Best Campgrounds near Hudson, WI

Located near the Minnesota-Wisconsin border, the camping landscape around Hudson provides a mix of state parks and county facilities with diverse site options. Willow River State Park Campground serves as a primary camping destination, featuring over 100 sites including electric hookups and spacious, wooded sites across three campground loops. The St. Croix River valley contains several established campgrounds within a 30-minute drive of Hudson, most offering accommodation for tents and RVs, with some facilities like Afton State Park and St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park also providing cabin options. Campground density increases along the river corridor where state and regional parks maintain developed camping areas.

Reservations are strongly recommended for weekend stays, particularly during the peak season from May through October when campgrounds regularly reach capacity. Most campgrounds in the area operate year-round, though winter camping brings reduced services with limited bathroom access and no shower facilities. Electric sites are common throughout the region, but full hookups with sewer connections are less prevalent, available primarily at private campgrounds and select county parks. Cell service varies by location and carrier, with several reviewers noting good 5G coverage in the newer campground loops at Willow River State Park. According to one visitor: "T-mobile reception was good in the 100 loop. No reception in the other two loops as they are down the hill farther."

The waterfall at Willow River State Park represents a key attraction for campers, with hiking trails connecting campground areas to scenic overlooks and swimming areas. Campers frequently mention the balance of natural amenities and modern conveniences, with multiple reviews highlighting the park's well-maintained facilities. Site privacy varies significantly between campgrounds and specific loops, with the 300 loop at Willow River described as having better lake access but more foot traffic. Several visitors commented on the convenient proximity to the Twin Cities, making these campgrounds popular for weekend getaways. A review mentioned: "It's a great park conveniently located near the twin cities making it a great spot for a quick getaway." Families particularly appreciate the combination of hiking trails, swimming opportunities, and playground facilities found at many of the established campgrounds in the area.

Best Camping Sites Near Hudson, Wisconsin (118)

    1. Willow River State Park Campground

    62 Reviews
    Hudson, WI
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 386-5931

    "Located 5 miles outside of Hudson, Willow Creek State Park is large park with hiking, camp sites, fishing, canoeing, and the waterfall."

    "You can’t even tell you’re in Hudson. Nice hiking trails, nice lake that rents kayaks and canoes, and a beautiful waterfall at the end of the hiking trail."

    2. Lake Elmo County Park Reserve

    37 Reviews
    Lake Elmo, MN
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 430-8370

    $23 - $80 / night

    "Well placed sites nestled near lovely walking trails - Very nice water hook ups and electric- well maintained! Loved this Camping Site!"

    "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."

    3. Afton State Park Campground

    36 Reviews
    Denmark, MN
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 436-5391

    "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."

    "Afton state park is a 1700 acre park just outside Woodbury that has excellent river views from the campground."

    4. St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park

    20 Reviews
    Denmark, MN
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 430-8240

    "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"

    "A great location along the St. Croix River, easily accessible from the Twin Cities or from West-Central Wisconsin. "

    5. William O'Brien State Park Campground

    39 Reviews
    Marine on St. Croix, MN
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 539-4980

    $16 - $250 / 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."

    "Our site was a non-electric site on the outside ring, with just a thin slip of woods and a hiking trail between us and the St. Croix river."

    6. Lebanon Hills Regional Park

    43 Reviews
    Apple Valley, MN
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 480-7773

    $24 - $42 / night

    "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."

    "We camped in the East Loop and were close to the bathrooms & playground. Our camp site was very private/secluded."

    7. Apple River Family Campground

    6 Reviews
    Marine on St. Croix, MN
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 247-3600

    $30 - $150 / night

    "This this is an amazing Campground with two heated pools one up top and one down below they're also campsites located right alongside the river the campground offers tubing disc golf and many other activities"

    8. Hoffman City Park

    4 Reviews
    River Falls, WI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 425-0924

    $10 - $20 / night

    "There is a dumping station at the exit.  There are no fire pits, bring your own. Great wooded hiking trails."

    "Right next to the freeway, so you will hear that at night. There are a lot of restaurant options near by if you don’t want to cook."

    9. Interstate State Park — Interstate State Park

    52 Reviews
    Taylors Falls, MN
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 483-3747

    $24 - $34 / 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"

    "Having grown up in Wisconsin I would visit the St Croix Falls side frequently. Swimming and hiking the bluff many an afternoon."

    10. Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park

    17 Reviews
    Lino Lakes, MN
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (763) 324-3340

    $20 - $75 / night

    "Kelly's Bar nearby has a great fish fry on Friday.   The campground is neat and well managed."

    "We have lived in the Twin Cities for two decades and have never visited Rice Creek Chain of Lakes before. We will again!"

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Recent Reviews near Hudson, WI

749 Reviews of 118 Hudson Campgrounds


  • Sarah D.
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Wild River State Park Campground

    Secluded Backpack/Canoe Site with Sunrise Views

    I 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!!!

  • Sarah D.
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Frontenac State Park Campground

    Secluded Site and Great Views Close to the Twin Cities

    We did a one night camping trip for my birthday at Cart-In Site 1 the second to last weekend of September.

    We loved the hiking at Frontenac State Park - walking along the lake and then walking along the bluffs at sunset was magical! Fantastic views. I imagine if we had gone two weeks later, we would have had a fantastic display of fall color. We went a little too early to catch the changing leaves.

    We loved how easy Frontenac was for a casual weekend getaway. It was an easy, scenic one hour drive from St. Paul that was very enjoyable. The park was also nice with great bathrooms at the main campsite, nice trails, and they even had board games to check out at the front office for a rainy day- a great idea!

