Camping options around Grantsburg, Wisconsin include both developed sites and dispersed opportunities along the St. Croix River. The James N McNally City Campground offers full hookups for RV campers within city limits, while Sandrock Cliffs at the Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway provides primitive camping options for those seeking a more natural experience. Several public lands including Governor Knowles State Forest provide additional camping areas. Most sites accommodate both tent and RV camping, with a few offering cabin rentals for those preferring solid shelter.
Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping experiences in the Grantsburg area, particularly for water-based recreation. Spring through fall constitutes the primary camping season, with most established campgrounds operating from May through October. A camper noted that "the river seemed lovely but we didn't have a chance to really explore," highlighting how water levels can affect activities. Mosquitoes present a common challenge during summer months, especially near waterways. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with most remote sites offering limited connectivity. Several campgrounds maintain vault toilets but few provide shower facilities outside of the more developed sites.
The St. Croix River provides the backdrop for many camping experiences in the region, offering fishing, swimming and paddling opportunities. Several campers reported high satisfaction with riverside sites, particularly those offering water access. Reviews consistently mention the scenic quality of the sandstone cliffs along the river. One reviewer described the Sandrock Cliffs area as having "beautiful scenery" and "good location" for river access. However, visitor experiences vary widely at dispersed sites like Sandrock Cliffs, with some reviews indicating issues with trash and noise during peak summer weekends. The small town atmosphere of Grantsburg provides convenient access to supplies, with the city campground offering a central location near Memory Lake Park and local amenities within walking distance.
$23 - $90 / night
"Stayed for two nights at a drive-in double site here and found it ideal for autumn camping."
"We stayed in campsite 29 in the drive in campsite over Labor Day weekend."
$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!"
$17 / night
"Just a mile or so walk to the Saint Croix River. Camp grounds have restrooms, water (have to boil or purify it) Camp ground manager comes around and has firewood for sale."
"State Forest Campground with some sites close to the shoreline of the Snake River. Firewood can be gathered from the forest. It's a nice small campground, first come first served."
$24 - $50 / night
"This is a state park on the Wisconsin side of the St Croix River, which is mirrored by a comparable but smaller state park in Minnesota on the wrst side of the river, both being part of the wild and scenic"
"Interstate State Park is situated along the St Croix River just outside the small town of Taylor Falls, MN."
$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."
"This was a very fun trip for us because there was almost nobody else at the campsite that day, there are lots of trails to explore (some down by the river), and the fire watch tower added a little something"
"You have to walk upstairs to get to it, but there were quite a few campsites as you walk along the hiking trail."
"Good location"
$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."
$25 - $30 / night
"Beautiful campgrounds near the heart of town. Crex Meadows is near by with phenomenal bird watching. the campground is located on a small river that is good for swimming and fishing."
$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."
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.
TravelerWe visited Avatan Nudist Campground last July with our two kids (ages 8 and 11) for what was supposed to be a wholesome, body-positive family getaway. The website and brochures paint a perfect picture: serene woods, a sparkling pool, family activities, and a "welcoming community" vibe. And on the surface? Yeah, the grounds are stunning—pristine trails, a well-maintained pool. The facilities are clean, the staff (mostly) polite, and the natural setting is genuinely relaxing. If you're just looking for a quiet spot to shed your clothes and unwind in nature, it checks those boxes.
But dig a little deeper, and Avatan reveals itself as something else entirely—a place that's quietly optimized for adult fun, with kids as an inconvenient footnote they have to tolerate to keep the "family" label. From the moment we arrived, it was clear the real energy was elsewhere. Evenings around the fire pits and at the "Squirrel's" (code for the bar area) had this unmistakable swinger-party undercurrent. Lots of lingering glances, couples disappearing into the woods or private cabins, and a vibe that felt more like a discreet resort for the lifestyle crowd than a spot for building sandcastles with the little ones. Our kids picked up on it fast—whispers about "grown-up games" and awkward questions we had to deflect. The camp "tolerates" families, sure, but it's obvious the core membership would prefer a child-free zone. Activities for kids are minimal: a basic playground and the occasional nature hike, while the adults get themed nights, "sensual yoga," and late-night mixers that go until dawn.
