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.
"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."
$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."
$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."
"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)."
$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."
$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!"
$24 - $50 / 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."
"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"
$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"
$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."
$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."
"Beach was closed but we still got some good walks in. Fire ring was a little shallow for my liking so had to get some solid coals going to get dinner on the table."
ScoutGot a nice spot by the water, big parking spot, little below the spot is an opening towards water with a fire pit. 2-3 bars of service but never had an issue. Worked well. Very private. Bugs weren’t bad either
TravelerStaying here currently & they have been very accommodating, friendly & flexible. Water & electric hookup but no sewer however there is a dump station, a bathhouse with real toilets & nice showers. Pretty quiet for being so close to the main highway. My cats are able to free roam the property & my dog can be tied up outside. Usually pretty nice neighbors too.
ScoutThis was our first camping experience and it was a great one! I would highly recommend this for anyone’s first or fifth camping adventure!
ScoutI was able to find a campsite not on the road. There was a trail from the parking spot so keep an eye out. Lots of animals saw a turkey and coyote so just be aware. Very pretty and calm. Had to pick up some trash from other campers just a reminder to leave no trace.
TravelerWe stayed here from about 10pm to 6am. There were a ton of people there so it was hard finding somewhere to sleep. Once we did, it was very quiet and we got a good nights rest. There were a couple of cars that passed us in the morning when we left but nothing too crazy. The scenery was very beautiful. This is definitely a great free option if you’re looking for a peaceful spot in the woods to sleep!
TravelerI stayed there with my RV. Most all of the campsites were too small to park it, but I found one at the very end of the park to stay. Although the land itself is beautiful, the locals were reporting me to the DNR officer, who were clearly his friends, and accusing me of things I was not doing. Also, there’s a lot of traffic in and out of there and they fly through there day and night, as well as a lot of gunfire going off a lot of the time. I use T-Mobile service and I was on SOS most of the time. Not very impressed.
RangerBeautiful setting along the Mississippi River. A few campsites right on the river edge. Also sites with Electric.
Across the railroad tracks is the nice little village of Stockholm which is famous for the PIE Shop. The village also has a wonderful bakery and other small shops and cafes.
A very nice Nature Center outside of town with great prairie trails and views overlooking the Mississippi River up high in the bluffs.
The campground does NOT have showers.
Campground does not have sewage dumping station.
The campground is located close to the railroad tracks but the trains go through fast and were not as bad as we expected.
GuideClean level campsites, many overlooking Lake Pepin. Sites are short but there are separate areas to park your vehicle if needed. Not many electric sites. Many sites have tent pads and there are frequent pit toilets and well as a new restroom and shower building. Quiet except for the low rumble of frequent trains from both the Wi and MN sides. Lots of great trails! Of varying difficulties.
TravelerWell maintained. Nice beach.
Camping near Stillwater, Minnesota ranges across diverse terrains where the St. Croix River Valley meets eastern Minnesota's hardwood forests. The area sits at elevations between 682 and 1,050 feet, experiencing significant seasonal temperature variations from summer highs in the 80s to winter lows well below freezing. Winter camping options remain limited to a handful of year-round facilities where snow accumulation can reach 45-50 inches annually.
Hiking to waterfalls: At Willow River State Park Campground, trails lead to impressive cascades just 12 miles east of Stillwater. "Willow River falls is definitely a beautiful site to see. Definitely a place to camp if you like to be active and explore the trails. Winter, summer or fall!" notes Jessica B.
Kayaking and canoeing: Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park offers rentals during summer months with easy water access. A camper shared, "This is a beautiful park and the campsites for the most part all seem spacious, and the loop we were in (whichever one site 52 is in) all had decent tree cover."
Swimming in unique facilities: Several parks offer swimming beyond natural lakes. At Rice Creek, "Level private sites, lots of trees, showers were clean," reports Corey P. The campground provides access to swimming beaches from late May through early September, weather permitting.
Privacy between sites: Afton State Park Campground features prairie camping with natural barriers. "The terrain is just hilly enough - and in August - the grass long enough to give the sites a sense of privacy and seclusion," explains Andrew C.
Natural diversity: William O'Brien State Park Campground showcases varied ecosystems. "This campground is lovely. You can hear frogs all night and we even saw a turtle laying eggs in a different campsite," writes Laura E. about the Savanna Campground section.
Urban accessibility: Most campgrounds sit within 30 miles of Stillwater, making supply runs practical. "We booked this on a whim since we needed an overnight close to the State Fair," one camper said about Rice Creek Campgrounds, highlighting its convenience to city attractions while maintaining a natural setting.
Reservation requirements: The best places to camp near Stillwater, Minnesota fill quickly, especially on weekends. For St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park, advance planning is essential. "Spacious sites and very clean restrooms!" notes Daryl L., but the park's popularity means last-minute availability is rare.
Seasonal facilities: Most campground water systems operate from April through October. At Interstate State Park, "Winter camping is available, but with limited facilities," according to park materials.
Terrain challenges: Many campgrounds feature significant elevation changes. At Afton State Park, "The hike to the campground is short and grueling," explains a reviewer, important information for those with mobility issues or heavy equipment.
Wildlife encounters: Prepare for wildlife interactions beyond standard mosquitoes. "Raccoons will visit your site at night. We had everything secured but they still tried and plenty of racket until we chased them away," reports one camper at William O'Brien State Park.
Playgrounds and kid-friendly features: Lake Elmo County Park Reserve offers extensive recreation. "Great campground, sites are spacious and spread out, electric hookups at all sites, swim pond is great for kids, and other amenities like an archery range and hiking trails are fantastic for kids," shares John H.
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer ranger programs during summer. "On Saturday nights they have a campground program for the kids and families to watch," mentions a visitor to Lake Elmo.
Swimming options: Water features vary significantly between parks. "They have a home made lake that has a sand bottom but it has chlorine like a pool so no weeds," explains Timothy S. about Lake Elmo's unique swimming facility.
Site selection for families: Choose sites with natural play areas. At William O'Brien, "Site 117 was level, had decent privacy, and was more spacious than some of the other sites (could have put up a 3-5 person tent and a bug house)," notes Dani K.
Hookup availability: Lebanon Hills Regional Park offers full-service sites. "Sites with full hookups or more remote sites with electric that are more tucked away in the pines," mentions Katie C.
Site length accuracy: Verify actual dimensions when booking. "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," warns Davis D. about Lebanon Hills.
Level sites: Most campgrounds around Stillwater feature relatively level pads. "The sites are nice and level, with plenty of space between each one. This feels very much like a nice state park," confirms a reviewer at Lebanon Hills.
Road conditions: Access roads vary in quality. At Willow River State Park, "The road to get to our water view site (69) was narrow and tricky with the camper but it was worth it for that peaceful view!" reports Amber C., highlighting the tradeoff between prime locations and accessibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Stillwater, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, Stillwater, MN offers a wide range of camping options, with 126 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.
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