Snake River County Park Campground offers rustic accommodations for campers exploring the Saint Croix National Scenic River. Located within the Chengwatana State Forest, the campsites maintain natural spacing that provides privacy while remaining accessible by vehicle. The region experiences warm summers with high mosquito activity from June through August and crisp falls with vibrant foliage beginning in mid-September. Water levels in both the Snake and St. Croix rivers fluctuate seasonally, affecting swimming and paddling conditions.
What to do
Paddling the rivers: Launch points on the Snake River provide access to the larger Saint Croix River system. At Snake River County Park Campground, visitors can explore both waterways. "Just a mile or so walk to the Saint Croix River. Camp grounds have restrooms, water (have to boil or purify it)," notes reviewer Chrystina G., who adds that while fishing can be affected by water levels, the surrounding area offers plenty of recreational opportunities.
Stargazing at night: Clear skies above the tree canopy provide excellent viewing conditions for amateur astronomers. Wild River State Park Campground features a dedicated star gazing area. "The star gazing area was great! Intermittently had 1-2 bars of T-Mobile with LTE Internet," reports Katherine T., highlighting that even with minimal light pollution, some connectivity remains available for star-identifying apps.
Hiking the riverfront trails: Multiple trail systems connect camping areas to scenic overlooks. At Sandrock Cliffs in the Wisconsin portion of the riverway, "The hiking trail was awesome, you hike along the Saint Croix river," according to Emily, who visited in June and noted the relative solitude with "only one other group there."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds feature natural barriers between campsites. "The campground was very nice. The sites are private, couldn't see any neighbors as there are a lot of trees," states Stephanie H. about Wild River State Park, where the park layout maximizes seclusion despite its popularity.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The river corridor supports diverse animal populations. "We saw sooooo many deer some even walking right through campsites! You can hear coyotes, raccoons and very loud owls," reports Kate H., who stayed at Wild River State Park and recommends driving to the visitors center rather than walking due to the distance.
Well-maintained facilities: Modern bathroom buildings are available at larger established campgrounds. At Interstate State Park, "Facilities are mediocre, but passable," according to John W., who notes that the non-electric loop offers more seclusion and less highway noise than the powered sites.
What you should know
Extreme seasonal mosquito activity: Summer months bring intense insect pressure throughout the region. At St. Croix Family Campground in Governor Knowles State Forest, visitors should prepare for tick protection. "We did visit during a tick-heavy time of year, so we had to have protection and removal tool ready, especially after hiking all day," warns Emily.Michael B.
Campsite reservation systems vary: Some locations require advance planning while others operate first-come, first-served. "This is a pretty nice little self service first come first served campground on the edge of Chengwatana State Forest," explains Don C. about Snake River County Park, noting that weekend campers can sometimes be "obnoxiously noisy with no or little respect for others."
Water quality concerns: River and well water may require treatment before consumption. One reviewer at Snake River County Park notes that while water is available, you must "boil or purify it" before drinking. Similarly, at Boulder Campground, reviewers mention that "the water is fairly brown" from the hand-pumped well.
Tips for camping with families
Dog friendly campgrounds: Most Saint Croix National Scenic River campgrounds welcome pets with standard leash requirements. At Paint Rock Springs Campground in St. Croix State Park, pets are permitted throughout the camping area. The park features "a flat, brand new 5 mile paved bicycle path that goes from the campground to the beach," according to Tom, making it ideal for family walks with leashed dogs.
Multiple bathroom options: Families with young children should consider sites near restroom facilities. "There is about 6 miles of dirt road back to this campground... No electric, water is available from pump and there are pit toilets," explains Suzann A. about Boulder Campground in St. Croix State Forest, which offers a more rustic experience.
Weather preparation essential: River valley locations can experience rapid temperature changes and storms. "We experienced the most intense and violent thunderstorm of my life. One lightning strike hit within 100 yards of our site," recounts Duncan G. about Riverview Campground, emphasizing the need for proper weather sheltering options when camping with children.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Only certain campgrounds accommodate larger vehicles with utilities. At Interstate State Park, "The power loop runs right along a 4-lane highway, which you can't really see but for sure will hear," warns John W., noting the trade-off between hookups and tranquility.
Loop road quality varies: Access roads to some campgrounds may challenge larger rigs. For example, at Boulder Campground, Suzann A. reports, "There is about 6 miles of dirt road back to this campground, but it is a decent dirt road and my trailer was in good shape inside when we arrived."
Site angles and positioning: Many established campgrounds design pull-through sites for easier access. Scott G. notes that at Old Logging Trail Campground, "Campsites were nicely angled for easy parking. Fire ring and table at each site. Nice modern bathrooms as well."