What really soured the experience was the toxic underbelly of the community itself. This place is a powder keg of power struggles, with a small cadre of long-time board members and "elders" locked in a perpetual cold war. Gossip flows like the creek itself—endless whispers about who's sleeping with whom, who's "stealing" prime cabin spots, or who's cozying up to the President for favors. We overheard more drama in one week than in a season of reality TV. Cliques form fast: the "party crew" vs. the "purists," the swingers vs. the swingers-who-pretend-they're-not. As newcomers (and parents, no less), we felt like outsiders crashing a private club. Smiles were surface-level; the second you stepped away, the backstabbing started.
And then there's the elephant in the (clothing-optional) room: the camp's ugly history with sexual predators. We didn't know it going in, but after a few days, the stories trickled out from sympathetic members—multiple incidents over the years involving members who turned out to be registered offenders or worse, preying on the vulnerable in this "trust-based" environment. The rules around anonymity are ironclad: no photos, no last names, "what happens at Avatan stays at Avatan." It's sold as protecting privacy in a nudist space, which sounds noble until you realize it shields the creeps. Anyone who dares speak up—whether it's a parent noticing a sketchy guy lingering too long near the kids' area or a survivor sharing a red flag—is immediately branded a "troublemaker," "paranoid," or "anti-community." We've heard of families getting shamed in group meetings, then quietly asked to leave for "disrupting the harmony." Evictions happen fast if you rock the boat, all in the name of keeping the peace and the paying members happy.
Look, we're no prudes. Nudism can be liberating, and we've been to other resorts where it felt truly inclusive and safe. But Avatan? It's a divided house built on denial. The adult-party atmosphere thrives because the kids are an afterthought, and the predator problem festers because calling it out gets you exiled. If you're a child-free couple into the full swinger scene, this might be your paradise—plenty of like-minded folks and zero judgment. But if you're a family hoping for that advertised "safe, empowering space"? Steer clear. Your kids deserve better than being tolerated in a place where silence is golden and the wrong questions get you blacklisted. We won't be back, and I hope this review saves someone else the regret.
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!
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!!!
LegendThere's a sign that says no camping, and there are no rv spots. Or camp spots at this park. Some things in this area are listed twice the g. PS takes you to the wrong place. And something like the city park doesn't allow camping.
LegendI believe I only saw 3 full R. V electric spots. It is literally right beside the freeway. I would not personally feel comfortable camping here as a female traveler alone. I also think this is listed twice and I will try to correct that.
GuideInterstate State Park has some nice features, but overall it wasn’t my favorite. Many of the exterior loop sites have river access, which was a highlight, and we didn’t have to deal with mosquitoes thanks to being right on the water. The nearby towns are also very charming and worth exploring.
That said, 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, and in the fall, migrating geese can be very loud (which didn’t bother me, but might for some). The ranger office had limited hours, and since firewood is locked up, there’s no self-serve option. Another downside: a riverboat cruises by frequently, blasting music in the evenings and giving tours during the day.
The sites are close together, with RVs and tents mixed on one loop, so generator noise is common. It wasn’t a terrible stay, but just too small and busy for my preference—I don’t think I’d return.
Best sites seemed to be 21 (great river views, less private), 23 (fun detached tent pad), and 18 (most private). Sites 4–5 were also lovely but close to the bathrooms and camp host, so expect more foot traffic.
TravelerFree dispersed camping off Dago Lake Road between Willow River & Sturgeon Lake. Quiet aside from the occasional car. Pitch black at night.
