Campgrounds within a 30-minute drive of Shoreview, Minnesota provide options ranging from rustic tent sites to full-hookup RV facilities, primarily concentrated in county and regional parks. Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park stands as a centerpiece of the camping landscape, offering tent camping, RV sites with hookups, and cabins surrounded by lakes and trails. Bunker Hills Regional Park and Lebanon Hills Regional Park expand the selection of mixed-use campgrounds in the metropolitan area, each providing electric hookups, picnic areas, and sanitary facilities. Most campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, with some offering cabin rentals for those seeking additional comfort.
The camping season in this region typically runs from April through October, with most facilities closing during winter months. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for summer weekends when metropolitan area campgrounds fill quickly. Many campers note the parks' proximity to urban amenities while providing a natural setting. According to one visitor, "We love to camp here as it's so close to home. Decent amenities, however NOT the feel of a State Park. Think suburbia meets nature." Access roads are generally well-maintained, and most camping areas offer drinking water, flush toilets, and shower facilities. County parks typically require a vehicle permit in addition to camping fees.
The camping experience near Shoreview balances suburban convenience with natural features. Several reviewers highlight the privacy between sites at Rice Creek, with one noting, "The sites are spaced out better than most other places I've camped and have trees and brush between the sites whenever possible." Wildlife viewing opportunities exist despite the metropolitan location, with trails connecting to larger natural areas and lake systems. Campers report moderate road noise from nearby highways at some locations, particularly those closest to major interstates. Family-friendly amenities like beaches, playgrounds, and paved biking trails receive consistent praise in reviews, making these campgrounds popular with local residents seeking quick weekend getaways without extensive travel time.
$23 - $80 / night
"For a County Park, Lake Elmo has an impressive list of amenities. Before we even get to the campsite let's mention the filtered swimming pond."
"Lake Elmo County Park in Washington County Minnesota is a great park for families."
$20 - $75 / night
"Kelly's Bar nearby has a great fish fry on Friday. The campground is neat and well managed."
"We have lived in the Twin Cities for two decades and have never visited Rice Creek Chain of Lakes before. We will again!"
$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"
"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."
$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"
"We live about 15 mins. away from this campground. 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."
$25 - $90 / night
"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."
"We O'Brian has some of the best groomed trails that I have been on."
$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."
"When Rice Creek Campground opens up again in April I'd highly recommend going there if all you want is a simple camping experience to get away from the city grind."
$22 - $85 / night
"Minnesota State Parks have just started to build Yurts for 3 campgrounds around the state; Afton, Cuyuna and Glendalough State Parks."
"It is also next to Afton Ski resort. This park has a lot of beautiful prairie landscape with some temperate forest features. Wildflowers, shrubs, fungi, evergreens, and deciduous trees."
$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."
"The site was spacious and private-surrounded on 3 sides by trees. The bathrooms were clean. The pool area was clean and without issue."
"Sites are close to each other, but easy access, clean grounds and facilities, friendly staff, and a K9 fenced area for a pet friendly campground."
TravelerWe stayed here with a group of hot tent campers in early January. The site is large and had a couple of fire pits. Includes a few picnic tables, and a pit toilet. It's a beautiful open area not far from the parking lot with a gorgeous view of the St. Croix River.
ScoutWe 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.
RangerSo, I think you know what you are signing up for here when you stay camp at the backpacking site at Afton, but let me fill in some of the blanks. #1 yes, the hill climb is as big of an effort as other people have said. You will feel like you earned your dinner. I may have found a hack for this, but more in that later. #2 the site are mostly private. I stayed on site #12. I could see (and they could have seen me) site #9, but thankfully no one was there. That would have been a bummer to have other looking into my site. There is even a semi-worn path between 12 and 9. They would make a good combo if you have a group. Other than that, totally secluded. As far space at #12, you could build as big of a tent structure there as you would need, easily room for a massive 16’x24’ palace (if you would dare to carry it) or anything smaller. An Eagle Scout project built hammock posts at this site, so it is ideal for that set up. #3 the campground amenities are very nice. The solar powered water works great year round, the two pits toilets (if you can even call them that) are very new and nice. And the coolest campground feature is the cut your own firewood station. I went a little overboard since it was so nice and had a way bigger fire than I needed. Bring your own saw and you will love it too. #4 After walking around the park, I discovered a possible hack. There is an unmarked entrance to the park on the north side. Instead of walking all my gear back to the parking lot, I walked the .5 miles to the service entrance, dropped my pack, and then walked the 1.8 miles back to the parking lot. I tend to carry too much. The flat short walk to drop my gear was worth it. Then I drop around the park and picked up my stuff. Probably not MN DNR endorsed way to do it, but I was proud of my discovery. All in, this is a unique and wonderful camping experience. Highly recommend.
