Vadnais Heights sits at an elevation of 938 feet in Ramsey County, Minnesota, within a watershed that includes more than 100 lakes and 800 wetland areas. Most camping areas near Vadnais Heights remain accessible from May through mid-October, with summer temperatures averaging 83°F during peak camping months. Winter campers can find accommodations at Wild River State Park, which maintains year-round access to camper cabins.
What to do
Hiking trail system: 3+ miles at Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park features interconnected paths with minimal elevation change. "I really enjoyed the snowshoe hike along the St Croix River and watched the full moon rise," notes a visitor to Wild River State Park, which offers more challenging terrain about 45 minutes from Vadnais Heights.
Fishing access: Multiple species available at Lake Auburn Campground where the fishing dock provides easy water access. "The camp is very well-maintained, the beach is gorgeous," reports a camper at Lake Auburn Campground. The park also features designated fishing areas with concrete platforms.
Winter recreation options: Several parks maintain groomed cross-country ski trails throughout winter months. "The ski trails were groomed and there were miles of trails. The candlelight ski was great and the routes were marked with different colored luminaries - for hiking and skiing," explains a winter visitor to Wild River State Park.
Disc golf course: Available at Bunker Hills Regional Park with concrete tee pads. "Close to a top 10 disc golf course if that's your thing," notes a camper at Minneapolis Northwest KOA, which provides convenient access to several regional disc golf courses.
What campers like
Private camping areas: Several parks offer secluded options despite suburban proximity. "The wooded cabins have what seems like full-sized mattress bunk beds built into the wall. Each bunk has its own reading light. The storage in this place is amazing," shares a visitor to Whitetail Woods Camper Cabins, a popular glamping option near Vadnais Heights, Minnesota.
Modern bathroom facilities: Many parks feature recently updated restrooms with hot water. "Bathrooms are clean. The campground was big with privacy between the camp spots," according to a camper at Bunker Hills Regional Park. Most shower facilities remain open from mid-May through September.
Tent-specific amenities: Dedicated tent pads at select parks provide level ground for setup. "Campsites were nice, good tent pads too! Very clean. Respectful neighbors," notes a tent camper at Bunker Hills Regional Park, where designated tent areas include crushed gravel bases.
Lake access: Multiple parks offer swimming beaches with gradual entry points. "The swim area was cool after a hot day and the beach was gently sloping and smooth," explains a visitor to Lake Auburn Campground, which maintains a swimming area with depth markers.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially for summer weekends. "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," advises a visitor to Whitetail Woods Camper Cabins.
Seasonal accessibility: Water access and some facilities close during colder months. "Outside water is shut off during some parts of the year, so bring your own drinking water if you are camping close to/during winter," notes a Whitetail Woods visitor regarding winter glamping in Vadnais Heights area parks.
Park entrance fees: Daily or annual passes required at most regional parks. "Your reservation fee does NOT include the daily parks fee of 7 dollars just FYI," explains a camper at Baker Campground, which maintains a separate entrance fee system.
Mosquito activity: Expect heavy insect presence, particularly near wetland areas. "Lots of mosquitoes but it's MN so that's to be expected," mentions a Minneapolis Northwest KOA visitor. Most campers recommend permethrin-treated clothing and DEET repellent during summer months.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds with age-appropriate equipment: Several parks feature dedicated play areas. "Huge waterpark, miles of bike trails," reports a visitor to Bunker Hills Regional Park, which includes playground equipment suitable for children ages 2-12.
Educational programs: Seasonal naturalist activities at select parks. "The park also has a gold course nearby, and shops, too - but the actual campsite, bike/walking/horse trails make you forget all of that," notes a camper at Cleary Lake Regional Park, which offers guided nature programs during summer weekends.
Swimming beaches with safety features: Designated swimming areas include markers and some have lifeguards. "There is a gorgeous beach area with tables, a pavilion, changing rooms and a well equipped playground," explains a visitor about Rice Creek's amenities.
Short hiking trails for young explorers: Multiple parks feature hiking loops under 1 mile. "Lots of trails with a wide variety of landscapes. Prairie, forest, river, it's got it all," shares a camper at Afton State Park Campground, which maintains several shorter trail options suitable for families with small children.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup availability: Most parks offer 30-amp service at select sites. "There are pull-through sites, back ups, 50 and 30 amp hook ups, and tent sites, covered pavilions, picnic tables and fire pits," explains a visitor to Ham Lake Resort.
Dump station limitations: Several parks lack on-site dumping options. "Water fill stations readily available so we loaded up prior to continuing out west," notes a camper at Minneapolis Northwest KOA regarding amenities for through-travelers.
Site dimensions: Many parks cannot accommodate larger RVs. "For being in the middle of the northern suburbs of Minneapolis, this park and campground is surprisingly woodsy, secluded and spacious. There are both primitive (tent) non-electric sites, and sites with electricity, even some 50 amp," shares a visitor to Bunker Hills Regional Park, which can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet on select sites.
