Best Campgrounds near Vadnais Heights, MN

Join the fun near Vadnais Heights. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Vadnais Heights is surrounded by family-friendly activities. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Minnesota camping adventure.

Best Camping Sites Near Vadnais Heights, Minnesota (115)

    1. Lake Elmo County Park Reserve

    37 Reviews
    Lake Elmo, MN
    10 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."

    2. Willow River State Park Campground

    61 Reviews
    Hudson, WI
    19 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."

    3. Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park

    17 Reviews
    Lino Lakes, MN
    8 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 have lived in the Twin Cities for two decades and have never visited Rice Creek Chain of Lakes before. We will again!"

    4. William O'Brien State Park Campground

    39 Reviews
    Marine on St. Croix, MN
    19 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."

    "We O'Brian has some of the best groomed trails that I have been on."

    5. Lebanon Hills Regional Park

    42 Reviews
    Apple Valley, MN
    20 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."

    6. Afton State Park Campground

    36 Reviews
    Denmark, MN
    20 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."

    7. Bunker Hills Regional Park

    16 Reviews
    Coon Rapids, MN
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (763) 862-4970

    $20 - $32 / night

    "I was very happy with the trails and accommodations available to me, during my stay."

    "It has 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(it is called The Beach, which was very confusing for us"

    8. Rice Creek Campgrounds

    8 Reviews
    Lino Lakes, MN
    8 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."

    9. St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park

    20 Reviews
    Denmark, MN
    22 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"

    10. Interstate State Park — Interstate State Park

    51 Reviews
    Taylors Falls, MN
    30 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."

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Recent Reviews near Vadnais Heights, MN

774 Reviews of 115 Vadnais Heights Campgrounds


  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Haycreek Valley Campground

    Beautiful surroundings

    Red Wing, Minn might be the prettiest small town in the US. Rolling hills, greenery, the Mississippi River, and genuinely nice people in a small city with lots of attractions.

    The campground is about a 10 minute ride from the city center. The amenities are sparse and aged, but the sites are level, plentiful, and reasonably priced.

    Be aware however…..The Dyrt is wrong. There are no sewer hookups at this campground. They have a dump station and will pump for a fee.

    There is a perfectly average pub on site. The food is okay, the price is reasonable.

  • Krista T.
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park

    Nice metro get away

    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.

    The bathroom facility has seen better days. The nature center is nice and a great place to spend some time if it is raining during their open hours.

  • Kathy L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park Campground

    Really nice campground!

    Really nice campground! Meadow setting where the campsites are, but then TONS of hiking trails with significant trees& shade. Really beautiful. Nice people staying in adjacent sites. We would return.

  • Lance L.
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Fish Lake Acres Campground

    Cozy Lakeside Sitr

    Great pricing and friendly staff. Nice beach. A few spots are pull through which is nice for larger RVs and travel trailers.

  • D
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Butternut Park

    Well maintained city park

    About a dozen sites with picnic tables on a grassy large circle. About half or more have electric hookups. Toilets are a short walk past the campground entrance.

  • Andy L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Ann Lake

    Nice, quiet, rustic

    30' class C motor home. Some overhanging branches on the road in scrape the top and sides. Campsites are nice, mowed, gravel parking. Fire rings and picnic tables at each site. Sites range from open and flat to secluded and a little hilly. Most sites are fairly private and well spaced. Higher elevation sites for air tv reception. 2 bars of 4g service made it a little difficult to pay online over the phone. No reception in lower elevation sites. Pay immediately or the camp host will nag you even if you have to walk to higher elevation to get signal. Very beautiful and lots of deer on the trails.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Camp Waub-O-Jeeg

    Waub O Jeeg- Tent camping

    Checking was easy with owner on site. A little steep getting up to x Some of the site. Bathroom and shower house were great

  • Deb M.
    Aug. 1, 2025

    Lake Byllesby Regional Park

    Great park

    Lakeside sites are close together, with W/E hookups, but they’re right in the lake with a wonderful view. The facilities are very clean and well-kept. Cannon Falls is a nice town to explore, and it’s close to home and work. Cell service was good also.

  • Ludwig H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 30, 2025

    Willow River State Park Campground

    Tent camped here

    Facilities are great no complains, the beach is a bit over run my goose so is a little dirty, there is a great spot below the dam to cool off if needed.


Guide to Vadnais Heights

Camping near Vadnais Heights, Minnesota, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds nearby that cater to different needs.

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."
  • Water Activities: Enjoy kayaking or canoeing at Interstate State Park. A visitor shared, "Canoe and kayak rentals for more adventures on the river."
  • Wildlife Watching: Spot deer and other wildlife at Wild River State Park Campground. One reviewer noted, "The woods surrounding were 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 happy camper said, "We were very surprised at the privacy of our site."
  • Clean Facilities: Campgrounds like Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve are praised for their cleanliness. One visitor remarked, "Shower facilities are very nice."
  • Convenient Location: Campers enjoy the close proximity to the Twin Cities. A reviewer from William O'Brien State Park Campground mentioned, "It's less than an hour from Minneapolis, and offers lots of great hiking trails."

What you should know:

  • No Alcohol Allowed: Some campgrounds, like Afton State Park Campground, have strict rules against alcohol. A camper noted, "NO alcohol allowed."
  • Limited Amenities: Campgrounds like Lake Maria State Park may not have all the amenities you expect. One visitor said, "There is no adjusting the shower temperature."
  • 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 Interstate State Park said, "I made a short weekend reservation... and found out that so many more adventures awaited."
  • Bring Bug Spray: Protect your family from bugs. A visitor at Lake Maria State Park advised, "Be prepared with bug spray/repellant!"

Tips from RVers:

Camping near Vadnais Heights, Minnesota, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. With beautiful parks and plenty of activities, it’s a great spot for your next outdoor adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

What parks in Vadnais Heights offer camping facilities?

While Vadnais Heights itself doesn't have camping facilities within city limits, there are excellent options in the surrounding area. William O'Brien State Park Campground is a popular choice northeast of Vadnais Heights, featuring clean campsites, easy walking trails, and proximity to Stillwater for day trips. Another option is Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park, which offers both drive-in and walk-in camping with water and toilet facilities just a short drive from Vadnais Heights.

Where can I find camping near Vadnais Heights, Minnesota?

Vadnais Heights is conveniently located near several excellent camping options. Lake Elmo County Park Reserve is one of the closest options, offering family-friendly amenities including a filtered swimming pond with a sandy beach, hiking trails, and modern campsites. Lebanon Hills Regional Park is another nearby option perfect for families seeking a suburban camping experience with miles of hiking trails, mountain biking, and water activities at Schultz Beach. Both parks provide a great weekend getaway without traveling far from the Twin Cities metro area.

Are there any RV camping sites available in Vadnais Heights?

Vadnais Heights doesn't have RV camping within the city itself, but several nearby options accommodate RVs. Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve offers inexpensive RV camping with clean facilities managed by Three Rivers Parks. Highland Ridge is another option that accommodates many RV campers with spotless shower and bathroom facilities, though T-mobile service can be limited. For those who prefer basic overnight parking, Cabela's Rogers, MN allows RVs to stay in their lot, though it is located near I-94 and can be noisy.