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Best Dispersed Camping near Saint Croix National Scenic River

13 Reviews

Several primitive camping areas exist along the Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway spanning both Wisconsin and Minnesota. Sandrock Cliffs provides free dispersed sites with fire rings and picnic tables, accessible via a hiking trail from the parking area. County Road O Landing offers riverside camping with vault toilets and drinking water, suitable for both tents and RVs, though permits are required. Grace Lake Road Dispersed provides peaceful, free sites in Minnesota with moderate ATV traffic and good fishing access.

Mosquitoes can be problematic at riverfront sites, particularly in June. Several locations experience periodic overcrowding during summer months, with some campers reporting trash issues at more accessible sites like Sandrock Cliffs. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, "each [Sandrock Cliffs] site has a fire pit and a picnic table, and you could probably fit three or more tents at each site." Norway Point, Middle St. Croix, and Chinty Lake offer additional remote camping options, though the latter is described by a visitor as "literally just a roadside pull off, not really a campsite."

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Saint Croix National Scenic River (9)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Saint Croix National Scenic River

2 Photos of 9 Saint Croix National Scenic River Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Saint Croix National Scenic River

13 Reviews of 9 Saint Croix National Scenic River Campgrounds

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2021

    Sandrock Cliffs — Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway

    Very quiet and beautiful

    I absolutely love this campground. You have to walk upstairs to get to it, but there were quite a few campsites as you walk along the hiking trail. Each one has a fire pit and a picnic table, and you could probably fit three or more tense at each site. We were there in June and there was only one other group there. The hiking trail was awesome also, you hike along the Saint Croix river. We had some cell service. There is a pit toilet by the parking lot. No trash, showers or water that we saw. 

  • Julia D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2021

    Grace Lake Road Dispersed

    Location is inaccurate

    This spot was super nice and peaceful! Lots of different dispersed spots. Go down Tamarack Forest Road, which is a little further than the location on here.

  • Christopher W.
    Jun. 20, 2023

    Graces Lake Boat Access

    Not a camp site

    Public water access. No camp sites at this location

  • Travis B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 23, 2023

    Sandy Cove on the St. Croix River

    Hard to say

    The spot is along the ice age trail. Well managed gravel trail to the south and single wide footpath to the north.

    There is a pad at the bottom of the path up to the open air vault toilet, a fire ring, and a table. The table has an extra long side for those in a wheelchair. The crushed gravel path to the south makes travel to the nearby Lions park easy.

    The ease of access probably makes this a hangout spot as we saw a good amount of refuse around the pad. The pictures are probably worst case scenario. We visited in April after historic snowfall and thaw causing the river to flood. I'd imagine when the river is lower with the fire ring and table where they're supposed to be this would be a nice place for the night. Right on the beautiful st.croix river.

  • Joslyn H.
    Jul. 21, 2024

    Sandrock Cliffs — Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway

    Trashed, No peace or quiet.

    This campsite is about an hour away from where I live. The listing here on The Dyrt seemed promising, and I hoped that by getting out there early I would find a nice spot. I first went to the National Park Service Scenic Riverway Visitor Center in St. Croix Falls to obtain a permit and learned that I don't need one for Sandrock Cliffs, I was already there so I got one anyway. About 40 minutes later I arrived at Sandrock Cliffs. The campsites all have a fire ring and are decently spaced apart, but most of the sites were full of trash and broken tent poles. There was a large group of kids that arrived by canoe/kayak just after I did. Soon the parking lot was also full of cars of some shady looking people who appeared to be looking for a spot to party. The kids seemed to have deterred these people from staying. I set up my camp and started to read a book. The kids began running through my campsite and upset my dog. After 3 times of them running through my campsite I just packed up and went home. Since this spot is accessible by road I'm assuming that its best not to visit in the summer, it seems to be a place that gets abused by the locals as a party area. I may consider visiting again in the fall when it is hopefully less busy.

  • aThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 29, 2023

    Chinty Lake Roadside Camp

    Literally roadside camp

    This is literally just a roadside pull off not really a campsite (and the road was kinda busy), two girls traveling did not feel comfortable spending the night here and went somewhere else

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Grace Lake Road Dispersed

    Very quit night

    Stayed a night here on our way up to the boundary waters gate is very narrow had to fold the mirrors on my Tacoma to squeeze through but if you park at the entrance it’s a short walk You’re about 20 foot from the water and fishing is good

Guide to Saint Croix National Scenic River

Dispersed camping near the Saint Croix National Scenic River in Minnesota offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the freedom of camping without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With a variety of locations to choose from, adventurers can find spots that cater to different preferences and experiences.

Dispersed campers should check out Sandrock Cliffs

  • Sandrock Cliffs provides a scenic backdrop along the river, making it an ideal spot for those who appreciate beautiful landscapes while camping. The area features fire rings and picnic tables for a comfortable stay.
  • Access to this location is available via boat-in or walk-in, allowing for a more secluded experience away from the hustle and bustle of crowded sites.
  • While some visitors have noted issues with litter, others have enjoyed the tranquility and space offered by this area, especially during less busy seasons.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Saint Croix National Scenic River in Minnesota

  • County Road O Landing is a great option for those looking for a quiet spot with easy access to the river, perfect for fishing or kayaking. The area is pet-friendly, making it suitable for families traveling with pets.
  • Be prepared for the lack of amenities at these locations; for instance, County Road O Landing does not provide trash disposal or water hookups, so plan accordingly to pack out what you bring in.
  • Mosquitoes can be a nuisance during warmer months, so bringing insect repellent is essential for a comfortable experience at places like County Road O Landing.

Enjoy hiking and nature while free camping near Saint Croix National Scenic River

  • Grace Lake Road Dispersed offers a peaceful environment with various dispersed spots along the hiking trails, making it perfect for those who enjoy exploring nature on foot.
  • The area is known for its friendly atmosphere, with many visitors reporting positive interactions with fellow campers, enhancing the overall experience.
  • While there may be some ATV traffic, the beautiful surroundings and the opportunity to connect with nature make Grace Lake Road a worthwhile stop for outdoor enthusiasts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Sandrock Cliffs campground on the St. Croix River?

Sandrock Cliffs offers basic amenities for a rustic camping experience. Each campsite features a fire pit and picnic table with space to accommodate three or more tents. The campground is located on scenic sandstone cliffs overlooking the river, requiring a walk up stairs to access. The site provides beautiful views of the surrounding area. While the amenities are minimal, the natural setting is the main attraction. The campground can be accessed via hiking trail with multiple sites distributed along the path. Be prepared for a true rustic camping experience without modern facilities like running water or electric hookups.

Where is dispersed camping allowed along the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway?

Dispersed camping is allowed at several designated sites along the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. County Road O Landing Dispersed River Camp offers camping near a boat ramp with bathroom facilities and trail access. Grace Lake Road Dispersed provides waterside camping spots, though note the narrow gate entrance may require folding mirrors on wider vehicles. Other dispersed camping options include Sandy Cove and Norway Point. For many sites along the riverway, it's advisable to check with the National Park Service Visitor Center in St. Croix Falls to obtain necessary permits before camping.

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Saint Croix National Scenic River?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Saint Croix National Scenic River is Sandrock Cliffs — Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway with a 3.7-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Saint Croix National Scenic River?

TheDyrt.com has all 9 dispersed camping locations near Saint Croix National Scenic River, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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