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Campgrounds near White Bear Lake, Minnesota range from established county parks to state-managed recreation areas, with most sites located within a 30-minute drive of the city. Lake Elmo County Park Reserve offers both drive-in and hike-in camping with tent and RV sites, while William O'Brien State Park Campground provides year-round access including cabin accommodations. Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park features mixed-use campgrounds with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin options just north of White Bear Lake. Several parks in the region maintain well-developed camping areas with electric hookups, drinking water, and sanitary facilities.
Seasonal availability varies significantly across the region, with many campgrounds operating from April through October. Lake Elmo County Park Reserve maintains a limited season, typically closing by mid-autumn, while William O'Brien and Interstate State Parks remain open year-round for camping. Reservations are essential during summer months when family-friendly campgrounds fill quickly, particularly on weekends. Most established campgrounds provide amenities like showers, toilets, and picnic tables, though specific features vary by location. Cell service can be inconsistent at more remote sites, particularly at Sand Dunes State Forest where dispersed camping is available. According to one visitor, "For a County Park, Lake Elmo has an impressive list of amenities including a filtered swimming pond, giant playground, and various camping options from camper spots to rustic and hike-in sites."
Campers consistently rate Lebanon Hills Regional Park and Rice Creek Chain of Lakes among the highest-reviewed destinations near White Bear Lake, with ratings above 4.6 out of 5 stars. Family-friendly amenities are frequently mentioned in reviews, with several campgrounds featuring swimming areas, playgrounds, and hiking trails. Lebanon Hills receives praise for feeling secluded despite its proximity to urban areas, with one camper noting it's "close to everything but yet secluded." Water access represents a significant draw for many visitors, with St. Croix River access available at several parks including William O'Brien State Park and Interstate State Park. Noise levels vary considerably, with campgrounds closer to highways experiencing more ambient sound, while those in more remote settings offer greater tranquility.
"For a County Park, Lake Elmo has an impressive list of amenities. Before we even get to the campsite let's mention the filtered swimming pond."
"Lake Elmo County Park in Washington County Minnesota is a great park for families."
from $23 - $80 / night
Check Availability"Fun to play in the water, go behind the waterfall and a good hike up 200 steps to view the falls from above!"
"Located 5 miles outside of Hudson, Willow Creek State Park is large park with hiking, camp sites, fishing, canoeing, and the waterfall."
from $25 - $90 / night
Check Availability"Easy walking trails surround the park which is nice and convenient. Close proximity to Stillwater which made for a nice day trip. Camp sites were very clean and easy to access."
"We O'Brian has some of the best groomed trails that I have been on."
from $25 - $90 / night
Check Availability"Kelly's Bar nearby has a great fish fry on Friday. The campground is neat and well managed."
"It was very easy to find, close to the twin cities, and clean. There was good access to kindling for a fire in the nice fire pit that has a grill."
from $20 - $75 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $22 - $85 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $24 - $42 / night
Check Availability"I was very happy with the trails and accommodations available to me, during my stay."
"It has a golf course, a restaurant is on the grounds, there is a stable with horses/ponies that you can take guided trail rides on, a water park(it is called The Beach, which was very confusing for us"
from $20 - $32 / night
Check Availability"Access to lake is great. Firewood at $7 a bundle doesn't burn, it just smokes. I asked for a refund. Buy firewood elsewhere."
"Beach was closed but we still got some good walks in. Fire ring was a little shallow for my liking so had to get some solid coals going to get dinner on the table."
from $20 - $32 / night
Check Availability"This is a state park on the Wisconsin side of the St Croix River, which is mirrored by a comparable but smaller state park in Minnesota on the wrst side of the river, both being part of the wild and scenic"
"Now that I live in Minnesota, I find myself frequenting the Taylors Falls side. Here you have the amazing "Pot Holes" from glacial waters and some pretty spectacular rock climbing."
from $24 - $50 / night
Check Availability"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"
ScoutMe and my nephew came to camp at Bertram Park in Monticello and the boss came up to him and was being an ass telling him that he can’t ride his dirtbike that has the battery in it and he said it in a mean way and he said if he catches him again, he will kick us out of the park. I don’t recommend coming here. The bus could’ve been a lot nicer about it.
