The best camping near William O'Brien State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next William O'Brien State Park adventure.

94% (9 reviews)

Discover the natural splendor of William O'Brien State Park.

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Community favorites near William O'Brien State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in William O'Brien State Park

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(9)

Savanna and Riverway Campground

120 sites · RVs, Tents In William O'Brien State Park

from

$23

/ night

Top-rated campgrounds near William O'Brien State Park

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Belle Creek Bluff

3 sites · Lodging, Tents28 acres · Welch, MN

Belle Creek Bluff is on 28 acres of prime land in Welch. Belle Creek runs through the middle of the property. Walk, swim, paddle, fish and explore the this beautiful spring fed trout stream. There are a number of hiking trails on the property. Bordering state lands to the east of the property provide endless exploration and hiking adventures. Hike to the top of the bluff for a spectacular view of Welch valley and the ski hill. Hiking NE along Belle Creek can you spot the old model A truck along the banks? There are eagles, falcons, finches, and many colorful birds to see.

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(36)

Evergreen Oasis Farm

4 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Lindstrom, MN

Enjoy our 20-acre alpaca, sheep and u-pick flower farm located in Center City, Mn. Spend time with the animals, cutting flowers and even shopping in our barn market (when in season) We are surrounded by local hiking, swimming, fishing, shopping, breweries, state parks and more. As hosts we can be as interactive as you want!

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Good Root Growers

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents30 acres · Prairie Farm, WI

- CABIN AVAILABLE YEAR ROUND - CAMPGROUND OPEN May 1, 2024 - AMISH BAKERY OPEN FRI/SAT Tucked in a valley among rolling hills just 70 miles east of St. Paul, discover a stunning sanctuary surrounded by hardwoods, pines and birch groves. Meander a walking trail system through 30 acres of woods and prairie. In 2019, all 10 acres of fields were planted as dedicated Monarch/pollinator habitat. This is a full sensory experience - spectacular celestial nights with serenading hoot owls, frogs, crickets and yips of coyotes in the distance. The honey bees are humming in their boxes, rooster crowing and chickens do their daily forage through the yard and woods. This is a birder's delight with turkey and deer being very common sightings. Our unique greenhouse and pergola are common use areas for all guests to enjoy. The pergola is a large cushioned area providing shade to read a book, charge a device, play cards, enjoy a beverage, eat a meal. Explore the greenhouse production of tomatoes, peppers, and ginger growing along with flowers and other hothouse varieties. Fill water containers, or use the large stainless steel sink and countertops to prep meals or wash up. You will also find a beverage service counter, yard games for use, and any on-farm items for sale in this area- firewood, plants, eggs, honey and produce. Tucked discreetly behind the greenhouse is drop-off for garbage and recycling, and also 1 of 2 ultra clean port-a-potties found on property. *** We're family friendly! Adult occupancy is applied to 12 years and older. There is no occupancy charge/limit for children 11 years of age or under. *** We have 6 sites to offer. Providing a historical backdrop is our guest house - a fully restored Norwegian cabin built in 1894 (completed July 2022). Adjacent to the greenhouse is 2 RV (or tent) sites with full water and 30 amp hookups. 2 additional sites accommodate RVs or tents and we have 1 walk-in tent site. This rustic site is the most private - a short distance into the woods behind the greenhouse. Our campground will close Oct 29. Don't let our sleepy little town deceive you. The locals have huge hearts - are generous creatives, with ingenious businesses that spill over with hospitality. Uber local is 2 Amish businesses within a 15 minute walk - a bakery and a woodworking shop! We're happy to direct you to on-farm meat sales, herbal medicinals, goat milk products, home goods, local microbreweries and quilt shop to name a few. Local town events draw huge crowds with live music and fun for all ages. We are so blessed to steward this private oasis and look forward to sharing it with you!

