Looking to go glamping near Elmwood and enjoy a rustic retreat into nature? Glamping near Elmwood, WI is a great way to go camping with the tastes of home. You're sure to find glamping for your Wisconsin camping excursion.
Located on the St. Croix River, just 20 miles east of Saint Paul, Afton State Park is great for those looking for camping near Minneapolis and is 1600 acres of rolling prairies, oak woodlands, and limestone river canyons amid an ancient glacial landscape. The land for the park was acquired in 1967, but it took almost 15 years of planning revisions and compromises with local residents before the park finally opened in 1982. Little development has gone into Afton State Park in an effort to maintain its natural characteristics, and former farmland atop the bluffs are continuously being restored to their original state. This makes Afton an ideal destination for campers looking to experience the outdoors in a wilder setting.
Load up your backpack with all you’ll need for your stay, as camping at Afton State Park requires a hearty, 0.75-mile hike in from the parking area. The year-round campground offers 27 rustic sites with picnic tables and fire pits, with options for pitching your tent in either open or wooded areas. There is drinking water, a vault toilet and firewood is supplied within the camp area. There is also three boat-in campsites, and two group campsites that can accommodate up to 60 people each. If you’d rather not rough it, the park also offers four camping cabins and two yurts, some of which are wheelchair accessible. There are also several picnic areas and restrooms within the park. Campsite rates range from $15–$23/night; cabins range from $55–$70/night, and yurts $50–$65/night.
When you’re ready to explore, start at the park’s Nature Store where you can pick up information about the park’s flora and fauna, or join a nature walk. Then choose from more than 20 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails, as well as a short barrier-free path. If you’re visiting in winter, many of these trails are open for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Bring your GPS and go on a geocaching treasure hunt, or bring your binoculars and go on safari for a variety of migratory birds, waterfowl, and wildlife, including deer, foxes and badgers. And little ones will love becoming Junior Park Naturalists and learning about bugs, birds, plants and other critters. If you’re looking for a real outdoor adventure, Afton State Park has what you’re looking for.
Schools of trout happily swim through the lazy Whitewater River and various spring fed creeks of Whitewater State Park. And while it’s known for its fantastic fishing opportunities, the park also boasts year-round interpretive programs, a modern Visitor Center, and an especially appreciated lack of mosquitos, unique for the region.
Whitewater is well seasoned, with a number of historical attractions within and nearby. In fact, 2019 marks the 100th anniversary of the park. To commemorate the occasion, local conservationists and naturalists have teamed up to release a special Oral History Project from stories of campers and those native to the region.
Explorers and adventurers will love this park’s diverse selection of attractions and oddities. Home of the park office and interpretive services, the Whitewater Valley Visitor Center should be your first stop. The friendly Park staff are ready to help you plan your visit and load you up on information, and even loaner equipment such as GPS units, fishing kits, discovery kits for kids, and birding kits. Don’t skip the Discovery Room, which showcases nature displays, exhibits and a spotting area to observe the local bluebirds, cardinals, hawks and bald eagles flying about.
The vast expanse of outdoor wilderness is really what you’ll want to check out. If you only have time for a quick visit, check out the Chimney Rock Trail for an awesome view of the Whitewater River. Those searching for a more accessible hike can take the Meadow Trail, which drops off right into a grassy valley, surrounded by dramatic Minnesota bluffs. During the hot and humid summers, go unwind at the beach for a refreshing dip in the cold, spring-fed water. Those more interested in history lovers should visit the famous Elba Fire Tower. Built in 1933, this sturdy tower offers cozy 360 degree views of the entire wetland region below. You’ll be especially grateful for the chance to unwind, thanks to the arduous 500-step climb required to ascend to the top.
Finally, firmly planted atop the land sits Inspiration Point; a beautiful limestone rock outcrop that overlooks the entirety of the Whitewater valley. Known as the most popular attraction within Whitewater State Park, visitors can still discover solace from their troubles. In fact, this is the only overlook in the entire park where there are no signs of civilization anywhere in sight. With just a little imagination, standing atop Inspiration Point on a clear, calm day can make you feel as if you could step down into a deep forested paradise, unspoiled and far from the reach of society.
Whitewater campground here is plentiful, with every site having full electric hookups and full-through capabilities. The campground features a full range of amenities including regularly placed shower houses with laundry facilities, and a number of group camping areas as well. Furthermore, there are 5 cabins available with various sleeping capabilities.
Reconnect with nature at this unforgettable escape. Located 7 miles South of Menomonie off of Hwy 25 and 1 mile North of Downsville. Whether you're looking to get away and relax amongst the trees, adventure on the trails, or hop into town to check out local restaurants and breweries you're in the right place. Located just one mile from the Red Cedar Bike Trail. If you enjoy camping and want the nature experience, but without the hassle, glamping is for you! Come visit us!
