Campgrounds near Wyoming, Minnesota provide a mix of public and private camping experiences within easy reach of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Rice Creek Campgrounds and Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park offer spacious, wooded sites for tent and RV camping, with many campsites featuring good spacing and mature tree coverage for privacy. Kozy Oaks Kamp provides family-friendly camping with additional amenities like swimming pools and recreational activities. The region includes both county park campgrounds and privately operated facilities, with options ranging from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV spaces and cabins.
Several campgrounds in the area remain open year-round, though amenities and services may be limited during winter months. Most locations require advance reservations, particularly during summer weekends when sites fill quickly. "Level private sites, lots of trees, showers were clean. Would definitely camp again," noted one visitor about Rice Creek Campgrounds. County parks often require parking permits in addition to camping fees. Road access is generally good with paved roads leading to most established campgrounds, making the area accessible for various camping setups including larger RVs and trailers. Weather conditions vary seasonally, with hot, humid summers bringing mosquitoes and occasional storms, while spring and fall offer more moderate temperatures.
Campers frequently highlight the balance of natural settings with proximity to urban conveniences as a key advantage of camping in this area. Despite being close to the Twin Cities, many sites maintain a surprisingly secluded feel. One reviewer mentioned that at Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park, "The sites are near each other but seem to have quite a bit more privacy than you would expect at a county or state park." Some campgrounds feature water recreation opportunities, with access to lakes for swimming, fishing, and boating. Road noise from nearby highways can be noticeable at certain campgrounds. Most established sites include standard amenities like fire rings, picnic tables, and access to drinking water, with shower facilities available at many locations.
$24 - $50 / night
"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."
$25 - $90 / night
"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."
$23 - $90 / night
"Stayed for two nights at a drive-in double site here and found it ideal for autumn camping."
"We stayed in campsite 29 in the drive in campsite over Labor Day weekend."
$20 - $75 / night
"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."
"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."
$20 - $32 / night
"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"
$20 - $32 / night
"Access to lake is great. Firewood at $7 a bundle doesn't burn, it just smokes. I asked for a refund. Buy firewood elsewhere."
"When Rice Creek Campground opens up again in April I'd highly recommend going there if all you want is a simple camping experience to get away from the city grind."
$22 - $38 / night
"Nice pool and a lake. Room between campsites and some tree coverage. All in all a nice place to camp."
"Great little family camp non-motorized lake great for kayaks or canoes couple decent spots for group camping, new owners only four years inand working hard to make it better"
$23 - $80 / night
"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."
$44 - $75 / night
"These primitive sites are down a small dirt road away from the main RV camping area and are nicely wooded, but you can still see neighboring sites."
"The kids tried the bike trail that they could access right from the campground.
Plenty of space to social distance. We never felt uncomfortable and everything was really clean!"
TravelerWe stayed here with a group of hot tent campers in early January. The site is large and had a couple of fire pits. Includes a few picnic tables, and a pit toilet. It's a beautiful open area not far from the parking lot with a gorgeous view of the St. Croix River.
ScoutWe visited Avatan Nudist Campground last July with our two kids (ages 8 and 11) for what was supposed to be a wholesome, body-positive family getaway. The website and brochures paint a perfect picture: serene woods, a sparkling pool, family activities, and a "welcoming community" vibe. And on the surface? Yeah, the grounds are stunning—pristine trails, a well-maintained pool. The facilities are clean, the staff (mostly) polite, and the natural setting is genuinely relaxing. If you're just looking for a quiet spot to shed your clothes and unwind in nature, it checks those boxes.
But dig a little deeper, and Avatan reveals itself as something else entirely—a place that's quietly optimized for adult fun, with kids as an inconvenient footnote they have to tolerate to keep the "family" label. From the moment we arrived, it was clear the real energy was elsewhere. Evenings around the fire pits and at the "Squirrel's" (code for the bar area) had this unmistakable swinger-party undercurrent. Lots of lingering glances, couples disappearing into the woods or private cabins, and a vibe that felt more like a discreet resort for the lifestyle crowd than a spot for building sandcastles with the little ones. Our kids picked up on it fast—whispers about "grown-up games" and awkward questions we had to deflect. The camp "tolerates" families, sure, but it's obvious the core membership would prefer a child-free zone. Activities for kids are minimal: a basic playground and the occasional nature hike, while the adults get themed nights, "sensual yoga," and late-night mixers that go until dawn.
