The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Campgrounds near Stillwater, MN

749 Reviews

Stillwater, Minnesota offers a range of camping opportunities within a short drive of town. Several established campgrounds provide options for overnight stays, including William O'Brien State Park Campground located 22 miles north along the St. Croix River and Lake Elmo County Park Reserve just 7 miles southwest. The area accommodates various camping styles with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals available at multiple locations. Nearby options like Afton State Park Campground and St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park expand the selection with glamping facilities and yurts in addition to traditional camping.

Seasonal considerations shape the camping experience around Stillwater, with most campgrounds operating from April through October, though some remain open year-round. Advance reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and holidays when sites fill quickly. "It was our first time ever. I have an old pop up but it was fun and the staff and the host are very helpful," noted one visitor to Lake Elmo County Park Reserve. While many campgrounds offer electric hookups and drinking water, amenities vary significantly between locations. The area experiences typical Midwest seasonal patterns with humid summers, colorful falls, and cold winters that limit camping opportunities during the colder months.

Campers consistently mention the region's natural beauty and recreational opportunities as standout features. The proximity to the St. Croix River provides water-based activities at several locations, while extensive trail systems support hiking and wildlife viewing. Families particularly appreciate the campground playgrounds and swimming facilities, with one camper describing Lake Elmo as having "a home made lake that has a sand bottom but has chlorine like a pool so no weeds. Great for swimming." The mixed-use campgrounds typically feature good spacing between sites, offering a balance of privacy and community. Sites in more developed areas provide convenient access to amenities while maintaining a natural setting, with most campgrounds situated close enough to town for quick supply runs while still providing a genuine outdoor experience.

Map showing campgrounds near Stillwater, MinnesotaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Stillwater, Minnesota (123)

    1. Willow River State Park Campground

    62 Reviews
    Hudson, WI
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 386-5931

    "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."

    2. Lake Elmo County Park Reserve

    37 Reviews
    Lake Elmo, MN
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 430-8370

    $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."

    3. William O'Brien State Park Campground

    39 Reviews
    Marine on St. Croix, MN
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 539-4980

    $16 - $250 / 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."

    "Location wise the park itself was super convenient - it was close to the cities, we got there in under an hour from where we live (near Chaska)."

    4. Afton State Park Campground

    36 Reviews
    Denmark, MN
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 436-5391

    "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."

    5. Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park

    17 Reviews
    Lino Lakes, MN
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (763) 324-3340

    $20 - $75 / night

    "Kelly's Bar nearby has a great fish fry on Friday.   The campground is neat and well managed."

    "We took a 30 minute drive north of the cities for a quick get away, and were rewarded with a very nice campground! The check in staff was friendly, helpful and efficient."

    6. Interstate State Park — Interstate State Park

    52 Reviews
    Taylors Falls, MN
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 483-3747

    $24 - $34 / night

    "This is a state park on the Wisconsin side of the St Croix River, which is mirrored by a comparable but smaller state park in Minnesota on the wrst side of the river, both being part of the wild and scenic"

    "Now that I live in Minnesota, I find myself frequenting the Taylors Falls side. Here you have the amazing "Pot Holes" from glacial waters and some pretty spectacular rock climbing."

    7. St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park

    20 Reviews
    Denmark, MN
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 430-8240

    "Minnesota is beautiful and there is so much to do here. The bathrooms are spotless and everything is new here."

    "Washington County, which manages campgrounds at both the Lake Elmo Park Reserve and St Croix Bluffs Regional Park, does a great job of maintaining campgrounds, trails, and bathroom facilities at both parks"

    8. Apple River Family Campground

    6 Reviews
    Marine on St. Croix, MN
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 247-3600

    $30 - $150 / night

    "This this is an amazing Campground with two heated pools one up top and one down below they're also campsites located right alongside the river the campground offers tubing disc golf and many other activities"

    9. Lebanon Hills Regional Park

    43 Reviews
    Apple Valley, MN
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 480-7773

    $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."

    10. Rice Creek Campgrounds

    8 Reviews
    Lino Lakes, MN
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (763) 324-3340

    $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."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 123 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Stillwater Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Camping Photos near Stillwater, MN

252 Photos of 123 Stillwater Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Stillwater, MN

749 Reviews of 123 Stillwater Campgrounds

  • David R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 1, 2025

    South of Sand Dunes State Forest

    Quick overnight

    Nice 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.

  • Sarah D.
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Wild River State Park Campground

    Secluded Backpack/Canoe Site with Sunrise Views

    I 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!!!

  • Sarah D.
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Frontenac State Park Campground

    Secluded Site and Great Views Close to the Twin Cities

    We did a one night camping trip for my birthday at Cart-In Site 1 the second to last weekend of September.

    We loved the hiking at Frontenac State Park - walking along the lake and then walking along the bluffs at sunset was magical! Fantastic views. I imagine if we had gone two weeks later, we would have had a fantastic display of fall color. We went a little too early to catch the changing leaves.

    We loved how easy Frontenac was for a casual weekend getaway. It was an easy, scenic one hour drive from St. Paul that was very enjoyable. The park was also nice with great bathrooms at the main campsite, nice trails, and they even had board games to check out at the front office for a rainy day- a great idea!

