Glamping and traditional camping options near Wyoming, Minnesota, range from backpacking sites to full-service RV parks across the region's mixed hardwood forests and prairie landscapes. The area lies within the St. Croix River Valley, approximately 800-900 feet above sea level, with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F and spring/fall temperatures between 45-65°F. Most campgrounds operate from May through October, though several offer year-round access with winter camping options.
What to do
River adventures: Wild River State Park offers 35 miles of hiking trails including scenic paths along the St. Croix River. "The hike to the former Dam site is the neatest thing about the park. I recommend reading the historical information at the site of the dam," notes Erik R., highlighting educational opportunities beyond standard hiking.
Star gazing: Wild River State Park maintains a designated star gazing area for night sky viewing. "The star gazing area was great! Intermittently had 1-2 bars of T-Mobile with LTE Internet. Wi-Fi is available at the park entrance," reports Katherine T., making this a good option for both disconnecting and staying connected.
Water recreation: Kayaking and canoeing opportunities abound at multiple locations. "Great little family camp non-motorized lake great for kayaks or canoes," according to Craig S. about Kozy Oaks Kamp. Many sites provide river access with sandy bottoms ideal for paddling.
Winter activities: Several parks maintain winter accessibility. "2/8/20-2/9/20... We planned on attending their candlelight ski and decided to camp. The campsite was plowed out and had a nice spot for the tent," writes Joanna B. about winter experiences at Wild River State Park, which offers snowshoeing and groomed ski trails.
What campers like
Private campsites: Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park offers spacious sites with good separation. "Nicely shaded large sites. Great walking paths and clean restrooms. Great for a quick weekend camping trip," explains Courtney C. The park's wooded areas provide natural barriers between sites.
Diverse hiking terrain: Multiple trail types accommodate different interests and skill levels. "Wild River State Park is my go-to campground since it is within an hour of my home. Love the scenic trails and all the park has to offer. Hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, exploring, informational programs, and the wooded campsites," says Jeff L., highlighting multiple activities.
Backpacking options: For those seeking seclusion, Afton State Park offers hike-in sites. "My campsite was perfect. The woods made it very secluded. It was close enough to water and bathrooms so it wasn't bad if you planned," shares Adam P. Note that firewood requires cutting with provided hacksaws.
Swimming areas: Several parks include beach access. Bunker Hills Regional Park features a large water park alongside camping options. "Huge waterpark, miles of bike trails," reports Tiffany W., pointing out multiple recreational amenities available during peak season.
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Most glamping accommodations operate May through October due to Minnesota weather. Several campgrounds like Bunker Hills Regional Park specifically list seasonal operating dates: "May to October 15."
Access challenges: Some sites require significant hiking. "The hike to the campground is short and grueling. A few of the sites are in wooded areas, but we stayed in one of the prairie sites," notes Andrew C. about Afton State Park's hike-in locations.
Maintenance issues: Water availability can be intermittent at some parks. "None of the water faucets or water pumps on the trails at Afton State Park are working. The good news is you can fill up on cold drinking water at the visitor center before trekking around the park's beautiful hiking trails!" warns Warren H.
Reservation requirements: Many sites require minimum stays on weekends. "You'll need to book for at least two nights and book as soon as you can. There are 200 sites but on the July weekend we stayed, I'd say almost all of them were booked," explains Joe R. about Baker Park Reserve.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Country Camping Tent & RV Park offers numerous family-friendly amenities. "I stayed here 3 weeks ago with my wife and 2 young children and it was fantastic great playground and heated pool the spaces were well kept and spaced apart 10-10 would most definitely go again! A ton for the kids to do!" shares Beasty B.
Wildlife viewing: Many parks offer animal sightings as entertainment. "We saw sooooo many deer some even walking right through campsites! You can hear coyotes, raccoons and very loud owls," Kate H. reports about Wild River State Park, making it ideal for young nature enthusiasts.
Water play options: Multiple locations feature swimming opportunities. "The campground is nice and clean. Good size spaces. The tubing is a plus. Had one issue with power dropping so we had to pull the surge protector off then it was fine. Pool was small but nice. Splash pad was even nice for adults," explains David G. about Country Camping Tent & RV Park.
Bathroom considerations: Facility quality varies significantly. "Only one shower house and we had to drive there, the primitive toilet smelled so bad it burned!! It needed to be emptied and wasn't the entire time we were there," warns Kate H. about more remote camping loops at Wild River State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Baker Park Campground offers various site configurations. "I recently had the pleasure of staying at Campsite C1 in Baker Park Reserve, and it was a truly delightful experience. Nestled in a picturesque setting, this campsite offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and essential amenities," Alison O. explains, noting specific site recommendations.
Hookup availability: Electric service can be unreliable during peak season. "Had one issue with power dropping so we had to pull the surge protector off then it was fine. Also very hot and humid so everyone was running AC to the max," notes David G. about electrical systems during high demand periods at Country Camping.
Privacy considerations: Site spacing varies widely between parks. "The KOA was nice and clean but your packed in on top of each other like sardines in a can," Sarah C. observes about Minneapolis Northwest KOA, contrasting with more spacious options elsewhere.
Accessibility notes: Vehicle size restrictions apply at certain parks. "This campground is great for everyone! It has a heated pool, splash pad area, BIG playground area, indoor game room, HUGE sites! You can either relax in the pool or even take a ride down the rum river in a rented canoe, tube, or kayak. This place does have 30amp and 50amp hook ups and has pull through spots and sewer sites. Max trailer length that I've seen here is 70'. Anyone can fit in here!" explains Spencer C. about Country Camping's accommodations for larger RVs.