What really soured the experience was the toxic underbelly of the community itself. This place is a powder keg of power struggles, with a small cadre of long-time board members and "elders" locked in a perpetual cold war. Gossip flows like the creek itself—endless whispers about who's sleeping with whom, who's "stealing" prime cabin spots, or who's cozying up to the President for favors. We overheard more drama in one week than in a season of reality TV. Cliques form fast: the "party crew" vs. the "purists," the swingers vs. the swingers-who-pretend-they're-not. As newcomers (and parents, no less), we felt like outsiders crashing a private club. Smiles were surface-level; the second you stepped away, the backstabbing started.
And then there's the elephant in the (clothing-optional) room: the camp's ugly history with sexual predators. We didn't know it going in, but after a few days, the stories trickled out from sympathetic members—multiple incidents over the years involving members who turned out to be registered offenders or worse, preying on the vulnerable in this "trust-based" environment. The rules around anonymity are ironclad: no photos, no last names, "what happens at Avatan stays at Avatan." It's sold as protecting privacy in a nudist space, which sounds noble until you realize it shields the creeps. Anyone who dares speak up—whether it's a parent noticing a sketchy guy lingering too long near the kids' area or a survivor sharing a red flag—is immediately branded a "troublemaker," "paranoid," or "anti-community." We've heard of families getting shamed in group meetings, then quietly asked to leave for "disrupting the harmony." Evictions happen fast if you rock the boat, all in the name of keeping the peace and the paying members happy.
Look, we're no prudes. Nudism can be liberating, and we've been to other resorts where it felt truly inclusive and safe. But Avatan? It's a divided house built on denial. The adult-party atmosphere thrives because the kids are an afterthought, and the predator problem festers because calling it out gets you exiled. If you're a child-free couple into the full swinger scene, this might be your paradise—plenty of like-minded folks and zero judgment. But if you're a family hoping for that advertised "safe, empowering space"? Steer clear. Your kids deserve better than being tolerated in a place where silence is golden and the wrong questions get you blacklisted. We won't be back, and I hope this review saves someone else the regret.
RangerSo, I think you know what you are signing up for here when you stay camp at the backpacking site at Afton, but let me fill in some of the blanks. #1 yes, the hill climb is as big of an effort as other people have said. You will feel like you earned your dinner. I may have found a hack for this, but more in that later. #2 the site are mostly private. I stayed on site #12. I could see (and they could have seen me) site #9, but thankfully no one was there. That would have been a bummer to have other looking into my site. There is even a semi-worn path between 12 and 9. They would make a good combo if you have a group. Other than that, totally secluded. As far space at #12, you could build as big of a tent structure there as you would need, easily room for a massive 16’x24’ palace (if you would dare to carry it) or anything smaller. An Eagle Scout project built hammock posts at this site, so it is ideal for that set up. #3 the campground amenities are very nice. The solar powered water works great year round, the two pits toilets (if you can even call them that) are very new and nice. And the coolest campground feature is the cut your own firewood station. I went a little overboard since it was so nice and had a way bigger fire than I needed. Bring your own saw and you will love it too. #4 After walking around the park, I discovered a possible hack. There is an unmarked entrance to the park on the north side. Instead of walking all my gear back to the parking lot, I walked the .5 miles to the service entrance, dropped my pack, and then walked the 1.8 miles back to the parking lot. I tend to carry too much. The flat short walk to drop my gear was worth it. Then I drop around the park and picked up my stuff. Probably not MN DNR endorsed way to do it, but I was proud of my discovery. All in, this is a unique and wonderful camping experience. Highly recommend.
GuideNice spot with plenty of space between sites, which gives you some privacy. It’s right off a busy road, so you’ll hear some traffic noise. The hunters were out during my stay, so there were gunshots throughout the day, but that’s to be expected this time of year. Overall, a good spot for a quick overnight stay and it’s conveniently close to the cities.
RangerI was looking for a secluded backpack in site where I could have a peaceful 48 hours of prayer and solitude, and this site was perfect! I also wanted one that wasn't too far remote, since I hadn't been on a proper backpacking trip since the pandemic hit. And as a solo female camper, I wanted a reserved site so that there would be a record of my location for safety reasons. I'm so glad I chose the Deer Creek site, and will almost definitely stay here again at some point!
This site is accessible by either hiking or canoe. It took me about 30 minutes to hike in from the visitor center parking lot. There is easy access to river water to boil or filter from the canoe landing.
