Washington County Parks Quarterly Update

Photo of a bird house amongst tall grasses.

Spring has sprung and the birds are chirping! There are so many ways to enjoy the outdoors as the weather begins to warm. It is time to break out your tennis shoes, tune up your bikes, and venture out for a visit to Washington County Parks! Enjoy upcoming programs including: Bird Hikes, Forest Bathing, and Spring Maker's Market in the Ravine!

Pop-up camper situated on a campsite surrounded by trees and tall grass.

Campgrounds Open April 25

Washington County offers two beautiful campgrounds for a relaxing getaway, one located at Lake Elmo Park Reserve, and the other at St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park. Find a campsite that suits your needs, including sites with electric and water hookups, group sites, and rustic hike-in sites.

To create your account or make camping reservations online, visit our website.

This year, campgrounds will be open April 25 – October 18, 2025. Water is not guaranteed after October 1, 2025.

Washington County Campgrounds are closed annually between the end of October to the end of April.

Photo of a Parks Vehicle Permit with an owl.

Parks Vehicle Permit Photo Contest

Visitors who have been snapping photos in Washington County Parks now have the opportunity to submit those photos with the possibility of one being used on the county's annual 2026/2027 parks permit! This year, Washington County will be highlighting all Washington County Parks.

More information on the photo contest is available on our website.

Free Tuesdays

On the first Tuesday (non-holiday) of every month, visit any Washington County Park for FREE. No vehicle permit required. Dates that are free to enter this winter include:

Tuesday, April 1
Tuesday, April 22 - Earth Day
- Washington County will waive daily vehicle permit fees allowing free entry to Washington County Parks on April 22 in honor of Earth Day.
Tuesday, May 6
Tuesday, June 3
Saturday, June 14 - National Get Outdoors Day
- Washington County Parks now designates the second Saturday in June as a free day to visit the county parks without requiring a vehicle permit.

Photo of the Great Room at the Nordic Center, with chairs and tables set up facing a fireplace with a TV mounted over it.

Reserve your gathering space today!

Washington County Parks is now accepting reservations for our Lake Elmo Nordic Center, Ravine Landing at Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park, and pavilions throughout our parks. For more information visit our website.

Graphic that says "Earth/Arbor Day Forest Bathing"

For more information or to view the full calendar of Parks events, please visit our website.

April 1 - Free Tuesday

Visit any Washington County Park for FREE, no vehicle permit required.

April 12 - Bird Hike

St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park, Hilltop Pavilion, 9 - 10:30 a.m.

April 12 - Spring Maker's Market in the Ravine

Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

April 19 - Escape Room

Washington County Historic Courthouse, 5 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 8 p.m., $15 per person, registration required.

April 22 - Earth Day

Washington County will waive daily vehicle permit fees allowing free entry to Washington County Parks on April 22 in honor of Earth Day.

April 25 - Earth Day/Arbor Day Combo Walk Forest Bathing

Lake Elmo Park Reserve, 6 - 8 p.m., $45 per person, registration required.

May 1 - Law Day Judicial Exhibit Opening

Washington County Historic Courthouse, May 1 - June 3.

May 6 - Free Tuesday

Visit any Washington County Park for FREE, no vehicle permit required.

May 10 - Bird Hike

Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park, Trailhead Kiosk, 9 - 10:30 a.m.

May 17 - Escape Room

Washington County Historic Courthouse, 5 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 8 p.m., $15 per person, registration required.

May 22 - Yoga in the Park

Lake Elmo Park Reserve, North Pavilion, every Thursday May 22 - August 21, register for a season pass.

June 3 - Free Tuesday

Visit any Washington County Park for FREE, no vehicle permit required.

June 14 - National Get Outdoors Day

Washington County Parks will designate the second Saturday in June as a free day to visit county parks without purchasing a vehicle permit.

June 14 - Bird Hike

Pine Point Regional Park, Trailhead Kiosk, 9 - 10:30 a.m.

June 21 - Summer Solstice Walk Forest Bathing

Lake Elmo Park Reserve, 9 - 11 a.m., $45 per person, registration required.

Volunteers on the ground plug planting at Butterfly Landing.

To sign up for a volunteer opportunity or to learn more, please fill out our newly launched volunteer interest form.

Continuous – Photography Volunteer

We love seeing your photos of our parks. Help us expand our collection of images to be used on social media and other promo materials and get volunteer hours for going out and taking pictures.

Washington County Parks is hiring for seasonal positions, including: Beach Coordinators ($300 hiring incentive!), Lifeguards ($300 hiring incentive!), and Outdoor Recreation Instructors. Visit our website to apply.

Graphic with green background and text that says "Now Hiring Parks Seasonal Positions for Summer 2025".

Photo of a blue ski with clouds overlooking a field with tall grasses surrounding.

Your time, talents, and generosity can help greatly maintain the natural areas, improve trails and amenities, provide valuable education to youth, and so much more! To sign up for a volunteer opportunity or to learn more, please fill out our newly launched volunteer interest form.

Programs, Volunteer, Nature-Based Donations

Donations are used to provide nature-based programs to children or help purchase materials for Eagle Scouts and Silver Award Scout projects. Your suggested $25 donation will help with programming efforts in the parks.

Donations can now be made online or by submitting a tax-deductible donation form.