North Branch, Minnesota serves as a gateway to diverse camping experiences along the St. Croix River valley, with options ranging from full-service state parks to rustic river camps. Wild River State Park, located just 6 miles northeast of town, offers year-round camping with drive-in, walk-in, and boat-in sites featuring modern amenities including showers and electric hookups. Interstate State Park, situated 20 miles south along the St. Croix River, provides dramatic riverside camping with access to unique glacial potholes and rock formations. Private campgrounds like Kozy Oaks Kamp in North Branch and Country Camping on the Rum River complement these public lands with additional amenities for RVs and tent campers. The region balances developed facilities with more primitive options, all within an hour's drive of the Twin Cities metro area.
Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping experiences in this area. Summer weekends often require reservations weeks in advance, particularly for electric sites and waterfront locations. As one camper noted about Wild River State Park, "We stayed at a drive-in double site here and found it ideal for autumn camping. The woods surrounding were dense enough to obscure others while still feeling open." Winter camping remains available at several state parks, though with reduced services and plowed access limited to main roads. Cell service varies considerably throughout the region, with stronger signals near Interstate 35 and diminishing coverage in river valleys and forested areas. Mosquitoes and ticks are prevalent from May through September, with poison ivy common in wooded areas, particularly in state forests where dispersed camping is permitted.
River access represents a defining feature of many campgrounds in the area. The St. Croix National Scenic Riverway provides the backdrop for several camping options, with Interstate State Park offering particularly dramatic views. According to one visitor, "The view of the river was beautiful and just steps away. Be prepared to walk a lot of staircases!" Sites with river views typically book first, especially those with boat launches or swimming areas. Family-friendly amenities receive consistently high ratings, with William O'Brien State Park noted for "some of the best groomed trails" and "great amenities, toilets and even camper cabins." Privacy levels vary significantly between campgrounds, with state parks generally offering more wooded separation than county parks or private RV campgrounds, which tend to have more open layouts prioritizing convenience over seclusion.
$23 - $90 / night
"Stayed for two nights at a drive-in double site here and found it ideal for autumn camping."
"We stayed in campsite 29 in the drive in campsite over Labor Day weekend."
$24 - $50 / night
"This is a state park on the Wisconsin side of the St Croix River, which is mirrored by a comparable but smaller state park in Minnesota on the wrst side of the river, both being part of the wild and scenic"
"Now that I live in Minnesota, I find myself frequenting the Taylors Falls side. Here you have the amazing "Pot Holes" from glacial waters and some pretty spectacular rock climbing."
$25 - $90 / night
"Easy walking trails surround the park which is nice and convenient. Close proximity to Stillwater which made for a nice day trip. Camp sites were very clean and easy to access."
"We O'Brian has some of the best groomed trails that I have been on."
$22 - $38 / night
"Nice pool and a lake. Room between campsites and some tree coverage. All in all a nice place to camp."
"Great little family camp non-motorized lake great for kayaks or canoes couple decent spots for group camping, new owners only four years inand working hard to make it better"
$35 - $100 / night
"We decided to try out our new tow vehicle by going somewhere close to home. We found Jubilee and we’re we pleasantly surprised! We happened to be the only one there that weekend late in the summer."
"In the morning, we walked around briefly to say hello to the goats and chickens and to pick a few apples."
$40 - $75 / night
"Nice river nearby canoeing swimming pool fireplaces and little store for treats."
"We were visiting family nearby and they could come visit us for picnics with no problems and no extra cost. Very friendly grounds keepers. Will be back again when in the area."
$44 - $75 / night
"These primitive sites are down a small dirt road away from the main RV camping area and are nicely wooded, but you can still see neighboring sites."
"The kids tried the bike trail that they could access right from the campground.
Plenty of space to social distance. We never felt uncomfortable and everything was really clean!"
$35 - $65 / night
"We live in Minneapolis and love having this camp close to home, yet far enough to feel like we are up north. We come here a lot during the summer! The camp is rustic, in a good way."
"This is an awesome campground in a wooded setting just outside of the nearby town. Can't wait to come back!"
"We arrived in the late afternoon and drove all the way down the road, there are a few spots near the boat ramp and bathroom, but we parked near the trailhead and it was perfect!"
