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Best Campgrounds near Welch, MN

683 Reviews

Campgrounds near Welch, Minnesota include both developed facilities and scenic outdoor spaces along the Mississippi River valley. Treasure Island RV Park provides full-hookup sites primarily on gravel surfaces, while Haycreek Valley Campground offers camping with access to horse and bike trails just outside Red Wing. Accommodation options in the region range from basic tent sites to full-service RV pads with electricity and water hookups. Several campgrounds feature cabin rentals, with St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park and Afton State Park offering cabin lodging options within an hour's drive of Welch.

Reservation requirements apply to most developed campgrounds in the area, with many sites booking quickly during peak season from May through September. Most facilities operate seasonally, typically closing in late October and reopening in April. A visitor commented, "Red Wing might be the prettiest small town in the US with rolling hills, greenery, the Mississippi River, and genuinely nice people in a small city with lots of attractions." Access to water is a common feature, with Lake Byllesby Regional Park providing lake views and beach access within walking distance from campsites. Winter camping options are limited, though Afton State Park and St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park remain open year-round for hardy campers.

The proximity to water features represents a significant draw for campers in the area. Lake Byllesby Regional Park receives consistent praise, with one camper noting, "All spots have a lake view and the beach is within walking distance." Many campgrounds offer amenities like showers, water hookups, and fire rings. Treasure Island RV Park, while described by users as "basically a parking lot," provides clean facilities and convenient shuttle access to the adjacent casino. Cannon Falls Campground stands out for its family-friendly atmosphere with grassy sites and a swimming pool. Several visitors mentioned the excellent biking opportunities, particularly at Haycreek Valley Campground, which offers direct access to paved trails with tree cover that connect to Red Wing. Noise considerations vary by location, with some sites experiencing highway or train noise, particularly at locations near river crossings.

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Best Camping Sites Near Welch, Minnesota (113)

    1. Afton State Park Campground

    36 Reviews
    Denmark, MN
    19 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."

    2. Lake Byllesby Regional Park

    12 Reviews
    Cannon Falls, MN
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 263-4447

    "Near lake and excellent bike path. Great brewery and winery close by."

    "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."

    3. St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park

    20 Reviews
    Denmark, MN
    16 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"

    4. Frontenac State Park Campground

    32 Reviews
    Frontenac, MN
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 345-3401

    "Quiet, pretty hiking trails, nice people, close to home but tucked away enough to be away from everything"

    "The ranger station was small and charming, stocked with board games to rent, and it’s clear the staff cares about creating a positive camping experience."

    5. Haycreek Valley Campground

    8 Reviews
    Hay Creek, MN
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 388-3998

    "Nice campground outside of Red Wing, MN with a bar/restaurant and other features. Access to trials for bikes and horses. I stayed in the horse camp without a horse but it was a nice area."

    "Our standard water hose and electrical cord wouldn’t reach so we ended up backing up the hill to get next to the water and filled our tank for the weekend."

    6. Cannon Falls Campground

    5 Reviews
    Cannon Falls, MN
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 263-3145

    "Close to the Twin Cities yet out in the country. Mostly grass sites. Beautiful pool. Susan and Brad are wonderful hosts and very accommodating. We took our grandkids and they had a blast!"

    "Nearby are bike trails, a winery, and a brewery."

    7. Lake Byllesby Campground

    7 Reviews
    Cannon Falls, MN
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 480-7770

    $39 - $60 / night

    "We didn’t get to swim at the lake because it was shut down due to a chemical spill at the time, but we did walk over and check it out. The views are great! We stayed in a RV spot next to the lake."

    "Sites were so easy and the bike trails were awesome! Lots of nature paths too."

    8. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground

    35 Reviews
    Nerstrand, MN
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 333-4840

    "This is a Nice campground middle of Minnesota. Surprising place in the middle of farm country. Very nice campground and lots of walking trails. Great for leaf peeping."

    "To be on the safe side, incase we had issues, we decided to stay close to home so we decided to hit up a new park, Nerstrand Big Woods State Park just outside Northfield, Minnesota."

    9. Lebanon Hills Regional Park

    43 Reviews
    Apple Valley, MN
    26 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."

    10. Tresure Island RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Red Wing, MN
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 267-3060

    "We have dogs so the fact that it’s all asphalt and rock is a bit of a bummer but we are close to the exercise area and they do love little walks."

