Camping options near Stillwater, Minnesota include hike-in sites, campgrounds with river access, and year-round accommodations. The region features varied terrain with elevations ranging from 675 to 1,100 feet above sea level, creating diverse camping environments across river valleys and wooded hills. Most campgrounds in the area remain open from April through October, with a select few offering winter camping opportunities.
What to do
Trail exploration: Wild River State Park Campground offers extensive hiking through diverse ecosystems just 45 minutes from Stillwater. "I hiked 11 miles here and it was awesome!" shares reviewer Mike K. The park features multiple terrain types from river valleys to forested hills.
Water recreation: Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park provides excellent paddling opportunities. "Great beach & sunrise. Highly recommend!" notes Max P. The interconnected lakes make this park ideal for kayaking and canoeing without the crowds often found at larger water destinations.
Wildlife viewing: Afton State Park Campground delivers exceptional wildlife encounters throughout the seasons. "We went to Afton for a day trip filled with hiking, picnicking and scoping out future camping sites. Then I saw the snake... Lots of trails, sites to see, and wildlife to find," reports Emily G. Deer sightings are particularly common in early morning and evening hours.
What campers like
Secluded spaces: Tent campers appreciate the privacy found at certain sites. "The hike to the campground is short and grueling. A few of the sites are in wooded areas, but we stayed in one of the prairie sites. The terrain is just hilly enough - and in August - the grass long enough to give the sites a sense of privacy and seclusion," notes Andrew C. about Afton State Park.
Yurt camping options: Minneapolis Northwest KOA offers yurt accommodations just 40 minutes from Stillwater, Minnesota. "Minnesota State Parks have just started to build Yurts for 3 campgrounds around the state; Afton, Cuyuna and Glendalough State Parks. These have some great amenities and are perfect for family camping, especially in Fall, Winter and Spring," explains Jason S.
Varied landscapes: Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve provides diverse terrain within a single park. "The sites a Baker Park Reserve are larger than average. This is a big campground with a lot of paved bike trails and a nice lake a short walk away," writes Melissa H. The combination of woods and water access creates multiple camping environments.
What you should know
Seasonal water access: Water systems at some parks shut down during certain periods. "This may be an ongoing issue but 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 before trekking around the park's beautiful hiking trails!" warns Warren H.
Reservation timing: Whitetail Woods Camper Cabins requires significant advance planning. "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. For example, as of this review (early June), all weekends are booked for all cabins," advises Blair.
Site selection considerations: Some campgrounds use automated systems for site assignments. "When I asked the owner for another site, he told me they were all taken except for one without a sewer connection. I asked why I was given such an undesirable site when I booked so far in advance and he told me that there is an algorithm that determines the site selection," shares Diane A. about Minneapolis Northwest KOA.
Tips for camping with families
Bathroom proximity: Choose sites strategically based on facilities. "These sites do require a hike from parking. Would strongly discourage big coolers or lots of weight," notes Adam P. about Afton State Park Campground, highlighting the importance of considering distance to amenities when camping with children.
Recreation variety: Bunker Hills Regional Park offers numerous activities for different age groups. "Huge waterpark, miles of bike trails," writes Tiffany W. The park also includes "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, several playgrounds, archery, an event center, frisbee golf" according to Krista T.
Educational opportunities: Baker Park Reserve incorporates learning into outdoor experiences. "It's a great place to spend a weekend close to home, but feel like you are getting away!" mentions Jennifer H. The park provides interpretive trails and ranger programs during summer months for school-aged children.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Baker Park Reserve accommodates larger vehicles. "We spent two nights in the campground. It was fairly busy, but we still felt secluded despite a full campground," notes ERolf P. The campground provides pull-through sites with ample room for slide-outs.
Full hookup availability: Not all parks provide complete utility connections. "No full hookups but there is a fantastic group site and the individual sites are spacious," mentions Nate M. about Kozy Oaks Kamp. Most campgrounds in the area offer electric and water, but sewer connections are less common.
Urban proximity benefits: Rice Creek Chain of Lakes offers convenient access to urban amenities. "Wonderful site! Feels very secluded in spite of being so close to the cities," says Max P. This location allows RVers to enjoy natural settings while maintaining easy access to supplies and services.
