Located just south of Mille Lacs in central Minnesota, Mille Lacs Kathio State Park is large and welcoming.
In addition to a state park and campground, the park is also on the nation register of historical sites, owing to the large number of archeological digs, revealing human activity in the area that dates back thousands of years.
The sites are large and spaced decently from each other. We could have used a little more privacy between sites, but this can be written off as an effect of being nearly in the season.
With the exception of a large family reunion, the park was quiet and you can easily find yourself alone from the crowds.
Canoes are available for rental, which allow for fishing in the Rum River. There is also an observation platform- the climb can be intimidating, but the views are well worth it!
I wasn’t able to find a spot to find a spot to fish from shore at, but that could just be my failure.
The Interpretive Center gave you a really good glimpse into the wildlife and history of the area, as well as provided an assortment of activities.
The facilities were a little time-worn, but clean, and the water in the showers heater fast.
My family and I had a wonderful time, and will be back!
The thing about State Parks is that they don't always know what they want to be.
Are they here to celebrate nature, and provide a moments breath away from the pace of urban life? Are they here for historical facts? Are they for revenue?
Crow Wing State Park suffers from this dilemma. While the tent sites are nice and spacious, the RV sites are stacked one on top of another, with no illusion of privacy. The weekend we were there, they were pretty full, but noise coming from other campers was acceptable.
There are plenty of water spigots, and toilet/shower facilities. The facilities are clean, but old.
There is an almost constant booming, however, coming from Fort Ripley, just down the river. The Fort serves as training for everything from the national guard, to state police, to the DNR. At one point, we could clearly hear live rounds being fired.
The walks and paths were well maintained, except that some were flooded out due to recent heavy rains. The area dedicated to the Old Crow Wing Village was well done.
What causes me the most confusion though, is that someone made the call to cover the roads with sand, instead of the traditional crushed stone. So, never mind that the sand made it harder to walk up hill to the water and showers, it got everywhere. When we tore down camp, I emptied enough sand from my tent, that I could have added a fresh layer to a cat's litter box.
I am very conflicted about this park. It is very pretty, but when you get right down to it, the little quirks that surround it add up. I'm not sure if we will be back. Not that we won't, it's just that we won't be rushing back.
First: my only complaint… The pump for the water was very slow.
Ok done… This lovely spot is a one mile hike from the parking lot, so be ready to walk if you need to make more than one trip.
The hike itself is rather hilly, and the site is about a quarter mile off of the main path. When I went, the black flies were vicious, so be careful.
You could see the occasional car from the site, which is surrounded by a small pond. You could hear voices, but not see anyone. In fact, I went the whole weekend without seeing a single person.
There are two trees perfectly spaced for a hammock.
Love this spot.
Maybe it was the time of year…
Maybe it was too close to the cities…
Maybe it was a last trip before school starts…
Maybe it was too many bad parents…
Kids, running all over… Even cutting through other campsites… At all hours of the night…
I wanted to like this park, I really really wanted to. Right on the St Croix River, reasonably close. But the other campers ruined it for me. We left after just one night, and had a perfectly lovely night at home.
A nice spot for families. The campers were very friendly and welcoming to us parents and our toddler. A beautiful spot, right along the river (you can even fish from some of the sites), there are trails for all levels. Even rock climbing and glacial potholes!
Right on the main loop of the campground, but without having the neighbors right on top of you!
Was a little bit rambunctious during the day, but utterly silent at night.
Beautiful spot on the St Croix River.
Set at the end of a path, atop of a 100 foot cliff, this site has a commanding view overlooking Lake Superior. The noise is minimal, and dominated by the sound of waves crashing on the shore below.
Fantastic trails and an historic light house give this park plenty to explore