Glamping accommodations near St. Croix National Scenic Riverway operate primarily during the warmer months, with most facilities closing between October and May due to Minnesota and Wisconsin's cold winters. Located in the transition zone between northern hardwood forest and pine forest biomes, the riverway's elevation ranges from 675 to 1,129 feet above sea level, creating diverse camping terrain. This region receives approximately 30 inches of annual rainfall, making late summer and early fall typically the best periods for outdoor stays.
What to do
Explore fire towers: St. Croix State Park features a 100-foot fire tower visitors can climb for panoramic views. A reviewer noted, "There is also a 100' fire tower you can climb up and get an epic view," with several hiking trails leading to this historical structure.
Tube down the river: Log Cabin Resort and Campground offers river tubing services where staff "will bring you up the river to float down and land on their nice sand beach." This activity is particularly popular during summer weekends when temperatures rise.
Visit historic CCC sites: The park contains preserved Civilian Conservation Corps camp structures. One camper shared, "Cool buildings from the CCC era as well as some signs talking about camp life," making it an educational stop between outdoor activities.
Canoe the waterways: Wild River State Park Campground provides canoe rentals on-site. "Canoe outfitters in park during most of the summer. A great way to spend a weekend," according to a visitor who rated their experience highly.
What campers like
Private camping spots: Many campgrounds offer secluded sites despite busy seasons. At Wild River, "The sites in the Old Logging Campground were close together but many had vegetation between them offering some privacy. Site 207 was especially tucked in."
Dog-friendly facilities: Banning RV Park and Campground features specialized pet areas. "The fenced in dog park was a big bonus for our pup. The grounds hosted outdoor games and volleyball/basketball courts," explains one satisfied guest.
Waterfront access: Totogatic Park offers prime waterfront locations. According to a visitor, "Great campsites right on the water with a good amount of space. Also some are somewhat private. There is a playground and volleyball area."
Night sky viewing: The region has minimal light pollution, allowing for stellar astronomy opportunities. "I was able to see fantastic stars Friday night. There was amazing wildlife - a blue heron frequented the site, and I heard all types of owls," reported a camper at Wild River State Park.
What you should know
Bug considerations: Insects can be problematic, especially in early summer. One camper at St. Croix State Park warned, "St. Croix SP: was quite buggy due to a lot of recent rain. Highly recommend fogging your site or having a bug enclosure to help ward of the mosquitos."
Water hookup challenges: Some campgrounds have unusual utility setups. At Banning RV Park, "Our water source ended up being 75' plus from our RV. Thankfully I just happened to be carrying the extra hose for several years but never had to use it before."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly throughout the area. A visitor observed, "Cell service was incredibly spotty on Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. Depending on where you're at, you'll get a low signal, but often it was only enough for texting."
Road noise factors: Some campgrounds experience highway sounds. At Willow River, "You'll be next to the freeway and you'll hear the noise but it's not that bad. Usually hardly anyone is here."
Tips for camping with families
Consider seasonal timing: Avoid peak bug season with children. A camper shared, "We had a terrible experience last year trying to camp here, BUT it's not the campgrounds fault! Unfortunately we chose the peak of mosquitos season and camping next to slow moving water is a recipe for disaster."
Utilize on-site recreation: Hayward KOA offers numerous family activities. "Great place to let the kids go run off and play while the parents relax under the awning while grilling. Large 9ft heated pool, mini golf, large playground, horse shoes, volleyball, nice size water slide, covered stage for music."
Download entertainment beforehand: Limited connectivity means preparation is key. "Cell service is fairly spotty here so come with podcasts or shows downloaded ahead of time!" advised a camper who experienced technology limitations firsthand.
Bring appropriate medications: Environmental factors can affect sensitive children and pets. "Within 3 hours of showing up we had to pack up and head home to get him safe and comfortable. Do not travel or camp without proper bug spray and meds for your dog now so lessons were learned."
Tips from RVers
Check site dimensions carefully: Tree density impacts larger vehicles. According to a Hayward KOA visitor, "There are a lot of trees that make it very challenging for larger rigs. There are a handful of sites that would be easy to access, I recommend calling first. We have a 43ft 5th wheel."
Arrive before dark: Setting up in daylight improves the experience. One RVer mentioned, "Campground was very dark in the area of campsites which made setting up a bit difficult. Our sites were grass that was a little long and rutted from what seemed from previous tenants."
Plan for electrical requirements: Power options vary by location. At some parks, "There is electricity here, but there are many more sites without," so confirm your specific needs when booking, especially for climate control in glamping units.
