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!"
ScoutGot a nice spot by the water, big parking spot, little below the spot is an opening towards water with a fire pit. 2-3 bars of service but never had an issue. Worked well. Very private. Bugs weren’t bad either
TravelerStaying here currently & they have been very accommodating, friendly & flexible. Water & electric hookup but no sewer however there is a dump station, a bathhouse with real toilets & nice showers. Pretty quiet for being so close to the main highway. My cats are able to free roam the property & my dog can be tied up outside. Usually pretty nice neighbors too.
ScoutI was able to find a campsite not on the road. There was a trail from the parking spot so keep an eye out. Lots of animals saw a turkey and coyote so just be aware. Very pretty and calm. Had to pick up some trash from other campers just a reminder to leave no trace.
TravelerWe stayed here from about 10pm to 6am. There were a ton of people there so it was hard finding somewhere to sleep. Once we did, it was very quiet and we got a good nights rest. There were a couple of cars that passed us in the morning when we left but nothing too crazy. The scenery was very beautiful. This is definitely a great free option if you’re looking for a peaceful spot in the woods to sleep!
TravelerI stayed there with my RV. Most all of the campsites were too small to park it, but I found one at the very end of the park to stay. Although the land itself is beautiful, the locals were reporting me to the DNR officer, who were clearly his friends, and accusing me of things I was not doing. Also, there’s a lot of traffic in and out of there and they fly through there day and night, as well as a lot of gunfire going off a lot of the time. I use T-Mobile service and I was on SOS most of the time. Not very impressed.
GuideSmall pullout area on state forest land. Can walk trail back to tent.
TravelerElectric hookup, dump station on site. Sites are a little close together. $25/night with a 7 day max stay.
LegendInterstate Park in Wisconsin is just south of HWY 8 on HWY 35. The entrance is located on the west side of HWY 35 in the town of St. Croix Falls. St Croix Falls is a small town with a nice downtown on the river with plenty of restaurants (Dalles House Restaurant and Lounge is a favorite) and places for necessities. There are coffee shops, hotels and even a Wal-Mart nearby. There is also a casino in the town of Turtle Lake about 30 mins away.
The park is home to the western terminus of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail that covers 1200 miles through Wisconsin. The park also offers a Ice Age Interpretive Center which boasts interactive activities and displays of the last Ice Age. The park is also home to several other trails worth discovering.
There are two campgrounds in the park, a North and South campground as well as two group campsites. The South is a bit more rustic. The showers are located at the North campground.
For amenities there are flush toilets and showers. There is a sandy swimming area available as well as boat launch and other water activities.
This park is beautiful especially being on the cliffs of the St. Croix River offering spectacular views through out the park and the area. You can even take the bridge over to Taylor Falls Park Minnesota for more spectacular views as well as other shopping options. If you take this trip, Taylor Falls Park will be on the South and your shopping options will be to your North.
Even being in such a wonderful location with plenty of activities and amenities, I find the camping hard to enjoy at this park for all the noise that generates from the hwy crossing over the river. The sound especially of the semi trucks and their brakes that go all night long. This is the big reason for the average rating for this campground.
GuideNice spot right on the lake. Lots of animal noises! Pretty sunrise/sunset.
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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