    We stayed at Cart-In Site 1. I would rate the site itself a 3. It was very secluded and spacious, which was fantastic! We could not see any other campsites from our site, which was fantastic. We only occasionally saw some hikers on a nearby trail. We could hear some other noisy campers, but it wasn't too much of a disturbance. Very wooded, nice, spacious site. There is not water at the Cart-In parking lot, so be aware that you will have to fill up prior to parking and heading to your site (easiest place to do so is the main office/ visitor center).

    I also slept poorly because of a nearby train that kept going past and honking at least until midnight. So if you're a light sleeper, be aware of persistent train noise at these sites!

    Overall good site and an easy, fun, and relaxing weekend getaway from the twin cities.

  • Lance L.
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Cleary Lake Regional Park

    Large campground with plentyy of activities!

    They 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.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Frontenac State Park Campground

    Great hiking trails NICE Bathrooms

    The campground is well maintained, all of the sites are clean and laid out nicely. Some sites are kinda close but there is brush growing between sites.

    There are a LOT of NICE TRAILS at this park. Many nice prairie trails and some fun trails in the bluffs along the Mississippi River too. One trail down along the River can be challenging because of MANY STAIRS.

    Large drive in picnic areas away from the campground that many people drive in to us and had a nice overlook on the Mississippi River. There are 2 nice overlooks that are great to walk to in the dark and watch the calmness and peaceful nature of the river and forest.

    The men’s bathroom and showers are GREAT! There is also very nice large full handicap bathrooms. The SHOWER WATER IS VERY HOT so be careful!

    Dump station is sloped so it makes it easy to drive in either direction to help dump waste water easily. Also fresh water at the dumping station.

    Always Plenty of firewood in the shed next to the office.

  • Joel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Lake Byllesby Regional Park

    Very nice campground

    This is a good campground. Very well kept. Fishing from shore and there is a boat launch. Nice playground for kids. Sites are fairly close. Many have no privacy from others, but some do. No water at the sites and pit toilets are the biggest weaknesses. Nice paths for walking and biking.

  • H
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve

    First time camping!

    For 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!

  • Larry K.
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Willow River State Park Campground

    Never again

    Never 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

  • Maria D.
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Frontenac State Park Campground

    Cleanest Campground Bathrooms Ever!

    Frontenac State Park had some of the nicest campground bathrooms and showers I’ve ever seen—clean, and modern. The ranger station was small and charming, stocked with board games to rent, and it’s clear the staff cares about creating a positive camping experience. I also loved the little free library outside the bathrooms.

    The downsides are that the campsites run small, usually only fitting two tents at most, and there aren’t many trees for hammocking. It’s also a popular park, so it can get pretty loud at times.

    Favorite sites: 37 – Shady and on the edge with just one neighbor (though the main road is on the other side). Decent privacy and potential for hammocking.

    21 – Nice views, but likely best for just one tent/car.

    22 – Very private, though the ground looked a little uneven.

    Other solid tent sites: 36, 25, 48, 49, 51. Site 57 also looked spacious with no neighbors, but it does border the visitor parking lot.

  • Maria D.
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Interstate State Park — Interstate State Park

    Lovely River, Too Much Hustle

    Interstate 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.


Guide to Hudson

Camping near Hudson, Wisconsin, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Willow River State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "Lovely trails, the beach is a large area with a nice park and picnic area." The park is known for its stunning waterfalls and diverse landscapes.
  • Water Activities: At Interstate State Park, you can rent canoes and kayaks. A reviewer shared, "The friendly folks at the park office helped me plan a fun day of hiking that included seeing glacial potholes and sandstone bluffs."
  • Wildlife Watching: Wild River State Park Campground is perfect for spotting deer and other wildlife. One camper noted, "Secluded spots. Plenty of hiking trails. Great views."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers at Frontenac State Park Campground. A visitor said, "Great showers with dry areas to dress after taking a shower. Bathrooms are very clean."
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the roomy campsites at Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve. One happy camper mentioned, "Peaceful, quiet, with spacious sites that are situated in a staggered way, so you never feel like you’re on top of each other."
  • Natural Beauty: The picturesque views at Afton State Park Campground are a big hit. A reviewer exclaimed, "The eagles soar as you swim in the sandy, shallow warm river stream."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like William O'Brien State Park Campground, have limited facilities. A visitor noted, "Vaulted toilets need help and a good cleaning."
  • Busy During Peak Season: Expect crowds at popular spots like Lebanon Hills Regional Park. One camper mentioned, "Must reserve months in advance as usually full."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for raccoons and other critters at night, especially at Wild River State Park Campground. A camper warned, "Raccoons will visit your site at night."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for sites with amenities like playgrounds and clean bathrooms. Lake Elmo County Park Reserve has great facilities, and one family said, "Clean restrooms and showers. Electric, water, and dump station."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a mix of activities for all ages. A reviewer at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground said, "Trails are also nice and well kept."
  • Pack for Bugs: Be ready for mosquitoes, especially in the summer. One camper at William O'Brien State Park Campground mentioned, "We went through a lot of bug spray and coils."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campsite. A reviewer at Interstate State Park noted, "The electric sites are quite cramped."
  • Use Dump Stations: Familiarize yourself with dump station locations, especially at places like Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve. One RV enthusiast said, "It’s the bees knees."
  • Reserve Early: Popular RV spots fill up fast. A camper at Lebanon Hills Regional Park advised, "Must reserve months in advance as usually full."

Camping near Hudson, Wisconsin, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. With beautiful parks and plenty of activities, it’s a great spot to enjoy the outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Hudson, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, Hudson, WI offers a wide range of camping options, with 118 campgrounds and RV parks near Hudson, WI and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Hudson, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Hudson, WI is Willow River State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 62 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Hudson, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Hudson, WI.