Wild River State Park in Minnesota sits approximately 30 minutes east of Amery, Wisconsin along the scenic St. Croix River. The region features rolling hardwood forests, prairie remnants, and river bluffs with elevations ranging from 770 to 900 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during the day, with cooler evenings around 55-65°F, making it comfortable for camping even during peak season.
What to Do
Kayaking and canoeing on the St. Croix River: Visitors can explore the clean waters near Wild River State Park Campground, where the river offers memorable paddling experiences. "We really enjoyed that. Would like to return to explore more of the park," notes Joanna B., who appreciates the water activities available.
Hiking extensive trail networks: The region offers varied terrain from riverside paths to oak savannas. "Beautiful spot on the St Croix River. Right on the main loop of the campground, but without having the neighbors right on top of you," reports Brian C. about the accessible trails and scenic spots.
Winter activities: While horse trails may be limited in winter, the area transforms for different recreation. At Highland Ridge, campers can experience winter camping with fewer crowds. "We snowshoed and skied. I really enjoyed the snowshoe hike along the St Croix River and watched the full moon rise," shares Joanna B., highlighting winter recreation options.
What Campers Like
Privacy between sites: Many horse campgrounds near Amery feature good separation between campsites. "The sites are private, couldn't see any neighbors as there are a lot of trees. The park rangers were very helpful and informative," writes Stephanie H. about her experience at Wild River State Park.
Quiet atmosphere for star-gazing: The region offers excellent night sky viewing opportunities. At Lake Elmo County Park Reserve, "The star gazing area was great! Intermittently had 1-2 bars of T-Mobile with LTE Internet," notes Katherine T., highlighting the balance of natural darkness with minimal connectivity.
Well-maintained facilities: Equestrian and standard campgrounds in the area typically provide clean amenities. "This was one of the cleanest campgrounds I have ever stayed at. The sites are large and very well shaded for privacy," remarks Courtney C. about Highland Ridge - Eau Galle Reservoir, which maintains high standards.
What You Should Know
Weather considerations: The region can experience significant weather events that affect camping comfort. "We experienced the most intense and violent thunderstorm of my life. One lightning strike hit within 100 yards of our site," reports Duncan G. about his stay at Riverview Campground.
Bug preparation is essential: Mosquitoes are prevalent, particularly in early summer. "We used 40% deet spray and fogged our campsite 3x over the 3 days so we could reduce the bites," advises RK M. from their Riverview experience.
Seasonal timing affects experience: Late summer and fall typically offer more comfortable conditions for horse camping near Amery. "This seems to be the hot spot for horses and if we go back I definitely want to do the horseback riding right outside the park," mentions Kate H., suggesting planning trips during optimal seasons.
Tips for Camping with Families
Look for campgrounds with playgrounds: Several parks offer play areas for children. "Huge water park, miles of bike trails," notes Tiffany W. about Bunker Hills Regional Park, which provides family-friendly amenities beyond horse trails.
Consider water activities: Swimming areas supplement horseback riding options. "We fished right off the shore and were catching very small catfish and river chub faster than we could set our reels which was great for the kids," shares RK M. about their family experience.
Book equestrian sites early for holidays: Family-friendly horse campgrounds fill quickly during peak times. "Great campground and been here many times. Plenty of wildlife and can hear the owls talking to each other," mentions David G., highlighting the popular nature of these destinations.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for large rigs: RV campers should research specific site dimensions for horse trailers and large vehicles. "Our site (7) sloped down but leveled out with plenty of room for our campervan at the bottom," notes Lee D. about Highland Ridge, providing insight on terrain considerations.
Electric hookups available: Many equestrian campgrounds provide electrical service. "Every site has electric hookups, swim pond is great for kids, and other amenities like an archery range and hiking trails are fantastic for kids," explains John H., detailing available utilities at Lake Elmo County Park Reserve.
Water access points: RVers should note water fill stations may not be at individual sites. "We drove about fifteen minutes to get to a hiking spot along the St Croix river, worth the drive," mentions Stephanie H., indicating that facilities may require short drives from camping areas.
Legend
