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

Top-rated campgrounds near William O'Brien State Park

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The Wooded Retreat/breakfast/spa

5 sites · Lodging8 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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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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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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Meadow Cabin

2 sites · Lodging1 acre · Pine City, MN

The first time I drove up and saw the river, I knew it was a magical spot. Fishing, kayaking, swimming. Relax by the firepit, play games in the cabin. Put your feet up by the fireplace on cool evenings. Located close to Chengwatana State Forest. Kayak down to the St. Croix river.

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Pioneer Farm on Fish Lake

4 sites · Lodging, Tents14 acres · Harris, MN

Canpers! We have had a great fall season! Thank you so much! we are now moving into the colder season. we encourage tent camping for the brave! You can go snow shoe walking! 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:) The farm animals are gone now, but there remains a huge barn and outbuildings. Enjoy observing old time architecture! 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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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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Clover Bee Farm

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Shafer, MN

We are a small family farm. From April-October we make a living on the farm and enjoy rural life. We’re very busy during these months and if you stay with us you may be able to enjoy fresh produce for purchase- we also have neighbors that sell eggs, there is a Meat shop in downtown Lindstrom and 2 miles away is Rod's Country Corner (ice cream, pizza, sandwiches, essentials). So, you could have the opportunity for some delicious camp food while staying here. It is very beautiful with much to see and do. Things to note: 1. There are black bear in the area, please keep food stowed away in your car at night and your campsite clean. 2. Storms pop-up and tents etc. are subject to wind, please be mindful of the weather and any incidents that occur are not liable to the property owners. When you arrive pull up in the driveway we will direct you to your location... and please park your vehicle close to your site. When you are tent camping this can come in handy during any inclimate weather, which can pop up randomly during the summer months. We have a rustic composting toilet for guest use. Please read the instructions on the inside before using. This is a working farm, it can be unkempt or messy- it is also mosquito forward and wood tick forward-please bring bug spray. Many of our past campers have enjoyed the scenery despite being next to a slightly trafficked road. Also, fireworks are very popular with the neighbors in the area around July 4th. Please respect our quiet time, when the sun goes down-so do we. No Smoking Marijuana or Tobacco on the farm, and no pets. Preferably no glass bottles either. ++Attractions in the area++ Ice Age Trail Wild River State Park (canoe and kayak rental available) Interstate State Park (Boat Tours, kayak and canoe rental, hiking) The water park at Wild Mountain Boat Rental: https://www.captainshawnsrental.com/ Wineries: Chateu St Croix, Wild River Winery, Dancing Dragonfly, Rustic Roots Breweries: Uncommon Loon, Trap Rock Shopping: Antiques in every town! My favorite is The Lindstrom Antique Store. Rock Shop in Taylors Falls, St Croix Falls downtown is cute too. Osceola has lots of fun treasures. Food: Juneberry Cafe, Anderson's Ice Cream Shop, Watershed Cafe in Osceola, Marketplace Grocery store, Brinks Grocery store, 3 Arrows Coffee --even though we're a rural area, there is no shortage of things to do here!--

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The Oaks at Oakwood Farm

2 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Oak Grove, MN

Enjoy 10 acres shared between 2 sites! The two campsites are large and can accommodate approximately 6 tents comfortably at each. If more is needed let us know we have room and can accommodate. There is a shared bathroom/changing room and trash/recycling between the sites. There is a water point in the barn if you need to fill up on drinking water just make sure you have a container for it. Site includes a picnic table and firepit and many acres with downed trees to salvage. Bundles of firewood can be purchased if needed. This area includes a back pasture and woods with trails throughout for walking/mountain biking. There are many horse trails in the area, if you want to bring your horses that is fine as long as you bring containment for them and clear it with us first. We are approximately 1 mile from a rum river access. There are multiple river trip options from our property. We are also 3 mins from lake george and the Rum River Regional Park for swimming, biking, fishing, boating, and more paddling. There is a Bills gas n grocery as well as a G-will liquors less than a minute from the property. The Ponds golf course is about 4 mins away as well. If you are looking to hit downtown Anoka that is a straight shot and approx 12 mins away. This site is on an active hobby farm that has dogs, cats, horses, chickens, goats, turkeys, and multiple gardens. We have a farm stand by the road where we sell items such as fresh roasted coffee, eggs, BBQ sauce, pickles, maple syrup, hot sauce, and more! We are very pet friendly and like to meet new furry faces, so feel free to bring them along!

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Good Root Growers

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

- NEW 2024 - Sumac Camp and Pine Camp - Cabin Available Year Round - Campground Open May 1 - Oct 31 - Amish Bakery Fri & Sat - 15 min walk - Clear Lake Beach - 22 min drive 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 - flowered meadow and spectacular celestial nights with serenading hoot owls, frogs, crickets and yips of coyotes in the distance. Our chickens do their daily forage through the yard and woods. This is a birder's delight - a song bird refuge - 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 (hot/cold water) 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 and produce. Tucked discreetly behind the greenhouse is 1 of 2 drop-offs 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 13 years and older. There is no occupancy charge/limit for children 12 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 (Meadow Camp East and West). 2 additional sites accommodate RVs or tents. (Hill Camp and Sumac Camp). One of which is a very large area that is ideal for groups (Sumac Camp). Lastly, we have 1 walk-in tent site, the most private (Pine Camp), a short distance into the woods behind the greenhouse. 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 other local highlights: on-farm meat sales, herbal apothecary, goat milk products, home goods, local microbreweries and quilt shops 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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Honeyberry Minnesota working farm

2 sites · RVs25 acres · Stillwater, MN

Small working farm of 25 acres with roughly 1/3 wooded. Bring cash if you want to buy fresh produce. Half-way between Hudson WI and Stillwater MN. Tons of activities to do, including the St Croix River. Mowed trails on the property, campfire wood provided. Walk up to our two-acre Haskap orchard.

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Stone Creek Farm

6 sites · Lodging36 acres · Taylors Falls, MN

Situated on 36 acres, this working farm is 2 miles West of Taylors Falls. Dan and Danielle bought this property with the intention of growing stone fruits (plums, peaches, apricots and cherries) using sustainable and organic practices because health and wellness matter to them! They are still in the process of improving their property. Many of the building on the property were in poor condition, including the old barn foundation which is now one of Dan and Danielle favorite places to keep cool in the summer. After they had excavated all the debris (which took years) they were able to transform it with gardens and fire pit for all to enjoy. They love sharing what they have been blessed with! They hope you enjoy their place as much as they do! Feel free to ask them to show you around or even get your hands dirty with them as they plant or harvest.

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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.