Paint Rock Springs Campground — St. Croix State Park
Lots for kids to do, big place
Was a nice place. I didn’t see any truly private sites. All are stacked on top of each others. I didn’t look around too much, it was just a quick overnight stop.
157 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"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."
"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."
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"
"Can’t say enough about the awesome pet park, also has nice walking trails, stores nearby, honestly just a great place to camp!"
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
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Was a nice place. I didn’t see any truly private sites. All are stacked on top of each others. I didn’t look around too much, it was just a quick overnight stop.
We have been going up to Camp Holiday for about 5 years now and staying in the same campsite. We just love this place. We have the same neighbors every year so it is like having a family reunion each time. It is so clean and quiet and the sunsets are absolutely beautiful. It is so nice just sitting by the lake listening to the loons. It is hard to leave at the end of the week! Thank you Camp Holiday for giving us such a great week every year!
Visiting family in the area and got a spot here. Spaces are snug, not big rig friendly, but overall a nice park. Power and water hookups, and dump station. Little pricey at $80/night but it’s in a great area.
Very convenient location for users of the Gandy Dancer trail. This tiny campground is next to and is run by the Luck Municipal Golf Course, the clubhouse just up the road. Bathrooms are by the campground with hot water and toilets. Showers available when the clubhouse is open, one each in the restrooms. Clubhouse has a small pro shop with bar. Also small swimming beach, boat launch. Lake is right across the road, swimming beach a short walk away. Drawbacks: management seems to be minimal. No rules posted, no contact information posted. - The only trash cans were in the bathrooms, and were overflowing. The bathrooms had not been thoroughly cleaned in a long time. The young workers at the clubhouse seemed to know little about the campground. When we found someone set up in our sight, the girl told us "just camp anywhere." Registration is online.
Geared towards fishing and tent camping. Space in the lot for my rig and a few cars.
I stayed here last minute because on my previous camping trip my gear was soaked, and I can't dry out my gear in my apartment. So I chose to come here and I'm so glad I did!
The park itself is smaller. The campground only has three loops. There's one loop that is primitive, while the other two have electric hook up.
My favorite part of this campground is the gorgeous trees.
I saw lots of deer and a turtle laying eggs!
It has a small beach and a fishing pier (i think a spot to launch boats too but I could be remembering wrong).
Campground host was super friendly and came by to say hi. At one point, there was a tornado warning and she literally drove to my campsite to let me know and made sure I got to the shelter. (there didn't end up being a tornado, just a gnarly storm).
I stayed here last summer (2025)and am planning on staying here this summer as well.
The park is smaller than it's sister park Mille Lacs Kathio, but it definitely has some things that are better about it!
I stayed in the Maplewood campground, which I recommend if you like quiet and privacy. The sites are further apart and give you a more "in the woods" feel. The other campground (lake view) is more traditional RV style camping where the sites are fairly close. However they have some sites (small and close together) that have views directly of the lake, if that's your thing.
I stayed at site 96 which was verrrrry deep and felt pretty private. It's backed up to the woods so you don't have anyone behind you. It has a nice tent pad, and plenty of space for canopies or other equipment. It's a short walk down to the water too, where there's a fishing pier really close by, and a large beach a little further down. I went in very early June and the mosquitoes honestly weren't terrible yet, but the caterpillars were everywhere! There were caterpillars all over my tent, in my sandals I left outside my tent, on my car, etc. When I found one I just relocated them to a safer area in the woods. Lots of deer, you can hear owls at night, squirrels etc. It is bear country, but I didn't see any bears. I kept my food locked up in my car.
One night it was kind if windy and you could hear the waves on the lake from the tent, so that was kinda cool.
I have t mobile and had decent service here as well.
I had a very...interesting experience at the camper cabins this week! I stayed at the cabin #3 this week, Monday through Thursday (3 nights). Monday and Tuesday were awesome. I was the only one there on the whole side of the road, and it was soooo peaceful.
Early Wednesday morning (around 3am)is where things stopped being peaceful. A really bad storm developed (that I had no idea was coming). It was probably the worst storm I had ever experienced in my life. Five trees fell in the yard, one small one hitting the cabin. One tree even fell a couple of feet behind my car, blocking me in. After taking a short walk when the sun came up, I realized the damage was everywhere in the park. I was seeing downed trees all over every single trial and road. I emailed the park office which opened at 8 that I was trapped, and they cleared all the trees from the office to where I was (almost three miles away) and was getting me out by 9:30. I was so impressed with how fast they worked. Amazing job! They offered to give me a refund if I wanted to go home early (I didn't, because I was still really enjoying my time there). I will definitely be back!
Without the whole storm fiasco, here are some pros and cons:
Pro *the cabins are gorgeous and cozy. *they have electric and heat (a gas burning stove heats the cabin, how cute!) *there's a screened in porch allowing you to enjoy the weather without bugs. *the vault toilet is really close, but there is also flush toilets with a shower in the campground, which is like a five minute walk, or a very short drive. *the mattresses on the bunk beds appear to be newer than some cabins I stayed in, that being said, a foam mattress topper isn't a bad idea if you struggle to sleep *the trails are gorgeous. The cabins aren't far from the lake either. There's a visitor center that's currently closed for renovations (2026) but I think will be open next year. There's a short interpretive trail behind it too. *there's a fire ring and picnic table outside.
Cons (there aren't many!) *I think being separated from the main campground is both a pro and a con, depending on your personality. If you like solitude then it's perfect. If you enjoy being where everyone else is, then it's a con.
Got a nice spot by the water, big parking spot, little below the spot is an opening towards water with a fire pit. 2-3 bars of service but never had an issue. Worked well. Very private. Bugs weren’t bad either
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 157 campgrounds and RV parks near Brook Park, MN and 11 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 11 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.
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