TravelerWe stayed here with a group of hot tent campers in early January. The site is large and had a couple of fire pits. Includes a few picnic tables, and a pit toilet. It's a beautiful open area not far from the parking lot with a gorgeous view of the St. Croix River.
ScoutWe visited Avatan Nudist Campground last July with our two kids (ages 8 and 11) for what was supposed to be a wholesome, body-positive family getaway. The website and brochures paint a perfect picture: serene woods, a sparkling pool, family activities, and a "welcoming community" vibe. And on the surface? Yeah, the grounds are stunning—pristine trails, a well-maintained pool. The facilities are clean, the staff (mostly) polite, and the natural setting is genuinely relaxing. If you're just looking for a quiet spot to shed your clothes and unwind in nature, it checks those boxes.
But dig a little deeper, and Avatan reveals itself as something else entirely—a place that's quietly optimized for adult fun, with kids as an inconvenient footnote they have to tolerate to keep the "family" label. From the moment we arrived, it was clear the real energy was elsewhere. Evenings around the fire pits and at the "Squirrel's" (code for the bar area) had this unmistakable swinger-party undercurrent. Lots of lingering glances, couples disappearing into the woods or private cabins, and a vibe that felt more like a discreet resort for the lifestyle crowd than a spot for building sandcastles with the little ones. Our kids picked up on it fast—whispers about "grown-up games" and awkward questions we had to deflect. The camp "tolerates" families, sure, but it's obvious the core membership would prefer a child-free zone. Activities for kids are minimal: a basic playground and the occasional nature hike, while the adults get themed nights, "sensual yoga," and late-night mixers that go until dawn.
What really soured the experience was the toxic underbelly of the community itself. This place is a powder keg of power struggles, with a small cadre of long-time board members and "elders" locked in a perpetual cold war. Gossip flows like the creek itself—endless whispers about who's sleeping with whom, who's "stealing" prime cabin spots, or who's cozying up to the President for favors. We overheard more drama in one week than in a season of reality TV. Cliques form fast: the "party crew" vs. the "purists," the swingers vs. the swingers-who-pretend-they're-not. As newcomers (and parents, no less), we felt like outsiders crashing a private club. Smiles were surface-level; the second you stepped away, the backstabbing started.
And then there's the elephant in the (clothing-optional) room: the camp's ugly history with sexual predators. We didn't know it going in, but after a few days, the stories trickled out from sympathetic members—multiple incidents over the years involving members who turned out to be registered offenders or worse, preying on the vulnerable in this "trust-based" environment. The rules around anonymity are ironclad: no photos, no last names, "what happens at Avatan stays at Avatan." It's sold as protecting privacy in a nudist space, which sounds noble until you realize it shields the creeps. Anyone who dares speak up—whether it's a parent noticing a sketchy guy lingering too long near the kids' area or a survivor sharing a red flag—is immediately branded a "troublemaker," "paranoid," or "anti-community." We've heard of families getting shamed in group meetings, then quietly asked to leave for "disrupting the harmony." Evictions happen fast if you rock the boat, all in the name of keeping the peace and the paying members happy.
Look, we're no prudes. Nudism can be liberating, and we've been to other resorts where it felt truly inclusive and safe. But Avatan? It's a divided house built on denial. The adult-party atmosphere thrives because the kids are an afterthought, and the predator problem festers because calling it out gets you exiled. If you're a child-free couple into the full swinger scene, this might be your paradise—plenty of like-minded folks and zero judgment. But if you're a family hoping for that advertised "safe, empowering space"? Steer clear. Your kids deserve better than being tolerated in a place where silence is golden and the wrong questions get you blacklisted. We won't be back, and I hope this review saves someone else the regret.
