Glamping options near Marine on St. Croix cater to travelers seeking upscale outdoor experiences within 45 minutes of Minneapolis. The St. Croix River valley offers a unique microclimate that creates lush vegetation and diverse wildlife viewing opportunities. Winter temperatures can drop below zero, while summer brings warm days ideal for riverside camping.
What to do
River paddling excursions: The Rum River at Country Camping Tent & RV Park provides excellent paddling opportunities. According to Spencer C., "You can either relax in the pool or even take a ride down the rum river in a rented canoe, tube, or kayak." Rentals are available onsite for day trips ranging from 1-4 hours.
Winter recreation: Wild River State Park Campground maintains groomed trails for cold-weather activities. Joanna B. noted, "The park is huge and beautiful. We snowshoed and skied... The candlelight ski was great and the routes were marked with different colored luminaries - for hiking and skiing." Winter camping options include heated cabins with advance reservations.
Farm-based activities: Seasonal agricultural experiences complement glamping stays. One visitor described the proximity to farming practices, with opportunities to observe sustainable methods. The farms maintain educational displays about local ecology and conservation efforts, with guided tours available by appointment.
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Many campers appreciate the separation between sites at Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park. Krista T. mentioned, "The campsites for the most part all seem spacious, and the loop we were in (whichever one site 52 is in) all had decent tree cover." Sites along the outer loops typically offer more privacy than interior locations.
Proximity to amenities: The convenience of nearby services makes glamping appealing to those new to outdoor stays. Ashley J. found Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park "very easy to find, close to the twin cities, and clean. There was good access to kindling for a fire in the nice fire pit that has a grill. There is ample room to park a car and put up a large tent."
Water features: Access to swimming and water recreation ranks high among visitor preferences. Max P. highlighted that Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park "Feels very secluded in spite of being so close to the cities. Great beach & sunrise. Highly recommend!" Most water activities operate from May through September, with swimming beaches typically open 8am-8pm during summer months.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Plan well in advance for glamping accommodations, particularly during peak season (June-August). Sites at popular parks fill quickly, especially for weekend stays and holiday periods.
Varied comfort levels: Afton State Park Campground offers different tiers of glamping experiences. According to Alison O., their camper cabin provides "a perfect little cabin nestled in the southern half of the park! Screened in porch, heated with electricity, and two double bunk beds!" Most cabins require guests to bring their own bedding.
Access challenges: Some sites require physical effort to reach. Adam P. noted about Afton State Park, "My campsite was perfect. The woods made it very secluded... These sites do require a hike from parking. Would strongly discourage big coolers or lots of weight." Most hike-in sites range from 400-800 feet from parking areas.
Weather considerations: Minnesota's climate affects glamping comfort throughout the seasons. Several parks operate seasonally, with limited winter facilities. Waterproof footwear is recommended even during summer months due to morning dew and occasional rain.
Tips for camping with families
Family-friendly amenities: Bunker Hills Regional Park caters specifically to families with children. Arielle P. explains, "Something for everyone here! The facilities are well kept, the park is patrolled by rangers and the local sheriff after closing hours. Very safe place to camp. Perfect for kids, they have a water park with a wave pool, a disc golf course, a golf course, several pavilions with grills, a few playgrounds and plenty of trails."
Activity planning: Schedule structured activities to keep children engaged. Krista G. found Bunker Hills Regional Park offered "Amazing campsites nice trails clean shower's and bathroom's. There's a water park down the road and friendly staff." Most children's programming runs weekends and Wednesday afternoons during summer months.
Accessibility considerations: For families with mobility concerns, select sites with minimal terrain challenges. Several parks offer accessible glamping options with paved pathways and adaptive facilities. Most visitor centers provide accessibility maps upon request.
Tips from RVers
Site selection priorities: RVers should consider specific site attributes when booking. At Minneapolis Northwest KOA, David E. reported, "Sites are close to each other, but easy access, clean grounds and facilities, friendly staff, and a K9 fenced area for a pet friendly campground." Request sites away from high-traffic areas for more privacy.
Hookup availability: Confirm utility connections before arrival. Justin R. found at Minneapolis Northwest KOA, "The sites are well maintained. The staff is very kind and accommodating. There are a few restaurants around that deliver. Great spot." Most RV sites offer 30/50 amp service, water, and sewer hookups, with cable available at select locations.
Level site importance: Terrain varies significantly between parks. Dave H. commented about Minneapolis Northwest KOA, "Nice hosts. Nice sites. Trees and level sites. Bigger than I thought." Most RV sites are pull-through with gravel pads, though some back-in sites may require leveling blocks.
