Top Glamping near Welch, MN

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Welch, MN has a lot to offer. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Welch. Find the best campgrounds near Welch, MN. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Best Glamping Sites Near Welch, MN (14)

    Camper-submitted photo from Afton State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Afton State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Afton State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Afton State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Afton State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Afton State Park

    1. Afton State Park

    36 Reviews
    93 Photos
    199 Saves

    Located on the St. Croix River, just 20 miles east of Saint Paul, Afton State Park is great for those looking for camping near Minneapolis and is 1600 acres of rolling prairies, oak woodlands, and limestone river canyons amid an ancient glacial landscape. The land for the park was acquired in 1967, but it took almost 15 years of planning revisions and compromises with local residents before the park finally opened in 1982. Little development has gone into Afton State Park in an effort to maintain its natural characteristics, and former farmland atop the bluffs are continuously being restored to their original state. This makes Afton an ideal destination for campers looking to experience the outdoors in a wilder setting. Load up your backpack with all you’ll need for your stay, as camping at Afton State Park requires a hearty, 0.75-mile hike in from the parking area. The year-round campground offers 27 rustic sites with picnic tables and fire pits, with options for pitching your tent in either open or wooded areas. There is drinking water, a vault toilet and firewood is supplied within the camp area. There is also three boat-in campsites, and two group campsites that can accommodate up to 60 people each. If you’d rather not rough it, the park also offers four camping cabins and two yurts, some of which are wheelchair accessible. There are also several picnic areas and restrooms within the park. Campsite rates range from $15–$23/night; cabins range from $55–$70/night, and yurts $50–$65/night. When you’re ready to explore, start at the park’s Nature Store where you can pick up information about the park’s flora and fauna, or join a nature walk. Then choose from more than 20 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails, as well as a short barrier-free path. If you’re visiting in winter, many of these trails are open for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Bring your GPS and go on a geocaching treasure hunt, or bring your binoculars and go on safari for a variety of migratory birds, waterfowl, and wildlife, including deer, foxes and badgers. And little ones will love becoming Junior Park Naturalists and learning about bugs, birds, plants and other critters. If you’re looking for a real outdoor adventure, Afton State Park has what you’re looking for.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Byllesby Regional Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Byllesby Regional Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Byllesby Regional Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Byllesby Regional Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Byllesby Regional Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Byllesby Regional Park

    2. Lake Byllesby Regional Park

    10 Reviews
    16 Photos
    57 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Whitewater State Park - Minneiska Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Whitewater State Park - Minneiska Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Whitewater State Park - Minneiska Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Whitewater State Park - Minneiska Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Whitewater State Park - Minneiska Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Whitewater State Park - Minneiska Campground

    3. Whitewater State Park - Minneiska Campground

    47 Reviews
    145 Photos
    177 Saves

    Schools of trout happily swim through the lazy Whitewater River and various spring fed creeks of Whitewater State Park. And while it’s known for its fantastic fishing opportunities, the park also boasts year-round interpretive programs, a modern Visitor Center, and an especially appreciated lack of mosquitos, unique for the region. Whitewater is well seasoned, with a number of historical attractions within and nearby. In fact, 2019 marks the 100th anniversary of the park. To commemorate the occasion, local conservationists and naturalists have teamed up to release a special Oral History Project from stories of campers and those native to the region. Explorers and adventurers will love this park’s diverse selection of attractions and oddities. Home of the park office and interpretive services, the Whitewater Valley Visitor Center should be your first stop. The friendly Park staff are ready to help you plan your visit and load you up on information, and even loaner equipment such as GPS units, fishing kits, discovery kits for kids, and birding kits. Don’t skip the Discovery Room, which showcases nature displays, exhibits and a spotting area to observe the local bluebirds, cardinals, hawks and bald eagles flying about. The vast expanse of outdoor wilderness is really what you’ll want to check out. If you only have time for a quick visit, check out the Chimney Rock Trail for an awesome view of the Whitewater River. Those searching for a more accessible hike can take the Meadow Trail, which drops off right into a grassy valley, surrounded by dramatic Minnesota bluffs. During the hot and humid summers, go unwind at the beach for a refreshing dip in the cold, spring-fed water. Those more interested in history lovers should visit the famous Elba Fire Tower. Built in 1933, this sturdy tower offers cozy 360 degree views of the entire wetland region below. You’ll be especially grateful for the chance to unwind, thanks to the arduous 500-step climb required to ascend to the top. Finally, firmly planted atop the land sits Inspiration Point; a beautiful limestone rock outcrop that overlooks the entirety of the Whitewater valley. Known as the most popular attraction within Whitewater State Park, visitors can still discover solace from their troubles. In fact, this is the only overlook in the entire park where there are no signs of civilization anywhere in sight. With just a little imagination, standing atop Inspiration Point on a clear, calm day can make you feel as if you could step down into a deep forested paradise, unspoiled and far from the reach of society. Whitewater campground here is plentiful, with every site having full electric hookups and full-through capabilities. The campground features a full range of amenities including regularly placed shower houses with laundry facilities, and a number of group camping areas as well. Furthermore, there are 5 cabins available with various sleeping capabilities.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Whitetail Woods Camper Cabins
    Camper-submitted photo from Whitetail Woods Camper Cabins
    Camper-submitted photo from Whitetail Woods Camper Cabins
    Camper-submitted photo from Whitetail Woods Camper Cabins
    Camper-submitted photo from Whitetail Woods Camper Cabins
    Camper-submitted photo from Whitetail Woods Camper Cabins

