Best Tent Camping near Saint Croix National Scenic River
Tent camping along the Saint Croix National Scenic River in Minnesota and Wisconsin offers several primitive and established options for outdoor enthusiasts seeking riverside accommodations. Straight Lake State Park Campground provides hike-in tent sites with a 4.5-star rating, while Governor Knowles State Forest features remote backcountry tent camping opportunities. The Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway itself maintains several tent-only sites including Nelson Landing and Norway Point, which provide direct river access for paddlers and hikers alike.
Most tent campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, typically from April through November, with Governor Knowles State Forest's Trade River Equestrian Camp specifically open April 15 to November 15. Facilities vary significantly between locations, with many sites offering basic amenities such as fire rings and picnic tables. Potable water is limited throughout the area, with only a few locations like Spring Creek providing drinking water. Vault toilets are available at Nelson Landing and Norway Point Landing, but many backcountry sites have no facilities whatsoever. Campers should prepare to pack in all necessary supplies and pack out all waste.
The primitive tent camping experience near Saint Croix National Scenic River rewards visitors with solitude and natural beauty. According to reviews, the backcountry sites in Governor Knowles State Forest offer exceptional seclusion. One visitor noted, "We did not see a single soul out there but us," though they also warned about "muddy and buggy sites" particularly in spring. Schoen Park within the Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway is described by campers as "a great spot for primitive campers" with "a beautiful view of the river." Straight Lake State Park Campground provides carts to help transport gear to walk-in tent sites, making backcountry tent camping more accessible. The Ice Age Trail also runs adjacent to this park, offering additional hiking opportunities for tent campers seeking to explore the region on foot.