South of Sand Dunes State Forest
Got multiple spots to stop on the side of the road. Plenty of down wood to have a fire.
161 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
State parks and forests surrounding Brook Park, Minnesota provide a range of camping experiences within an hour's drive. Banning State Park, located 30 miles northeast near Sandstone, offers tent and RV sites along the Kettle River with access to hiking trails and whitewater rapids. Snake River County Park in Pine City provides more rustic camping options with boat-in access. The area includes several private campgrounds like Pokegama Lake RV Park and Golf Course, which operates seasonally from May through October. Wild River State Park, situated along the St. Croix River, maintains year-round camping with both drive-in and walk-in sites, appealing to visitors seeking river access and hiking opportunities.
Reservations are essential during summer months when campgrounds frequently reach capacity, especially at popular state parks. As one camper noted, "The problem for campers at Banning State Park is that the number of campsites available is exceeded by demand, especially in summer and on weekends. Reserve early if you would like to stay here!" Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with many forested areas offering limited connectivity. Seasonal considerations include heavy mosquito activity from late spring through summer, with several reviewers mentioning the need for insect protection. Winter camping is available at select locations like Wild River State Park, though road access may require four-wheel drive vehicles. The camping season for most facilities runs from April through October, with reduced services during shoulder seasons.
Riverside camping locations receive consistently high ratings from visitors, particularly sites at Robinson Park and along the St. Croix River system. Campers frequently mention the quality of fall camping experiences, with one visitor to Wild River State Park noting they "found it ideal for autumn camping" with early fall colors enhancing river views. Privacy between sites varies considerably, with state park campgrounds generally offering more separation than private RV parks. Wildlife sightings, including deer and occasional wolves in more remote areas, add to the camping experience. Banning State Park stands out for its historical features and recreational opportunities, with one reviewer describing it as "a walk through the history of the area" with "the only class 5 rapids in Minnesota." Most campgrounds provide basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, with shower facilities available at larger established sites.
"Bawning park is a walk through the history of the area the self guided tour is both informative and entertaining and the hike along the river is one to remember featuring the only class 5 rapids in Minnesota"
"There are miles of trails to hike, including along the river and to a waterfall, all kinds of paddling and rafting possibilities(bring your own, or join a trip sponsored by a local outfitter), or go bouldering"
from $24 - $80 / night
Check Availability"We booked our stay at the RV Resort so we wouldn't have to drive two and a half hours back and forth during the two day Grand RockTember Music Festival."
"Adjacent to a large casino with hotels and restaurants. Less than two miles from I35. Best thing is that when we arrived at our spot, there was a tree that needed trimming."
"They have golf, a pool, lake nearby, and seasonal camping."
"We decided to try out our new tow vehicle by going somewhere close to home. We found Jubilee and we’re we pleasantly surprised! We happened to be the only one there that weekend late in the summer."
"In the morning, we walked around briefly to say hello to the goats and chickens and to pick a few apples."
from $35 - $100 / night
Check Availability"Right on Lake Mille Lacs, one of Minnesota’s largest. Walking distance from the bakery and bar! Newer, updated facilities. Boat access. Lake side sites (if you book early enough)."
"Smaller sites and a little privacy in the lake campground. The ones next to the waters edge have a nice view and are more completely in the shade. The inner sites have more sun."
from $24 - $68 / night
Check Availability"Stayed for two nights at a drive-in double site here and found it ideal for autumn camping."
"We stayed in campsite 29 in the drive in campsite over Labor Day weekend."
from $23 - $90 / night
Check Availability"State Forest Campground with some sites close to the shoreline of the Snake River. Firewood can be gathered from the forest. It's a nice small campground, first come first served."
"Just a mile or so walk to the Saint Croix River. Camp grounds have restrooms, water (have to boil or purify it) Camp ground manager comes around and has firewood for sale."
from $17 / night
Check Availability"And, actually, it may be your go-to option even if campsites at Banning are available, because this RV campground is located only½ mile from the Banning State Park entrance, and because it is at a higher"
"Close to stores and town but surrounded by enough of the outdoors to feel secluded. Would highly recommend this campground."
from $25 - $60 / night
Check Availability"I wanted to be close to Banning State Park without the reservations. Early spring in Minnesota left us little cover between sites, but we were the only ones there."