    4. Whitetail Woods Camper Cabins

    3 Reviews
    13 Photos
    34 Saves
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Cabins
    • Tent Cabin

    $85 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Rice Lake State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Rice Lake State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Rice Lake State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Rice Lake State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Rice Lake State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Rice Lake State Park

    5. Rice Lake State Park

    13 Reviews
    39 Photos
    34 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Sakatah Lake State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Sakatah Lake State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Sakatah Lake State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Sakatah Lake State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Sakatah Lake State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Sakatah Lake State Park

    6. Sakatah Lake State Park

    23 Reviews
    45 Photos
    76 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Cleary Lake Regional Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cleary Lake Regional Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cleary Lake Regional Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cleary Lake Regional Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cleary Lake Regional Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cleary Lake Regional Park

    7. Cleary Lake Regional Park

    6 Reviews
    25 Photos
    107 Saves

    Cleary Lake Regional Park has 20 sites for tents only and 2 RV sites with full hookups.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $16 - $50 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park

    8. Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park

    16 Reviews
    13 Photos
    144 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Shades of Sherwood Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Shades of Sherwood Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Shades of Sherwood Campground

    9. Shades of Sherwood Campground

    1 Review
    3 Photos
    39 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    Camper-submitted photo from Stockholm Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Stockholm Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Stockholm Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Stockholm Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Stockholm Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Stockholm Park Campground

    10. Stockholm Park Campground

    3 Reviews
    7 Photos
    13 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
Showing results 1-10 of 14 campgrounds

Recent Glamping Reviews In Welch

166 Reviews of 14 Welch Campgrounds


  • Jordan D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Afton State Park
    May. 11, 2024

    Afton State Park

    Sites with privacy and great trails near!

    Good pricing, great trails for all different skill levels and nice staff. Our site was mighty large and for the most part secluded from those near and on the path. $22 for the site, $8 for reservation. $8 for wood (all you can chop) and $7 for the overnight and next day parking pass for one car. Beautiful surroundings and clean bathrooms and grills one mile mostly uphill hike from parking lot but not to difficult and some paved parts. Definitely coming back.

  • Daniel H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park
    Aug. 19, 2023

    Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park

    A very nice park. County Parks are very well managed in Minnesota

    We stayed here a week. I have been here before.  It's a great campground if you can get in. We came late in the season and got the one spot open for a week.   BTW Camping Worlds huge store is just north on 35E.  Kelly's Bar nearby has a great fish fry on Friday.  

    The campground is neat and well managed. Aside from that no issues except being so close to a large city (Urban campgrounds are not for wilderness campers) and county airport (noise) occasionally. Close to the Twin Cities it is.  Access to anywhere is easy. The Three rivers campgrounds triangulate the northern suburbs. Baker park, Bunker Hills Park, and Rice Creek are all close to the major parts of town.

  • Justin J.
    Camper-submitted photo from Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park
    Aug. 15, 2023

    Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park

    Great spot right outside the twin cities

    Great campground with all the amenities one might need, including showers, nice bathrooms, a park, a beach, trails. Right next to lakes and a nature preserve. Close enough to town in case you forget some things like we did. A county parking pass is required, they don't like people parking on the grass, and they have staff making rounds to enforce the shortest list of rules I've seen in the last couple of years. My only complaint is that the location of the porta-potties didn't match what the maps showed, so my seemingly perfect plan to be somewhat far from them failed and I ended up right next to one; it was clean and didn't smell, but we heard the door close every time. They have the campsites spaced out better than most other places I've camped and have trees and brush between the sites whenever possible. We tent camped and plan to bring our travel trailer next year. Definitely plan to stay here at least once a season.

