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Camping near St. Croix National Scenic Riverway

427 Reviews

St. Croix National Scenic Riverway supports a mix of established and primitive camping options along the Minnesota-Wisconsin border. Boulder Campground in St. Croix State Forest offers secluded tent and RV sites with vault toilets but no hookups, operating from May through November. Grace Lake Road Dispersed camping area provides free primitive sites for self-sufficient campers seeking a more natural experience. Several developed campgrounds like St. Croix River Resort feature cabin accommodations alongside traditional camping sites, with full hookups available for RVs at locations including Dongola Campground and Norman's Landing on the Wisconsin side.

Campground accessibility varies seasonally with many sites operating primarily from May to November due to Minnesota's northern climate. Most established campgrounds provide drinking water and toilets, though amenities differ significantly between locations. Several campgrounds offer electric hookups for RVs, while others maintain a more rustic atmosphere with basic facilities. St. Croix State Forest requires campers to be self-sufficient as sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis without reservations. As noted by a visitor, "For $17 a night you can't beat a state forest campground. This is real camping for the kids. Get there early in the day because there are no reservations and it's first come first served."

Wooded, private campsites receive consistent praise from visitors exploring the St. Croix area. The region's campgrounds typically feature fire rings and picnic tables, with many sites situated in forested settings that provide natural privacy between camping areas. Wildlife viewing opportunities enhance the camping experience, with one camper reporting bear, wolf and coyote sightings in the state forest. Water access ranks high in importance for many visitors, with several campgrounds offering proximity to the St. Croix River or nearby lakes. Boulder Campground earns positive reviews for its secluded sites and lakefront location, while St. Croix River Resort appeals to families seeking more amenities including an indoor pool, playground and organized activities. Mosquitoes can be problematic during summer months, particularly in wooded and waterfront locations.

Map showing campgrounds near St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, MinnesotaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near St. Croix National Scenic Riverway (186)

    1. Boulder

    11 Reviews
    Danbury, WI
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (320) 384-6591

    "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."

    2. Old Logging Trail — St. Croix State Park

    10 Reviews
    Danbury, WI
    12 miles
    Website

    "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."

    3. Dongola Campground

    3 Reviews
    Webster, WI
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 222-1822

    "There are groomed/mowed trails that wind through the beautiful 40 acre property, great for walking, bicycling, or golf carts. We even saw a bald eagle during our stay here."

    "Give it a try, I can promise you that you'll love it, sunny spots, shady spots & just an all around beautiful spot! I wouldn't stay anywhere else! Thank you Rachel,you are top notch in your field!"

    4. Riverview Campground — St. Croix State Park

    7 Reviews
    Danbury, WI
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (320) 280-7880

    $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."

    5. Paint Rock Springs Campground — St. Croix State Park

    6 Reviews
    Danbury, WI
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (320) 280-7880

    $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."

    "Felt nice to spend a weekend without cell service about an hour away from home. Forgot to take my usual photos and video of the site all set up but had a few random to share. Nice campground."

    6. St Croix River Resort

    4 Reviews
    Danbury, WI
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (320) 655-0016

    $65 - $999 / night

    "We stayed at the Resort for 3 nights nice and shady huge playground for kids indoor pool volleyball net lots of water near by getting in and out is easy nice wide roads Wi-Fi was pretty poor at are spot"

    "There is a nice playground for the kids and there are some nice trails. You are able to go tubing down the river when the water is low enough. I would stay here again!"

    7. Pardun’s Jack Pine Campground

    5 Reviews
    Danbury, WI
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 733-0197

    "It is just over the MN border and about a mile from the St Croix River. ATV trails are accessible from the campground.
    Pardun’s also offers canoe and tube rentals in town and also at St."

    "Lots to do near by Legion 1.3 miles away and a great cafe as well across the street.  Ice is in expensive and so is firewood, basic camping, small playground and a basketball court going in. "

    8. Grace Lake Road Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    Danbury, WI
    11 miles
    Website

    "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"

    "Go down Tamarack Forest Road, which is a little further than the location on here."

    9. Norman's Landing Campground

    1 Review
    St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, MN
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 222-1822

    10. Saint Croix State Forest Boulder Campground

    2 Reviews
    Danbury, WI
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (320) 384-6591

    $17 / night

    "The sites are spaced out and although it is a long drive in from the tar and gravel, it's worth the trip. A beautiful lake and lots of trails."