RangerSo, I think you know what you are signing up for here when you stay camp at the backpacking site at Afton, but let me fill in some of the blanks. #1 yes, the hill climb is as big of an effort as other people have said. You will feel like you earned your dinner. I may have found a hack for this, but more in that later. #2 the site are mostly private. I stayed on site #12. I could see (and they could have seen me) site #9, but thankfully no one was there. That would have been a bummer to have other looking into my site. There is even a semi-worn path between 12 and 9. They would make a good combo if you have a group. Other than that, totally secluded. As far space at #12, you could build as big of a tent structure there as you would need, easily room for a massive 16’x24’ palace (if you would dare to carry it) or anything smaller. An Eagle Scout project built hammock posts at this site, so it is ideal for that set up. #3 the campground amenities are very nice. The solar powered water works great year round, the two pits toilets (if you can even call them that) are very new and nice. And the coolest campground feature is the cut your own firewood station. I went a little overboard since it was so nice and had a way bigger fire than I needed. Bring your own saw and you will love it too. #4 After walking around the park, I discovered a possible hack. There is an unmarked entrance to the park on the north side. Instead of walking all my gear back to the parking lot, I walked the .5 miles to the service entrance, dropped my pack, and then walked the 1.8 miles back to the parking lot. I tend to carry too much. The flat short walk to drop my gear was worth it. Then I drop around the park and picked up my stuff. Probably not MN DNR endorsed way to do it, but I was proud of my discovery. All in, this is a unique and wonderful camping experience. Highly recommend.
GuideNice spot with plenty of space between sites, which gives you some privacy. It’s right off a busy road, so you’ll hear some traffic noise. The hunters were out during my stay, so there were gunshots throughout the day, but that’s to be expected this time of year. Overall, a good spot for a quick overnight stay and it’s conveniently close to the cities.
RangerI was looking for a secluded backpack in site where I could have a peaceful 48 hours of prayer and solitude, and this site was perfect! I also wanted one that wasn't too far remote, since I hadn't been on a proper backpacking trip since the pandemic hit. And as a solo female camper, I wanted a reserved site so that there would be a record of my location for safety reasons. I'm so glad I chose the Deer Creek site, and will almost definitely stay here again at some point!
This site is accessible by either hiking or canoe. It took me about 30 minutes to hike in from the visitor center parking lot. There is easy access to river water to boil or filter from the canoe landing.
This site was incredibly spacious. It includes a fire ring and picnic table overlooking the creek and river. It also includes 2 large tent pads (look out for widow makers, one of the tent pads is under a dead tree!). It also has a spot nestled in some pine trees that could fit a smaller tent, canoe storage, or I found it to be the perfect spot to hang my hammock! (This would be a great site for hammock camping.) So if you're camping with a small group of people this would be a great site. It also includes a trail to a fairly private latrine, and a bear box (the park ranger warned me that there are bears in the park although I did not see any.) I also found plenty of dead down and dry wood and birch bark on the ground for building fires.
This site is great for a one nigjt stay on a longer backpacking or canoeing trip, but also great for camping out at for a couple of nights. I stayed for two, and it connects to all the major trails in the park, so I was able to use it as a great base for hiking and seeing the beautiful changing leaves. In the morning I hiked North to do the Riverside trail and looped back through the woods. Then in the afternoon I did the Deer Creek loop, which is a shared horse and hiking trail. It was so nice to he able to hike out to some of the best trails in the park directly from my site.
This site felt remarkably remote for being only an hour from the twin cities and a mile from the parking lot! I stayed there Thursday -Saturday, and after leaving the parking lot on Thursday did not see another human being for the rest of the day, and Friday not until I hit the main trails! There was no one else staying within at least a mile of me. I was even able to see fantastic stars Friday night. There was amazing wildlife - a blue heron frequented the site, and I heard all types of owls. Two bald eagles had a nest across the river so I got to see and hear them the whole trip, too- it was absolutely magical!
This site has a great view of both sunrise and sunset. Thursday night there was a gorgeous sunset over the woods reflected in deer Creek. Both mornings I woke up to watch the sunrise while drinking my coffee next to the fire (it was freezing!!!). Watching the sun rise over the river and fog roll over th water and evaporate while eagles soared was truly magical. Having an easy backpack in site surrounded by water on two sides and with views of the sunrise and sunset like this was so incredible!!!
ScoutFor our first time camping, this was a great site! It was very clean, had friendly staff, and was close to a really fun park for our kids. We will be back!
TravelerNever again, $81 for an electric only site. Come on Wisconsin let's jab the out of .staters. Entry fee to parks, extra for out of staters. The site was secluded but not close to level. Not close to the facilities. I am going back to SD. They don't add fees because you are from out of town, they actually encourage out of state tourists. Last trip to a Wisconsin state park . And the showers were closed for the season, this is 10/9/25. But still full price and just an electric only site. No thanks Wisconsin
GuideInterstate State Park has some nice features, but overall it wasn’t my favorite. Many of the exterior loop sites have river access, which was a highlight, and we didn’t have to deal with mosquitoes thanks to being right on the water. The nearby towns are also very charming and worth exploring.