  • Mike R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Sakatah Lake State Park
    Aug. 13, 2023

    Sakatah Lake State Park

    Decent campground. Very wooded, and showing a bit of age.

    Good campground location for the bike trail and for going to places like Mankato, and Faribault. No swimming beach, but that's good because the lake is nasty in late summer.

  • Tonya B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Byllesby Regional Park
    May. 13, 2023

    Lake Byllesby Regional Park

    Nice Campground

    We really liked this campground. The paved trail around the area is really nice for walking the pups. Very clean and well kept campground.

    The campground gets booked up fast, so book early!

    The sites on and close to the water are long, but not very wide. The sites further back have alot more room at each site.

  • Ashley F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Red Cedar Glamping
    Jan. 18, 2023

    Red Cedar Glamping

    Very Cozy Tents!

    Ashley here with The Dyrt. We're so happy to have this property on our platform. With comfortable beds, firewood, firewood starters, and trails, this property has it all. Secluded but close to town. Book them today and leave them a review here!

  • Scott M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cleary Lake Regional Park
    Dec. 22, 2022

    Cleary Lake Regional Park

    Simple and quiet

    Lots of good trees and space between campgrounds which isn’t always the case at the regional parks. The access to water is really nice and a couple sites were perfect.

    The hike in sites are super close to the car so it doesn’t even require much work. Plan to come here again!

  • Scott M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Whitetail Woods Camper Cabins
    Dec. 22, 2022

    Whitetail Woods Camper Cabins

    Great Cold Weather Option

    Super simple camping cabins. They each have 4 spots and have contactless entry as you get sent a code to use. There is no cooking inside the cabin so you have to use the fire ring outside. Shower facilities are really nice and match the cabins. Plan ahead as these are hard to come by.

  • Lindsay T.
    Camper-submitted photo from Sakatah Lake State Park
    Nov. 22, 2022

    Sakatah Lake State Park

    Great campground close to the Twin Cities

    This is a great campground within an hour's drive of the Twin Cities.  Nice hiking and sites well spaced out.  Beautiful in the fall!  Only negative to our site was a fairly steep incline to back our trailer up.  Made for more difficult but not impossible leveling, perfect site otherwise.

  • Kathy S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Rice Lake State Park
    Oct. 13, 2022

    Rice Lake State Park

    Camping in the Forest

    Beautiful forested area just outside Owatonna. Easy drive past beautiful farms to town. Camp host told us mosquitoes were light this year; they seemed plentiful to me! Water near site, showers and bathrooms adequate.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Whitewater State Park - Minneiska Campground
    Sep. 6, 2022

    Whitewater State Park - Minneiska Campground

    Cedar Hill

    We camped at Whitewater State Park August 14-17, 2022, in drive-in campsite #53 of the Cedar Hill campground. The campsite was great! We were surrounded by mature trees, shrubs, and wildflowers on three sides. We could hear the flow of the river as it tumbled along its course behind the campsite. It was very peaceful.

    Lots of birds, butterflies, and squirrels visited our campsite daily. We heard raccoons at night but never saw them. There were no mosquitos and very few other flying insects.

    It was a long walk from our site to the new restroom/shower building. There was water and a vault toilet closer, about four campsites away.

    The park has many hiking trails of varying degrees of difficulty. We hiked to Chimney Rock and Inspiration Point and found the trails more challenging than we expected from their descriptions.

    We greatly enjoyed our time at Whitewater and plan to return.

  • Patty M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Sakatah Lake State Park
    Sep. 1, 2022

    Sakatah Lake State Park

    Close to Twin Cities, Wooded sites

    Beautiful, small state park less than an hour south of Twin Cities. Sites are wooded and shady but some are close to neighboring sites. Not too many mosquitos or flies for August in Minnesota! Sakatah Singing Hills paved trail runs through the park.  It was pouring on Saturday so most of the other campers checked out and we had the campground mostly to ourselves. Super friendly and helpful staff, clean restrooms. Faribault is 15 minutes away so we went antique shopping at Keeper's Antiques downtown and had cocktails at 10,000 Drops Distillery for rainy day activities.

