Camping near Taylors Falls centers on the St. Croix River valley, a landscape carved by ancient glaciers that created the region's distinctive basalt rock formations. At an elevation of 800 feet, the area experiences pronounced seasonal changes with freezing winter temperatures and humid summers averaging 80°F. Tent campsites typically have packed dirt or sandy soil bases, often with canopy coverage that keeps summer sites 5-10°F cooler than exposed areas.
What to do
Hiking the glacial potholes: Explore the geological formations at Interstate State Park where volcanic basalt meets the river. "Not only is this area unique in its rock walls and terrain, but the nearby little towns make a wonderful rainy day trip with plenty of hometown stores to shop. But when the weather is nice you will never find yourself bored with all of the trails and different sights to see," notes Conor P.
Winter camping and snowshoeing: Wild River State Park maintains year-round access with winter activities. A camper reports, "We snowshoed and skied. I really enjoyed the snowshoe hike along the St Croix River and watched the full moon rise. The ski trails were groomed and there were miles of trails. The candlelight ski was great and the routes were marked with different colored luminaries - for hiking and skiing."
Paddling upstream to the rapids: Launch kayaks from the small beach at Interstate Park Wisconsin to explore the river. "Paddle up the river past Folsom Island and the Princess of St Croix all the way up to the rapids at Taylor's Falls. We had some challenge getting past the island with such low waters, but we persevered," shares Beth D., who notes the river access points can change with water levels.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campers appreciate the secluded feeling at various parks despite proximity to the Twin Cities. At Wild River State Park, a reviewer mentions, "The campground was very nice. The sites are private, couldn't see any neighbors as there are a lot of trees. The park rangers were very helpful and informative."
Access to water activities: Visitors enjoy swimming, kayaking and canoeing options right from several campgrounds. A reviewer at Wildwood RV Park & Campground reports, "The kayaking/canoeing was an amazing adventure that everyone should try. It was even great for kids 3 and 6."
Natural wildlife viewing: The region offers frequent wildlife encounters. "We saw sooooo many deer some even walking right through campsites! You can hear coyotes, raccoons and very loud owls," writes Kate H. about her camping experience. Another camper at a backpack site noted, "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."
What you should know
Campsite density varies significantly: While some areas offer privacy, others place you close to neighbors. "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," warns Maria D. about her experience at Interstate State Park. She adds, "The sites are close together, with RVs and tents mixed on one loop, so generator noise is common."
High seasonal demand: Reservations fill quickly, especially for summer weekends and premium sites. One camper who visited during off-peak reported, "It was a big end-of-summer holiday weekend. Some went up to use the showers at North Camp and they said they were nice (strong water pressure). We want to check out North sites 23/24/25 for our next adventure."
Limited cell reception: Connectivity varies by location and carrier. A visitor at William O'Brien State Park noted, "Cell reception for T-Mobile was minimal to non-existent. Wifi is available in the visitor center parking lot." Plan accordingly if you need to stay connected.
Tips for camping with families
Riverside sites with water access: Look for campsites with direct river views. "A nice spot for families. The campers were very friendly and welcoming to us parents and our toddler. A beautiful spot, right along the river (you can even fish from some of the sites), there are trails for all levels," shares Brian C. about Interstate State Park.
Recreation facilities: Willow River State Park offers family-friendly amenities beyond hiking. "Huge park, you can climb the cliffs surrounding the falls and there are plenty of trail both paved and unpaved," shares Arielle P. Another visitor added, "Willow River State Park no longer has a beach or a lake, but they are working on the dam to refill the lake once again."
Pet friendly options beyond basic campsites: For families traveling with pets who want more comfortable accommodations, consider alternative options. Stone Creek Farm provides glamping and yurt options on an organic farm where pets are permitted. The unusual setting offers a different experience than standard campgrounds.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup locations: When selecting sites, note the locations of powered sites. At Willow River State Park, "Site 133 was fairly spacious. One downside was that there's a trail running just behind the site, and several campers cut through our area to access it, which disrupted the sense of privacy," reports Maria D. She adds, "We appreciated being in a no-generator loop, which kept things peaceful—though highway noise was noticeable in the evenings."
Dump station amenities: Several parks provide sanitary dump facilities, but availability and conditions vary. One camper at Camp Waub-O-Jeeg mentioned, "The camp is rustic, in a good way. Lots of trees, nice sites with water and electric and a dump station (that's not stinky!)" This practical observation helps RVers plan their waste management.
Road conditions within campgrounds: Access roads can present challenges for larger rigs. "The roads are rough in spots. A lot of the negative reviews about this campground come from people who encounter issues trying to drive through here with campers," notes one reviewer about Camp Waub-O-Jeeg, adding, "The road to the sites named after birds was rough and I was nervous that I would bottom out going up the hill."
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