GuideNice spot with plenty of space between sites, which gives you some privacy. It’s right off a busy road, so you’ll hear some traffic noise. The hunters were out during my stay, so there were gunshots throughout the day, but that’s to be expected this time of year. Overall, a good spot for a quick overnight stay and it’s conveniently close to the cities.
RangerI was looking for a secluded backpack in site where I could have a peaceful 48 hours of prayer and solitude, and this site was perfect! I also wanted one that wasn't too far remote, since I hadn't been on a proper backpacking trip since the pandemic hit. And as a solo female camper, I wanted a reserved site so that there would be a record of my location for safety reasons. I'm so glad I chose the Deer Creek site, and will almost definitely stay here again at some point!
This site is accessible by either hiking or canoe. It took me about 30 minutes to hike in from the visitor center parking lot. There is easy access to river water to boil or filter from the canoe landing.
This site was incredibly spacious. It includes a fire ring and picnic table overlooking the creek and river. It also includes 2 large tent pads (look out for widow makers, one of the tent pads is under a dead tree!). It also has a spot nestled in some pine trees that could fit a smaller tent, canoe storage, or I found it to be the perfect spot to hang my hammock! (This would be a great site for hammock camping.) So if you're camping with a small group of people this would be a great site. It also includes a trail to a fairly private latrine, and a bear box (the park ranger warned me that there are bears in the park although I did not see any.) I also found plenty of dead down and dry wood and birch bark on the ground for building fires.
This site is great for a one nigjt stay on a longer backpacking or canoeing trip, but also great for camping out at for a couple of nights. I stayed for two, and it connects to all the major trails in the park, so I was able to use it as a great base for hiking and seeing the beautiful changing leaves. In the morning I hiked North to do the Riverside trail and looped back through the woods. Then in the afternoon I did the Deer Creek loop, which is a shared horse and hiking trail. It was so nice to he able to hike out to some of the best trails in the park directly from my site.
This site felt remarkably remote for being only an hour from the twin cities and a mile from the parking lot! I stayed there Thursday -Saturday, and after leaving the parking lot on Thursday did not see another human being for the rest of the day, and Friday not until I hit the main trails! There was no one else staying within at least a mile of me. I was even able to see fantastic stars Friday night. There was amazing wildlife - a blue heron frequented the site, and I heard all types of owls. Two bald eagles had a nest across the river so I got to see and hear them the whole trip, too- it was absolutely magical!
This site has a great view of both sunrise and sunset. Thursday night there was a gorgeous sunset over the woods reflected in deer Creek. Both mornings I woke up to watch the sunrise while drinking my coffee next to the fire (it was freezing!!!). Watching the sun rise over the river and fog roll over th water and evaporate while eagles soared was truly magical. Having an easy backpack in site surrounded by water on two sides and with views of the sunrise and sunset like this was so incredible!!!
GuideThey have two lots for RV and travel trailer use although the first lot only has two spaces and the second one has a total of five. The five space spot has no water or electric hook up but was a great place for me to test out my new solar set up. Word to the wise, gates ACTUALLY close at 10pm, there's no way to contact anyone and I had to walk about a mile in parked outside the gate 😅. The White Pine lot (5 spaces) has a central bathroom/shower building. The park was jam packed Friday/Saturday but a ghosts town the remains sun/mon/tue I stayed.
GuideThis is a good campground. Very well kept. Fishing from shore and there is a boat launch. Nice playground for kids. Sites are fairly close. Many have no privacy from others, but some do. No water at the sites and pit toilets are the biggest weaknesses. Nice paths for walking and biking.
ScoutFor our first time camping, this was a great site! It was very clean, had friendly staff, and was close to a really fun park for our kids. We will be back!
TravelerNever again, $81 for an electric only site. Come on Wisconsin let's jab the out of .staters. Entry fee to parks, extra for out of staters. The site was secluded but not close to level. Not close to the facilities. I am going back to SD. They don't add fees because you are from out of town, they actually encourage out of state tourists. Last trip to a Wisconsin state park . And the showers were closed for the season, this is 10/9/25. But still full price and just an electric only site. No thanks Wisconsin
Camping spots near Shoreview, Minnesota balance natural settings with proximity to Twin Cities conveniences. Located in Ramsey County with elevations averaging 900 feet above sea level, this area features glacial terrain with kettle lakes and rolling hills. Most local campgrounds offer additional activities beyond traditional camping, with availability running primarily from April through mid-October when average temperatures range from 45-75°F.
Biking trails: 6+ miles at Baker Campground: Connected network of paved paths for cyclists of all skill levels. "There are nice paved trails around a couple of lakes/ponds for biking, and easy access to the shower and bathroom facilities," notes one camper.
