Washington County Parks allows for reservations at modern campsites and group campsites at Lake Elmo Park Reserve and St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park, as well as picnic shelters at Lake Elmo Park Reserve, St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park, Big Marine Regional Park Reserve, and Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park. Washington County also has a reservable small-group meeting facility, the Conference Cottage, that overlooks the St. Croix River within St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park. Reservations for any of these facilities may be made by contacting the appropriate park office directly.
Reservations for campsites may be made by telephone or online www.bookyoursite.com. Applications for a special use permit may be made by contacting the Lake Elmo Park Reserve office.
Reservations for 2012 campsites and picnic shelters at Big Marine and Lake Elmo Park Reserve, Cottage Grove Ravine and St. Croix Bluffs Regional Parks begin Jan. 3, 2011. The offices at Lake Elmo and St. Croix Bluffs open at 9 a.m. for walk-in reservations and 11 a.m. for reservations over the telephone or online.
The Lake Elmo Park Reserve office is open daily throughout the year, except for certain holidays. The St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park office is open daily from April 1 through mid-October, and most weekdays during the rest of the year.
Reservations for the Conference Cottage in St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park and applications for Special Use Permits for all of the parks can be made throughout the year.
Modern Campsite Reservations
Campgrounds in 2012 are open from April 27 to Oct. 21 at Lake Elmo Park Reserve and St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park. The Equestrian Center campground will remain open through Thanksgiving. Contact the park office to make a reservation. Weekend reservations must include both Friday and Saturday nights. Three nights are required for holiday weekends. Payment must be received within two weeks of making the reservation or no later than two days before arrival, whichever is earlier. Cancellation must be made 48 hours in advance of arrival date to receive a campsite fee refund. Specific campsites can be reserved, but not guaranteed. Water may not be available after Oct. 1. Vehicle permits are required for all vehicles entering the park. Only one camping unit per site. Pets are not allowed.
Group Campsite Reservations
Group Campsites are available in 2012 from April 27 to Oct. 21, and may be available by special request other times of the year. Contact the park office to make a reservation. A non-refundable reservation fee and payment for the first night are required. Payment must be received within two weeks of making the reservation or no later than two days before arrival, whichever is earlier. Water may not be available after Oct. 1. Vehicle permits are required for all vehicles entering the park. Only 10 parking spots are available per group site. Pets are not allowed.
Picnic Shelter Reservations
Picnic Shelters are available in 2012 from May to October. The shelters are not available before 9 a.m. Contact the park office to make a reservation. A damage deposit is required for all shelter reservations. Payment must be received within two weeks of making the reservation or no later than two days before arrival, whichever is earlier. Rental fee is not refundable if cancellation is made less than 14 days prior to the date of use. Water may not be available after Oct. 1. Vehicle permits are required for all vehicles entering the park. Pets are not allowed.
Conference Cottage Reservations
The Conference Cottage is available year-round from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Contact the St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park office to make a reservation. Payment must be received within two weeks of making the reservation or no later than two days before arrival, whichever is earlier. Rental fee is not refundable if cancellation is made less than 30 days prior to the date of use. Vehicle permit fees are included in the rental fee. Pets and alcoholic beverages are not allowed.
Special Use Permit Applications
Special Use Permits are required for any unique use of a park facility. Common examples include commercial photography, SCUBA instruction, and special events. Contact the Lake Elmo Park Reserve office for additional information and application instructions.