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The Jubilee Homestead

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Stanchfield, MN

Our family at The Jubilee Homestead is looking forward to another great camping season in 2024! This small hobby farm is where I (Esther) grew up and now my husband Joel, our four children, and my parents, are developing it into a self-supporting farmstead and event venue as we raise chickens and Nigerian dwarf goats, and grow a pick-your-own elderberry field. Our oldest son loves to plant and manage a small market garden with our campers in mind, so depending on when in the season you come, you may find some garden treasures to take home! We offer a single site for off-season and winter camping for longer visits at a discounted rate. Please reach out for more information if you're interested. What you can expect when you camp at The Jubilee Homestead: Free firewood Free 20amp electricity hookup at all sites (not enough to run A/C, plenty for everything else) Free water Free farm fresh, free-range eggs to collect yourself in the mornings plus more for sale when available. Free access to broomball court and equipment in barn loft Rustic trail around back of property about 1/4 mile long Playground Dishwashing sink Campers are welcome to enjoy The Milk Room which is our Lounge and Farm Store. You'll find self-serve coffee, hot cocoa, and other options available for purchase, including fresh garden produce when available. There is a microwave, places to sit and visit, and even a game table. Joel and I have co-authored several books (under the pen name J.E. Ribbey) which are also available in the Farm Store. We have an American post-apocalyptic thriller series and a historical fiction series for middle grade readers about the American Revolutionary War. We have a nice, fully private outdoor shower with hot water available for $2.50/shower. Guests can pay on-site via our posted QR codes or cash box. We have Nigerian dwarf goats, chickens, and geese. We also have several apple trees, cherries, and elderberries. We're also available for other events like birthday parties, intimate weddings, and group gatherings at our gazebo and/or 20ft x 40ft party tent. As a homeschooling, home business building family, there is usually a project or two always in the works to join in on if you feel so inclined or just sit back and enjoy the peace of clean air and loving goats! Several lakes in the area provide numerous options for fishing, boating, and hiking. And nothing beats those evening country road walks while agate hunting! Other area attractions include Mini golf in Cambridge, public aquatic center with water slides in Mora, and several state parks an hour or less away.

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Hoppensteadt Hills

4 sites · Lodging45 acres · Amery, WI

Come stay in our 45 wooded acres that run along the Apple River. Enjoy the sights and sounds of nature amongst the rolling hills. This property has been in our family for generations. Come, stay and enjoy our property as we have for over 80 years. We provide secluded campsites with easy access and parking next to each site. Enjoy walking through our park- like trails which run throughout the woods. Listen to the wildlife, sit by the campfire, or enjoy canoeing, kayaking, or fishing on Apple River, and many other nearby lakes that our town has to offer. Downtown Amery is 2 miles away from the property. Enjoy small-town attractions, such as breweries, gift, antique, and thrift shops, outdoor music, grocery stores, coffeeshops, local restaurants, and bars. You can take a day trip to many of other small towns nearby, such as: - Taylor Falls, for hiking or daily river cruises on St Corix River. Located only 20 minutes west of Amery. - Balsam Lake, for shopping, eateries, restaurants, and boating. Located only 20 minutes NW of Amery. -Osceola, take a hike and enjoy the views of Cascade Falls. Stroll around downtown's many shops located 20 minutes due west of Amery. -Marine on St Croix, and Stillwater which are under 45 minutes west. We are just over an hour from the Twin Cities. LOCAL ATTRACTIONS- Apple River-boating, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, and fishing. Access through public landing in downtown Amery 1 mile away. Cat Tail Trail-part of the Wisconsin State trail system. ½ mile from Hoppensteadt Hills. Must obtain trail sticker. 4 wheeling, side by side, hiking. St. Croix Casino-Turtle Lake-10 miles away. Deer Lake Winery- Deer Lake-8 miles away. Balsam Chains of Lakes, - Balsam Lake, WI- 10 Miles away. Balsam Lake Beach- Balsam Lake, WI-10 miles away. Ahlgren Wildlife Preserve- Balsam Lake, WI- 12miles away. Dancing Dragonfly Winery-St. Croix Falls, WI-12 miles away. Taylors Falls canoe and Kayak Rental- Taylor Falls, MN, 12 miles away. Eric’s Canoe/Kayak rental-St. Croix Falls, WI-14 miles away. Canoe on the St. Croix Scenic Riverway. Interstate Park-St. Croix Falls, WI/Taylors Falls, MN-16 miles away. Cascade Falls- Osceola, WI-17 miles away. Osceola St. Croix Valley Railway- Osceola, WI- 17 miles away. Osceola Bedrock Glades State Natural Area- Osceola, WI -17 miles away. Standing Cedars State Natural Area- Osceola, WI- 17 miles away. RESTAURANTS- Amery Family Restaurant- Downtown Amery-2 miles away. Farm Table-Downtown Amery-2 miles away. Village Pizzeria-Downtown Amery-2 miles away. Amery Ale Works-Local brewery/restaurant- 6miles away. Deer’s Bar-Deer Park-8 miles away. Excellent burgers. Thirsty Otter Tavern - Balsam Lake -, WI- 10 miles away. Indian Head Supper Club-Balsam Lake-10 miles away. Lift Bridge Brewing- New Richmond, WI- 18 miles away. 45th Parallel Distillery- New Richmond, WI- 18 miles away.

