Camping near River Falls, Wisconsin offers varied options within 30-45 minutes of town. The region sits in the transitional zone between hardwood forests and prairie lands, creating diverse ecosystems for campers to explore. Winter temperatures can drop below zero, while summers remain moderate with highs typically in the 80s, making spring through fall the primary camping season for tent campers.
What to do
**Trail exploration: Several parks feature extensive hiking networks through varied terrain. At Wild River State Park, trails accommodate different skill levels. "Lots of hiking. Nice campsites. Beautiful park," notes Chris S. The park includes riverside walks and oak savanna trails for wildlife viewing.
**Water activities: Lake Byllesby Regional Park provides water-based recreation options during warmer months. "The lake is nice for fishing, boating or swimming. Has a small store," reports Carla A. The park maintains a boat launch and beach area, though water quality can vary throughout summer.
**Winter camping: Whitetail Woods Camper Cabins offers heated cabins for cold-weather glamping near River Falls. "The cabins in the woods are great in winter with snow on the pine trees," explains Krista T. The cabins include reading lights and built-in storage for multi-season use.
**Urban escape: For campers seeking proximity to city amenities while glamping, Bunker Hills Regional Park balances natural settings with urban convenience. "For being in the middle of the northern suburbs of Minneapolis, this park and campground is surprisingly woodsy, secluded and spacious," reports Doug B.
What campers like
**Secluded sites: Many campgrounds offer private camping spaces despite proximity to urban areas. "Each cabin has four sleeping spots: 2 bunk beds, and the 2 couches convert to beds. There's a heater inside, but no AC, which makes these the most suitable during the spring and fall," explains Blair about Whitetail Woods.
**Beach access: Several parks provide swimming areas during summer months. "Less than an hour drive from Minneapolis this is a good get away. As expected it has many walk trails. Highlight of this location is beach which is nice for swim and sun bath," shares Alison about Afton State Park Campground.
**Group facilities: Cleary Lake Regional Park offers specialized group camping options. "We always stay at the Cleary point group camp and we love it. It used to have toilets but last year only had a port-a-potty which was less than ideal for a group of 40 people... The camp is great though, 4 or 5 hookups and a private dock and the whole site is private and on a little point," shares Teresa O.
**Versatile accommodation options: Multiple parks offer glamping alternatives beyond traditional tent camping. "Minnesota 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," explains Jason S.
What you should know
**Reservation requirements: Most glamping sites require advance booking, especially during peak season. "It's difficult to get reservations, so I recommend trying to start booking 120 days in advance, which is the farthest out you can reserve. For example, as of this review (early June), all weekends are booked for all cabins," advises Blair regarding Whitetail Woods.
**Shower limitations: Facilities vary significantly between parks. "There was maybe 2 minutes of hot water. Basically enough to wash your body quickly, it was easy enough to avoid getting my hair wet. The shower room is also set to a cool 58 degrees in the winter," notes Krista T. about winter glamping at Whitetail Woods.
**Access challenges: Some sites require physical effort to reach. "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. The terrain is just hilly enough - and in August - the grass long enough to give the sites a sense of privacy and seclusion," reports Andrew C. about Afton State Park.
**Site spacing: Proximity to neighbors varies by location. "While the cabins are close together, noise is not a factor once you're inside," explains Blair about the glamping cabins at Whitetail Woods, offering useful context for noise-sensitive campers.
Tips for camping with families
**Water park access: Lake Byllesby Regional Park offers family-friendly amenities. "This is a great family campground! Camping spots are rather close, but we have two little ones so they made friends quick with other children... The playground is a short walk to the tent area, which was a big hit with our kids," shares Angela L.
**Playground options: Multiple parks feature play equipment for children. "There is a gorgeous beach area with tables, a pavilion, changing rooms and a well equipped playground," notes kristin C. about Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park, making it suitable for families with young children.
**Seasonal considerations: Winter glamping requires different preparation than summer visits. "Outside water is shut off during some parts of the year, so bring your own drinking water if you are camping close to/during winter," advises Blair about Whitetail Woods cabins.
**Wildlife encounters: Some parks offer educational wildlife viewing opportunities. "We went to Afton for a day trip filled with hiking, picnicking and scoping out future camping sites. Then I saw the snake. I literally grabbed my husband to hold him back from stepping on it and then he walks past it like nothing happened," recalls Emily G., highlighting the importance of teaching children about wildlife safety.
Tips from RVers
**Hookup availability: Minneapolis Northwest KOA provides standard KOA amenities for RVers. "Basic campground with level sites. More space than many other KOA locations. Clean showers and bathroom," notes Joel R., making it a practical option for RV glamping near River Falls.
**Site selection strategy: Some campgrounds use automated systems for site assignments. "When I asked the owner for another site, he told me they were all taken except for one without a sewer connection. I asked why I was given such an undesirable site when I booked so far in advance and he told me that there is an algorithm that determines the site selection," explains Diane A. about Minneapolis Northwest KOA, suggesting campers should call ahead with specific site requests.
**Lakeside options: Several parks offer premium waterfront RV sites. "Lakeside sites are close together, with W/E hookups, but they're right in the lake with a wonderful view. The facilities are very clean and well-kept," reports Deb M. about Lake Byllesby Regional Park.
**Noise considerations: Some campgrounds have nearby transportation corridors. "Small nicely maintained campground along the Mississippi River with great views and boat launch... There are railroad tracks right next to the campground. The trains do not use a horn, and we didn't hear any at night," shares Laura P. about Stockholm Park Campground.
