William O'Brien State Park
Visitors to the White Bear Lake area have the option of camping at one of the state park campgrounds in the region. William O'Brien State Park has sites for tent campers and RV travelers. Tent sites have fire-rings with grills, and picnic tables. Campers can no longer bring outside firewood into the state park as their has been an insect infestation. Firewood is available for a fee within the park. Pets are allowed if leashed. Campers at William O'Brien can hike, mountain bike, kayak, canoe, fish and swim from the campgrounds. In winter there is cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the park.
William O'Brien State Park
16821 O'Brien Trail North
Marine on St. Croix, MN 55047
(651) 433-0500
dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/william_obrien/index.html
St. Paul East RV Park
St. Paul East RV Park offers sites for both tent campers and RVs. Tent sites are level and have groomed, green grass in the summertime. There are fire-rings, grills, picnic tables and fresh water spigots. RV sites have water, sewer, and 30- or 50-amp electric hookups. Pets are welcome if leashed. Guests can use the showers and bathrooms, laundry and guest house. The St. Anthony Lock and Dam are nearby where visitors can learn of the history of water to the region and the importance it plays for the area. St. Anthony Falls has self-guided walking tours along the Mississippi River and is within 30 minutes of St. Paul East RV Park.
St. Paul East RV Park
568 Settlers Ridge Parkway
Woodbury, MN 55129
(651) 436-6436
stpauleastrvpark.com
Ham Lake Campground
Ham Lake Campground has sites for tents and RVs. The tent sites are on grassy, level areas (some near the fishing pond) and have picnic tables and fire-rings with grills. RV sites have water, sewer and 30- or 50-amp electric. All guests staying at Ham Lake Campground can use the showers, bathrooms, laundry, and guest room. Pets are welcome. Kayakers and canoeists can access White Bear Lake within 30 minutes where the can paddle the waters keeping an eye out for osprey, moose, and other native species. Hikers can head to William O'Brien State Park and enjoy the many trails found there-in. Road bicyclists can take advantage of the many rural roads and country routes in the region for long tours.
Ham Lake Campground
2400 Constance Blvd.
Ham Lake, MN 55304
(763) 434-5337
hamlakecampground.com/hamlakecampground.com/Welcome.html
Article Written By Eric Cedric
A former Alaskan of 20 years, Eric Cedric now resides in California. He's published in "Outside" and "Backpacker" and has written a book on life in small-town Alaska, "North by Southeast." Cedric was a professional mountain guide and backcountry expedition leader for 18 years. He worked in Russia, Iceland, Greece, Turkey and Belize. Cedric attended Syracuse University and is a private pilot.
