Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park features a combination of wooded and open sites, with camping options 25-30 minutes north of White Bear Lake. The park offers both drive-in and walk-in access with sites arranged in loops according to accommodation type, including a dedicated tent-only section. Winter temperatures in the region can drop below 0°F, while summer camping season typically runs May through September with July temperatures averaging 83°F. Several campgrounds in the area maintain year-round availability, including cabin accommodations for off-season stays.
What to do
Swimming and beaches: Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park offers a "gorgeous beach area with tables, a pavilion, changing rooms and a well equipped playground," according to one camper. Another visitor mentioned that "the beach was very nice to swim in, but was a bit crowded no surprise in mid July."
Waterfall exploration: At Willow River State Park Campground, just across the Wisconsin border, the falls are a major draw. "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!" reports one visitor. The park is approximately 30 minutes from White Bear Lake.
Hiking networks: Afton State Park Campground provides extensive trail systems through diverse landscapes. A camper noted: "Terrific park. Lots of trails with a wide variety of landscapes. Prairie, forest, river, it's got it all." Another mentioned "The hike to the campground is short and grueling," so prepare accordingly for elevation changes.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Lebanon Hills Regional Park receives consistent praise for its site layout. One camper shared: "Sites with full hookups or more remote sites with electric that are more tucked away in the pines." Another camper explained why they enjoyed the East Loop: "We weren't super close to any campers unlike most RV spots are nowadays."
Natural seclusion: Despite suburban locations, many campgrounds offer surprisingly isolated experiences. At Bunker Hills Regional Park, campers appreciate that "this park and campground is surprisingly woodsy, secluded and spacious" with "both primitive (tent) non-electric sites, and sites with electricity, even some 50 amp."
Water features: Willow River State Park Campground formerly had a lake that was drained for dam repairs. A visitor clarified: "Willow River State Park no longer has a beach or a lake, but they are working on the dam to refill the lake once again." However, many campers mention the falls as compensation: "We loved the falls. Our family spent a week here."
What you should know
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. At Interstate State Park, "The power loop runs right along a 4-lane highway, which you can't really see but for sure will hear." Site selection matters for a quieter experience.
Seasonal insect activity: Insects can be problematic, particularly in early summer. One camper at Rice Creek Campgrounds reported: "Horseflies nonstop attacked us. To not get bite we had to run around like chickens with our heads cut off!" Another noted "mosquitoes were absolutely nuts" at their site.
Alcohol policies vary: Some parks prohibit alcohol entirely. St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park is described as "a dry park" according to a visitor, while others like Bunker Hills permit alcohol consumption. Check specific rules before arriving.
Reservation requirements: During peak season (May-September), weekend spots fill months in advance. A visitor to Bunker Hills noted: "Reserve early online, most weekends were already reserved by mid May."
Tips for camping with families
Filtered swimming ponds: Lake Elmo County Park Reserve offers a unique swimming feature - "They have a home made lake that has a sand bottom but it has chlorine like a pool so no weeds. Great for swimming." Another camper called it "a filtered pond" that's perfect for cooling off.
Playgrounds and recreation: Bunker Hills Regional Park provides extensive family amenities. "Local favorite! Something for everyone here! The facilities are well kept... Perfect for kids, they have a water park with a wave pool, a disc golf course, a golf course, several pavilions with grills, a few playgrounds."
Camping cabins: For families new to camping or visiting during unpredictable weather, several parks offer cabin options. At William O'Brien State Park, a visitor who stayed in February reported: "The cabin we stayed in felt very welcoming. Unknown at the time I booked it, the cabin offered Wi-Fi access."
Tips from RVers
Full hookup options: St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park receives positive reviews for its amenities, though campers note certain limitations: "My only wish is that my little dog could join us and they had full hook ups." The park has electric and water but not sewer connections at standard sites.
Electric sites: For those who need power but not full hookups, Lake Elmo Park Reserve gets high marks. According to one visitor: "Great campground, sites are spacious and spread out, electric hookups at all sites, swim pond is great for kids."
Dump station access: Interstate State Park provides sanitary dump stations, important for longer stays. One visitor pointed out the campground has "mediocre, but passable" facilities, including shower access and a sanitary dump, though warned the "sites are the smallest I have seen anywhere."
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