Lake Elmo Park Reserve spreads across 2,165 acres of rolling hills, forest, and prairie 15 minutes from St. Paul. The campground includes 108 sites: 80 modern sites with electric and water hookups, 20 rustic back-in sites, five hike-in tent sites, and three group areas. Families come for the chlorinated sand-bottom swimming pond, miles of trails, and accessible amenities. Sites open on a rolling 120-day reservation window.
Modern campsites (suitable for tents, trailers, motorhomes) with electrical and water hookups; non-electric rustic back-in sites; hike-in tent sites; and multiple group sites.
Weather and SeasonsThe campground opens late April and closes mid-October. Summer brings highs in the 75–85°F range with nights in the mid-50s to low 60s. The swim pond opens early June and runs through Labor Day, making Memorial Day through August the busiest stretch. July and August weekends fill fast. October drops rates and thins crowds but water may shut off after October 1st. Weekdays stay noticeably quieter than weekends year-round.
Natural Features and SceneryThe terrain shifts between dense woodland and open prairie grassland across gentle hills. Trails wind through stands of tall trees and wildflower meadows before reaching the lakeshore. The park's swimming pond has a sand bottom and clear, chlorinated water that feels more beach than lake. The landscape stays green through summer, turns vibrant in fall, and the hilly topography gives trails some elevation change without serious climbing.
Scenic ViewsScenic views along hiking trails through prairie and forest with hilly landscapes around ponds and lakes; family-friendly waterfront views at the swim pond.