    We stayed at Cart-In Site 1. I would rate the site itself a 3. It was very secluded and spacious, which was fantastic! We could not see any other campsites from our site, which was fantastic. We only occasionally saw some hikers on a nearby trail. We could hear some other noisy campers, but it wasn't too much of a disturbance. Very wooded, nice, spacious site. There is not water at the Cart-In parking lot, so be aware that you will have to fill up prior to parking and heading to your site (easiest place to do so is the main office/ visitor center).

    I also slept poorly because of a nearby train that kept going past and honking at least until midnight. So if you're a light sleeper, be aware of persistent train noise at these sites!

    Overall good site and an easy, fun, and relaxing weekend getaway from the twin cities.

  • Lance L.
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Cleary Lake Regional Park

    Large campground with plentyy of activities!

    They 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.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Frontenac State Park Campground

    Great hiking trails NICE Bathrooms

    The campground is well maintained, all of the sites are clean and laid out nicely. Some sites are kinda close but there is brush growing between sites.

    There are a LOT of NICE TRAILS at this park. Many nice prairie trails and some fun trails in the bluffs along the Mississippi River too. One trail down along the River can be challenging because of MANY STAIRS.

    Large drive in picnic areas away from the campground that many people drive in to us and had a nice overlook on the Mississippi River. There are 2 nice overlooks that are great to walk to in the dark and watch the calmness and peaceful nature of the river and forest.

    The men’s bathroom and showers are GREAT! There is also very nice large full handicap bathrooms. The SHOWER WATER IS VERY HOT so be careful!

    Dump station is sloped so it makes it easy to drive in either direction to help dump waste water easily. Also fresh water at the dumping station.

    Always Plenty of firewood in the shed next to the office.

  • Joel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Lake Byllesby Regional Park

    Very nice campground

    This 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.

  • H
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve

    First time camping!

    For 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!

  • Larry K.
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Willow River State Park Campground

    Never again

    Never 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

  • Maria D.
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Frontenac State Park Campground

    Cleanest Campground Bathrooms Ever!

    Frontenac State Park had some of the nicest campground bathrooms and showers I’ve ever seen—clean, and modern. The ranger station was small and charming, stocked with board games to rent, and it’s clear the staff cares about creating a positive camping experience. I also loved the little free library outside the bathrooms.

    The downsides are that the campsites run small, usually only fitting two tents at most, and there aren’t many trees for hammocking. It’s also a popular park, so it can get pretty loud at times.

    Favorite sites: 37 – Shady and on the edge with just one neighbor (though the main road is on the other side). Decent privacy and potential for hammocking.

    21 – Nice views, but likely best for just one tent/car.

    22 – Very private, though the ground looked a little uneven.

    Other solid tent sites: 36, 25, 48, 49, 51. Site 57 also looked spacious with no neighbors, but it does border the visitor parking lot.

Guide to Stillwater

Camping near Stillwater, Minnesota, offers a fantastic escape into nature with a variety of campgrounds to choose from. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Willow River State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "Lovely trails, the beach is a large area with a nice park and picnic area." The park is known for its stunning waterfalls and diverse landscapes.
  • Water Activities: Enjoy kayaking or canoeing at Interstate State Park. A visitor shared, "Canoe and kayak rentals for more adventures on the river" make it a great spot for water lovers.
  • Wildlife Watching: At Wild River State Park Campground, you can spot deer and other wildlife. One camper noted, "The woods surrounding dense enough to obscure others while still feeling open."

What campers like:

  • Privacy: Many campers appreciate the spacious sites at Lebanon Hills Regional Park. A reviewer said, "We were very surprised at the privacy of our site."
  • Clean Facilities: Campers at Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve often mention the cleanliness. One visitor remarked, "Shower facilities are very nice."
  • Convenient Location: William O'Brien State Park Campground is close to Stillwater, making it a great option for quick getaways. A camper noted, "Close proximity to Stillwater which made for a nice day trip."

What you should know:

  • No Alcohol Allowed: Some campgrounds, like Interstate State Park, have strict rules against alcohol. A visitor mentioned, "NO alcohol allowed" as a key point to remember.
  • Limited Amenities: At Lake Elmo County Park Reserve, there are no showers or toilets, which might be a downside for some. A camper noted, "Only portapotties" are available.
  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. A camper at Lake Maria State Park warned, "The mosquitos were awful."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Spacious Sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites like Wild River State Park Campground. A family shared, "The sites are secluded by sumac trees."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. One camper at Afton State Park Campground said, "Good pricing, great trails for all different skill levels."
  • Pack Bug Spray: With the presence of mosquitoes, it's essential to bring bug spray. A visitor at Lake Maria State Park advised, "Be prepared with bug spray/repellant!"

Tips from RVers:

Camping around Stillwater, Minnesota, provides a mix of adventure and relaxation, making it a great choice for your next outdoor trip!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Stillwater, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, Stillwater, MN offers a wide range of camping options, with 123 campgrounds and RV parks near Stillwater, MN and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Stillwater, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Stillwater, MN is Willow River State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 62 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Stillwater, MN.

Keep Exploring