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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

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Chengwatana State Forest

97%
(72)

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!
from 
$58
 / night
100%
(17)

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.
from 
$125
 / night
100%
(106)

Bundo's Forest

2 sites ¡ Lodging10 acres ¡ Finlayson, MN
This cabin was built by hand in the 1970s from white pine that was cut and milled on-site. Our family purchased and rehabbed this beautiful cabin throughout 2021. Indoor and outdoor activities and wildlife viewing abound throughout 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.
from 
$135
 / night
96%
(57)

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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$40
 / night
100%
(9)

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.
from 
$125
 / night
99%
(67)

Medicine Creek Farm

2 sites ¡ Lodging160 acres ¡ Finlayson, MN
At Medicine Creek Farm, we raise grass fed beef and lamb and pastured pork and eggs. We direct-market our food to customers in the Twin Cities and Duluth, primarily through our website. We have been moved and inspired by soil health and what we've learned of regenerative agriculture's ability to heal the land. Hannah manages the daily farm operations, taking care of the animals and moving fences and flocks through the pastures to improve the soil. Meanwhile Jason has been hard at work building our farm infrastructure including our house, shed, remodeled camper trailer, and rebuilding an 1880s timber frame barn where we host our farm stay.
from 
$100
 / night
67%
(3)

Northern Nights Pop-Up Paradise

1 site ¡ Lodging1 acre ¡ Askov, MN
Welcome to Northern Nights Pop-Up Paradise located at the Countryside Campground! Our camper is situated on a beautiful reservoir and has everything you need for a relaxing and fun-filled getaway. Our amenities are numerous and include paddle boarding, kayaking, swimming, and an adult-only hot tub. There is also a kitchen and bar on site, as well as a liquor store and camp store for all your camping needs. Our indoor pool and kiddy pool are perfect for families with young children, while the campgrounds scenic walking paths offer a peaceful way to explore the surrounding area. For those looking for more competitive activities, we offer volleyball, badminton, basketball, bean bag and horseshoe, with varying tournaments and events hosted throughout the summer. We also have a game room and activity center for rainy days. WiFi, bathroom, shower, and laundry facilities are also provided. Our pop-up camper can comfortably sleep up to five guests with one king, one queen, and one fold-out twin bed. It comes equipped with a mini-fridge, sink, electric and water hookup, and a campfire pit with a table for outdoor dining. We are conveniently located within 20 minutes of several state forests and parks, including Solana State Forest, St. Croix State Park and Forest, and Banning State Park. The Mill Lacs Casino and Mill Lacs Lake are also nearby. We are just 30 minutes south of Duluth and an hour and a half from the Twin Cities. We also have a dog park on site for those traveling with their furry friends. Come stay at our pop-up camper and experience all the beauty and excitement that Northern Minnesota has to offer!
from 
$65
 / night
98%
(268)

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
from 
$20
 / night
94%
(35)

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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$50
 / night
100%
(4)

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.
from 
$75
 / night
98%
(198)

The Jubilee Homestead

7 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres ¡ Stanchfield, MN
Our family at The Jubilee Homestead is looking forward to another great camping season in 2023! This small hobby farm is where I (Esther) grew up and now my husband Joel, our four children, and my parents, are developing it into a self-supporting farmstead and event venue as we raise chickens and Nigerian dwarf goats, and grow a pick-your-own elderberry field. Our oldest son loves to plant and manage a small market garden with our campers in mind, so depending on when in the season you come, you may find some garden treasures to take home! What you can expect when you camp at The Jubilee Homestead: Free firewood Free 20amp electricity hookup at all sites (not enough to run A/C, plenty for everything else) Free water Free farm fresh, free-range eggs to collect yourself in the mornings plus more for sale when available. Free access to broomball court and equipment in barn loft Rustic trail around back of property about 1/4 mile long Playground Dishwashing sink Campers are welcome to enjoy The Milk Room which is our Lounge and Farm Store. You'll find self-serve coffee, hot cocoa, and other options available for purchase, including fresh garden produce when available. There is a microwave, places to sit and visit, and even a game table. We have a nice, fully private outdoor shower with hot water available for $2.50/shower. Guests can pay on-site via our posted QR codes or cash box. We have Nigerian dwarf goats, chickens, geese, and rabbits. We also have several apple trees, cherries, and elderberries. As grateful as we are to be out of a drought, the mosquitoes are back! We have several zappers around the property but please come prepared in case they're bad while you're here. We're also available for other events like birthday parties, intimate weddings, and group gatherings at our gazebo. As a homeschooling, home business building family, there is usually a project or two always in the works to join in on if you feel so inclined or just sit back and enjoy the peace of clean air and loving goats! Several lakes in the area provide numerous options for fishing, boating, and hiking. And nothing beats those evening country road walks while agate hunting! Other area attractions include Mini golf in Cambridge, public aquatic center with water slides in Mora, and several state parks an hour or less away.
from 
$25
 / night

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.
from 
$40
 / night

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.

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