This is a straight forward, few amenities campsite. There is a pit toilet, water, garbage and recycling. Campsites are large, so if traveling with a group would have room for 3-4 tents in one site. After biking 47 miles was a welcome respite on our first day of biking the Elroy-Sparta State Bike Trail. We spent a second night on our out and back along the trail. The site is close to I90 so traffic noise is great, particularly during the week. Our first night was a Thursday and truck traffic was loud all night, our return stay was a Saturday and traffic noise was considerable less.
Should you find yourself heading to the north shore, take a break and hit the trails of Jay Cooke. A variety of trails awaits you. If you have more time, then reserve a campsite and explore the many wonders of this area.
Camping spaces are standard, geared more towards RVs and campers unless you pick the hike in sites. For those of us who tent or find ourselves too lazy and recline in the back of a vehicle, your needs will be met. On a whim we left for northern MN and were grateful for the last site at this park. Love that a Wednesday in August has full campgrounds. Also love that this park still has Rangers on site. A few years back the state moved to a 3rd party reservation center and funding for Rangers decreased.
Having grown up in Wisconsin I would visit the St Croix Falls side frequently. Swimming and hiking the bluff many an afternoon. Now that I live in Minnesota, I find myself frequenting the Taylors Falls side. Here you have the amazing "Pot Holes" from glacial waters and some pretty spectacular rock climbing. My son does that, I belay and cringe from the bottom! No papers need to be shown when crossing the border and a visit to either side of the beautiful St Croix River is well worth the trip! Not far from the MN side is a lovely sculpture park in Franconia - check it out should you find yourself in this part of the state - both are well worth the visit and the sculpture park is FREE!
When driving the North Shore it's always a treat to stop and stretch those legs at the Lighthouse. There is a wonderful re-creation of what it was like during the time the Lighthouse was active, pending the time of year, volunteers are in character telling tales and wandering around the site. There are also some lovely trails that are easy hiking even for little ones! I have been in the spring, summer and fall - every season brings it's own beauty and grace!
Had a lovely walk into the site on an old road. Found our cabin to be quaint, but a few too many mice for my liking! I'm not opposed to their finding shelter, but their skittering throughout the night not enjoyable! Did enjoy the lake and the early morning canoe ride. Nice hikes and lots of wildflowers.
This county campground has a little bit of everything - electrical and primitive camp sites, playgrounds for the kiddos, a man made swimming beach, fishing, horse riding trails, hiking, skiing, snowshoe trails. For my son and I this has been our main camping location for years! Very family friendly. If you are wanting a quieter place to lose yourself in nature, this may not be to your liking, but is great for day get-aways and longer weekend trips without having to deal with hours in a car.