Cabins near Marine on St. Croix, Minnesota provide access to the St. Croix River Valley's unique ecosystem, which features a transition zone between hardwood forests and prairie landscapes. Winter temperatures often drop below 0°F, while summer camping can reach humid 90°F conditions with occasional thunderstorms. The area's glacial terrain creates varied camping elevations from riverfront sites to higher woodland plateaus.
What to do
Hiking through varied terrain: Wild River State Park offers extensive trail systems that showcase the diverse St. Croix Valley landscape. A visitor noted, "There are beautiful river-side walks to be had. There are also Oak Savanna trails," highlighting the ecological diversity within a single park.
Winter night hiking: The winter months offer a unique perspective of the area's natural beauty. At William O'Brien State Park Campground, one camper recounted, "We decided to take a night trek through the park. The moon was very bright that night so visibility was excellent. We walked some trail through a frozen marsh landscape and happened upon a railroad that passed above our trail with a beautiful tunnel-overpass."
Swimming options: Though lake quality varies, several parks offer water access. A camper at Rice Creek Campgrounds observed, "The family had an absolute blast! Beach was closed but we still got some good walks in." Bring water shoes as some swimming areas have rocky or muddy entries.
What campers like
Secluded prairie sites: For campers seeking privacy without dense forest, Afton State Park Campground offers a unique landscape. A camper explained, "A few of the sites are in wooded areas, but we stayed in one of the prairie sites. The terrain is just hilly enough - and in August - the grass long enough to give the sites a sense of privacy and seclusion."
Stargazing opportunities: The area offers excellent night sky viewing. At Wild River State Park, a visitor mentioned, "The star gazing area was great!" Pack red-light headlamps to preserve night vision while setting up after dark.
Backpack sites with river views: Remote sites provide exceptional experiences. One reviewer at Wild River State Park shared, "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."
What you should know
Seasonal water availability: Water access varies throughout the year. At Afton State Park, a camper warned, "None of the water faucets or water pumps on the trails at Afton State Park are working. The good news is you can fill up on cold drinking water at the visitor center before trekking around the park's beautiful hiking trails!"
Wildlife encounters: Local fauna is active, particularly after dark. At Rice Creek Campgrounds, a camper advised, "I wish that I had brought ear plugs because there was a fair amount of noisy wildlife activity during the night."
Firewood quality concerns: Purchasing firewood on-site can be hit or miss. A camper at Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park noted, "Firewood at $7 a bundle doesn't burn, it just smokes. I asked for a refund. Buy firewood elsewhere."
Tips for camping with families
Weekday advantages: For a quieter experience, consider mid-week camping. At William O'Brien State Park Campground, a visitor observed, "Weekends have been packed and reservations scarce for months at state parks in Minnesota. Arriving 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."
Family-friendly cabin options: When camping with children, cabin accommodations can provide comfort. At Afton State Park, a visitor described, "Camper Cabin (Eastern Bluebird) - Perfect little cabin nestled in the southern half of the park! Screened in porch, heated with electricity, and two double bunk beds!"
Waterpark access: Some nearby campgrounds include water recreation. At Bunker Hills Regional Park, a reviewer noted, "Within the park is large water park and wave pool. There are many paved trails, and an activity center." The water park requires an additional fee, but discount passes may be available online.
Tips from RVers
Electric site selection: For RV campers seeking privacy, some campgrounds offer more secluded electric sites. At Bunker Hills Regional Park, a camper shared, "The lower loops are definitely better for tent campers, even though quite a few spots could support an RV. The campground map does a good job of providing visual indicators of what a site provides. The upper loop (sits 45-64) is definitely more geared towards RVs."
Seasonal conditions: Winter RV camping requires additional preparation. At William O'Brien State Park, "The cabin we stayed in felt very welcoming. Unknown at the time I booked it, the cabin offered Wi-Fi access that ended up not working for us anyway, so that at least allowed for a bit more of a rustic experience in the end."
Access considerations: Some campgrounds have limited RV access. A reviewer at Rice Creek Chain of Lakes advised, "We stayed here when we got our first camper and it is nicely shaded large sites. Great walking paths and clean restrooms. Great for a quick weekend camping trip."