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The Wooded Retreat/breakfast/spa

4 sites · Lodging9 acres · Pine City, MN

Situated just 3 miles from the interstate, our retreat offers the tranquility and beauty of a state park while being conveniently accessible and private with comforts of home! Prepare to be mesmerized by the stunning grounds featuring rolling hills, towering white pines, and a variety of deciduous trees. Immerse yourself in nature's beauty with ponds and trails scattered throughout. Discover an abundance of flowers and wildlife that call this haven home. On our 9 acres we have 5 private ponds, 3 unique cottages ; and a vintage safari tent on a platform! With all of our cottages (sorry not the tent) we provide a breakfast basket in your refrigerator. For ALL guests on the Wooded Retreat we now have a Spa Cottage! (State of the art exercise equipment and a two person infrared Health sauna) Each space is strategically placed on the property to provide utmost privacy and beauty. Welcome to the Wooded Retreat and don't forget to bring your camera and binoculars!

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Pioneer Farm on Fish Lake

6 sites · Lodging, Tents14 acres · Harris, MN

Canpers! We have added one more pop up camper for this Memorial Day weekend ! First one gets it! This lakefront farm is a very special spiritual location. Listen to the night life in the woods and loons on the lake. Fall time- the acorns are falling:) BEAT the HEAT at the LAKE! The farm animals are gone now, but there remains a huge barn and outbuildings. Enjoy observing old time architecture! Room for soccer too! Monet tight? We are open to a refund of $20 a day for an hour for farm chores. Chores like mending fences, cutting vegetation, collecting the harvest from the earth, etc. Pay in full thru hipcamp, then we can arrange a task per interest and capabilities!! We're almost seventy now -getting harder to keep things up, ya know! need lots of oak limbs peeled off the bark:)

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Willow River Farm

2 sites · RVs, Tents17 acres · North Hudson, WI

17 acres very close to Willow River State Park, with private trails for hiking and dog walking, consisting of mature pine forest and beautiful pasture. Goats and chickens. You can do Goat Yoga! Four-wheeler and dirtbike available for rent, firewood available for purchase. Full RV hook-ups (power, pump-out, and water) at RV site. Located only ten minutes from beautiful Stillwater and Hudson, and only a mile or so from the St. Croix River. 35 minute drive from downtown Minneapolis.

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Bayberry Acres on Danger Lake

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents80 acres · Braham, MN

Three campsites or our Chalet which sleeps five is available. Campsites are near a fabulous 10 acre deep spring fed lake. One campsite is in the prairie with a expansive view where 5 or 6 tents are possible. 3 tents are possible. 3rd campsite is for one tent and is lakeside. Quiet peaceful trails through the woods. Animals at the home base. The chalet (in the pictures) , has all the needed amenities; showers, fridge, etc. Contact us for pricing details. Food and wine packages are available for the interested parties. This place is perfect.

