The St. Croix River region near Danbury, Wisconsin features a mix of established campgrounds and dispersed sites catering to various camping preferences. Several options exist within a 30-minute drive, including St. Croix State Forest Boulder Campground offering primitive tent and RV sites, and Grace Lake Road Dispersed area providing free tent camping. The St. Croix River serves as a central feature, with campgrounds like St. Croix River Resort offering cabin rentals alongside traditional camping areas. Most campgrounds in the area maintain moderate to high ratings from visitors, with particular praise for waterfront access and proximity to hiking trails.
Seasonal considerations affect camping experiences in this region, with most campgrounds operating from May through October. St. Croix State Forest Boulder Campground typically closes in November, reopening in May when weather conditions improve. Many campgrounds require reservations, particularly for electric hookup sites and during summer weekends. Water access varies by location, with some sites offering direct riverfront positioning while others are nestled in forested settings. While developed campgrounds provide amenities like drinking water and toilets, dispersed areas generally lack facilities. According to one visitor, "The sites are very roomy and tucked into the pines. With the highway being right there, this makes a trip to Duluth only about a 20 min drive, yet don't forget to explore this park!"
Campers consistently highlight water access as a primary attraction throughout the region. The St. Croix River and nearby lakes provide opportunities for paddling, fishing, and swimming at select locations. Several campgrounds feature hiking access to waterfalls, scenic overlooks, and wooded trails. Reviews indicate that sites with electric hookups tend to fill quickly during peak season, while primitive sites often remain available for last-minute travelers. Mosquitoes receive frequent mention in visitor feedback, particularly during summer months in wooded areas. Privacy between campsites varies significantly across the region, with some locations offering well-spaced, secluded sites while others position campers in closer proximity. Tent campers report higher satisfaction with sites located in pine-dominated areas that provide natural padding and drainage during wet conditions.
"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."
"We enjoyed the sense of camping 'away from it all' although it is a bit shady for solar panels to charge up the batteries."
$25 - $35 / night
"The drive into the park was absolutely beautiful!! Stayed at old logging trail campground."
"The trail near by was nice, but driving into the park and finding a trail were better. The fire tower was also cool!"
$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!"
$25 - $95 / 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."
$25 - $35 / night
"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."
"Some of the campsite around the very outer edge have some coverage, which is helpful in the hot summer sun."
"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. "
"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."
$24 - $80 / night
"There are miles of trails to hike, including along the river and to a waterfall, all kinds of paddling and rafting possibilities(bring your own, or join a trip sponsored by a local outfitter), or go bouldering"
"Park is close to Sandstone for any last minute needs. Campground is off and a bit sequestered from the rest of the hiking and kayaking, which is nice."
$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."
"Ou can walk the nature trails or fish right from your camping spot. Definitely recommend for the whole family."
TravelerWe stayed here with a group of hot tent campers in early January. The site is large and had a couple of fire pits. Includes a few picnic tables, and a pit toilet. It's a beautiful open area not far from the parking lot with a gorgeous view of the St. Croix River.
ScoutThe sites are VERY close to each other.
ScoutMany sites with lake access! Clean as I've ever seen a campground!
GuideWe went post-season camping with friends. The water and showers were shut off, and the agate center was closed. Despite being post-season, the vault toilets were clean and stocked with TP (though these did not have hand sanitize), and firewood was available for purchase using a QR code. Cell service was fine. We walked the trails and head them mostly to ourselves. We only saw one large RV and one tent that weekend. It snowed overnight, so we went into town for a hearty breakfast!
Guidestunning scenery, featuring a dramatic gorge and the iconic Swinging Bridge. The park offers opportunities for camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing, making it a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike. It's also home to historic sites and connects with the Willard Munger State Trail.
ScoutThey offer year around camping, We have been here since August, on a travel contract. Great Location not far from Duluth, and right of the interstate for easy access. Quite and peaceful. Great neighbors. Staff is very friendly and helpful. Cost is obnoxious. But being the only thing open year around, they can charge whatever basically.
GuideThe 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!
GuideWent to a tent site. But our rv fit, wouldn’t take anything big to the sites in the 30s. Little distance between sites, but you can see people. Trails around. Nice staff
RangerI 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!!!
Dispersed camping options near Danbury, Wisconsin offer alternatives to established campgrounds with fewer amenities but greater privacy. The St. Croix River watershed creates varied terrain for camping ranging from riverside locations to wooded pine stands. Winter camping is limited as most facilities close from November through April when temperatures regularly drop below freezing.
