Best Campgrounds near Hinckley, MN
Camping options around Hinckley, Minnesota encompass several established campgrounds along the St. Croix River and surrounding state parks. Banning State Park Campground provides tent, RV, and cabin accommodations with boat-in access along the Kettle River. Grand Casino RV Resort in Hinckley offers year-round camping with full hookups for RVs along with tent sites and cabin rentals. St. Croix State Park, located about 20 miles east of Hinckley, contains multiple campground loops including Old Logging Trail and Paint Rock Springs, which accommodate everything from basic tent camping to RV sites with electrical hookups and cabin rentals. The region includes both privately operated and state-managed camping areas with varying levels of amenities.
Seasonal considerations heavily influence camping experiences in the Hinckley area, with most state park campgrounds operating from April through October. Winter camping is limited primarily to the Grand Casino RV Resort, which maintains year-round operations. Mosquitoes can be problematic during summer months, particularly in forested and riverside camping areas. Cell service varies considerably throughout the region, with spotty coverage in state parks. Several campgrounds require advance reservations, especially during summer weekends and holidays. The terrain around Hinckley features rivers, forests, and some elevation changes that create diverse camping environments. "Cell service is fairly spotty here so come with podcasts or shows downloaded ahead of time! But if you don't, you can always run into Hinckley for some WIFI or cell service to download some things," noted one camper at St. Croix State Park.
Riverside camping stands out as a particular highlight in the Hinckley area, with sites along both the St. Croix and Kettle Rivers receiving positive mentions in user reviews. Banning State Park earns recognition for its scenic river views and historical features, though reviews mention the campground can be "busy and buggy" during peak seasons. St. Croix State Park, as Minnesota's largest state park at 34,000 acres, provides extensive recreation opportunities including hiking trails, a paved bike path, and canoe/kayak rentals. Several campgrounds offer varying levels of privacy between sites, with some visitors noting that certain campground loops have more vegetation and separation than others. Many campers appreciate the proximity to outdoor activities while still being close enough to Hinckley for essential services. Reviews consistently mention the clean facilities at most established campgrounds, particularly noting when new bathroom and shower buildings have been constructed.
