Best Campgrounds near Sandstone, MN

Jay Cooke State Park Campground stands out among the camping options near Sandstone, Minnesota, with hiking trails that range from easy walks to more challenging routes. Wild River State Park Campground sits right by the water, making it good for campers who want to canoe or take walks along the river. Interstate State Park draws many campers because of its interesting rock formations and hiking paths. You can drive to all these campgrounds without much trouble on decent roads, though it's smart to check conditions if there's been heavy rain, especially during busy times. Jay Cooke provides bear boxes and picnic tables at their sites. Wild River has the basics covered with restrooms and places to get water. If you don't mind fewer amenities, Mille Lacs Kathio State Park has a more back-to-basics setup, but you can learn about the area's history and archaeological sites while you're there. Keep Minnesota's changing weather in mind when you plan your trip, particularly in spring and fall when it can shift quickly. The summer months work well for swimming and longer hikes when it's warmer. Winter camping is doable but you'll need to prepare for the cold. Remember to take all your trash with you and follow Leave No Trace practices. The campgrounds around Sandstone have something for everyone, whether you want excitement or quiet time outdoors.

Best Camping Sites Near Sandstone, Minnesota (164)

    1. Banning State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Sandstone, MN
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (320) 245-2668

    $24 - $34 / night

    "Park is close to Sandstone for any last minute needs.

    • Campground is off and a bit sequestered from the rest of the hiking and kayaking, which is nice."

    "The Quarry Loop along the Kettle River has a ton of history, allowing you to explore the remains of the 130+ year old sandstone quarry."

    2. Banning RV Park and Campground

    8 Reviews
    Finlayson, MN
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (612) 390-0415

    $25 - $60 / night

    "And, actually, it may be your go-to option even if campsites at Banning are available, because this RV campground is located only½ mile from the Banning State Park entrance, and because it is at a higher"

    "Close to stores and town but surrounded by enough of the outdoors to feel secluded. Would highly recommend this campground."

    3. Grand Casino RV Resort

    7 Reviews
    Hinckley, MN
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 468-3517

    "We booked our stay at the RV Resort so we wouldn't have to drive two and a half hours back and forth during the two day Grand RockTember Music Festival."

    "Adjacent to a large casino with hotels and restaurants. Less than two miles from I35. Best thing is that when we arrived at our spot, there was a tree that needed trimming."

    4. Robinson Park Camping

    5 Reviews
    Sandstone, MN
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (320) 245-5241

    $10 - $30 / night

    "This campground is really great, the main downside is that in order to pay the fee you have to drive to City Hall which is about 2 miles away."

    "I wanted to be close to Banning State Park without the reservations. Early spring in Minnesota left us little cover between sites, but we were the only ones there."

    5. Willow River

    5 Reviews
    Moose Lake, MN
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (320) 245-2668

    "Kind of off the beaten path. You have to take the Willow River exit and go through the town a little bit. There's a small sign next to the Squirrel Cage restaurant and bar."

    "Located a few miles from the soo line trail.  A little bit smaller of a location and traffic.  Offers outhouses and water.  In town amenities close by."

    6. Old Logging Trail — St. Croix State Park

    9 Reviews
    Danbury, MN
    18 miles
    Website

    "Site 207 was especially tucked in but it's a tight spot, so probably best for a van or tent. 

    The park itself has a lot to offer being right on the St."

    "This is Minnesota’s largest state park and has over 200 camp sites. But where we were, we were secluded from most people. Not from the mosquitos. You had to defend against them. But clean park."

    7. Pathfinder Village-St Croix

    1 Review
    Hinckley, MN
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (320) 384-7985

    "Close to Hinckley if you're looking for things to do!"

    8. Boulder

    11 Reviews
    Danbury, MN
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (320) 384-6591

    "My only complaint was how bad the mosquitos were... but it's Minnesota."

    "We had an all around great time. The campsites were all pretty secluded. We got there around 10am on a Friday and there were a couple sites taken but the rest were up for grabs."