  • Brady J.
    Camper-submitted photo from Whitewater State Park - Minneiska Campground
    Aug. 2, 2022

    Whitewater State Park - Minneiska Campground

    Perfect weekend

    We are new to tent camping and are fortunate to live a short drive away from Whitewater State Park. We have heard from our friends who go camping that this is a highly sought after destination and I can see why. Beautiful lookouts on trails, quiet camp sites (non electric sites are much more peaceful), and very nice amenities. The main shower/restroom area looks brand new and is very nice.

  • Eric T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sakatah Lake State Park
    Jul. 31, 2022

    Sakatah Lake State Park

    Short Ride South of MInneapolis

    Great park if you’re not looking to drive too far to enjoy a bit of nature. Wonderful hiking paths and biking paths.

    Our site was nice a secluded and right next to the trail heads.

    Only downside, if you’re looking for complete quiet, this isn’t the park. It’s next to the highway and there are residents that live on the lake that can be noisy.

    Otherwise, wonderful park especially for families.

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Whitewater State Park - Minneiska Campground
    Jul. 25, 2022

    Whitewater State Park - Minneiska Campground

    Family friendly

    Not overly crowded, clean showers and family friendly. Swimming beach about half a mile from campground. Didn’t get to hike, due to heavy rain. TMobile has no service while AT&T has average to poor service. Probably one of the nicest state park camping I’ve done.

  • Victor S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Whitewater State Park - Minneiska Campground
    Jul. 14, 2022

    Whitewater State Park - Minneiska Campground

    Absolutely wonderful campground tucked inside a state park.

    Whitewater State Park Campground is amazing. It's very clean, well kept and the sites are all mostly private with trees which is so much nicer than being in a giant field of tents and RVs like most campgrounds. There's toilets all over the place and water available in many spots. There's beautiful hiking trails right next to the campground and a lovely beach for kids. I'll definitely be back.

  • Autumn A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park
    Jun. 14, 2022

    Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park

    Hidden gem

    We have lived in the Twin Cities for two decades and have never visited Rice Creek Chain of Lakes before. We will again! It's a lovely park, a reasonable biking distance from the Twin Cities (a lot on dedicated bike path). Sites are good sized with mix of sun and shade. Swimming beach is nice as well. Staff were very helpful.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Chester Woods Park
    Jun. 13, 2022

    Chester Woods Park

    Large sites

    Nice place but it is a campground not an rv park, 30 & 50 amp service but no water hookup (fill when you come in) and dump tanks when leaving,

  • Dan P.
    Camper-submitted photo from Whitewater State Park - Minneiska Campground
    May. 5, 2022

    Whitewater State Park - Minneiska Campground

    Cart-in #2

    Enjoyed the cart-in experience. Made it feel like you were out a bit more and not totally dependent on your car. Also further away from the road. Couldn’t hear any traffic at night or day. The creek helped with that too. Enjoyed putting up our REI kingdom 6. Grilled hot dogs and s’mores. Read star Bible and Brian Jacques’ Redwall to our little boys. In the morning we did a little hike before taking off. Just 1 night stay.

  • anne K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Sakatah Lake State Park
    May. 4, 2022

    Sakatah Lake State Park

    Beautiful place to tent

    Stayed here in April which was a little chilly but kept the bugs away (it’s a little swampy here). The trails seemed less travelers than other places but that may have been due to the early time of year. It’s serene and peaceful here with plenty of space between sites and clean latrines.

  • anne K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Sakatah Lake State Park
    May. 4, 2022

    Sakatah Lake State Park

    Site #78

    The sight was slightly uneven but pretty private. We were here in mid April so the leaves were just starting to bud and the morning temps hovered in the upper 20s (F). This seemed like a lesser used park to me as the trails were not as worn out but this could be due to the early time of year we visited. I can see where the bugs would be bad later on as this is a very swampy area with lots of algae, ponds etc. A calm, serene place.

  • M
    Camper-submitted photo from Whippoorwill Ranch Kampground
    Oct. 18, 2021

    Whippoorwill Ranch Kampground

    Mature crowd and tons of fun!

    We had a fabulous experience at BJ's this weekend. Mark, Sheri and the staff are good people who work hard to make sure you have a great time. The food is excellent and comes out SO FAST; bravo to the kitchen staff! Bartenders are very attentive; Tasha took excellent care of us! The campsites are well kept and spacious. There are no picnic tables in the sites, but we got along just fine without. We can't wait to go back!



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

  • Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Welch, MN?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Welch, MN is Afton State Park with a 4.6-star rating from 36 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find glamping camping near Welch, MN?

    TheDyrt.com has all 14 glamping camping locations near Welch, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.