State Parks Near Waconia, Minnesota
9 state park units lie within 50 miles of Waconia. The closest is Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area, about 14 mi south of town. 1 park is within 25 miles, close enough for an evening visit.
- Closest park
- Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area14 mi south
- Within 25 miles
- 1of 9 within 50 mi
- With camping
- 74 with cabins
- Dog-friendly
- 1pets allowed
State parks near Waconia, nearest first
Straight-line distance from central Waconia; driving distance is usually longer.
Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area
Visitors come for snowmobiling, horseback riding, mountain biking, winter sports, and boating. The official site lists about 47 miles of trails. Camping is available: campsites, including tent sites and equestrian camping.
Hours, fees and rules for Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area →Fort Snelling State Park
Visitors come for cross-country skiing, historic sites, winter sports, swimming, and boating. The official site lists about 18 miles of trails. Water access includes a swimming beach and a fishing pier.
Hours, fees and rules for Fort Snelling State Park →St. Croix Boom Site State Wayside
Popular activities here are picnicking.
Hours, fees and rules for St. Croix Boom Site State Wayside →Lake Maria State Park
The park supports cross-country skiing, winter sports, canoeing and kayaking, boating, and wildlife watching. Water access includes a fishing pier.
Hours, fees and rules for Lake Maria State Park →Greenleaf Lake State Recreation Area
Greenleaf Lake State Recreation Area is a 384-acre recreation area in Meeker County, about 8 miles south of Litchfield.
Hours, fees and rules for Greenleaf Lake State Recreation Area →Sakatah Lake State Park
Popular activities here are boating, biking, wildlife watching, fishing, and hiking. Its trail network totals roughly 5 miles, according to the park. Water access includes a fishing pier.
Hours, fees and rules for Sakatah Lake State Park →Afton State Park
Visitors come for cross-country skiing, horseback riding, winter sports, swimming, and boating. On the water side, there is a swimming beach.
Hours, fees and rules for Afton State Park →Nerstrand Big Woods State Park
Popular activities here are wildlife watching, hiking, and picnicking. Camping is available: 83 campsites across 5 camping areas, including RV sites with electric hookups and showers.
Hours, fees and rules for Nerstrand Big Woods State Park →Minneopa State Park
Things to do include horseback riding, golf, historic sites, fishing, and hiking. Its trail network totals roughly 5 miles, according to the park.
Hours, fees and rules for Minneopa State Park →
Best picks by activity
Camping near Waconia
- Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area 14 mi south · Campground listed
- Fort Snelling State Park 29 mi east · Campground listed
- Lake Maria State Park 34 mi north · 19 campsites
- Sakatah Lake State Park 45 mi south · 83 campsites
- Afton State Park 49 mi east · Campground listed
+ 2 more in the list above
Cabins and lodging near Waconia
- Lake Maria State Park 34 mi north · Cabins or other roofed stays
- Sakatah Lake State Park 45 mi south · Cabins or other roofed stays
- Afton State Park 49 mi east · Cabins or other roofed stays
- Minneopa State Park 50 mi south · Cabins or other roofed stays
Dog-friendly state parks near Waconia
- Fort Snelling State Park 29 mi east · Pets allowed under park rules
Swimming near Waconia
- Fort Snelling State Park 29 mi east · Beach, pool or swim area
- Afton State Park 49 mi east · Beach, pool or swim area
Hiking near Waconia
- Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area 14 mi south · Hiking trails listed
- Fort Snelling State Park 29 mi east · Hiking trails listed
- Lake Maria State Park 34 mi north · Hiking trails listed
- Sakatah Lake State Park 45 mi south · Hiking trails listed
- Afton State Park 49 mi east · Hiking trails listed
+ 2 more in the list above
Fishing near Waconia
- Fort Snelling State Park 29 mi east · Fishing listed
- Lake Maria State Park 34 mi north · Fishing listed
- Sakatah Lake State Park 45 mi south · Fishing listed
- Afton State Park 49 mi east · Fishing listed
- Minneopa State Park 50 mi south · Fishing listed
Questions about state parks near Waconia
What is the closest state park to Waconia?
Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area is the closest, about 14 miles south of Waconia in a straight line. Next are Fort Snelling State Park and St. Croix Boom Site State Wayside.
How many state parks are near Waconia?
9 state park units are within 50 miles, and 1 within 25 miles. That includes parks, recreation areas, historic sites and natural areas run by the state.
Which state parks near Waconia have camping?
7 parks list camping, the nearest being Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area, Fort Snelling State Park and Lake Maria State Park. Check each park page for site types, hookups and how to reserve.
Are dogs allowed at state parks near Waconia?
Yes, at 1 park, including Fort Snelling State Park. Dogs usually must be leashed, and some areas such as beaches or buildings may be off-limits.
Are there free state parks near Waconia?
None of the nearby parks list free entry; most charge a daily vehicle fee or accept an annual pass. Fees are on each park page.
State parks near other cities
- Near Minneapolis, MN27 mi east
- Near Lakeville, MN29 mi southeast
- Near Hutchinson, MN29 mi west
- Near Faribault, MN45 mi southeast
- Near Mankato, MN47 mi south
- Near New Ulm, MN50 mi southwest
- Near St. Cloud, MN51 mi north
- Near River Falls, WI57 mi east
Or see all Minnesota state parks or every city we cover.
Built from official park data and updated as parks change; this list was last rebuilt Oct 30, 2026. Features shown are those the official source lists. Filter these parks on the map.