TravelerI camped at site 42 for 2 days. It was a huge camp space that backs up into the woods. Great hiking and views.
ScoutGreat place if you have tents but no rv or pull behind parking
GuideNo hookups. No privacy at sites. Nice and clean, beautiful beach area. Nice pier for fishing. You can rent kayaks, canoes, paddle boards. Many miles of bike paths on site. Great family campground. FYI, 10 sites are dedicated for generator usage, however you cannot use them overnight.
GuideStayed for two nights when I worked at concerts in Somerset. Was very impressed with how private the sites are. There is Good tree cover in between each site. There is nothing to do for kids, if that’s important for you….I didn’t look around too much, just a walk around the loops. But I want to go back again. Beautiful and clean is how I’d describe in 2 words.
ScoutLarge sites. NO sewer hookups but there is a dump station.
ScoutThere are NO sewer hookups and they charge you$40 per dump fee. Should be included when you pay$600 a month to stay here. Theres no laundry on site. You have to drive 20 mins one way to do laundry. There is only ONE restroom and shower house there are porta potties placed all around to use instead. They also CLOSED the only shower house on a FRIDAY for remodeling the counter tops. If they charged less to stay here I’d say it’s ok but for what they charge and saying they are non-profit makes it suspiciously convenient to slap a veteran camp on their sign to make you feel special. Meanwhile everything is a fee. Extra charge. Won’t be staying again.
RangerVisiting family in the area and got a spot here. Spaces are snug, not big rig friendly, but overall a nice park. Power and water hookups, and dump station. Little pricey at $80/night but it’s in a great area.
ScoutThe sites are mostly separated giving a “real wilderness “ vibe. The lake is good, the bathrooms are cleaned (ish) and amenities are satisfactory. I will stay here again!
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.
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.
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."
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."
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."
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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there RV camping available at White Bear Lake?
Yes, there are several RV-friendly campgrounds near White Bear Lake. Highland Ridge accommodates many RV campers with clean facilities, including spotless showers and bathrooms. Firewood is readily available at roadside stands near the entrance. Island Campground and Marina offers full hookups near Red Wing and provides river access, though it's situated under Highway 63 bridge which creates some noise. For overnight parking, some RVers use Cabela's in Rogers, though it can be noisy due to proximity to I-94. Most campgrounds in the area require reservations, especially during peak season, so booking ahead is recommended.
What campgrounds are available near White Bear Lake, MN?
Several excellent campgrounds are located within a short drive of White Bear Lake. Lake Elmo County Park Reserve is nearby and offers impressive amenities including hiking trails, horseback riding, and a filtered swimming pond with a sandy beach. Another option is William O'Brien State Park Campground, which features well-groomed trails, backpack sites, and easy access to Stillwater for day trips. Both parks provide clean facilities and family-friendly environments. Other nearby options include Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park, Baker Park Reserve, and Lebanon Hills Regional Park, all within a reasonable driving distance from White Bear Lake.
Are there family-friendly cabins available near White Bear Lake?
Family-friendly cabin accommodations can be found near White Bear Lake at several parks and resorts. Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve is known for being an excellent family destination with clean facilities and affordable rates. Though primarily a campground, some Three Rivers Park District properties offer cabin rentals. Interstate State Park along the St. Croix River also provides cabin options in a scenic setting with access to the wild and scenic St. Croix National Waterway. For families seeking modern amenities, several private resorts around White Bear Lake offer cabin rentals with lakefront access, though these typically need to be booked well in advance, especially during summer months.
What recreational activities are available at White Bear Lake County Park?
White Bear Lake County Park offers numerous recreational activities centered around its beautiful lake. Water activities include swimming at designated beaches, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and sailboating, with boat rentals often available during summer months. The park features scenic walking and biking paths that circle portions of the lake, providing excellent opportunities for nature photography, especially during sunrise and sunset. For comparison, Lebanon Hills Regional Park in the same region offers Schultz Beach for swimming, professional mountain bike trails, and miles of hiking paths. Cannon River Wilderness Area is another nearby option with riverside trails and excellent hammocking spots.
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