Equestrian camping near Marine on St. Croix, Minnesota offers terrain ranging from oak savannas to riverside trails on sandy loam soil. The St. Croix River valley sits at approximately 700 feet elevation, with seasonal temperatures ranging from summer highs in the 80s to winter camping conditions that can drop below zero. Trail conditions vary throughout the year with spring thaws often creating muddy sections on otherwise well-drained paths.
What to do
Archery practice nearby: At Bunker Hills Regional Park, campers can access archery facilities just minutes from their sites. "They have a water park, a restaurant is on the grounds, there is a stable with horses/ponies that you can take guided trail rides on, a water park, several playgrounds, archery, an event center, frisbee golf, and yes a campground," notes one visitor who found these amenities seamlessly integrated into the natural setting.
River paddling adventures: The Rum River offers tubing and canoeing opportunities close to camping areas. At Country Camping Tent & RV Park on the Rum River, "The tubing is a plus... Key thing is the river is very clean and sandy bottom," according to a recent camper who appreciated the water quality.
Stargazing sessions: Light pollution is minimal at several campgrounds in the region. At Wild River State Park Campground, there's a dedicated area for celestial observation. "The star gazing area was great!" reports one camper who enjoyed clear night skies at this location just 20 miles from Marine on St. Croix.
What campers like
Private sites with natural screening: Many campgrounds feature sites that offer good separation. At Lake Elmo County Park Reserve, "sites are spacious and spread out, electric hookups at all sites, swim pond is great for kids, and other amenities like an archery range and hiking trails are fantastic for kids," according to a satisfied visitor who appreciated the generous spacing.
Wildlife encounters: Deer sightings are common throughout the area's campgrounds. "We saw sooooo many deer some even walking right through campsites! You can hear coyotes, raccoons and very loud owls," shares one camper about their experience at Wild River State Park, highlighting the diverse wildlife observable from campsites.
Diverse water recreation: Swimming options range from natural lakes to constructed facilities. At Baker Campground, "They have a home made lake that has a sand bottom but it has chlorine like a pool so no weeds. Great for swimming," notes a camper who appreciated this unique hybrid swimming option.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds in the area require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. At Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve, "You'll need to book for at least two nights and book as soon as you can. There are 200 sites but on the July weekend we stayed, I'd say almost all of them were booked."
Seasonal access variations: Winter camping opportunities exist but with limited amenities. "I stayed in the campground in late March, 2025. This is a big park with a diversity of hiking, equestrian, and canoeing options," reports a visitor to Wild River who noted that despite snow, the campground remained accessible.
Poison ivy awareness: Several campgrounds have poison ivy present. At Ann Lake, "Sites are large with varying degrees of privacy. Well spaced out, just some have less undergrowth. Be aware that the undergrowth is at least 25% poison ivy. Sites are large so they are clear. If you're susceptible, not for you."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds for energy burning: Multiple family-friendly campgrounds feature playground equipment. Lake Elmo County Park Reserve has "awesome sites that fit the needs of just about anyone. The have beautiful hiking trails and a swimming beach for the hotter days. They also have an archery range and on Saturday nights they have a campgound program for the kids and families to watch."
Educational opportunities: Some parks offer ranger programs specifically for younger campers. Baker Park campers mention that "the camp staff are very friendly and you'll need to get checked in before 9pm I believe because they close it off to paid guests after that. The camp was pretty quite for as full as it was."
Heated swimming options: Families appreciate swimming facilities that remain comfortable regardless of weather. Country Camping Tent & RV Park on the Rum River provides "a heated pool, splash pad area, BIG playground area, indoor game room, HUGE sites! You can either relax in the pool or even take a ride down the rum river in a rented canoe,tube, or kayak."
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup distribution: Power connections vary widely between campgrounds in the region. At Highland Ridge, one camper noted: "Cost is $20/$16 for electric/non-electric. This is an Army Corps of Engineers park which means you pay $10/$8 if you have an NPS Lifetime Senior Pass."
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have sites requiring significant leveling. A Highland Ridge visitor observed: "Many sites are placed on on incline. They got the sites are pretty flat, but it's still on a hill," indicating that RVers should bring adequate leveling equipment.
Shade considerations: For RV campers with solar capability, shade is an important factor. "It's completely in the woods, and sites are FULLY shaded. Sites 28-38 are on a loop with a picnic pavilion in the middle with some openings for sun on the road and in the picnic area. Other than that, the rest of the campground is rather dark all the time," notes a Highland Ridge camper who found solar power challenging.
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