    "No grassy areas so if you have animals you need to walk a bit to get to the grass"

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Recent Camping Photos near Welch, MN

209 Photos of 113 Welch Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Welch, MN

683 Reviews of 113 Welch Campgrounds

  • Sarah D.
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Frontenac State Park Campground

    Secluded Site and Great Views Close to the Twin Cities

    We did a one night camping trip for my birthday at Cart-In Site 1 the second to last weekend of September.

    We loved the hiking at Frontenac State Park - walking along the lake and then walking along the bluffs at sunset was magical! Fantastic views. I imagine if we had gone two weeks later, we would have had a fantastic display of fall color. We went a little too early to catch the changing leaves.

    We loved how easy Frontenac was for a casual weekend getaway. It was an easy, scenic one hour drive from St. Paul that was very enjoyable. The park was also nice with great bathrooms at the main campsite, nice trails, and they even had board games to check out at the front office for a rainy day- a great idea!

    We stayed at Cart-In Site 1. I would rate the site itself a 3. It was very secluded and spacious, which was fantastic! We could not see any other campsites from our site, which was fantastic. We only occasionally saw some hikers on a nearby trail. We could hear some other noisy campers, but it wasn't too much of a disturbance. Very wooded, nice, spacious site. There is not water at the Cart-In parking lot, so be aware that you will have to fill up prior to parking and heading to your site (easiest place to do so is the main office/ visitor center).

    I also slept poorly because of a nearby train that kept going past and honking at least until midnight. So if you're a light sleeper, be aware of persistent train noise at these sites!

    Overall good site and an easy, fun, and relaxing weekend getaway from the twin cities.

  • Lance L.
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Cleary Lake Regional Park

    Large campground with plentyy of activities!

    They have two lots for RV and travel trailer use although the first lot only has two spaces and the second one has a total of five. The five space spot has no water or electric hook up but was a great place for me to test out my new solar set up. Word to the wise, gates ACTUALLY close at 10pm, there's no way to contact anyone and I had to walk about a mile in parked outside the gate 😅. The White Pine lot (5 spaces) has a central bathroom/shower building. The park was jam packed Friday/Saturday but a ghosts town the remains sun/mon/tue I stayed.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Frontenac State Park Campground

    Great hiking trails NICE Bathrooms

    The campground is well maintained, all of the sites are clean and laid out nicely. Some sites are kinda close but there is brush growing between sites.

    There are a LOT of NICE TRAILS at this park. Many nice prairie trails and some fun trails in the bluffs along the Mississippi River too. One trail down along the River can be challenging because of MANY STAIRS.

    Large drive in picnic areas away from the campground that many people drive in to us and had a nice overlook on the Mississippi River. There are 2 nice overlooks that are great to walk to in the dark and watch the calmness and peaceful nature of the river and forest.

    The men’s bathroom and showers are GREAT! There is also very nice large full handicap bathrooms. The SHOWER WATER IS VERY HOT so be careful!

    Dump station is sloped so it makes it easy to drive in either direction to help dump waste water easily. Also fresh water at the dumping station.

    Always Plenty of firewood in the shed next to the office.

  • Joel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Lake Byllesby Regional Park

    Very nice campground

    This is a good campground. Very well kept. Fishing from shore and there is a boat launch. Nice playground for kids. Sites are fairly close. Many have no privacy from others, but some do. No water at the sites and pit toilets are the biggest weaknesses. Nice paths for walking and biking.

  • Larry K.
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Willow River State Park Campground

    Never again

    Never again, $81 for an electric only site. Come on Wisconsin let's jab the out of .staters. Entry fee to parks, extra for out of staters. The site was secluded but not close to level. Not close to the facilities. I am going back to SD. They don't add fees because you are from out of town, they actually encourage out of state tourists. Last trip to a Wisconsin state park . And the showers were closed for the season, this is 10/9/25. But still full price and just an electric only site. No thanks Wisconsin

  • Maria D.
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Frontenac State Park Campground

    Cleanest Campground Bathrooms Ever!

    Frontenac State Park had some of the nicest campground bathrooms and showers I’ve ever seen—clean, and modern. The ranger station was small and charming, stocked with board games to rent, and it’s clear the staff cares about creating a positive camping experience. I also loved the little free library outside the bathrooms.

    The downsides are that the campsites run small, usually only fitting two tents at most, and there aren’t many trees for hammocking. It’s also a popular park, so it can get pretty loud at times.

