The best camping near Chengwatana State Forest

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Chengwatana adventure.

Chengwatana State Forest: A Haven for Outdoor Enthusiasts.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Chengwatana State Forest

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Chengwatana State Forest

Snake River Campground

26 sites · RVs, Tents In Chengwatana State Forest

from

$14

/ night

Top-rated campgrounds near Chengwatana State Forest

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The Wooded Retreat

4 sites · Lodging8 acres · Pine City, MN

Situated just 3 miles from the interstate, our retreat offers the tranquility of a state park while being conveniently accessible. Prepare to be mesmerized by the stunning grounds featuring rolling hills, towering white pines, and a variety of deciduous trees. Immerse yourself in nature's beauty with ponds and trails scattered throughout. Discover an abundance of flowers and wildlife that call this haven home. On our 8 acres we have 5 private ponds, 3 unique cottages ; and a vintage safari tent!

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Meadow Cabin

2 sites · Lodging1 acre · Pine City, MN

The first time I drove up and saw the river, I knew it was a magical spot. Fishing, kayaking, swimming. Relax by the firepit, play games in the cabin. Put your feet up by the fireplace on cool evenings. Located close to Chengwatana State Forest. Kayak down to the St. Croix river.

Booked 2 times

Bayberry Acres on Danger Lake

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents80 acres · Braham, MN

Three campsites or our Chalet which sleeps five is available. Campsites are near a fabulous 10 acre deep spring fed lake. One campsite is in a meadow in the woods where 5 or 6 tents are possible. Another campsite is in a clearing farther away from the home base. 3 tents are possible. 3rd campsite is for one tent and is lakeside. Quiet peaceful trails through the woods. Animals at the home base. The chalet (in the pictures) , has all the needed amenities; showers, fridge, etc. Contact us for pricing details. Food and wine packages are available for the interested parties. This place is perfect.

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Wild Vines Campground

24 sites · Tents6 acres · Taylors Falls, MN

With some of the oldest vines in Minnesota, (1994) Wild Mountain Winery has been in operation since 2010 as a premier winery. Nestled on the second highest point in Chisago County, we offer picturesque views and quiet, natural setting. With both food, beer, cider and wine to sample, you will find something that makes you smile. Learn more about this land: Pitch your tent in the setting you choose; in the vines of our 6 acres of vineyard, or in the woods next to the winery. Enjoy all the amenities of the winery with a short walk to your cot, hammock or sleeping bag. No "drive-in" sites available, but we provide pull carts or courtesy shuttle upon request. Close to Wild Mountain Ski & Water park. Each site offers a fire ring. On site bathrooms and potable water. Camp any day of the week. Check in- Friday 2:00, or by special request Sat/Sun 12:00 Weekdays 12:00 Check out- 11:00

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Gabeshiwin Tipi Village

9 sites · Lodging10 acres · Hinckley, MN

Gabeshiwin Tipis village is the result of a vision given to Minwewebenis (Kevin) as he gazed over the woods and fields of his land. His desire is to share the experience of living in a tipi like his ancestors did decades ago on the Great Plains. The tipis are situated in an intimate village erected around a central pond.

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Stone Creek Farm

6 sites · Lodging36 acres · Taylors Falls, MN

Situated on 36 acres, this working farm is 2 miles West of Taylors Falls. Dan and Danielle bought this property with the intention of growing stone fruits (plums, peaches, apricots and cherries) using sustainable and organic practices because health and wellness matter to them! They are still in the process of improving their property. Many of the building on the property were in poor condition, including the old barn foundation which is now one of Dan and Danielle favorite places to keep cool in the summer. After they had excavated all the debris (which took years) they were able to transform it with gardens and fire pit for all to enjoy. They love sharing what they have been blessed with! They hope you enjoy their place as much as they do! Feel free to ask them to show you around or even get your hands dirty with them as they plant or harvest.

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Bundo's Forest

2 sites · Lodging10 acres · Finlayson, MN

This cabin was built by hand in the 1970s from white pine that was harvested and milled on-site. Our family purchased and rehabbed this beautiful cabin throughout 2021. Indoor and out, there are so many ways to relax and connect with loved ones during all seasons at Bundo's Cabin. Learn more about this land: Where the forest meets the field. Unplug and relax at Bundo's Cabin with extraordinary views of wildlife and endless outdoor opportunities. The modern yet cozy cabin has electricity and features a front patio, an external bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen, a dining area, a living area, and a sleeping loft with a reading nook. No matter the season, this cabin is a wonderful, cozy, and clean, place to relax and unwind. Feel free to roam around the 10-acre property and explore the 80 acres of state land to the north. Deer, foxes, coyotes, turkeys, owls, eagles and more are likely to be seen or heard. Explore, Banning, Moose Lake, and Father Hennepin State Parks which are all within 30 minutes, and return to the cabin to read, play games, listen to records, have a fire, and relax. The kitchen provides you with everything you need to prepare your meals including a refrigerator, small freezer, stove, oven, cookware, cutting boards, sink, seasonings, oil, and coffee. Water for washing is available via a pump faucet in the kitchen, and a brand-new outhouse is located steps south of the cabin. The cabin is efficiently heated and cooled with a very user-friendly heat pump and gets the cabin to your desired temperature very quickly. We are grateful to honor the Dakota and Anishinaabe people whose land we occupy by donating $10 from every booking to the Makoce Ikikcupi Land Recovery Project. This project is actively working to return the land to the indigenous people from whom it was stolen. You can learn more about this project in reparative justice at www.makoceikikcupi.com.

