Camping opportunities near South Saint Paul, Minnesota provide both seclusion and convenience within 30 miles of the metropolitan area. The region features a mix of prairie, deciduous forest, and river valley terrain with elevations ranging from 700 to 900 feet above sea level. Most campgrounds operate in a seasonal window from April through October, though several parks now offer year-round camper cabins as alternatives during Minnesota's cold winters.
What to do
Hiking trails: Willow River State Park Campground offers numerous hiking options with varying difficulty levels. One camper noted, "We did SO many miles hiking! And at certain points in the river, you are able to get in and swim!" The park features beautiful waterfalls accessible by trail, providing natural swimming areas during summer months.
Kayaking and paddling: Lebanon Hills Regional Park provides access to a small lake perfect for beginner paddlers. According to one reviewer, "Nice little lake to kayak on," making this a suitable option for families with children or those new to water sports. Kayak and canoe rentals are available during the summer season.
Archery practice: Lake Elmo County Park Reserve maintains an archery range open to campers. A visitor shared that "other amenities like an archery range and hiking trails are fantastic for kids," providing an alternative outdoor activity when you need a break from swimming and hiking.
Winter camping: Afton State Park offers year-round camping options including camper cabins and yurts. As one visitor explains, "Perfect little cabin nestled in the southern half of the park! Screened in porch, heated with electricity, and two double bunk beds!" These structures allow comfortable camping even during Minnesota's coldest months.
What campers like
Swimming opportunities: Lake Elmo County Park Reserve features a unique swimming facility that combines natural elements with pool-like features. A camper described it as "a home made lake that has a sand bottom but it has chlorine like a pool so no weeds. Great for swimming." This offers a more controlled swimming environment than natural lakes.
Secluded sites: Despite proximity to the Twin Cities, many campers appreciate the privacy found at certain parks. One Lebanon Hills visitor commented, "We live about 15 mins. away from this campground... We liked that we weren't super close to any campers unlike most RV spots are nowadays." These secluded spots provide a wilderness feel without requiring long travel times.
Modern facilities: William O'Brien State Park Campground maintains clean, updated restroom facilities. According to a visitor, "The shower house needed a cleaning as well. There is no adjusting the shower temperature. Push the button and you get what you get." Most campgrounds in the area feature similar shower systems with timed water flow to conserve resources.
Varied terrain: Many parks in the region offer diverse landscapes within a single property. At Afton State Park, one visitor mentioned, "Great park with lots of elevation. Prairie, forest, river, it's got it all." This topographical variety provides different camping experiences depending on site selection.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds near South Saint Paul fill quickly, especially during summer weekends. A visitor to Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park advised, "It's difficult to get reservations, so I recommend trying to start booking 120 days in advance, which is the farthest out you can reserve." Winter camping typically requires less advance planning.
Alcohol policies: Alcohol regulations vary significantly between parks. While St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park prohibits alcohol, other parks like Baker Campground permit it. Always check individual park rules before packing beverages for your trip.
Seasonal water availability: Water systems at some parks shut down during cold weather. One visitor to Afton State Park reported, "None of the water faucets or water pumps on the trails at Afton State Park are working. The good news is you can fill up on cold drinking water at the visitor center." Campers should carry water containers when hiking during shoulder seasons.
Highway noise: Despite natural settings, some campgrounds experience traffic noise. A camper at Willow River noted "highway noise was noticeable in the evenings." Sites further from main roads generally provide quieter camping experiences.
Tips for camping with families
Filtered swimming ponds: Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve offers family-friendly swimming options. A visitor observed, "With great fishing, playground, swimming, and biking trails very nearby, the kids were kept as busy as they wanted to be." The swimming beach designated for campground users typically has fewer visitors than the public beach.
Evening programs: Some parks organize family activities during summer weekends. A Lake Elmo visitor mentioned they "have a campground program for the kids and families to watch" on Saturday nights, providing structured entertainment options after dinner.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature modern play equipment. A Lebanon Hills camper stated, "The play area was really nice and looked brand new. Our girls loved making new friends to play with." Most playgrounds are centrally located near shower buildings or picnic areas.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Campsites often provide chances to observe local fauna. One camper at William O'Brien noted, "You can hear frogs all night and we even saw a turtle laying eggs in a different campsite." Spring and early summer typically offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park provides various utility connection options. A visitor mentioned, "Such a beautiful park with large sites. Nice playground for the kids. Fantastic bathrooms zoned showers." Most campgrounds in the area offer at least electric hookups, though full-service sites are limited.
Site spacing: Lebanon Hills receives positive reviews for its spacious RV areas. A camper noted, "Sites with full hookups or more remote sites with electric that are more tucked away in the pines." The campground's layout prevents the crowded feeling common at some private RV parks.
Length limitations: Site dimensions sometimes differ from stated specifications. One camper at Lebanon Hills observed, "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." Always confirm actual site dimensions when making reservations.
Winter accessibility: Several campgrounds offer year-round RV sites with electric hookups for winter camping. Access roads receive regular plowing, though water systems typically shut down during freezing temperatures.
