The best camping near St. Croix State Forest

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

Discover the natural splendor of St. Croix State Forest.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near St. Croix State Forest

Top-rated campgrounds near St. Croix State Forest

97%

(75)

The Wooded Retreat/breakfast/spa

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!

92%

(30)

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 =)

88%

(4)

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.

100%

(110)

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.

100%

(13)

Crooked Creek Retreat

1 site · Lodging20 acres · Hinckley, MN

Come experience Crooked Creek Retreat, a log cabin nestled in the pines and valleys created by the St. Croix River. Situated just north of the Twin Cities, a quiet getaway with family and friends is just moments away. Enjoy mornings of birds singing or snowy quietness.Crooked Creek Retreat is a place where artists can be inspired and create together, where musicians can craft their songs and where families or small groups can gather by a fire and share in simple the experience of connecting with one another.We offer one main log home and two rustic pine cabins, for up to 16 people.Learn more about this land:A perfect lumberjack's private getaway! The Cedar log cabin is a glamping dream! Available in every season- beautiful year round. Full kitchen, all linens and beds made, 1 1/2 baths. The cabin is surrounded by 20 acres of prairie, a lovely lawn for lawn games and campfires, circled by the woods. Only a few miles away from St. Croix State park (almost 34,000 acres of river and woodland).

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.

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.

97%

(101)

Hidden Pines

5 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Kerrick, MN

Come get away in our grove of balsam pine trees in a rural area with lots of wildlife to see and hear. We have 5 primitive campsites, one for large groups and three for smaller more private camping and one drive in site for camping out of vehicle or tent . We offer un mapped hiking trails onsite and there is plenty of activities to do within 10 to 15 miles from camp. Activities include swimming at local beaches, Nemadji State Forest, General CC Andrews State Forest, ATV riding, lots of great fishing lakes, several rivers for kayaking and canoeing, local restaurants, coffee houses, movie theater, general store, shopping, antiques/craft, grocery, gas, local brewery, agate center, fire museum. The land was purchased by the Sway family in the late 70's from a farmer and has been in the family since. We are one of the 4 current land owners of this property and plan to keep the land in the family as long as we can. Our home was built in 2011 on part of the property. Since living here we have used the land for hiking, gardening, wood harvesting, selling Christmas trees, and now we are excited for our new adventure of opening a small part of our land for camping. We are excited for you to enjoy our land as much as we do.

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.

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.

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

Saved 2 times

Springdale Farm Camping

4 sites · RVs, Tents1400 acres · Hinckley, MN

Learn more about this land:We are a working, family-owned dairy farm. Our camping is located on the north end of our property. On the drive to the sites you'll see our Holstein cattle grazing and tractors working in the fields. The sites are incorporated in our agroforestry, which includes woodland as an important aspect of our farming ecosystem. Expect to see a variety of wildlife, including deer, turkeys, cranes, ducks among others! If you are interested in foraging or bird watching, this minimally trafficed location is just right. It is perfect for a remote time away. We have trails cleared for hiking as well as being located half mile from a State game refuge and 5 miles from St. Croix State Park. Gather your own firewood or we have bundles available for purchase. Come out with family and friends hike, play games, have a campfire, and let our land be a part of your memorable get away!

The best camping near St. Croix State Forest guide

Overview

About

While there’s no shortage of fun to be had at St. Croix State Forest, one of its coolest features is its easy access to St. Croix State Canoe Route, a nationally designated wild and scenic river that's perfect for traversing Minnesota by boat. If you’re sticking around after all, though, be sure to check out the huge variety of trails this place has to offer—they’ve got paths suited for everything from dogsledding and snowmobiling to skiing, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

Located within the largest state park in Minnesota on nearly 34,000 acres, St. Croix also has the largest collection of New Deal projects in the state—great spots to bring your lunchtime picnics! You can also fish for trout in Lake Clayton, or visit in the fall to forage for wild mushrooms. Be sure to pack your heavy coats, though—this former fur trading post near Lake Superior gets a brisk northerly chill you’ll wanna be prepared for.

Notable campgrounds

The Walter Stark Horse Campground: A perfect retreat for equestrian lovers with scenic trails and serene campsites.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early to secure your spot, as the Walter Stark Horse Campground is a popular destination for nature lovers.
Check for cancellations regularly, as last-minute openings can provide unexpected opportunities.
Consider visiting during the weekdays for better availability and a quieter camping experience.
Explore nearby camping options to maximize your chances of finding the perfect campsite.

When to go

The best time to visit St. Croix State Forest is during the summer and fall when the weather is ideal for outdoor activities. Winter can be harsh, making some areas less accessible, but it offers a pristine snowy landscape for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Know before you go

Check the forest's website for any road or campsite improvements that may affect your visit.
Be prepared for encounters with local wildlife by reviewing safety guidelines.
Accessibility may vary across different areas of the forest, so plan accordingly.
Heavy machinery may be operating during certain periods for maintenance, impacting the tranquility.
For any inquiries, the forest's contact information is readily available for potential visitors.