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The Camps at the Vineyard

18 sites · RVs, Tents110 acres · Ogilvie, MN

We are closed for the Winter starting the 4th of December 2023. We look forward to welcoming you in Spring - bookings starting in March 2024! This is a 10-acre part of a larger 110-acre property, This section is reserved for tents, camping vans, and small trailers 20' or less. The river is great for small children to wade and swim in during the summer. During spring, the water is up higher for kayaks and canoes. Seasonal sites are 20' from the river, and a wonderful place to fall asleep and wake up to a babbling river. Learn more about this land: The camping area is ten acres alongside the Ground House River. There are fish in the river, and the water level fluctuates for tubing or kayaking. The property borders with state land used for horse riding, and great for biking

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Pioneer Farm on Fish Lake

5 sites · Lodging, Tents14 acres · Harris, MN

Canpers! We are about out of misquito season. hooray This lakefront farm is a very special spiritual location. Listen to the night life in the woods and loons on the lake. Fall time- the acorns are falling:) BEAT the HEAT at the LAKE! The farm animals are gone now, but there remains a huge barn and outbuildings. Enjoy observing old time architecture! bring your ball! Room for soccer too! Monet tight? We are open to a refund of $20 a day for an hour for farm chores. Chores like mending fences, cutting vegetation, collecting the harvest from the earth, etc. Pay in full thru hipcamp, then we can arrange a task per interest and capabilities!! We're almost seventy now -getting harder to keep things up, ya know! need lots of oak limbs peeled off the bark:)

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Off Grid Lakeside Yurt

1 site · Lodging24 acres · Sandstone, MN

Your yurt overlooks Tamarack Lake. You will have privacy tucked away in the pines with your own setup of kitchen, picnic area, fire pit, and wood fire tub. A hand pump well with delicious clean water is available as well as a personal composting toilet within view of your yurt, through the trees. Our cabin is about 80 yards away and we are always happy to answer questions and lend a hand. Your yurt comes with a small kitchen that includes a two burner stove, grey water sink, pots, pans, dish ware, and utensils. French press, kettle, coffee and tea are provided. You are also welcome to use the outdoor wood fired cooking set up. The yurt has a wood fire stove that keeps the space toasty year round. Firewood is included for your stay. There is no electricity or running water but we provide a lantern and water inside the cabin. We have a small cast iron wood fired tub that overlooks the lake just outside your yurt! If interested let us know and we can assist. This is a great location for each season. With your booking you will have access to the canoes and our dock. Tamarack Lake is wonderful for fishing panfish, pike, and smallmouth. Come fish any season! You can enjoy yourself exploring via canoe or relaxing with a book at our dock! With nearly 10,000 acres of state land out the backdoor and many trails, adventuring can always be done no matter the season. We enjoy hiking, snowshoeing, backcountry xxsking, and hunting depending on the time of year. It is a big property, but sometimes there are crafting classes, such as basketry, wild food education, hide tanning, etc. While most weekends are quiet around here if you’re looking for privacy feel free to check in with us to make sure we are not hosting classes during your stay. We are looking forward to having you at the lake! Also there are more pics on Instagram @hex_and_strand Thanks =)

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Reflections- Unique Modern A Frame

1 site · Lodging4 acres · Brook Park, MN

This modern A Frame cabin was completely remodeled. Located on 4 acres of woods on a quiet gravel road, you'll love the peace and serenity. Whether you want to wander the paths, listen to the birds, or start a fire on a starry night, this is the place. Fully furnished with kitchen, full bathroom, laundry and a loft to look out at the stars from the skylights. Pull out couch on main level to comfortably sleep 4. You'll enjoy the front and back decks to hang out- drink your morning coffee, look for the owls or throw dinner on the grill. Firepit for long nights and unlimited firewood.

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Cloverdale Cabins

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Hinckley, MN

Cabin is shared with 2 other tiny home options on the same property. Contact me to host up to 16 guests. Cabin hosts 8 guests and the other 2 tiny homes host up to 4 guests each. Inquire about booking your large party group as our calendar is filling up for the summer and into the fall. Charcoal Grill available for your use on site. Guests supply the charcoal. There is a fire pit on site as well. Guests supply the firewood.

The best camping near Chengwatana State Forest guide

Overview

About

Chengwatana, besides having a sweet name, has the full state forest package. That package includes miles of beautiful forested upland islands that are formed by the surrounding marshes and brush. It also comes with a total of three rivers—the Kettle, Snake, and St. Croix—all of which offer outstanding fishing. What did you expect?

When you visit this place, you won’t be skimped on a great experience; you’ll probably leave wishing you had more time. Good thing the Snake River Campground is there to accommodate a longer stay. Hiking, horseback riding, snowmobiling—there’s no questioning it, you gotta go. The only question is, where do you start?

Notable campgrounds

The Walter Stark Horse Campground - A favorite among equestrians with spacious sites nestled in the forest.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early to secure your spot, as the Walter Stark Horse Campground is popular among nature lovers.
Check for updates on campground improvements to plan your visit when the facilities are at their best.
Consider weekday camping for more availability and a quieter experience.
Explore nearby camping options to ensure you have a backup plan during peak seasons.

When to go

The best time to visit Chengwatana State Forest is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its peak. Summer offers lush greenery, but be prepared for busier trails and potential heat. Winters are serene but cold, ideal for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Know before you go

Check the latest park updates for any road or campsite improvements before your trip.
Be aware of local wildlife and practice safe viewing from a distance.
Ensure you have the necessary permits for activities like horseback riding or off-highway vehicle riding.
Remember to pack out what you pack in to keep the forest pristine for all visitors.
Accessibility may vary across different areas of the forest, so plan accordingly.