Saint Croix National Scenic River, MN is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Saint Croix National Scenic River is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.
$35 / 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."
"Site 207 was especially tucked in but it's a tight spot, so probably best for a van or tent. The park itself has a lot to offer being right on the St."
"This is Minnesota’s largest state park and has over 200 camp sites. But where we were, we were secluded from most people. Not from the mosquitos. You had to defend against them. But clean park."
$24 - $34 / 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 - $35 / night
"This is one of my favorite state parks for last minute camping trips due to its proximity to home."
"There is a modern restroom and shower, it is also located near a nature store."
$25 - $35 / night
"Reserved this site through the Minnesota dnr state park phone line, having been turned away from full camp grounds by two other state parks."
"Some of the campsite around the very outer edge have some coverage, which is helpful in the hot summer sun."
$17 / night
"Just a mile or so walk to the Saint Croix River. Camp grounds have restrooms, water (have to boil or purify it) Camp ground manager comes around and has firewood for sale."
"State Forest Campground with some sites close to the shoreline of the Snake River. Firewood can be gathered from the forest. It's a nice small campground, first come first served."
$25 - $30 / night
"Beautiful campgrounds near the heart of town. Crex Meadows is near by with phenomenal bird watching. the campground is located on a small river that is good for swimming and fishing."
"My only complaint was how bad the mosquitos were... but it's Minnesota."
"We had an all around great time. The campsites were all pretty secluded. We got there around 10am on a Friday and there were a couple sites taken but the rest were up for grabs."
"You have to walk upstairs to get to it, but there were quite a few campsites as you walk along the hiking trail."
"Good location"
"This was a very fun trip for us because there was almost nobody else at the campsite that day, there are lots of trails to explore (some down by the river), and the fire watch tower added a little something"
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!!!
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.
TravelerFree dispersed camping off Dago Lake Road between Willow River & Sturgeon Lake. Quiet aside from the occasional car. Pitch black at night.
TravelerOwners are very nice, greet you upon arrival, very helpful. Bathroom/shower is very nice. Trampoline & playground on site. Close to the highway so a lot of traffic noise until about midnight. People fly down the road even though the speed limit is 20mph. 3 minutes from Willow River, 45 minutes to Cloquet & Pine City.
LegendThis is a beautiful park and the campsites for the most part all seem spacious, and the loop we were in (whichever one site 52 is in) all had decent tree cover.
The bathroom facility has seen better days. The nature center is nice and a great place to spend some time if it is raining during their open hours.
RangerI stayed here one night while traveling. The bathrooms seemed fire. I could not find a dumper on site. There is a dump station. Plenty of tent only camping areas. All sites require some leveling. Some of the sites have water hookups. Lots of people use the park during the day. It was very quiet at night.
There is a coffee shop about a 20 minute walk from the park. There is a public swimming beach less than a 10 minute walk from the park.
You might be able to get a large rig into the first few spots. But if you try to drive the loop around to the other sites, you might not make it. But I did not have trouble in my 25 foot motor home.
I had great 5G signals from Verizon and T-mobile here.
ScoutStayed 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
ScoutChecking was easy with owner on site. A little steep getting up to x Some of the site. Bathroom and shower house were great
GuideBoulder Woods is mostly seasonal camping but does have RV sites for overnight and weekly camping. The park is well maintained with power and water at all sites. There is a view of Ann Lake, however, the RV park is not on the banks of the lake and does not have access to the lake.
Camping near Saint Croix National Scenic River, Minnesota, offers a fantastic mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With beautiful scenery and a variety of campgrounds, it’s a great spot for families, RVers, and anyone looking to escape into nature.
Camping near Saint Croix National Scenic River, Minnesota, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, whether you're with family or exploring solo. Just remember to plan ahead and be ready for some adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Saint Croix National Scenic River?
According to TheDyrt.com, Saint Croix National Scenic River offers a wide range of camping options, with 180 campgrounds and RV parks near Saint Croix National Scenic River and 9 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Saint Croix National Scenic River?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Saint Croix National Scenic River is Wild River State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 45 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Saint Croix National Scenic River?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 free dispersed camping spots near Saint Croix National Scenic River.
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