River activities: At Boulder Campground, campers can access multiple water recreation options. "The road to the park had water access to the river as well. Lots of ATV and Hiking trails," reports Daniel G. The area's river systems provide fishing opportunities without requiring special equipment.
Waterfall exploration: Located within driving distance of Danbury, Banning State Park Campground offers waterfall viewing opportunities. "One leads to Wolf Creek Falls and is challenging and beautiful. Another goes along the Kettle River with beautiful views," notes Joanna B. The falls are accessible via marked trails approximately 1.2 miles from camping areas.
Cross-country skiing: Winter activities continue at select locations when snow conditions permit. "In the park, there's a lot of ice climbing and cross country skiing," explains Alexa S. about winter camping options. Most trail systems maintain dual-purpose routes that convert to ski trails after snowfall.
Isolation from technology: Many campers appreciate the lack of connectivity as a feature rather than inconvenience. "Felt nice to spend a weekend without cell service about an hour away from home," writes Tori K. about Paint Rock Springs Campground. This digital disconnection is common throughout the region.
Wildlife viewing: The area's forested settings provide opportunities for wildlife observation. "We like camping in state forest for the wild life experience. We seen Bear, Wolf, and plenty of Yote's," reports Scot L. about Saint Croix State Forest Boulder Campground. Wildlife sightings increase during morning and evening hours.
River proximity: Water access remains a consistent attraction for campers. "The St Croix is beautiful," states Arielle P. Many sites offer direct river access or short walking paths to water features where swimming and fishing are permitted without special licensing requirements.
Seasonal bug populations: Insect activity varies by season with peak mosquito presence in summer months. "Secluded camping close to town... My only complaint was how bad the mosquitos were... but it's Minnesota," says Craig B. Bug repellent with DEET content of at least 30% is recommended from May through September.
Water quality considerations: Water sources vary across camping areas with different treatment requirements. "There's a hand pumped well, but the water is fairly brown. $17 per night," Michael U. explains about his experience. Many dispersed sites require visitors to bring potable water or purification equipment.
Limited winter facilities: Cold weather camping options exist but with reduced amenities. "This is a great place for winter camping! The campsites are large enough (despite the snow) to set up suitable winter tents," notes one visitor. Bathroom facilities often convert to vault toilets during winter months with water systems winterized.
Site selection strategy: Family groups should consider accessibility and amenities when choosing locations. "We stayed with my extended family in a couple of cabins. It is nice and wooded. The pool is indoors which is nice and has drawbacks. It is a good sized pool," explains Joe S. about St Croix River Resort.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best seasons for camping in Danbury, Wisconsin?
The best seasons for camping in Danbury, Wisconsin are late spring through early fall, with summer (June-August) offering warm days perfect for water activities. Wild River State Park Campground is particularly beautiful in autumn when early fall colors add splashes to hiking trails and river views. Fall camping (September-October) provides comfortable temperatures and fewer insects. Interstate State Park offers year-round beauty along the St. Croix River, though summer is peak season. Be prepared for mosquitoes in summer months, especially in wooded areas. Winter camping is available for cold-weather enthusiasts but requires appropriate gear and experience.
What campgrounds are available in Danbury, Wisconsin?
Danbury, Wisconsin offers several camping options in the surrounding area. Straight Lake State Park Campground provides hike-in sites near Straight Lake with cart assistance for packing in supplies and access to the Ice Age Trail. Spirit Lake RV and Marina offers waterfront RV camping with direct water access. Other nearby options include Pardun's Jack Pine Campground and Anchor Woods Campground. The region around Danbury is rich with camping opportunities, with many sites within easy driving distance to both Wisconsin and Minnesota state parks, making it a convenient base for exploring the natural beauty of the area.
What amenities are offered at The Ridge Campground in Danbury, WI?
While specific recent reviews for The Ridge Campground aren't available, typical amenities at campgrounds in the Danbury area can be found at similar facilities. Amnicon Falls State Park Campground offers rustic sites with vault toilets, isolated campsites with natural privacy from foliage and trees, and access to hiking trails and waterfalls. Pattison State Park Campground provides clean, maintained facilities with wooded sites that are nicely spaced for privacy. Most campgrounds in the region feature basic amenities like fire rings, picnic tables, and access to water. For current specific information about The Ridge Campground's amenities, it's recommended to contact the campground directly.
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