Things to do on our beautiful property:
- Hike and wander the marked trails leading to beautiful views of the Red Cedar River
- Relax around a bonfire in the provide fire rings
- Bike or walk the historic trail Red Cedar State Trail located 1 mile South on Hwy 25 in Downsville.
- Visit Scatterbrain Cafe for breakfast, lunch, and coffee (Downsville)
- Visit Dunn Pottery for one of a kind pottery gifts (Downsville)
$69 - $120 / night
$38 / night
Kruger Management Unit campground is adjacent to the Zumbro River Water Trail. The campsites are considered primitive, designed to furnish only the basic needs of the camper. Each has a cleared area, fire ring, and table. Vault toilets, garbage cans, and drinking water are available. All sites are on a first-come, first-served basis for a fee. Quiet hours are between 10:00 p.m.–8:00 a.m. (this includes no generator use). Please be considerate of others around you.
$14 / night
Scout
I have stayed multiple times in the hike in camp sites and also in the yurt! The hike in sites were beautiful with a view looking over the St. Croix River. It was a shaded site perfect for our hammocks, it was quiet and very secluded. The Yurt was very cool! Very comfortable beds and plenty of space for the 6 of us to stay and sleep. The fire pit and picnic table wasn't far from the yurt which made it nice to not have to walk too far since we camped in the winter. I highly suggest the expeeience of the yurt!
GuideMinnesota State Parks have just started to build Yurts for 3 campgrounds around the state; Afton, Cuyuna and Glendalough State Parks. These have some great amenities and are perfect for family camping, especially in Fall, Winter and Spring.
ScoutAfton is a gorgeous park. There's beautiful trails that take you through dense woods and prairie, and then you take a pretty decline to get to the St Croix River. It was foggy when we were there but still gorgeous. We also managed to get a yurt and it was so much fun. Comfy beds, room for 7 and it was clean and well built. This is a great park!
Ranger
Continuing my quest to visit as many Wisconsin state parks as possible. I stopped by here to check out the campsites for potential future camping and look over the park. When I found was a very well-maintained park, love the viewing area of the lake. Campsites looked good as well.
Guide
we had so much fun playing on the river and exploring the park! Everything is right there and the river is so pretty! Despite the rain we had a great time! Because of the rain we went to the eagle center near Wisconsin. A must see if your looking for something indoors!
Guide
If you’ve been anywhere in Minnesota or Wisconsin, you know about all the trees! As other reviews mention, this campground has a large grassy area - that gives a 100% clear obstruction for Starlink. We work full time, so this was important for us. HOWEVER, the other half of the campground is within a super treed area, so we got to pick!
The bathrooms were sparkling clean. The showers were hot and the laundry was reasonably priced. Had I known how much we liked the area, we would’ve stayed longer. 10/10 would recommend.
GuideI'll start by saying that I like privacy and quiet and nature when I camp, otherwise I'd be staying in a hotel. But we were looking to get away for a weekend during the COVID times, and site 65E was the only powered site available for that weekend in all of the Wisconsin state parks, so we decided to go for it. If you're the social type with active young kids, that spot is perfect - it backs up to a large open field with cool playground equipment and has a trail to the field right next to the camper. You're also right next to the water faucet (plenty of people will stop to chat there) and across the street from the pit toilets. It's a VERY busy site. If I return, I'll pick site 107E, which is extremely private and far from everything. In general, the 100+ sites looked to be on the quiet, private side of the campground, although not all had power. Some of the unpowered sites. 69-79, had great lake views and were surprisingly spacious, although a hiking trail is between them and the lake. In late July, the loop starting with site 41 is absolutely teeming with ripe blackberries.
The shower houses have little notes on them apologizing for their state and saying they're scheduled for an overhaul soon because they're almost 50 years old. So definitely go in with low expectations. Few of the stalls for the flush toilets had working doors, and while the showers themselves worked ok, there were no hooks, shelves, or anywhere inside to place your belongings. My shower bag randomly has a suction cup and I optimistically tried to use it to stick to the pink tile wall, but even that didn't work. Such is life. Mirrors above the sinks were the polished metal type.
The pit toilets in the campsite have two stalls in each, so don't be surprised if you end up with a buddy.
The hiking trails around the park are great, nice long loops, and the ranger/park employee at the check-in area was very nice and knowledgable. We rented a kayak and paddled around the lake for a couple of hours - single and double kayaks as well as canoes are available for rent for the day. There was a rocky beach with so many signs up warning about different types of algae that we weren't sure if it was safe to swim or not, but definitely too gross to regardless. I didn't see anyone else in the water either.
