Horseback riding trails weave throughout the parks near Pine City, Minnesota, creating opportunities for equestrian camping in the St. Croix River Valley. The area features sandy soils and mixed hardwood forests with elevation changes between 900-1,100 feet. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing, with summer highs averaging 75-85°F from June through August.
What to do
Trail riding near Mille Lacs Lake: Mille Lacs Kathio State Park features extensive trail networks through diverse terrain. "This is a wonderful state park with parts along the shores of Mille Lacs. The park hosts various seminars throughout the week," notes Liz H. The trails wind through archaeological sites dating back thousands of years.
River exploration: Wild River State Park Campground offers multiple water access points. "We snowshoed and skied. I really enjoyed the snowshoe hike along the St Croix River and watched the full moon rise," shares Joanna B. Canoe rentals are available seasonally for exploring the river's gentle currents and sandy shores.
Climb the observation tower: Take in sweeping forest views at Kathio State Park's fire tower. "There is also an observation platform - the climb can be intimidating, but the views are well worth it!" reports Brian C. The tower provides panoramic views across the forest canopy and glimpses of Mille Lacs Lake on clear days.
What campers like
Spacious sites with privacy: Father Hennepin State Park Campground offers well-spaced camping areas. "A nice surprise. We had site #50 in Lakeview Campground, this site is located on the rise and had nice breezes, close to showers, lake and playground," writes Jeff G. Most sites include natural buffers between neighbors.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Deer and other animals frequently visit campsites in the area. "We saw sooooo many deer some even walking right through campsites! You can hear coyotes, raccoons and very loud owls," notes Kate H. Morning and evening hours provide the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
Star gazing: The distance from major cities creates darker night skies. "The star gazing area was great! Intermittently had 1-2 bars of T-Mobile with LTE Internet," explains Katherine T. Clear nights from September through November often provide the best viewing conditions with less humidity.
What you should know
Seasonal bug considerations: Old Logging Trail — St. Croix State Park can have significant mosquito populations. "St. Croix SP: was quite buggy due to a lot of recent rain. Highly recommend fogging your site or having a bug enclosure to help ward of the mosquitos," advises Tori K. June typically sees the heaviest mosquito activity.
Weather variations: The region experiences dramatic seasonal changes. "We experienced the most intense and violent thunderstorm of my life. One lightning strike hit within 100 yards of our site," recounts Duncan G. Summer storms typically move through quickly but can be severe between June and August.
Poison ivy awareness: "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," warns Kari P. Learn to identify the plant before arrival, particularly when camping with horses.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for children: The lakes and rivers provide swimming opportunities for families. "The swimming beach is a couple mile drive but the water was nice and cool. There is a playground but we didn't use it," shares RK M. Most beaches have gradual entry points suitable for younger swimmers.
Educational programs: Ann Lake offers ranger-led activities throughout summer. "We DID have fun doing some of the activities like hunting for insects/animals in the pond with the ranger, hiking to the ranger tower, playing at the playground, and trying to catch butterflies with the ranger," explains Sara P. Programs typically run May through September.
Easy fishing access: Many camping areas offer shoreline fishing without needing a boat. "We fished right off the shore and were catching very small catfish and river chub faster than we could set our reels which was great for the kids!" reports RK M. Most parks don't require fishing licenses for children under 16, though adults need Minnesota fishing permits.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup availability: Country Camping Tent & RV Park on the Rum River provides full-service sites. "This place does have 30amp and 50amp hook ups and has pull through spots and sewer sites so that needs to change on this app. Max trailer length that I've seen here is 70'. Anyone can fit in here!" advises Spencer C. Reservations are recommended 1-2 months in advance for summer weekends.
Low clearance challenges: Some forest roads have overhanging branches. "30' class C motor home. Some overhanging branches on the road in scrape the top and sides. Campsites are nice, mowed, gravel parking," reports Andy L. Consider route planning carefully when bringing larger rigs.
Seasonal road conditions: Spring thaws can create muddy access roads. "We camped with our in laws and 3 kids this past weekend at St. Croix state Park, we were in the riverview campground on site 36 (no hook ups). Sites were pretty open but small," notes RK M. Call ahead for current road conditions when visiting in April or early May.
