Camping spots near West St. Paul provide access to diverse terrain within a 30-mile radius, from prairie landscapes to riverfront settings. Most campgrounds sit at elevations between 700-900 feet above sea level, creating relatively flat camping conditions with occasional ravines near water features. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F with higher humidity levels from June through August.
What to do
Hiking varied terrain: Willow River State Park Campground offers numerous trails with varying difficulty levels. "Willow River falls is definitely a beautiful site to see. Definitely a place to camp if you like to be active and explore the trails. Winter, summer or fall!" notes Jessica B. The park maintains both paved and unpaved paths suitable for all skill levels.
Water activities: Multiple lakes provide swimming options throughout the area. At Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park, visitors appreciate the "gorgeous beach area with tables, a pavilion, changing rooms and a well equipped playground." The park features boat rentals including kayaks and canoes during summer months.
Archery: Several parks maintain dedicated archery ranges. One camper at Lake Elmo County Park Reserve mentioned, "Great campground, sites are spacious and spread out, electric hookups at all sites, swim pond is great for kids, and other amenities like an archery range and hiking trails are fantastic for kids."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds feature well-separated sites. At Lebanon Hills Regional Park, campers note: "We love Lebanon Hills! Close to home and an oasis in the middle of the Twin Cities. Sites with full hookups or more remote sites with electric that are more tucked away in the pines." The east loop specifically caters to tent campers and smaller RVs.
Clean facilities: Bathroom maintenance receives consistent praise. At Baker Campground, visitors appreciate that "The bathrooms and showers are nice and clean, some of the best I've seen at a campground!" Most parks clean facilities daily during peak season.
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk offer prime wildlife spotting times. One camper at Bunker Hills Regional Park explained, "The actual campsite, bike/walking/horse trails make you forget all of that [nearby civilization]." Early morning hours provide the best opportunity to see deer, particularly along water edges.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Book early for summer weekends. For Bunker Hills Regional Park, a camper advised, "Based on the lack of Dyrt reviews and the overabundance of weekend availability for this campground, it might be a nice option for you to get camping even if you are a state-park-loving metro dweller like me." Weekday availability remains much better throughout the season.
Campground rules vary: Alcohol policies differ between parks. St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park prohibits alcohol completely, with one visitor noting: "The only reason I would come back is for the hikes. There is a beautiful little hidden waterfall that isn't on any of the park maps and you have to go off the trail to find it."
Insects are prevalent: Mosquitoes remain active from May through September. "Bring your spray!" warns one camper about Rice Creek Chain of Lakes. Bug activity peaks in June and July, especially near standing water and during evening hours.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: William O'Brien State Park offers riverside swimming. A visitor reported: "We love this park!! very friendly and well kept! Two campgrounds to chose from. Tons of hiking, fishing, and great picnic area next to the river!" Swimming areas vary from filtered ponds to natural beaches across different parks.
Playground access: Multiple parks feature updated play equipment. According to one Lebanon Hills camper: "Our spot was spacious, and close to the bathrooms and play area. The play area was really nice and looked brand new. Our girls loved making new friends to play with."
Educational programs: Many parks run weekend activities for children. Lake Elmo receives praise because "On Saturday nights they have a campgound program for the kids and families to watch. Very organized and clean facilities."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Afton State Park Campground offers varied accommodation types. "Minnesota State Parks have just started to build Yurts for 3 campgrounds around the state; Afton, Cuyuna and Glendalough State Parks. These have some great amenities and are perfect for family camping, especially in Fall, Winter and Spring," reports Jason S. Electric sites remain most plentiful at county parks rather than state parks.
Site dimensions: Some parks better accommodate larger rigs. At St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park, a camper mentioned: "This park is truly beautiful. Beach is great. Easy boat launch. Clean facility. The staff is super nice." Most parks clearly indicate maximum vehicle lengths on their reservation websites.
Dump station access: Several parks offer sanitary dumps. Lebanon Hills provides full hookups in one camping section, with a visitor sharing: "We had full hookups, even though we only needed water and electric." Check individual park websites for specific amenity details.