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Wild Vines Campground

24 sites · Tents6 acres · Taylors Falls, MN

With some of the oldest vines in Minnesota, (1994) Wild Mountain Winery has been in operation since 2010 as a premier winery. Nestled on the second highest point in Chisago County, we offer picturesque views and quiet, natural setting. With both food, beer, cider and wine to sample, you will find something that makes you smile. Learn more about this land: Pitch your tent in the setting you choose; in the vines of our 6 acres of vineyard, or in the woods next to the winery. Enjoy all the amenities of the winery with a short walk to your cot, hammock or sleeping bag. No "drive-in" sites available, but we provide pull carts or courtesy shuttle upon request. Close to Wild Mountain Ski & Water park. Each site offers a fire ring. On site bathrooms and potable water. Camp any day of the week. Check in- Friday 2:00, or by special request Sat/Sun 12:00 Weekdays 12:00 Check out- 11:00

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Whippletree Farm & Nature Trail

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Lake Elmo, MN

Welcome to Whippletree! This is our sixth-generation family farm, and while it's more of a hobby farm now, it has been in continuous agricultural production since 1869! Besides tillable farm land, we are stewards of native prairie, small wooded areas, a remnant of an oak savanna and wetlands, with trails throughout. We consider this our sanctuary and enjoying sharing it with others looking for a place of retreat to connect with the natural world. Stop by for a visit!

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Twin Folk Farms

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents120 acres · Hager City, WI

Previously a 100 acre century farm, this fertile land was tended to by generations of old time farmers. Their dairy cows pastured in areas which we now graze sheep. The restored quarry provided gravel for the nearby highway restoration and local projects.The property is currently a mix of hay ground, cropland, pasture, forest, and quarry. Twin sisters, Darla and Kayla, and their families live across the road from each other and own the surrounding 140 acres. They keep busy planting/tending trees, making hay, moving fence for grazing animals, operating a farm business called Twin Folk Farms (pastured meat, camps, etc), and raising their families.Learn more about this land:- This site is at the edge of a restored quarry, sheep pasture, and wooded hillside.- The site is tucked down a flat mowed path, so it feels very private and protected. - You can hike up a path to the sheep pasture. Sometimes sheep are there, sometimes elsewhere on the farm. You can hike the other direction and check out the restored quarry. We have paths all around the property, so feel free to respectfully explore.- You can't see the highway from this site, but you can hear it. It's super handy to be able to hop out of your campsite haven and onto the hwy, but be aware that you will hear vehicles.- There's a Mississippi river boat launch a few miles down the road, so feel free to park your boat at the bottom of the quarry driveway.- The Hay Creek riding trails are 25 minutes away, so contact us if you want to set up a place in the quarry to park your horses and trailer for the night. - We are certified to sell meat straight off of the farm (Twin Folk Farms), so contact us if you want to purchase your meat and have it delivered to your campsite. You can also set up a time to come up to the farm and purchase meat. - The beautiful, historic town of Red Wing is 10 minutes from our farm. You'll find a mix of modern amenities and historic shops to suit your fancy.

The best camping near William O'Brien State Park guide

Overview

About

Dwellers of the Twin Cities, hear us now! William O’Brien State Park is only 1 hour from YOU. That’s equivalent to the time of your favorite show, so DVR that shiz and get outside instead. Your soul will thank you. When you arrive check out the Riverside Trail for a calming stroll along the water and through the oak-hickory forest. And believe us when we say walkin’ along water sure makes you want to jump on in. Good thing they’ve got a swimming area right on the spring-fed Lake Alice! Even more, this park has GPS units and much more for you to borrow... yes that means free. Stay for a night in the campground or a cabin and keep the good vibes flowin’ like the current of the St. Croix.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book your campsite well in advance to secure your spot amid the park's popular seasons.
Consider visiting during the weekdays for better availability and a quieter experience.
Stay flexible with your dates and check the reservation system regularly for cancellations.
Explore nearby camping options if the park's campgrounds are fully booked.

When to go

The best time to visit William O'Brien State Park is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its peak. Summer offers warm days perfect for water activities, though it's also the busiest season. Winters are cold and serene, ideal for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Know before you go

Check the park's website for any alerts or closures before planning your visit.
Remember that Highway 67 is permanently closed; follow alternative directions provided by the park.
Cell service may be limited, so download maps and directions ahead of time.
Park staff will check you in at your campsite, so there's no need to stop at the office upon arrival.
Familiarize yourself with the park's rules and regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.