The best camping near Willow River State Park

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

94% (9 reviews)

Wooded gorges and cascading waterfalls provide a scenic backdrop.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Willow River State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Willow River State Park

A quick snapshot my awesome friend, Kyle took of me admiring the scenery and waterfall.

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Willow River Campground

154 sites · RVs, Tents In Willow River State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Willow River State Park

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Belle Creek Bluff

3 sites · Lodging, Tents28 acres · Welch, MN

Belle Creek Bluff is on 28 acres of prime land in Welch. Belle Creek runs through the middle of the property. Walk, swim, paddle, fish and explore the this beautiful spring fed trout stream. There are a number of hiking trails on the property. Bordering state lands to the east of the property provide endless exploration and hiking adventures. Hike to the top of the bluff for a spectacular view of Welch valley and the ski hill. Hiking NE along Belle Creek can you spot the old model A truck along the banks? There are eagles, falcons, finches, and many colorful birds to see.

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Willow River Farm

2 sites · RVs, Tents17 acres · North Hudson, WI

17 acres very close to Willow River State Park, with private trails for hiking and dog walking, consisting of mature pine forest and beautiful pasture. Goats and chickens. You can do Goat Yoga! Four-wheeler and dirtbike available for rent, firewood available for purchase. Full RV hook-ups (power, pump-out, and water) at RV site. Located only ten minutes from beautiful Stillwater and Hudson, and only a mile or so from the St. Croix River. 35 minute drive from downtown Minneapolis.

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Honeyberry Minnesota working farm

2 sites · RVs25 acres · Stillwater, MN

Small working farm of 25 acres with roughly 1/3 wooded. Bring cash if you want to buy fresh produce. Half-way between Hudson WI and Stillwater MN. Tons of activities to do, including the St Croix River. Mowed trails on the property, campfire wood provided. Walk up to our two-acre Haskap orchard.

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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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Kinni Croix Farms

5 sites · RVs78 acres · River Falls, WI

Kinni Croix Farms is a four-season regenerative farm. We use organic methods to grow vegetables, flowers, herbs and Christmas trees. The farm is next to Kinnickinnic State Park where you will find miles of trails designated for hiking or biking. In the winter these trails are groomed for skiing and fat tire biking. The Park is on the St Croix River and has a public access beach. We also have hiking trails maintained on the farm for the use of our guests. Time permitting, I’d be happy to give you a tour of the farm and explain my regenerative farming methods. Organic produce is for sale at a discount for guests when available.

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Marsh Mellow Meadow

1 site · RV, Tent75 acres · Baldwin, WI

This ecologically diverse property in the "Prairie Pothole" region of Wisconsin offers hiking trails around 10+ acres of meadow and wooded habitat with lots of wildlife to enjoy (sandhill cranes, deer, pheasants, turkeys, songbirds and more). Enjoy a beautiful 360-degree view of rolling hills and vibrant sunrises and sunsets right from the fire ring. You'll see hundreds of planted trees around the property -- one sign of our efforts to increase wildlife habitat and the diversity of tree species present. The 300 ft gravel driveway makes access easy for cars, trucks, campers, bikes and RVs. Located just off of Interstate 94 between the Twin Cities and Eau Claire, WI, this camping site will surely please all campers who want a sense of wilderness with convenient city access. Pine Lake Rec Area is only 2.5 miles away (bring your boat or canoe/kayaks). There are three golf courses located within 11 miles of the campsite -- two 9-hole courses and one 18-hole course. The location is perfect for travelers looking for a cheap and simple place to stay just off Interstate 94 and Hwy 63. Campfire wood is provided. 🪵🔥

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Whippletree Farm & Nature Trail

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Lake Elmo, MN

Welcome to Whippletree! This is our sixth-generation family farm, and while it's more of a hobby farm now, it has been in continuous agricultural production since 1869! Besides tillable farm land, we are stewards of native prairie, small wooded areas, a remnant of an oak savanna and wetlands, with trails throughout. We consider this our sanctuary and enjoying sharing it with others looking for a place of retreat to connect with the natural world. Stop by for a visit!