This site was incredibly spacious. It includes a fire ring and picnic table overlooking the creek and river. It also includes 2 large tent pads (look out for widow makers, one of the tent pads is under a dead tree!). It also has a spot nestled in some pine trees that could fit a smaller tent, canoe storage, or I found it to be the perfect spot to hang my hammock! (This would be a great site for hammock camping.) So if you're camping with a small group of people this would be a great site. It also includes a trail to a fairly private latrine, and a bear box (the park ranger warned me that there are bears in the park although I did not see any.) I also found plenty of dead down and dry wood and birch bark on the ground for building fires.
This site is great for a one nigjt stay on a longer backpacking or canoeing trip, but also great for camping out at for a couple of nights. I stayed for two, and it connects to all the major trails in the park, so I was able to use it as a great base for hiking and seeing the beautiful changing leaves. In the morning I hiked North to do the Riverside trail and looped back through the woods. Then in the afternoon I did the Deer Creek loop, which is a shared horse and hiking trail. It was so nice to he able to hike out to some of the best trails in the park directly from my site.
This site felt remarkably remote for being only an hour from the twin cities and a mile from the parking lot! I stayed there Thursday -Saturday, and after leaving the parking lot on Thursday did not see another human being for the rest of the day, and Friday not until I hit the main trails! There was no one else staying within at least a mile of me. I was even able to see fantastic stars Friday night. There was amazing wildlife - a blue heron frequented the site, and I heard all types of owls. Two bald eagles had a nest across the river so I got to see and hear them the whole trip, too- it was absolutely magical!
This site has a great view of both sunrise and sunset. Thursday night there was a gorgeous sunset over the woods reflected in deer Creek. Both mornings I woke up to watch the sunrise while drinking my coffee next to the fire (it was freezing!!!). Watching the sun rise over the river and fog roll over th water and evaporate while eagles soared was truly magical. Having an easy backpack in site surrounded by water on two sides and with views of the sunrise and sunset like this was so incredible!!!
GuideThey 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.
ScoutFor our first time camping, this was a great site! It was very clean, had friendly staff, and was close to a really fun park for our kids. We will be back!
TravelerNever 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
GuideInterstate State Park has some nice features, but overall it wasn’t my favorite. Many of the exterior loop sites have river access, which was a highlight, and we didn’t have to deal with mosquitoes thanks to being right on the water. The nearby towns are also very charming and worth exploring.
That said, the campground is small and very crowded, likely because it’s so close to the Cities and popular with canoe rentals. Expect a lot of traffic noise, and in the fall, migrating geese can be very loud (which didn’t bother me, but might for some). The ranger office had limited hours, and since firewood is locked up, there’s no self-serve option. Another downside: a riverboat cruises by frequently, blasting music in the evenings and giving tours during the day.
The sites are close together, with RVs and tents mixed on one loop, so generator noise is common. It wasn’t a terrible stay, but just too small and busy for my preference—I don’t think I’d return.
Best sites seemed to be 21 (great river views, less private), 23 (fun detached tent pad), and 18 (most private). Sites 4–5 were also lovely but close to the bathrooms and camp host, so expect more foot traffic.
Campgrounds near Wyoming, Minnesota offer accessible camping options within an hour of the Twin Cities. The area sits at around 900 feet elevation in the St. Croix River Valley, creating a mix of wooded terrain and river access points. Fall camping features colorful foliage from mid-September through October, while summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F with higher humidity.
Hiking along glacial formations: Interstate State Park features unique geological formations known as potholes. "The draw here is the world's largest glacial potholes. When the river ran 200' higher than it does today, tornados of water eroded smooth round, massive holes in the rock," explains Erik R. from Interstate State Park.
Kayaking and canoeing: Wildwood Campground provides direct water access with rental services. "The kayaking/canoeing was an amazing adventure that everyone should try. It was even great for kids 3 and 6," notes Dominick C. from Wildwood RV Park & Campground.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Wild River State Park offers excellent wildlife watching, particularly for bird enthusiasts. "There was amazing wildlife - a blue heron frequented the site, and I heard all types of owls. Two bald eagles had a nest across the river so I got to see and hear them the whole trip," shares Sarah D., who stayed at one of the backpack sites.
Mountain biking and paved trails: Regional parks offer accessible biking options for all skill levels. "Huge park, you can climb the cliffs surrounding the falls and there are plenty of trail both paved and unpaved," notes Arielle P. about the trail system at Willow River State Park.
