Camping options in Washington County surround Stillwater, Minnesota, offering sites within moderate terrain at elevations between 800-1,100 feet. Seasonal temperature fluctuations create mild summer camping conditions with average highs of 83°F in July and August. Fall camping extends through October with temperatures dropping to daily highs of 55°F by late season.
What to do
Horseback riding trails: Wild River State Park Campground features extensive riding options. "Wild River State Park is my go-to campground since it is within an hour of my home. Love the scenic trails and all the park has to offer. Hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, exploring, informational programs, and the wooded campsites," notes Jeff L.
Water recreation: Country Camping Tent & RV Park offers river activities just north of Stillwater. "The campground is nice and clean. Good size spaces. The tubing is a plus. Key thing is the river is very clean and sandy bottom," reports David G., while another camper mentions "you can either relax in the pool or even take a ride down the rum river in a rented canoe, tube, or kayak."
Cycling access: Equestrian trails often overlap with cycling paths at Haycreek Valley Campground, approximately 35 miles from Stillwater. "We really enjoyed the bike trail that was so close, paved and had lots of tree cover to keep us cool. Very nice ride to Red Wing right from our site!" says Karin W., highlighting the convenient trail connections.
What campers like
Secluded sites: Lake Elmo County Park Reserve offers private camping within 7 miles of Stillwater. "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," reports John H. Another camper noted "top of the line campground. Surprisingly well spaced sites, facilities modern and clean. Trees galore."
Equestrian camping: Riders seeking dedicated equine facilities find options at Haycreek Valley Campground. "We have been going to Haycreek for over 15 years for horse camping. The trails are shaded, no bugs, friendly campers and staff. They have electric and water hookups for horse campers, and they have overflow for horse campers. The trails here are amazing," explains Olivia R.
Natural surroundings: Wooded sites create privacy at many campgrounds near Stillwater. At Highland Ridge, "all sites are wooded with trees providing separation/privacy between sites." Another reviewer described it as "a beautiful and quiet, natural environment with lots of trees."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds near Stillwater operate from April through October. "We stayed in the campground for two nights. It was cold, rainy, and that turned into 5" of snow," notes one Wild River State Park visitor who camped in late March.
Equestrian facilities: Horse corrals and dedicated equine camping areas require planning. At Haycreek Valley Campground, "they have electric and water hookups for horse campers," but most campgrounds require reservations specifically for equestrian sites.
Site selection: Choose sites based on needs for privacy, utilities, and terrain. "Sites 28-38 are on a loop with a picnic pavilion in the middle with some openings for sun on the road and in the picnic area. Other than that, the rest of the campground is rather dark all the time," notes a Highland Ridge camper, while another points out that "many sites are placed on an incline."
Tips for camping with families
Water features for kids: Baker Campground provides recreational water options within 30 miles of Stillwater. "This campground is a gem so very close to the Twin Cities. With great fishing, playground, swimming, and biking trails very nearby, the kids were kept as busy as they wanted to be," reports Bryan S.
Playground access: Many area campgrounds include play areas. At Bunker Hills Regional Park, "there is a water park with a wave pool," and one visitor noted it's "perfect for kids, they have a water park with a wave pool, a disc golf course, a golf course, several pavilions with grills, a few playgrounds and plenty of trails both paved and unpaved."
Site privacy with kids: Select larger sites when camping with families. "The sites are pretty private and it looked like it would be more private when the leaves come in," observed one visitor to Wild River State Park, while another mentioned, "Very spacious and private campsites!! Lots of wildlife!"
Tips from RVers
Hookup variability: Check utility specifics before booking. "Only one shower house and we had to drive there, the primitive toilet smelled so bad it burned!" reported one camper at Ann Lake, while a Bunker Hills visitor noted "there are both primitive (tent) non-electric sites, and sites with electricity, even some 50 amp."
Level sites: Some campgrounds require leveling equipment. At Highland Ridge, one visitor reported "the site itself was very nice, and we only had to level front-to-back." Site selection matters as "many sites are placed on on incline. They got the sites are pretty flat, but it's still on a hill."
Reservation windows: Book early for equestrian-friendly sites. Most campgrounds near Stillwater open reservations 120 days in advance, with horse-specific areas often booking quickly during prime season.
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