Campgrounds Near St. Paul, Minnesota

St. Paul, the smaller of the two metropolises that make up the Twin Cities, is Minnesota's capital. It offers an attractive mix of the urban and nature: As the state's second-largest city, it is also home to more miles of the Mississippi River than any other city in the country. If you're a nature lover visiting St. Paul, stay overnight at one of several campgrounds near the city, all of which are less than 45 minutes away.

  1. St. Paul East RV Park

    • St. Paul East RV Park (stpauleastrvpark.com) is a straight shot from St. Paul: You drive directly east from the city along Interstate 94 to get to the campground. Eleven miles away and about a 15-minute drive from the state's capital, the campground is most convenient for those wanting to explore St. Paul but to be headquartered outside of the bustle of the city. Accommodations include RV sites, one- and two-bedroom cabins and tent sites equipped with a picnic table and firepit. Plenty of urban attractions surround the campground: Shop at Mall of America, the largest enclosed mall in the country, or visit nearby historic landmarks, such as the Cathedral of St. Paul, the Landmark Center and the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. For reservations, inquire online; the owners will respond within 48 hours.

    Lake Elmo Park Reserve

    • Lake Elmo Park Reserve (co.washington.mn.us) is also 11 miles from St. Paul and right off of Interstate 94 E and Woodbury Drive. This idyllic campground stretches for three and a half square miles and includes a variety of landscapes, including woodlands and flat prairies. Accommodations include well-equipped campsites good for tents and RVs; each site has an electrical hookup, picnic table and fire ring. Flush toilets and hot showers are provided as well. Other features include hiking trails, picnic shelters, a play area, a swim pond and a fishing pier. If you will be angling and you're over the age of 16, you'll need a state fishing license. To make reservations, email Parks@co.washington.mn.us.

    Afton State Park

    • Afton State Park (dnr.state.mn.us) is about 23 miles southeast of St. Paul, or about a half-hour drive. This more rugged but stunning park includes restored prairies, steep ravines and bucolic ridgetops that overlook the St. Croix River. The campground includes 20 miles of hiking trails and four miles of paved bike roads. For winter sports, the campground provides 18 miles of cross-country skiing and four miles of snowshoeing. Campsite facilities include primitive tent sites, which are about one mile from the parking area; you must backpack to get onto the site. It also has group camp sites and camper cabins, and the campground provides flush and vault toilets. Reservations can be made online.

    Baker Park Reserve

    • The Baker Park Reserve (threeriversparks.org), overlooking Lake Independence, is approximately 33 miles west of St. Paul, or about a 40-minute drive. Its campground includes dozens of tent and RV campsites, many equipped with electricity. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring. Camper cabins are also available. On-site activities include hiking, horseback riding, cross-country and mountain biking trails, and amenities include picnic areas and swimming in the lake during the summer. Reservations can be made online.