"Ropinion park is a historic walk through time with year around activities your bound to find something to interest you from hiking and rock climbing to fishing and boating this little park has something"
from $10 - $30 / night
Check Availability"Their are mosquitoes this year and I don't think the four wheeler trails are highly used I was hoping there would be hiking trails we'll probably just stay one night because the limited walking and I won't"
"Nice calm place, nice trails. Good location"
from $17 - $22 / night
Check Availability











Got multiple spots to stop on the side of the road. Plenty of down wood to have a fire.
Pull in and just set up tent. No regulations. Hang out all night if you want.
Have to balance out the last review. Right off the road, you can’t drive very far in. Looks like a squatter camping from the road. Also feels like squatting on the corner of someone’s property off the road.
Many activities throughout the day for the family. Kids enjoyed the pool. The store has a nice selection of items for sale. Firewood is $8 a bundle.
The campsites are close but there is enough trees between sites to make it seem like you are not so close.
There are atvs and utvs but at night they are not moving around.
Nice campsite. Clean and well maintained. Fire ring picnic table and some tree stumps for processing your firewood. I see several campsites in the area but I'm alone here. A river is several hundred yards away from my site, but you have to hike down a bit.
Back in 2020 I did about 3 months camping along here ! Good spot !
If I could give this company negative stars I would. I would never recommend this company to even my worst enemy. This was our second experience with them. The first time took a long time but we knew it wasn’t their fault because the river was low and that’s out of their control. Our tubes were also good. The owner’s dad(Jerry?) picked us up and was so nice and sweet. We laughed at all our hiccups along the way.
This time around, it was just my friend and I and we were having a wonderful time for the first 2.5-3 hours. Then we realized we weren’t moving and the wind was blowing us upstream. We kept trying to go, waiting to see the landing. By the 5 hour mark we kept trying to call Pardun’s to mention that we were trying to come back and to let them know that we’d probably be later than expected and to see if they had any tips. Since the cell service is almost non existent, the calls would not go through. By that time, we didn’t know what to else to do but call 911. By the time we were able to get a hold of someone to ask for help, we were nearing 6 hours on the river. They called Pardun’s to let them know and the owner(Guy?) and his son were waiting to pick us up. As soon as they saw us, the snarky disrespectful remarks started and they began making fun of us. The owner was relentless. It was one rude remark after another. This was at about 9pm. When I started crying and asking him to stop talking to me, the a-hole dug in even more and had to get the last word in. It kept on until I screamed at him to shut the F up. I couldn’t take it anymore. He then stopped and started trying to kick us off the bus. I was sitting in the seat, sobbing while my friend was nicely asking him to just please go and please stop with the comments. He wouldn’t. Once we got back to Danbury, he stopped the bus and walked away. His son helped us get our stuff out and his wife eventually came out to make sure that we had our keys and let us know she had called the other people involved to let them know we were back. The son was initially being kind of a jerk when we got on the bus but he apologized to us soon after. His waste of a human father didn’t.
Please do not give this man your business. I have never been so humiliated and made to feel as awful as he made me feel. The blatant disrespect and language from the minute he saw was unbelievable. This man is the most awful human I have ever encountered. I sure hope he treats his wife and his mother with a little more compassion and empathy.
This is a well taken care of and pretty campground. The staff in the office is very nice. It's very small. Nice view of a running creek with wildlife. But there is traffic noise, you are very near the road. There is a nice little laundromat, clean showers and good drinking water here also. Great T-Mobile access.
We stayed here during the week. Host Peggy was very friendly. Had to make our reservation by phone as their website is very outdated. Most sites are for seasonal guests and it most campers were empty so it was very quiet. Our site was great. $40 for electric and water hook ups. Dump station right on the way out. :) would stay again
Camping near Brook Park, Minnesota sits at an elevation of approximately 980 feet in the transition zone between prairie and forest biomes. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer highs typically reaching 80°F and winter lows often dropping below 0°F. Cell service varies significantly between providers, with Verizon offering the most reliable coverage at most camping sites near Brook Park, Minnesota.