That said, the campground is small and very crowded, likely because it’s so close to the Cities and popular with canoe rentals. Expect a lot of traffic noise, and in the fall, migrating geese can be very loud (which didn’t bother me, but might for some). The ranger office had limited hours, and since firewood is locked up, there’s no self-serve option. Another downside: a riverboat cruises by frequently, blasting music in the evenings and giving tours during the day.
The sites are close together, with RVs and tents mixed on one loop, so generator noise is common. It wasn’t a terrible stay, but just too small and busy for my preference—I don’t think I’d return.
Best sites seemed to be 21 (great river views, less private), 23 (fun detached tent pad), and 18 (most private). Sites 4–5 were also lovely but close to the bathrooms and camp host, so expect more foot traffic.
ScoutJust a quick one night trip but a perfect getaway close to home. Very quiet. Camp host was nice . Found a tucked away site that we could park Infront of for more privacy
North Branch camping sites offer diverse outdoor experiences in Minnesota's eastern woodlands and river valleys. Located where the hardwood forests transition to prairie, the area sits around 900 feet above sea level with summer temperatures averaging 80°F and winter lows often below 0°F. Most camping in this region is available from April through October, though several sites offer year-round access with limited winter amenities.
Canoeing and kayaking on the Rum River: Country Camping Tent & RV Park provides equipment rentals and shuttle service for river trips. "Great tubing and canoeing," notes one camper at Country Camping Tent & RV Park on the Rum River. Another visitor shared, "We went canoeing and kayaking and they provided a shuttle right from their main office."
Explore glacial potholes: The unique geological formations at Interstate State Park offer an unusual hiking experience. According to a visitor, "The draw here is the world's largest glacial potholes. When the river ran 200' higher than it does today, tornados of water eroded smooth round, massive holes in the rock. Some are so big that they still to this day have no idea how deep they go."
Winter recreation: Wild River State Park maintains groomed ski trails throughout the winter months. "We snowshoed and skied. I really enjoyed the snowshoe hike along the St Croix River and watched the full moon rise. The ski trails were groomed and there were miles of trails," reports one winter camper.
Hiking through diverse ecosystems: Trails showcase different Minnesota landscapes from river bottoms to oak savannas. "The park is huge and beautiful," explains a Wild River State Park visitor. "We really enjoyed the snowshoe hike along the St Croix River."
Private, wooded sites: Wild River State Park offers campsites with natural barriers between neighbors. "The campground was very nice. The sites are private, couldn't see any neighbors as there are a lot of trees," writes one reviewer. Another adds, "Wild River State Park is my go-to campground since it is within an hour of my home. Love the scenic trails and all the park has to offer."
Star-gazing opportunities: Clear night skies away from city lights provide excellent viewing conditions. "The star gazing area was great," notes a camper at Wild River State Park. "Intermittently had 1-2 bars of T-Mobile with LTE Internet. Wi-Fi is available at the park entrance."
River views and access: Many campsites in the area offer proximity to water. A visitor to Interstate State Park shared, "When we first arrived to Interstate State Park our very first thought was 'that this is awful.' We hoped that our campsite that we had reserved was not as equals to those on the lower end of the northside, very open space more field like then camp ground to us. And then we came upon our site. With a waterfall on the back side and saint croix river on the other."
Well-maintained facilities: Campgrounds in this area typically offer clean, functional amenities. "The facilities were nice and well kept," reports a Wild River State Park camper.
Site selection matters: Campground layouts vary significantly, with some loops offering more privacy than others. An Interstate State Park visitor advises, "My site was tiny and my neighbors were right on top of me. Do not pick a site inside the loop (the electrical hookup sites) if you want privacy. A few of the sites along the river have a real nice view and are slightly more secluded."
Seasonal popularity: Book well in advance for summer weekends, especially at state parks. A William O'Brien State Park camper noted, "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."
Variable cell coverage: Service can be spotty throughout the area, especially in river valleys. "Sadly I needed 4 hours of internet and my cellular data here was spotty. I spent this time right outside the office," reports a visitor to Wildwood RV Park & Campground.
Road conditions: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. A camper at Camp Waub-O-Jeeg warned, "The roads are rough in spots. A lot of the negative reviews about this campground come from people who encounter issues trying to drive through here with campers, but I didn't expect to have issues driving through here in a sedan. The road to the sites named after birds was rough and I was nervous that I would bottom out going up the hill."
