165 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"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."
"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"Site 207 was especially tucked in but it's a tight spot, so probably best for a van or tent. The park itself has a lot to offer being right on the St."
"This is Minnesota’s largest state park and has over 200 camp sites. But where we were, we were secluded from most people. Not from the mosquitos. You had to defend against them. But clean park."
from $25 - $35 / 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"This is one of my favorite state parks for last minute camping trips due to its proximity to home."
"There is a modern restroom and shower, it is also located near a nature store."
from $25 - $95 / night
Check Availability"Reserved this site through the Minnesota dnr state park phone line, having been turned away from full camp grounds by two other state parks."
"Felt nice to spend a weekend without cell service about an hour away from home. Forgot to take my usual photos and video of the site all set up but had a few random to share. Nice campground."
from $25 - $35 / night
Check Availability"Close to Hinckley if you're looking for things to do!"
"They have golf, a pool, lake nearby, and seasonal camping."
TravelerNice 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.
ScoutBack in 2020 I did about 3 months camping along here ! Good spot !
ScoutIf 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.
GuideThis 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.
GuideWe 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
TravelerBig open gravel lot for parking and grassy area for tent camping near the river. I stayed in the gravel lot in my van. However, a ranger came the next day and said it wasn't allowed. I could only stay if I pitched a tent so I left.
ScoutCampfround has 6 campsites with fire pits and picnic tables. There is also a double vault toilet. The campground is very clean and accomodate many more campers, scout troops or large families. It is set up for canoe trips overnight stop. I'm here in my tear drop and just do daily trips out in my canoe. There is a 3 night stay limit and it is FREE!
TravelerGreat site. Has a good fire ring. Has a wilderness toilet off away from the site. Trail into the site is well marked. You’ll get plenty of animal sounds from the beaver dam lake that is right by the site. Has a picnic table. There is only one tent pad. Not a completely level place for a second tent so prepared if you have two tents that one of them will be on a slight angle.
ScoutHad a great time. Dan & Lisa friendly and accommodating. Clean and roomy sites for just opening they’re doing well. Can’t wait until next time
Camping spots near Hinckley, Minnesota primarily span across state parks, county parks, and private campgrounds in Pine County. The region features glacially-formed lakes, dense northern forest, and two major river systems—the St. Croix and Kettle Rivers. Elevation varies from 950 to 1,050 feet above sea level, creating diverse camping environments from riverfront sites to higher wooded areas. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-85°F, with occasional thunderstorms common from June through August.
Explore sandstone quarry history: At Robinson Park Camping, visitors can discover the remnants of a historic sandstone quarry. "This park boasts a waterfall, so that sold me. Park is close to Sandstone for any last minute needs," notes HollyRose M. "Hike along the Quarry Loop Trail (the hiking club trail) for some interesting facts about the old quarry and stone workers. The ruins are worth an explore for sure!"
Rock climbing: Robinson Park offers exceptional climbing opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. "This campground is really great, the main downside is that in order to pay the fee you have to drive to City Hall which is about 2 miles away," explains Les R. "Rock climbing including the state's best 12a/b!!! Sigma lives up to the hype."
Winter outdoor activities: Banning State Park Campground provides excellent opportunities for winter recreation. "This is a great place for winter camping! The campsites are large enough (despite the snow) to set up suitable winter tents, and each site has a picnic table and fire pit," explains Alexa S. "In the park, there's a lot of ice climbing and cross country skiing. If you take a short walk from the main parking area towards the bathroom, and follow the trail alongside the bluff, you'll find awesome spots to climb."
Golf and swimming: Pokegama Lake RV Park And Golf offers recreation beyond just camping. "They have golf, a pool, lake nearby, and seasonal camping," notes Dan B. The park provides a boat launch directly across the road for those looking to get out on the water.
Fall colors viewing: Campers consistently praise the autumn experience in the area. "10/11/19-10/13/19. #9. We booked a site in advance and hoped to catch the fall colors. It was our first time camping at Banning. Fall came early in MN and it was just past peak. Most of the leaves were yellow (or on the ground), but it was still pretty," writes Joanna B. "The campsites were fairly well spaced, wooded and offered some privacy."