    Favorite sites: 37 – Shady and on the edge with just one neighbor (though the main road is on the other side). Decent privacy and potential for hammocking.

    21 – Nice views, but likely best for just one tent/car.

    22 – Very private, though the ground looked a little uneven.

    Other solid tent sites: 36, 25, 48, 49, 51. Site 57 also looked spacious with no neighbors, but it does border the visitor parking lot.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Lebanon Hills Regional Park

    Not a bad stay

    Sites are a little close with little to no privacy in most. Fun little trails nearby for an afternoon walk. 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.

  • L
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Holden Park Campground

    Fall Ride in Ocotber

    Our group has been camping at the Holden County Park for 4 years now, this will be our 5th year.

     We are so happy that the shower/restrooms are finally done, its a great plus and we feel that more people will camp there now. 

    We love how quiet it is when we return from our daily rides, its like its our own place as there aren't many if any at all other campers there. This year may be different and if it is we won't mind at all, hopefully they don't either as we do stay up late by the fire but aren't wild crazy loud.

Guide to Welch

Camping near Welch, Minnesota, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With beautiful parks and campgrounds, you can enjoy nature while making lasting memories with family and friends.

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."
  • Fishing: Head to Lake Byllesby Regional Park for some fishing. A visitor shared, "All spots have a lake view and the beach is within walking distance."
  • Biking: Check out the trails at Lebanon Hills Regional Park. One reviewer noted, "Great location for easy access to mountain bike trails."

What campers like:

  • Privacy: Campers appreciate the spacious sites at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground. A visitor said, "Sites are wooded so you don’t have neighbor issues."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campers rave about the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. One camper at Frontenac State Park Campground mentioned, "Bathrooms are VERY CLEAN."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of the staff. A visitor at Afton State Park Campground said, "Good pricing, great trails for all different skill levels and nice staff."

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially in the warmer months. One camper at Rice Lake State Park warned, "This is also a wildlife preserve so they do not do anything for pest control."
  • Reservations: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A visitor at Lake Elmo County Park Reserve advised, "The campground gets booked up fast, so book early!"
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Highland Ridge, do not have showers. A camper noted, "The showers and bathrooms were spotless, but there are no showers available."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Parks: Look for parks with playgrounds and activities for kids. St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park has "several playgrounds for the kids."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks. One camper at Afton State Park Campground mentioned, "We could feel like we had very good privacy," which is great for family bonding.
  • Pack Games: Bring outdoor games to keep the kids entertained. A visitor at Lake Byllesby Regional Park said, "We love it here," highlighting the fun atmosphere.

Tips from RVers:

Camping near Welch, Minnesota, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure or a peaceful retreat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What campgrounds are available near Welch, MN?

Several excellent campgrounds are located near Welch, MN. Frontenac State Park Campground offers spacious cart-in sites with partial views of other campsites, situated along the Mississippi River. Island Campground and Marina provides great river access near Red Wing with full hookups and tent camping options, though it sits under Highway 63 bridge so noise can be a factor. Other nearby options include Treasure Island RV Park, Cannon River Wilderness Area with free riverside camping, and Hay Creek Valley Campground. Most campgrounds in the area are within a 20-30 minute drive of Welch and offer varying levels of amenities and natural settings, making this region ideal for camping adventures year-round.

Is there a campground at Welch Village in Minnesota?

Welch Village itself, known primarily as a ski resort, does not have an official on-site campground. However, the area surrounding Welch offers several camping options. Cannon River Wilderness Area provides free camping right by the river with sites about a 10-minute walk from parking. Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground is another excellent option in the region with wooded campsites that offer good privacy and minimal noise, plus views of Lake Pepin and swimming access. For those wanting to camp near Welch Village for skiing or other activities, these nearby options provide convenient access while offering beautiful natural settings along rivers and lakes.

What amenities are offered at camping sites in Welch, Minnesota?

Camping sites around Welch offer varied amenities depending on the location. Minneiska Campground — Whitewater State Park provides clean facilities with running water, free showers, and spacious campsites, though they're not heavily wooded. The park features excellent hiking trails with scenic views. Highland Ridge offers spotless showers and bathrooms, with firewood available at roadside stands near the entrance. Campgrounds in the area typically provide fire rings, picnic tables, and access to water. Some offer electrical hookups, while others are more primitive. Many campgrounds in the region have nearby recreational opportunities including fishing access, swimming areas, hiking trails, and boat launches, making them ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

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