Swimming options: Several campgrounds feature swimming areas for children. At Country Camping, "This campground is great for everyone! It has a heated pool, splash pad area, BIG playground area, indoor game room, HUGE sites!"
Playgrounds and recreation: Kid-friendly amenities make camping with children easier. "There are nice playgrounds on both the A and B hill," notes a camper at Camp Waub-O-Jeeg. Another visitor observed, "It is a kid friendly campground. I often see kids meeting each other from different sites and then hanging out and playing games together."
Animal encounters: Farm stays offer unique experiences for children. A visitor to The Jubilee Homestead shared, "We loved the goats, chickens, geese, and the cats. We are not cat people but they had a newly acquired kitty that stole our hearts and entertained us. We laughed and got some great pictures for our family."
Evening activities: Organized programs extend the camping experience after dark. "The candlelight ski was great and the routes were marked with different colored luminaries - for hiking and skiing. We really enjoyed that," commented a Wild River State Park visitor.
Hook-up availability: Electrical options vary between campgrounds in this area. A camper at William O'Brien State Park advised, "Compared to Wild River State Park, the sites at Savannah are pretty cramped with inconsistent vegetation between sites. I wouldn't want to stay here when the loop is fully reserved."
Site sizes: Many campgrounds can accommodate larger rigs, but advance research is important. "Sites are the smallest I have seen anywhere," warned an Interstate State Park visitor, while another camper at Country Camping mentioned, "Max trailer length that I've seen here is 70'. Anyone can fit in here!"
Dump station access: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. "No full hookups but there is a fantastic group site and the individual sites are spacious," notes a Kozy Oaks Kamp visitor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What campgrounds are available in North Branch, MN?
North Branch and its surrounding area offer several camping options. Country Camping Tent & RV Park on the Rum River provides both tent and RV accommodations right in the North Branch vicinity. Nearby, Kozy Oaks Kamp offers drive-in access with reservable sites and basic amenities. For those seeking more natural settings, the nearby South of Sand Dunes State Forest provides rustic, dispersed camping opportunities about 30 minutes west of North Branch, offering a more primitive backcountry experience with no facilities.
How far is North Branch camping from the Twin Cities?
North Branch is approximately 45-50 minutes north of the Twin Cities, making it a convenient destination for weekend camping trips. William O'Brien State Park Campground is about 25 minutes west of North Branch and offers an excellent option for campers looking for proximity to the metro area while still enjoying nature. For those willing to drive slightly further, Wild River State Park Campground is about 20 minutes northeast of North Branch and provides a scenic wilderness experience just over an hour from the Twin Cities.
How far is North Branch camping from the Twin Cities?
North Branch is approximately 45-50 minutes north of the Twin Cities, making it a convenient destination for weekend camping trips. William O'Brien State Park Campground is about 25 minutes west of North Branch and offers an excellent option for campers looking for proximity to the metro area while still enjoying nature. For those willing to drive slightly further, Wild River State Park Campground is about 20 minutes northeast of North Branch and provides a scenic wilderness experience just over an hour from the Twin Cities.
What amenities do campgrounds near North Branch offer?
Campgrounds near North Branch provide a range of amenities to enhance your camping experience. Lake Elmo County Park Reserve impresses with a filtered swimming pond with sandy beaches, extensive hiking and horseback riding trails, boating opportunities, and modern campsites with shaded areas. Families particularly enjoy the playground facilities. Father Hennepin State Park Campground offers lakeside sites with water access, newer updated facilities, boat access, and proximity to Lake Mille Lacs for fishing enthusiasts. Most campgrounds in the area provide standard amenities like water access, restrooms, and reservable sites, with some offering additional features like swimming areas and extensive trail networks.
What campgrounds are available in North Branch, MN?
North Branch and its surrounding area offer several camping options. Country Camping Tent & RV Park on the Rum River provides both tent and RV accommodations right in the North Branch vicinity. Nearby, Kozy Oaks Kamp offers drive-in access with reservable sites and basic amenities. For those seeking more natural settings, the nearby South of Sand Dunes State Forest provides rustic, dispersed camping opportunities about 30 minutes west of North Branch, offering a more primitive backcountry experience with no facilities.
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