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Best Campgrounds near Sandstone, MN

501 Reviews

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.

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Detours Nearby

Snake River Campground

Snake River Campground

29 min away

Saint Croix State Forest Boulder Campground

Saint Croix State Forest Boulder Campground

31 min away

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Best Camping Sites Near Sandstone, Minnesota (165)

    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

    6 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

    10 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 165 campgrounds

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Recent Camping Photos near Sandstone, MN

159 Photos of 165 Sandstone Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Sandstone, MN

501 Reviews of 165 Sandstone Campgrounds

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Grace Lake Road Dispersed

    Very quit night

    Stayed a night here on our way up to the boundary waters gate is very narrow had to fold the mirrors on my Tacoma to squeeze through but if you park at the entrance it’s a short walk You’re about 20 foot from the water and fishing is good

  • H
    Aug. 4, 2025

    The Backyard at Amnicon Lake

    Nice spot!

    Has all the necessities for our camper. Great little bar on grounds. Helpful and warm hosts.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Camp Waub-O-Jeeg

    Waub O Jeeg- Tent camping

    Checking was easy with owner on site. A little steep getting up to x Some of the site. Bathroom and shower house were great

  • Laura P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 29, 2025

    Boulder Woods RV Park

    Mature trees and park like setting

    Boulder Woods is mostly seasonal camping but does have RV sites for overnight and weekly camping. The park is well maintained with power and water at all sites. There is a view of Ann Lake, however, the RV park is not on the banks of the lake and does not have access to the lake.

  • The Rolling Panda ..
    Jul. 17, 2025

    Old Logging Trail — St. Croix State Park

    Beautiful park!

    The drive into the park was absolutely beautiful!! Stayed at old logging trail campground. I was initially worried because I didn't realize the site was right next to a vault toilet, but besides for the occasional flashlight at night, it felt secluded. It was very buggy, so be prepared for that. I can't wait to go back so I can explore more of the park!

  • C
    Jul. 16, 2025

    Dongola Campground

    Beautiful, quiet, spacious!!!

    Of all the RV parks we have stayed at, Dongola Campground is by far our favorite! It’s just far enough out of town to be tranquil but close enough for convenience. There are groomed/mowed trails that wind through the beautiful 40 acre property, great for walking, bicycling, or golf carts. We even saw a bald eagle during our stay here.

  • Katherine T.
    Jul. 3, 2025

    Willow River

    Wooded with i35 Access

    This was a nice spot to camp overnight before an event in the area. There were mosquitoes a plenty due to the lake. Good spacing between sites and wooded enough to almost forget how close you are to i35. There is some traffic noise though as a city dweller I slept right through it. Pit toilets were clean.

  • Jaime P.
    Jun. 29, 2025

    Big Rock Creek

    Needs some work

    The website is a bit deceptive. We came up with our camper with the expectation we’d have electric and water hook ups. For the most part we did. The electricity was not for a 30 amp hook up. It’s 50 amp or us an adapter. We used the adapter and blew a circuit breaker when we used the A/C and the microwave at the same time. The fishing on the property is fly fishing only. My kids were pretty disappointed but we tried it out anyway. It was nice to have kayaks and paddle boards to try for free, but everything else is a charge. Feeding the cow is a charge. We’re from a rural area where people will pay you to feed the cows so it was a little confusing to us. We really came for the state park and that’s where we spent most of the day. I think this campground has a lot of potential but there needs to be a lot of work. Sewer hook ups and upgrades to electrical hooks. Shower upgrades, maybe switch to coin opt showers to offset the price. This is a great campground for adults looking for a quiet weekend. Not a lot of kids and people stick to themselves.

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 amenities are available at Sandstone campgrounds?

Savanna Portage State Park Campground offers excellent facilities situated near four lakes with access to biking and hiking trails. The park features fishing opportunities, nature watching areas, and Loon Lake has a beach that's perfect for families. For RV campers, Minnesota National RV Park provides gravel pads with 50-amp electrical hookups, water, and sewer connections. This newer campground is uniquely situated next to a golf course. Most campgrounds in the area offer basic amenities like toilets and water access, while state parks typically provide shower facilities and designated swimming areas.

What is the best time of year to camp in Sandstone, Minnesota?

Summer (June through August) is ideal for camping in Sandstone when temperatures are warm enough for swimming and water activities. Father Hennepin State Park Campground is particularly popular during summer months with its lakeside sites and swimming beach. Early fall (September to mid-October) offers beautiful foliage and fewer crowds, making it perfect for hiking the stunning trails at Jay Cooke State Park Campground with its amazing water features and photogenic landscapes. While some campgrounds remain open year-round, many facilities close for winter, and unexpected warm days can occur even in November, offering opportunities for late-season hiking.

Where are the best campgrounds near Sandstone, MN?

Banning State Park Campground is one of the top options near Sandstone, offering scenic campsites with easy access to amazing hiking trails along the Kettle River and historic sandstone quarry areas. For those seeking a quiet camping experience with water recreation, Robinson Park Camping is located right on the southern border of Banning State Park and features both group and individual campsites. This park connects to state park trails and provides access to the scenic Wolf Falls. Both parks are conveniently located close to the town of Sandstone for any last-minute supplies.

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