Camping sites near Grantsburg, Wisconsin range from primitive riverside spots to full-hookup options within walking distance of town amenities. Positioned along the northern Wisconsin border at approximately 900 feet elevation, the area experiences distinct seasons with cold winters and mild summers. The St. Croix National Scenic Riverway forms a natural boundary with Minnesota, creating opportunities for canoe-in camping experiences during the May-October peak season.
Explore hiking trails near rivers: Wild River State Park offers extensive hiking options along the St. Croix River, with varying difficulty levels. "The hiking trail was awesome, you hike along the Saint Croix river. We had some cell service," notes a camper at Sandrock Cliffs.
Visit historic sites: Banning State Park features remnants of a 130-year-old sandstone quarry along the Kettle River. "The Quarry Loop along the Kettle River has a ton of history, allowing you to explore the remains of the 130+ year old sandstone quarry. Seeing the drill holes in the cliffs was really cool," according to a visitor at Banning State Park Campground.
Wildlife observation: The area offers excellent opportunities for bird watching and deer spotting. "We saw sooooo many deer some even walking right through campsites! You can hear coyotes, raccoons and very loud owls," shares a camper from Wild River State Park Campground.
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds offer good separation between camping spots. "The sites are private, couldn't see any neighbors as there are a lot of trees. The park rangers were very helpful and informative," reports a visitor at Wild River State Park.
River access for fishing: Several campgrounds provide direct access to rivers for fishing opportunities. "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!" notes a camper at Riverview Campground.
Star-gazing opportunities: Clear skies away from urban light pollution create excellent star-viewing conditions. "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," mentions a camper at Wild River State Park.
Seasonal bug conditions: Mosquitoes can be extremely problematic, particularly in early summer. "We used 40% deet spray and fogged our campsite 3x over the 3 days so we could reduce the bites," warns a camper at Riverview Campground.
Winter camping options: Some parks remain open year-round with winter activities available. "This is a great place for winter camping! The campsites are large enough (despite the snow) to set up suitable winter tents, and each site has a picnic table and fire pit," shares a visitor at Banning State Park Campground.
Water level variability: River conditions can change significantly throughout the season, affecting water activities. "We stayed at Paint Rock Springs Campground at St. Croix State Park. Felt nice to spend a weekend without cell service about an hour away from home," notes a camper at Paint Rock Springs Campground.
Check site privacy levels: Family-friendly sites with more separation are available. "The campground was very nice. The sites are private, couldn't see any neighbors as there are a lot of trees," reports a Wild River State Park camper.
Fire safety preparation: Teach children about proper fire etiquette before arrival. "Sites are spread out so even though they're wide open, you don't feel like you're camping with your neighbors," shares a camper at St. Croix Family Campground.
Plan for limited connectivity: Cell service varies significantly between campgrounds. "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 a visitor to Wild River State Park.
Campsite selection for larger rigs: Not all sites accommodate bigger RVs. "State Forest Campground with some sites close to the shoreline of the Snake River. Medium sized class A 30' RV's can be used on these sites. Larger RVs would probably have a hard time getting around the road," advises a camper at Snake River County Park Campground.
Full hookup options in town: For those wanting full amenities, municipal options exist. "The wood river winds it's way through this park's south and east campsites, with a lock and dam at the west end making a nice sound of moving water if you can get a campsite near it," notes a visitor to James N McNally City Campground.
Advance reservations recommended: Electric sites fill quickly during peak season. "This campground is 2 of 3 at St. Croix State Park. This campground has a handful of electric sites and a modern restroom and shower," shares a Paint Rock Springs Campground visitor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Grantsburg, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, Grantsburg, WI offers a wide range of camping options, with 182 campgrounds and RV parks near Grantsburg, WI and 11 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Grantsburg, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Grantsburg, WI is Wild River State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 45 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Grantsburg, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 free dispersed camping spots near Grantsburg, WI.
What parks are near Grantsburg, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Grantsburg, WI that allow camping, notably Saint Croix National Scenic River and St. Croix National Scenic Riverway.
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