Camping opportunities near Vermillion, Minnesota extend beyond traditional campgrounds to include rustic walk-in sites and primitive camping areas. The region sits at approximately 850 feet elevation with rolling terrain between the Cannon and Mississippi Rivers. Late summer brings warm daytime temperatures often reaching the mid-80s with cooler evenings in the 60s, while spring and fall camping seasons offer milder temperatures with occasional rainfall.
What to do
Kayaking on calm waters: Lebanon Hills Regional Park offers a serene paddling experience on its small lake. "Nice little lake to kayak on," notes Chris S., who frequently visits the park.
Hiking to waterfalls: At Afton State Park Campground, the trail system provides rewarding hikes with elevation changes. "We hiked 11 miles here and it was awesome!" shares Mike K. The park features Hidden Falls as a destination point along the trail system.
Geocaching adventures: Lake Byllesby Campground provides family-friendly treasure hunting opportunities. "When we went the lake had a blue green algae problem. Other than that it was great and had fun geocaching spots," explains Kerstin W. about the activity options.
Mountain biking trails: Lebanon Hills Regional Park maintains dedicated paths for mountain biking enthusiasts. "Great biking and hiking trails. Great amenities. Close to the zoo as well as the city," reports Rico R.
Archery range access: Lake Elmo County Park Reserve offers a specialized area for archery practice. "They also have an archery range and on Saturday nights they have a campground program for the kids and families to watch," mentions Tina H. about the unique amenity.
What campers like
Secluded tent sites: Lebanon Hills Regional Park provides privacy between campsites. "Sites with full hookups or more remote sites with electric that are more tucked away in the pines," Katie C. explains about the camping options.
Modern bathroom facilities: Willow River State Park Campground offers updated and clean bathroom facilities. "The facilities are very clean and well-kept," notes Deb M. The bathhouses include hot showers and flush toilets.
Year-round cabin options: Whitetail Woods Camper Cabins provides heated accommodations for cold weather camping. "Super simple camping cabins. They each have 4 spots and have contactless entry as you get sent a code to use," explains Scott M. about the amenities.
Proximity to bike trails: Lake Byllesby Regional Park connects directly to regional cycling routes. "Sites were so easy and the bike trails were awesome! Lots of nature paths too," shares Tara M. about the accessibility.
Flat, grassy tent pads: Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground provides comfortable terrain for tent setups. "The tent pad was very spacious and flat, great for sleeping!" Hannah Y. notes about the site quality.
What you should know
Reservation timelines: Whitetail Woods Camper Cabins requires 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," advises Blair.
Seasonal water quality: Lake Byllesby Campground sometimes experiences algae issues. "The lake had a bad smell with blue green algae not recommended to swim," Lauren S. mentions as a consideration for summer visitors.
Cell service limitations: Lebanon Hills Regional Park has spotty connectivity in some areas. "Cell service (both AT&T and TMobile) was terrible. There's WiFi at the office, which is just a short hike from the campground," reports Deb M.
Alcohol restrictions: Several parks including St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park maintain no-alcohol policies. "The staff is super nice. Great hiking trails, bike trails, nearby horseback riding. Quick trip to Afton for lunch at Afton House Inn. Quick trip to Prescott for bloodies at Muddy Waters. (Park is a dry park)," notes Rikki I.
Winter shower conditions: In colder months, Whitetail Woods Camper Cabins provides limited hot water. "There was maybe 2 minutes of hot water. Basically enough to wash your body quickly, it was easy enough to avoid getting my hair wet. The shower room is also set to a cool 58 degrees in the winter," explains Krista T.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Cannon Falls Campground offers recreational areas specifically designed for children. "This campground was an excellent getaway for my husband and I as well as our two fur-babies. The campground offered music and an arcade. Perfect for a rainy weekend," shares Anna S.
Weekend programming: Lake Elmo County Park Reserve schedules regular activities for younger campers. "On Saturday nights they have a campground program for the kids and families to watch," Tina H. explains about the family-oriented events.
Swimming options: Willow River State Park Campground provides natural water access. "There is a great spot below the dam to cool off if needed," explains Ludwig H. regarding swimming alternatives.
Private campsites: Lebanon Hills Regional Park offers family-friendly spacing between sites. "We liked that we weren't super close to any campers unlike most RV spots are nowadays," Angela L. notes about the site layout.
Nature center activities: Willow River State Park Campground includes educational opportunities. "We experienced wonderful customer service, tent camping, nature center and waterfalls," Joanna M. mentions about the family amenities.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Lake Byllesby Regional Park has varying site qualities. "Spots 1-17 have remained the same and are awesome. Spots 18-46 are second best. Even numbered sites on the lake are better than the odd numbered sites but both have a view of the lake," Lisa D. recommends.
Dump station availability: Nerstrand Big Woods State Park provides proper waste facilities. "Sites are good and some can handle bigger RVs. Some Electric sites. Nice dump station," Tim B. notes about the RV amenities.
Site size considerations: Lebanon Hills Regional Park has spacious RV areas. "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," Davis D. explains.
Level parking pads: Lake Byllesby Regional Park offers well-designed RV spots. "Paved RV pads. Near lake and excellent bike path," Daryl L. mentions about the site quality.
Full hookup locations: St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park provides comprehensive RV services. "We love staying here. All sites on grass, pool, and really nice campers & workers," Lisa D. explains about the RV camping experience.