Private, secluded camping: Snake River County Park Campground offers quieter camping options. "This is a pretty nice little self service first come first served campground on the edge of Chengwatana State Forest. Clean toilets and nice shady spots, most of which are quite private," reports Don C. The $17 nightly fee makes it an affordable option within 90 minutes of Minneapolis.
Off-grid experience: Paint Rock Springs Campground provides a chance to disconnect. "Felt nice to spend a weekend without cell service about an hour away from home," writes Tori K. "Nice campground. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. There are flush toilets and showers and the office has a store for any last minute needs."
Waterfall access: Multiple campgrounds feature scenic waterfalls. "We stayed here as a layover en-route to Wisconsin. This park may be right off of the interstate, but it's quaint and the sites are roomy," notes Dave G. about Banning State Park. "Not far from the tent sites is Wolf Creek Falls, about a 1.2 mile hike (worth it!)."
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. "We decided to try an extend the camping season by staying here in the first weekend of October, and we were rewarded greatly!" shares Bryan S. about Banning State Park. "The colors were near peak and the water was really high, so there were many kayakers going down the river as we hiked along the parallel trails."
Insect conditions: Bug populations vary widely by season and location. "Riverview campground on site 36 (no hook ups). Sites were pretty open but small. There were HOARDS OF MOSQUITOS. We used 40% deet spray and fogged our campsite 3x over the 3 days so we could reduce the bites," reports RK M. about Riverview Campground.
Site privacy levels: Privacy between sites varies significantly across campgrounds. "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," notes Daniel H. about Snake River County Park. Meanwhile, Riverview Campground features "very open and on top of one another. Very little shade," according to Amanda R.
Bear presence: Wildlife encounters are possible in the region. "Beautiful site, wish the river was higher for fishing. Just a mile or so walk to the Saint Croix River. Camp grounds have restrooms, water (have to boil or purify it)," mentions Chrystina G. "Watch out for bears though."
Seasonal activity planning: Consider timing your visit based on activities. "We camped with our in laws and 3 kids this past weekend at St. Croix state Park. The paved walking trails were nice. The swimming beach is a couple mile drive but the water was nice and cool," shares RK M. "We fished right off the shore and were catching very small catfish and river chub faster than we could set our reels which was great for the kids!"
Educational opportunities: Old Logging Trail — St. Croix State Park offers learning experiences. "This is Minnesota's largest state park and has over 200 camp sites. But where we were, we were secluded from most people," notes Justin R. The park features historical CCC buildings, interpretive trails, and ranger-led programs that appeal to children.
Pet-friendly facilities: Multiple campgrounds accommodate family pets. "This park had nice spots - grassy with level tar to park on. The pool had a perfect temperature and nice lounging area. Shuttle took you to the casino 24 hours a day," explains Lisa D. about Grand Casino RV Resort. Several campgrounds feature designated pet areas, with Banning RV Park even offering a complete dog agility course.
Site access challenges: Some campgrounds present navigation difficulties. "The designers of this park have clearly never spent a night in an RV. Virtually every site in the park is a blind back in from the driver seat," cautions Adrian G. about Grand Casino RV Resort. "The site number pedestals for each site are right against the corner of the driveway where you have to back around them without being able to see them."
Hookup considerations: Water connections can be problematic at some locations. "We were quick to learn that water hookups were shared with other sites and required 'y' connections at the spigots," explains Sam C. about Banning RV Park. "Our source ended up being 75' plus from our RV. Thankfully I just happened to be carrying the extra hose for several years but never had to use it before."
Size restrictions: Check campground specifications before arrival. "Medium sized class A 30' RV's can be used on these sites. Larger RVs would probably have a hard time getting around the road. Similar to St Croix State Forest Campground," advises Daniel H. about Snake River County Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Hinckley, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, Hinckley, MN offers a wide range of camping options, with 165 campgrounds and RV parks near Hinckley, MN and 11 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Hinckley, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Hinckley, MN is Banning State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 34 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Hinckley, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 free dispersed camping spots near Hinckley, MN.
What parks are near Hinckley, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Hinckley, MN that allow camping, notably Saint Croix National Scenic River and St. Croix National Scenic Riverway.
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