    9. Moose Lake State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Moose Lake, MN
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 485-5420

    $30 / night

    "The trails are nice walking trails with picturesque views of the lake. Campsite fee was $23, vehicle registration $7 for the day, firewood $6 for the day."

    "Unbelievable AGATE MUSEUM at the main entrance. Men’s bathroom was very clean and showers worked great. Nice well groomed trails, well maintained campsites and campgrounds."

    10. Riverview Campground — St. Croix State Park

    7 Reviews
    Danbury, MN
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (320) 280-7880

    $25 - $35 / night

    "This is one of my favorite state parks for last minute camping trips due to its proximity to home."

    "There is a modern restroom and shower, it is also located near a nature store."

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Showing results 1-10 of 164 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Sandstone, MN

490 Reviews of 164 Sandstone Campgrounds



Guide to Sandstone

Camping near Sandstone, Minnesota, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to relax or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Jay Cooke State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "The hike in is easy, but once you are off the main trail... be prepared for lots of ticks." So, keep an eye out for those little critters!
  • Water Activities: At Interstate State Park, you can enjoy canoeing and kayaking. A visitor shared, "The friendly folks at the park office helped me plan a fun day of hiking that included seeing glacial potholes and sandstone bluffs."
  • Wildlife Watching: Wild River State Park Campground is great for spotting deer and other wildlife. One camper noted, "The woods surrounding dense enough to obscure others while still feeling open. Also open enough to spot three white-tail deer."

What campers like:

  • Secluded Sites: Campers appreciate the privacy at Banning State Park Campground. A reviewer said, "Sites are spacious and offer lots of tree coverage for shade."
  • Clean Facilities: Many visitors enjoy the well-maintained bathrooms at Interstate State Park. One camper remarked, "The restrooms and shower houses were super clean!!"
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful landscapes at Amnicon Falls State Park Campground. A visitor mentioned, "Big sites. Trails around the Amnicon River and at least three waterfalls."

What you should know:

  • No Alcohol Allowed: Many campgrounds, like Jay Cooke State Park Campground, have strict no-alcohol policies. A camper noted, "NO alcohol allowed."
  • Limited Amenities: Some sites, such as Mille Lacs Kathio State Park, may not have water available. One camper said, "We were dry camping in the RV since there was no water."
  • Busy on Weekends: Expect crowds during weekends, especially at popular spots like Wild River State Park Campground. A visitor shared, "It was relatively busy on the weekend but cleared out during the week."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Sites: Look for campgrounds with spacious sites like Pattison State Park Campground. A camper mentioned, "Huge, wonderful pull-thru sites. Wooded for privacy."
  • Plan for Bugs: Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially in the summer. One camper at Wild River State Park Campground noted, "It was buggy (mosquitoes) but fire and bug spray kept it manageable."
  • Engage in Nature Activities: Encourage kids to explore nature trails. A visitor at Father Hennepin State Park Campground said, "Hiking was great, we saw an albino deer on the hiking club trail!"

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Banning State Park Campground mentioned, "Some sites (12e) are hard to back a trailer into because the main road is VERY NARROW."
  • Bring Drinking Water: Many campgrounds, like Mille Lacs Kathio State Park, may not have potable water. One camper advised, "BRING DRINKING WATER! The water is VERY RUSTY!"
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Respect quiet hours, especially in family-friendly areas. A visitor at Interstate State Park noted, "People in RVs... tend to not recognize their voices penetrate tent walls with incredible ease."

Camping near Sandstone, Minnesota, has something for everyone. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Sandstone, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, Sandstone, MN offers a wide range of camping options, with 164 campgrounds and RV parks near Sandstone, MN and 9 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Sandstone, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Sandstone, MN is Banning State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 34 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Sandstone, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 free dispersed camping spots near Sandstone, MN.

What parks are near Sandstone, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Sandstone, MN that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.