Rock climbing access: Robinson Park Camping offers exceptional climbing opportunities at a former sandstone quarry. "This campground is really great... Rock climbing including the state's best 12a/b!!! Sigma lives up to the hype," notes Les R., who also mentions ice climbing opportunities during winter months.
Off-season camping adventures: Wild River State Park Campground provides year-round access with winter activities. "We planned on attending their candlelight ski and decided to camp. The campground was fully reserved but was empty, the low was 10 so people must have bowed out," shares Joanna B., who enjoyed snowshoeing and skiing on groomed trails marked with luminaries.
Farm animal experiences: Just 45 minutes from Brook Park, The Jubilee Homestead offers unique interactions with livestock. "Spending time with the goats was a therapeutic experience and I had half the mind to take one with me," writes Meesh M., who appreciated the safe, peaceful atmosphere and community activities like broomball in the barn.
Private, spacious sites: Campers appreciate the privacy at specific campgrounds. "The sites are private, couldn't see any neighbors as there are a lot of trees," reports Stephanie H. about her stay at Wild River State Park. This contrasts with more crowded RV parks in the region.
Waterfront camping options: Robinson Park Camping provides riverside sites that campers value for their natural setting. "We camped at spot 4 right along the river. Picnic tables, fire rings, and a tent pad at every spot," shares Lindsey H., who found peace and quiet despite the campground's proximity to town.
Winter accessibility: Some camping areas remain open year-round with plowed sites. "The campsite was plowed out and had a nice spot for the tent," notes Joanna B. about her February visit to Wild River State Park, where she watched the full moon rise over the St. Croix River during a snowshoe hike.
Payment logistics vary: Some campgrounds require advance planning for fee payment. At Robinson Park, "in order to pay the fee you have to drive to City Hall which is about 2 miles away," according to Les R., highlighting the importance of checking payment processes beforehand.
Water source challenges: At Banning RV Park and Campground, water hookups can present unexpected challenges. "Water hookups were shared with other sites and required 'y' connections at the spigots... Ours source ended up being 75' plus from our RV," explains Sam C., recommending extra hoses for RVers.
Variable campsite quality: Sites at the same campground can differ significantly. "It was difficult to see where we should actually park on the site," reports Josh H. about Banning RV Park, where "the sites seemed to vary a lot" in terms of levelness and utility placement.
Farm-based camping: The Jubilee Homestead offers a family-friendly environment with farm activities. "I felt very safe letting my 5yr old run around with the other campers and be around the animals. The grounds were kept very tidy," reports Maggie W., appreciating the welcoming atmosphere.
Educational history: Banning State Park provides learning opportunities through historic sites. "The Quarry Loop along the Kettle River has a ton of history, allowing you to explore the remains of the 130+ year old sandstone quarry. Seeing the drill holes in the cliffs was really cool and the remains of the old buildings were a highlight even to our small children," shares Jennifer H.
Winter family activities: For families willing to brave cold temperatures, winter camping offers unique experiences. "The candlelight ski was great and the routes were marked with different colored luminaries - for hiking and skiing," writes Joanna B. about her February visit to Wild River State Park.
Site selection importance: Father Hennepin State Park Campground offers varied sites with different advantages. "We had site #50 in Lakeview Campground, this site is located on the rise and had nice breezes, close to showers, lake and playground," notes Jeff G., highlighting the importance of selecting sites based on amenities and location.
RV size limitations: Some campgrounds have restrictions on larger rigs. At Snake River County Park Campground, "Medium sized class A 30' RVs can be used on these sites. Larger RVs would probably have a hard time getting around the road," advises Daniel H., suggesting alternatives for bigger vehicles.
Site level challenges: Many campgrounds present leveling difficulties. "Our sites were grass that was a little long and rutted from what seemed from previous tenants. This made getting leveling a little difficult and out fold out stairs touched the ground before fully being deployed," reports Sam C. about Banning RV Park, recommending early arrival for better setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Brook Park, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, Brook Park, MN offers a wide range of camping options, with 161 campgrounds and RV parks near Brook Park, MN and 14 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Brook Park, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Brook Park, MN is Banning State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 34 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Brook Park, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 free dispersed camping spots near Brook Park, MN.
What parks are near Brook Park, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Brook Park, MN that allow camping, notably Saint Croix National Scenic River and St. Croix National Scenic Riverway.
Keep Exploring