Searching for the best camping near St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, MN? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.
"Lots of different dispersed spots. Go down Tamarack Forest Road, which is a little further than the location on here."
"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"
"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"
"We arrived in the late afternoon and drove all the way down the road, there are a few spots near the boat ramp and bathroom, but we parked near the trailhead and it was perfect!"
TravelerI 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. 
ScoutThis 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.
TravelerPublic water access. No camp sites at this location
GuideWe arrived in the late afternoon and drove all the way down the road, there are a few spots near the boat ramp and bathroom, but we parked near the trailhead and it was perfect! There were a few hunters out but they weren’t anywhere near us, I’d definitely recommend this spot
TravelerThe 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.
TravelerNice place for camping, on the sandstone cliffs, beautiful area. Good location
GuideThis 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
GuideThis 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.
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
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near St. Croix National Scenic Riverway in Minnesota, where nature meets adventure. This area offers a variety of spots for those looking to escape into the wilderness without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the regulations for dispersed camping in the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway?
Dispersed camping in the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway requires permits, which can be obtained at the National Park Service Scenic Riverway Visitor Center in St. Croix Falls. At Grace Lake Road Dispersed, campers should be prepared for narrow access gates and should stay within designated areas. Sandy Cove on the St. Croix River demonstrates the typical amenities: fire rings and basic facilities like vault toilets. General regulations include pack-in/pack-out trash policies, fire restrictions during dry periods, and limits on length of stay. Some areas may have seasonal closures or special wildlife protection rules. Always check current regulations before your trip, as they may change based on environmental conditions or management decisions.
Where are the dispersed camping sites along the St. Croix River?
Dispersed camping sites are scattered throughout the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. Sandrock Cliffs — Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway offers several sites along a hiking trail, accessible via stairs, with fire pits and picnic tables at each location. County Road O Landing Dispersed River Camp provides spots near the boat ramp and bathroom, with additional camping opportunities near the trailhead. Other dispersed sites include Sandy Cove along the Ice Age Trail, featuring an accessible picnic table and open-air vault toilet. For those paddling the riverway, there are numerous river-access-only sites available with the proper permit obtained from National Park Service visitor centers.
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near St. Croix National Scenic Riverway?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near St. Croix National Scenic Riverway is Grace Lake Road Dispersed with a 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near St. Croix National Scenic Riverway?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 dispersed camping locations near St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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