The forests and wetlands surrounding Harris, Minnesota sit at approximately 900 feet above sea level in the transition zone between hardwood forests and prairie lands. The St. Croix River forms the eastern boundary of the camping region, with seasonal water levels fluctuating up to 10 feet between spring and late summer. Winter camping remains available at several locations, though water systems typically shut down from November through April.
What to do
Stargazing opportunities: Wild River State Park offers designated star viewing areas away from light pollution. The park's open spaces create ideal conditions for night sky observation. "The star gazing area was great! Intermittently had 1-2 bars of T-Mobile with LTE Internet. Wi-Fi is available at the park entrance," notes Katherine T. from Wild River State Park Campground.
Winter recreation: Several parks maintain groomed winter trails for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. "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. The campsite was plowed out and had a nice spot for the tent," writes Joanna B. about her winter camping experience.
River activities: The St. Croix and Rum Rivers provide water recreation from spring through fall. Canoe and tube rentals are available at several locations. "You can either relax in the pool or even take a ride down the rum river in a rented canoe, tube, or kayak," explains Spencer C. from Country Camping Tent & RV Park.
Historic exploration: Several parks feature remnants of old settlements and dams. "The hike to the former Dam site is the neatest thing about the park. I recommend reading the historical information at the site of the dam," shares Erik R. about Wild River State Park.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the spacing and vegetation at certain campgrounds. "The campground was very nice. The sites are private, couldn't see any neighbors as there are a lot of trees. The park rangers were very helpful and informative," writes Stephanie H. about her experience at Wild River State Park Campground.
Riverfront camping: Sites along the St. Croix River offer direct water access and views. "Backpack site Buck Hill is right on the river, beautiful view to the east. Circled by flowers (goldenrod in the late summer), brush and trees. End of the path so zero foot traffic / passersby," describes amber N. about her stay at Wild River State Park.
Farm experiences: Some private campgrounds offer unique agricultural settings. "We spent two wonderful nights at this homestead farm. We loved the goats, chickens, geese, and the cats. We are not cat people but they had a newly acquired kitty that stole our hearts and entertained us," shares Alice S. from The Jubilee Homestead.
Wildlife encounters: Multiple campers report seeing deer, birds, and other animals. "We saw sooooo many deer some even walking right through campsites! You can hear coyotes, raccoons and very loud owls," mentions Kate H.
What you should know
Seasonal mosquito intensity: Harris area campgrounds report heavy insect activity in summer months. "The only problem was the mosquitoes," noted Marie G. about her June visit to County Road O Landing, a dispersed camping area.
Cell reception variability: Coverage changes dramatically between campgrounds and even within individual parks. Katherine T. reports: "Intermittently had 1-2 bars of T-Mobile with LTE Internet" at Wild River State Park, while remote sites often have no service.
Campground crowding patterns: Sites fill quickly on summer weekends but midweek and shoulder season availability improves substantially. "We arrived on a Sunday afternoon was a dream—very few people in the campground loop (especially the non-electric ones), but still able to take advantage of a weekend day," explains Dani K.
Varying amenities: Facilities range from fully developed to primitive. "Sites at Country Camping Tent & RV Park have 30amp and 50amp hook ups and has pull through spots and sewer sites. Max trailer length that I've seen here is 70'. Anyone can fit in here!" reports Spencer C.
Tips for camping with families
Pool and water play areas: Several private campgrounds offer swimming facilities. "The campground is nice and clean. Good size spaces. The tubing is a plus. Pool was small but nice. Splash pad was even nice for adults," notes David G. about Country Camping Tent & RV Park on the Rum River.
Playground access: Family-friendly campgrounds provide play equipment for children. "This campground is great for everyone! It has a heated pool, splash pad area, BIG playground area, indoor game room, HUGE sites!" explains Spencer C.
Proximity to bathrooms: For families with young children, bathroom access matters. "We had to drive there, the primitive toilet smelled so bad it burned!! It needed to be emptied and wasn't the entire time we were there," warns Kate H. about more remote sites at Wild River State Park.
Animal interactions: Farm-based camping offers unique experiences for children. "Spending time with the goats was a therapeutic experience and I had half the mind to take one with me," shares Meesh M. about The Jubilee Homestead.
Tips from RVers
Site size considerations: RV sites vary significantly between parks. "Interstate State Park has some nice features, but overall it wasn't my favorite. The sites are close together, with RVs and tents mixed on one loop, so generator noise is common," warns Maria D. about Interstate State Park.
Electrical hook-up availability: Most developed campgrounds offer at least 30-amp service, with some providing 50-amp options. "This place does have 30amp and 50amp hook ups and has pull through spots and sewer sites," confirms Spencer C. about Country Camping.
Seasonal access changes: Many RV facilities reduce services during colder months. "It was cold, rainy, and that turned into 5 inches of snow. Like many MN State Park campgrounds, you are close to your neighbors with no real private offerings," reports Erik R. about spring camping at Wild River State Park.
Fairgrounds option: The Isanti County Fairgrounds offers an alternative to traditional campgrounds. "Very nice clean well kept grounds. Always things going at the fairgrounds. We had a nice view of the little lake," reports gary W. from Isanti County Fairgrounds.