If it's a clear night, the field with the playground equipment is a great place to sit and stargaze, as the park gets very dark at night. We were even able to catch a few meteors!
Legend
Ashley here with The Dyrt. We're so happy to have this property on our platform. With comfortable beds, firewood, firewood starters, and trails, this property has it all. Secluded but close to town. Book them today and leave them a review here!
Guide
Right on lake peppin. Cramped spots with no privacy Camp post cruised around constantly hassling us about everything and made us feel unwelcome. Trains come by every 15-30 minutes just feet away from camp site.
TravelerNo showers, but bathrooms which were closed due to COVID. You need to fill up on water before arriving, there are electric hookups. There is a boat launch into the Mississippi used by all sizes of boats. Stockholm is a cute little town, very short walk. $24 nt with hookup
TravelerRight on Lake Pepin
Guide
I love this place. Nice and tucked away. Sites are very private. Has beautiful trails. Next to the river great for exploring and fishing.
ScoutThis is a well maintained campground with private feeling sites. Some with firewood provided. Fire rings have attached grills. Lovely walking trails. Near Lake Pepin. One negative was orange/rusty water from hand pump well. $14 a night!!! We plan to camp there again.
ScoutVery affordable, a lot of space between sites so you feel like you have some privacy. A beautiful hiking trail. Definitely bring some bug spray for the mosquitos 
GuideSite 27. This is a river landscape. Spiders and snakes..oh my. The parking lot is paved and has a dumpster. This is also where the nature center is. There are often music festivals and family events here. It is also next to Afton Ski resort. This park has a lot of beautiful prairie landscape with some temperate forest features. Wildflowers, shrubs, fungi, evergreens, and deciduous trees. Backpacking to the top hill sites has gotten easier as the park has curved the new wide groomed and wood chipped trail to spiral around the hill instead of a straight climb. There is a solar panel generated drinking water pump at the top and a honor system fire wood station. There is a bathroom, but not super close to this site. This site has a fire pit with grate and table but no bear box. This site does have a clear view to the trail and the site next to it, but it is set back a little bit. I can hear the joggers along the trail that wraps around the site. The sites are mapped out on a wide open prairie ground with some sites tucked back in the trees along the trail. There is not a water front view, but there is plenty of wildlife. The dear and flowers are beautiful. There is partial tree covering but we did bring a tarp for the rain.
ScoutGreat state park with lots of amenities. This was only my second camping trip, my first being the superior trail with an 8 mile hike in and no amenities. More fun in my opinion to search for your own firewood and really rough it, but it was to have water and wood available close to the site we were at (site 22) because we got in later and lost some daylight. The hike in was shorter and far less strenuous than my first trip, but note that it is uphill. If you’re carrying a heavy pack, expect to sweat a bit. Paved sidewalks into the park, wide dirt and rocky paths into the camp site which was nice given the amount of other day hikers (space to spread out). My boyfriend and I loved that our site was so secluded. There is also a lot of variety to the sites. The sites 1 through about 10 (if my memory doesn’t fail me) are fairly wooded. Our site had a nice balance of wooded area and open terrain/sky. We were lucky to get to see some beautiful fall colors.
A few notes: the wood provided is THICK. They must haul the logs in with a truck. Saws are provided at the wood site, but be prepared to take some time on it. We had a hand saw so we were able to pack our packs with some large pieces and do some sawing at our campsite as the sawing station was busy with families and other campers. Lots of bark available to get a good fire started. The wood is not covered so if it rains the night before you come in, be ready to deal with some damp wood.
Water station takes about 30 seconds to start up. There are also two bathrooms within the camp site that are what you expect them to be. Hand sanitizer and TP stocked.
Never saw a ranger while we were there. We loved the privacy. Lots of spiders. Comes with the terrain.
The site was perfect for our hammocks. They are super kind if you want to call ahead to get an idea of what your site looks like. It was also great to be able to see what other sites were occupied on the day we decided to make a reservation. There is a grill top on your fire pit (we packed our own grill top, could’ve left it at home).
Overall it was a great overnight trip. Close to our home so I’m sure we’ll be back for a quick trip next year.
TravelerThis summer we took our 7 year-old here as a trial of backpacking camping with him.
This is a little more than a mile, and so it was super approachable for all of us to hike-in with all of our things. There was a good amount of hiking, some hills up and down and such, but a good length for a little guy.
Back in the campsites, there is A LOT of space. Everyone is super spread out, so we could feel like we had very good privacy. We heard a bit from other campsites, but with the space, we weren't bothered by others' noise nor did we feel like we needed to silence the kiddo to avoid bothering others.