Privacy and spacing between sites: Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park offers well-spaced campsites. "This is a beautiful park and the campsites for the most part all seem spacious, and the loop we were in all had decent tree cover," reports Krista T. from Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park.
Night sky viewing opportunities: Wild River State Park has designated star-gazing areas. "The star gazing area was great! Intermittently had 1-2 bars of T-Mobile with LTE Internet. Wi-Fi is available at the park entrance," notes Katherine T. from Wild River State Park.
River access from campsites: Some sites offer direct views of the St. Croix River. "When we first arrived to Interstate State Park our very first thought was 'that this is awful'. We hoped that our campsite that we had reserved was not as equals to those on the lower end of the northside, very open space more field like then camp ground to us. And then we came upon our site. With a waterfall on the back side and saint croix river on the other. I could not asked for a better site," shares Nina T.
Year-round camping options: William O'Brien State Park offers winter camping experiences. "I visited William O'Brien in the middle of February with two college roommates. The cabin we stayed in felt very welcoming," says David K. who enjoyed the winter camping experience.
Weekday reservations recommended: Most campgrounds fill quickly on summer weekends. "Weekends have been packed and reservations scarce for months at state parks in Minnesota. Arriving on a Sunday afternoon was a dream—very few people in the campground loop," advises Dani K. about William O'Brien State Park.
Seasonal insect considerations: Mosquitoes and horseflies can be prevalent in summer months. "Horseflies nonstop attacked us. To not get bite we had to run around like chickens with our heads cut off!" warns Ariel H. from Rice Creek Campgrounds.
Firewood availability varies: Several campgrounds sell firewood onsite, but quality can vary. "Firewood at $7 a bundle doesn't burn, it just smokes. I asked for a refund. Buy firewood elsewhere," advises Bruce M. from Rice Creek Campgrounds.
Shower and bathroom facilities: Facilities vary widely between parks. "The shower house needs some paint, but had been cleaned," notes Karla J.B. at William O'Brien State Park, while Lake Elmo Park Reserve receives praise for "facilities modern and clean" according to MalibuDave42 L.
Water recreation options: Bunker Hills Regional Park offers unique swimming facilities. "They have a home made lake that has a sand bottom but it has chlorine like a pool so no weeds. Great for swimming," explains Timothy S. from Lake Elmo County Park Reserve.
Playgrounds and recreational amenities: Many campgrounds offer family-friendly activities. "Something for everyone here! The facilities are well kept, the park is patrolled by rangers and the local sheriff after closing hours. Very safe place to camp. 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 and plenty of trails," describes Arielle P. about Bunker Hills Regional Park.
Educational programs: Look for parks with nature centers and programs. "On Saturday nights they have a campground program for the kids and families to watch," mentions Tina H. about Lake Elmo Park Reserve.
Selecting family-friendly sites: Some campgrounds have specific family-oriented sites. "Family friendly getaway for a quick camping fix. Nice pool and a lake. Room between campsites and some tree coverage," shares Kelly E. about Kozy Oaks Kamp.
Electric service considerations: Available amperage varies between parks. "No full hookups but there is a fantastic group site and the individual sites are spacious," notes Nate M. about Kozy Oaks Kamp.
Site size and access: Some parks accommodate larger RVs better than others. "For being in the middle of the northern suburbs of Minneapolis, this park and campground is surprisingly woodsy, secluded and spacious. There are both primitive (tent) non-electric sites, and sites with electricity, even some 50 amp," explains Doug B. about Bunker Hills Regional Park.
Dump station locations: Not all parks offer full hookups. "Easy late check in with campsite hosts. Lots of site options from open field options to pretty tree covered areas. Water fill stations readily available so we loaded up prior to continuing out west," explains Lynsey M. from Bunker Hills Regional Park.
Cell reception and WiFi: Connectivity varies significantly between parks. "Sadly I needed 4 hours of internet and my cellular data here was spotty. I spent this time right outside the office," shares Jaime N. about Wildwood Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Wyoming, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, Wyoming, MN offers a wide range of camping options, with 139 campgrounds and RV parks near Wyoming, MN and 6 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Wyoming, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Wyoming, MN is Interstate State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 52 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Wyoming, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 free dispersed camping spots near Wyoming, MN.
What parks are near Wyoming, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 parks near Wyoming, MN that allow camping, notably Saint Croix National Scenic River and Eau Galle Lake.
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