Swimming options: chlorinated lake at Lake Elmo County Park Reserve: Unique swimming experience in a filtered pond with sand bottom. "They have a home made lake that has a sand bottom but it has chlorine like a pool so no weeds. Great for swimming," shares Timothy S.
Waterfall hikes: 1-mile trail at Willow River State Park Campground: Scenic cascades accessible via moderate hiking paths from most campsites. A visitor reports, "Walked about a mile to the falls area. This was really beautiful and was only the head was only a couple hundred yards from my site."
Archery range: free with camping at Lake Elmo: Practice target shooting with designated archery facilities. As one camper notes, "Amenities like an archery range and hiking trails are fantastic for kids."
Kayak rentals: available at Lebanon Hills Regional Park: Paddling opportunities on small lakes within the park system. Chris S. simply states, "Nice little lake to kayak on."
Site privacy: best at Rice Creek and Lebanon Hills: Many sites feature natural buffers and substantial spacing. One Lebanon Hills camper explains, "Tent camp sites are far enough from each other that neighbors can't be seen, and we didn't hear them either."
Mature forest settings: pine areas at Lebanon Hills: Wooded surroundings create natural shade and habitat for wildlife. A visitor recommends, "Sites with full hookups or more remote sites with electric that are more tucked away in the pines."
Clean facilities: Bunker Hills Regional Park: Well-maintained bathrooms and shower buildings. "Clean facilities, water nearby, and the kind of birdsong that makes you forget your emails exist," reports a satisfied camper at site C14.
Fishing opportunities: multiple parks: Lakes and river access for anglers throughout the region. A William O'Brien visitor highlights "miles of walking and hiking trails throughout the park" with "fishing, and great picnic area next to the river."
Reasonable pricing: under $30 for basic sites: Affordable camping options especially for county residents. "The office was open till 9pm very friendly. A little pricey for tent camping. The sites are private," notes a Lebanon Hills camper.
Winter options limited: Only William O'Brien and Willow River maintain year-round access. Most other campgrounds close by mid-October and reopen in April or May.
Mosquito and horsefly prevalence: varies by season: Biting insects can be problematic, especially in wooded areas near water. At Rice Creek Campgrounds, one visitor experienced "horseflies nonstop attacked us. To not get bite we had to run around like chickens with our heads cut off!"
Firewood quality inconsistent: Multiple parks report issues with damp or unseasoned wood. "Firewood at $7 a bundle doesn't burn, it just smokes. I asked for a refund. Buy firewood elsewhere," advises a camper from Rice Creek.
Highway noise at some sites: Proximity to major roads affects certain camping areas. At Willow River, a camper mentions "highway noise was noticeable in the evenings."
Variable cell reception: Coverage spotty in wooded areas, especially at William O'Brien. A camper notes, "Cell reception for T-Mobile was minimal to non-existent. Wifi is available in the visitor center parking lot."
Playgrounds: multiple options at Afton State Park Campground: Recreation areas specifically designed for children. Baker Park campers mention, "Nice park for kids just a small hike away."
Beach alternatives: When lake access is unavailable due to maintenance, look for alternate swimming spots. At Willow River, "there is a great spot below the dam to cool off if needed."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many parks offer chances to observe native species. One camper at Bunker Hills recalls, "We had a few run ins with white tail deer further in the brush."
Walk-in sites consideration: Some parks require hiking to reach campsites. At Afton, "These sites do require a hike from parking. Would strongly discourage big coolers or lots of weight."
Camping education programs: Several parks offer weekend activities for children. Tina H. from Lake Elmo mentions, "On Saturday nights they have a campground program for the kids and families to watch."
Length limitations: verify before booking: Many parks have restrictions on RV size. Lebanon Hills campers discovered "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."
Electric hookups: 30/50 amp availability varies: Check specific campground requirements before arrival. Bunker Hills offers "both primitive (tent) non-electric sites, and sites with electricity, even some 50 amp."
Dump stations: central locations: Most parks provide sanitary disposal areas rather than at individual sites. Rice Creek offers "level private sites, lots of trees, showers were clean."
Site leveling challenges: Some parks have uneven terrain requiring blocks or levelers. A Willow River camper reports having "level sites" which made setup much easier.
Early booking essential: Reserve 2-3 months ahead for prime summer weekends. One camper who booked Rice Creek three months in advance found "the whole campground was booked up."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Shoreview, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, Shoreview, MN offers a wide range of camping options, with 115 campgrounds and RV parks near Shoreview, MN and 4 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Shoreview, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Shoreview, MN is Lake Elmo County Park Reserve with a 4.5-star rating from 37 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Shoreview, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Shoreview, MN.
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