TravelerBackpacking up the trail to the campgrounds was strenuous with a 45lb pack and 9 person tent (overkill but that’s what the kiddo wanted, so 🤷🏽♂️). Beautiful views on the way up, gorgeous views upon entry. Self-serve firewood was $6 for all you can cut/carry. The saws worked great and made quick work of the wood!
Right next to the self-serve firewood was the solar powered water pump, which had delicious water! We ran into many deer, saw plentiful stars and constellations. On our way out we stopped at the beach to take a breather, get our feet wet, and compose ourselves before the last leg of the trail to the parking lot.
Will definitely be returning to enjoy ourselves again!
GuideSites are nice and private, and the campground was quiet the whole time. The firewood available ($6) was dry and burned well, although you do have to cut it yourself. There are saws provided at the pile near the water spigot. The ranger was very friendly too. No doubt about it, it's not the easiest hike in but wasn't too bad. I don't suggest doing it on a 90 degree day like we did, but jumped in the river (1/2 mile or so from campground) right after which felt great! One of the bathrooms (the one near the water and woodpile) smelled SO STRONGLY of ammonia from the vault toilet that you could taste it and feel it when you took a breath inside of the bathroom! I have a very strong stomach and it was tough for me to be in the bathroom long enough to use it. Park was notified. I would stay here again, although I personally think that $27(20/night + 7/reservation fee) for one night of backpack camping is pretty steep. Pics are of the woodpile and site 22. Sites were clean and maintained.
TravelerThe eagles soar as you swim in the sandy, shallow warm river stream. What more could you want?
TravelerAfton State Park! Really enjoyed the hike-in camp site #7! Brought my dog Maya and we hiked up and down the bluffs in the evening and the next morning! Incredible star and moon viewing at night! Beautiful St. Croix River Valley! Tons of nature, forest, prairie, deer everywhere, wild turkeys, rabbits and squirrels! Had a blast! Great solar powered well water! Mid-week is nice n quiet! Awesome! Going back again this week! ****
ScoutI love Afton. It's a mere 40 minutes or so from Minneapolis-St. Paul and it's a great beginner campground for backpackers. The campground is only a 1-mile hike in, but the last 1/4 mile or so is up a steep hill that has really taught me a lot about pack weight. There is firewood available and a water pump with some of the best tasting well water I have ever drank.
The first time I stayed, there were loud people awake until the wee hours of morning, but I have camped here 2-3 times since then with no issues. This is my go-to hike-in spot when looking for a place closer to the Twin Cities.
This park offers a number of hiking trails on mountainous (well, river valley) terrain and is nestled along the St. Croix River. There is a beach, picnic area, interpretive center and trail, cross-country ski trails, and more.
TravelerI was pleasantly suprised by this campground. Its a nice 1 mile hike out with a steeper incline at the end. It was a great way to test our pack weight for a longer upcoming backpacking trip at a campsite that was close to Minneapolis. The campsite has a vault toilet, firewood (you have to saw yourself - but it adds to the experience), and clean drinking water available. There are a number of sites but they sit far enough apart you are still able to have privacy and enjoy the peace and quiet.
The park has good trails, beautiful views and provides a sense of solitude without having to travel too far from the city. Would definetly recommend this park and campsite!
TravelerThe 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. The terrain is just hilly enough - and in August - the grass long enough to give the sites a sense of privacy and seclusion.
No shortage of lovely trails at Afton to spend your day on.
TravelerBeautiful views, awesome trails, however lots of mosquitos
TravelerAfton State Park is just 30 minutes east of the Twin Cities along the St. Croix river, but feels deep in the wilderness. Camping facilities include hike-in individual sites, group camping, canoe/boat-in sites, and horse sites. The hike-in sites are about a mile from the parking lot. The trail is partially paved and then gravel up to the campground, though it is not an easy hike. It is mostly uphill and includes a couple of switchbacks, so packing light is a good idea!
There are 26 hike-in sites, each with a different feel. Some overlook the valley, some are in a meadow, and some are partially to fully shaded. Each contains a picnic table, fire ring, and designated space for a tent or two. Water is available and wood can be cut yourself for a small daily fee. There are two vault outhouses in the campground that we’re clean and well-stocked with toilet paper and hand sanitizer. Dogs on a 6-foot leash are permitted in all areas of the park.
There are many trails for all levels of hiker to explore at Afton State Park. There is also a beach for swimming in the St. Croix river, though dogs are not allowed on the beach. The trails go through sunny meadows filled with wildflowers, areas of dense shade with beautifully majestic pines, and everything in between. Watch for wildlife! In addition to squirrels and rabbits, deer and even black bear have been seen regularly in the park.
Afton State Park is a great choice for camping, hiking, fishing, and skiing!
GuideLots of hiking. Nice campsites. Beautiful park.
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Elmwood, WI is Afton State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 36 reviews.
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