested choosing "a site further from one of the main roads into Mystic Lake Casino. We heard a lot of traffic coming and going well into the wee hours of the night."
Site selection considerations: Different loops or sections within parks offer varying experiences. At Lebanon Hills, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Cleary Lake Regional Park offers water access and recreational amenities for children. "I really like the hike in sites. Short walk from the car and right by the water yet spaced nicely for privacy," notes Jeff C. The park provides easy water access from several campsites.
Swimming amenities: Lake Elmo Park Reserve features a unique swimming facility. "They have a home made lake that has a sand bottom but it has chlorine like a pool so no weeds. Great for swimming," explains Timothy S. This filtered swimming pond provides the beach experience without typical lake concerns.
Diverse activities: Baker Park Reserve offers numerous family options. "With great fishing, playground, swimming, and biking trails very nearby, the kids were kept as busy as they wanted to be," shares a camper. The park also features "a nice 6+mile biking trail that connects to others, so bring the bikes."
Group camping options: Several parks accommodate large family gatherings. At Cleary Lake, "We always stay at the Cleary point group camp and we love it. It used to have toilets but last year only had a port-a-potty... The camp is great though, 4 or 5 hookups and a private dock and the whole site is private and on a little point so the lake is surrounding you."
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Verify actual site sizes when booking, as listed dimensions may not tell the full story. At Lebanon Hills, "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," advises Davis D.
Casino RV options: Tresure Island RV Park offers shuttle service to its casino. "There is a shuttle to the casino and at 7pm folks seemed to clear out to head over. It was honestly one of the quietest campgrounds we've been to on a Friday night," reports Ashley K. The park has "cement parking pads with full hookups" and "is right next to the hotel/casino and very much within walking distance."
Full hookup availability: Several RV parks near St. Paul offer complete services. Dakotah Meadows RV Park provides concrete pull-throughs with full hookups. "Sites are 60+ feet, concrete and level. Each site has their own fire pit," notes one camper. The park also offers an RV wash bay and fuel pumps on site.
Pet considerations: For RVers with dogs, surface materials matter. At Treasure Island, "It's mostly gravel but they have some tent sites on the grass. They are dog friendly and have some grassy areas to walk your pets which was great." This contrasts with Dakotah Meadows where a visitor noted, "the fact that it's all asphalt and rock is a bit of a bummer but we are close to the exercise area."