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Recent Camping Photos near St. Croix National Scenic Riverway

165 Photos of 186 St. Croix National Scenic Riverway Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near St. Croix National Scenic Riverway

427 Reviews of 186 St. Croix National Scenic Riverway Campgrounds

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Pattison State Park Campground

    Love the sites, little expensive

    The sites are great, spacious and not to close. They are flat and grassy, which I like. Open sky at our site, so our Starlink worked. Parked with friends at a double site, it was huge! It was off-season so showers were off. And with no electric, $100 for one night at a double site seemed like a lot. The facilities look great though, and the falls was a short (10 minute) walk from our site. And they were beautiful!

  • Sarah D.
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Wild River State Park Campground

    Secluded Backpack/Canoe Site with Sunrise Views

    I 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!!!

  • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Barnum City Park

    This entire section of the dirt needs to be cleaned up

    There's a sign that says no camping, and there are no rv spots. Or camp spots at this park. Some things in this area are listed twice the g. PS takes you to the wrong place. And something like the city park doesn't allow camping.

  • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Carlton County Bear Lake Campground

    Very small park on freeway

    I believe I only saw 3 full R. V electric spots. It is literally right beside the freeway. I would not personally feel comfortable camping here as a female traveler alone. I also think this is listed twice and I will try to correct that.

  • Maria D.
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Interstate State Park — Interstate State Park

    Lovely River, Too Much Hustle

    Interstate 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.

  • Christine H.
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Dago Lake

    God's Country

    Free dispersed camping off Dago Lake Road between Willow River & Sturgeon Lake. Quiet aside from the occasional car. Pitch black at night.

  • Christine H.
    Sep. 11, 2025

    North Country Campground

    Expensive but nice

    Owners 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.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 14, 2025

    Eagle Point Park

    Quiet lake campground

    I 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.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Grace Lake Road Dispersed

    Very quit night

    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 from the water and fishing is good

Guide to St. Croix National Scenic Riverway

Camping near St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, Minnesota, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore scenic trails like those at Wild River State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "Hiking was awesome," highlighting the beautiful trails available.
  • Fishing: The area is great for fishing, especially along the St. Croix River. A family shared, "We were catching very small catfish and river chub faster than we could set our reels," making it a fun experience for kids.
  • Canoeing and Kayaking: Rent canoes or kayaks for a day on the water. One reviewer at Riverview Campground noted, "There is kayak and canoe rental on the weekend," which adds to the fun.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Banning State Park Campground said, "Clean bathrooms, and friendly at the office."
  • Secluded Campsites: Many enjoy the privacy of the campsites. One camper at Boulder Campground remarked, "The campsites are private and quiet," making it a perfect escape.
  • Natural Beauty: The stunning views and natural surroundings are a big hit. A reviewer at Chengwatana State Forest Campground said, "Beautiful site, wish the river was higher for fishing," showcasing the area's charm.

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially in warmer months. A camper at Riverview Campground warned, "The mosquitoes were voracious!" so bring plenty of bug spray.
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may have fewer amenities. A visitor at Robinson Park Camping noted, "There are basic bathrooms and water available here, but not too much else in the way of amenities."
  • First-Come, First-Served: Many sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis. A camper at Chengwatana State Forest Campground mentioned, "This is a pretty nice little self-service campground," emphasizing the need to arrive early.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. One family at Banning State Park Campground enjoyed the "great trails" and "lots to do here."
  • Pack Entertainment: Bring games or outdoor toys to keep kids engaged. A camper at Old Logging Trail — St. Croix State Park suggested, "We didn't bring bikes, which was a mistake for us," highlighting the fun of biking in the area.
  • Plan for Quiet Time: Make sure to have downtime. A family at Robinson Park Camping appreciated the "peace and quiet" they found during their stay.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Accessibility: Some sites can be tricky to access. A reviewer at Grand Casino RV Resort mentioned, "Virtually every site in the park is a blind back in from the driver seat," so be prepared for some maneuvering.
  • Bring Extra Hoses: Water hookups can be far from some sites. A camper at Banning RV Park and Campground noted, "The water hookup was so far away that I needed to buy another hose to reach it."
  • Look for Level Sites: Not all sites are level, which can make setup challenging. A visitor at Banning RV Park and Campground said, "The sites can be level and some others are not at all," so check site conditions before booking.

Camping near St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, Minnesota, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're hiking, fishing, or just enjoying nature, there's something for every camper.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near St. Croix National Scenic Riverway?

According to TheDyrt.com, St. Croix National Scenic Riverway offers a wide range of camping options, with 186 campgrounds and RV parks near St. Croix National Scenic Riverway and 9 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near St. Croix National Scenic Riverway?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near St. Croix National Scenic Riverway is Boulder with a 4.5-star rating from 11 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near St. Croix National Scenic Riverway?

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