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Golden Maple Camp, Trails & Biking

1 site · Lodging60 acres · Beldenville, WI

Our beautiful property has been farmed by our family for many years. We have enjoyed preserving the woods with our mountain biking trails turned snow shoe trails in the winter. The woods are full of golden maple trees which is where we got the name for our personal campground. Come visit to see for yourself! Learn more about En Gedi, your tent site: You'll be staying in a private safari tent overlooking a 100 year old maple tree above a secluded hollow in our woods. With access to over 2 miles of marked out mountain bike trails and hiking trails here on the property. Outhouse, picnic table, fire pit with 4 chairs and 4 cots are provided (2 extra large, 2 large), sheets and pillow provided for the 2 extra large cots. Drinking water is provided (2 gallon jug). Firewood is available for purchase ($5/ten pieces of wood). You can also use whatever has fallen in the woods. Located at the end of a well worn field road access you'll need to hike in if you have a low clearance vehicle. Its about .25 mile long hike with a 100' ascent. Access in 4x4 can be limited in wet and muddy weather. We also have access to a class A trout stream about 1 mile away to enjoy swimming, fishing and lounging. We are a short 10 minute drive to many great local activities like Whitetail mountain bike trail in River Falls or Kinnickinnick river kayaking. Fantastic local Forestville Winery is less then 2 miles away with great wine and food options. Add on an experience to your stay like mountain bike classes or feeding our baby cows! Get the full country experience while you're camping!

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Hoppensteadt Hills

4 sites · Lodging45 acres · Amery, WI

Come stay in our 45 wooded acres that run along the Apple River. Enjoy the sights and sounds of nature amongst the rolling hills. This property has been in our family for generations. Come, stay and enjoy our property as we have for over 80 years. We provide secluded campsites with easy access and parking next to each site. Enjoy walking through our park- like trails which run throughout the woods. Listen to the wildlife, sit by the campfire, or enjoy canoeing, kayaking, or fishing on Apple River, and many other nearby lakes that our town has to offer. Downtown Amery is 2 miles away from the property. Enjoy small-town attractions, such as breweries, gift, antique, and thrift shops, outdoor music, grocery stores, coffeeshops, local restaurants, and bars. You can take a day trip to many of other small towns nearby, such as: - Taylor Falls, for hiking or daily river cruises on St Corix River. Located only 20 minutes west of Amery. - Balsam Lake, for shopping, eateries, restaurants, and boating. Located only 20 minutes NW of Amery. -Osceola, take a hike and enjoy the views of Cascade Falls. Stroll around downtown's many shops located 20 minutes due west of Amery. -Marine on St Croix, and Stillwater which are under 45 minutes west. We are just over an hour from the Twin Cities. LOCAL ATTRACTIONS- Apple River-boating, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, and fishing. Access through public landing in downtown Amery 1 mile away. Cat Tail Trail-part of the Wisconsin State trail system. ½ mile from Hoppensteadt Hills. Must obtain trail sticker. 4 wheeling, side by side, hiking. St. Croix Casino-Turtle Lake-10 miles away. Deer Lake Winery- Deer Lake-8 miles away. Balsam Chains of Lakes, - Balsam Lake, WI- 10 Miles away. Balsam Lake Beach- Balsam Lake, WI-10 miles away. Ahlgren Wildlife Preserve- Balsam Lake, WI- 12miles away. Dancing Dragonfly Winery-St. Croix Falls, WI-12 miles away. Taylors Falls canoe and Kayak Rental- Taylor Falls, MN, 12 miles away. Eric’s Canoe/Kayak rental-St. Croix Falls, WI-14 miles away. Canoe on the St. Croix Scenic Riverway. Interstate Park-St. Croix Falls, WI/Taylors Falls, MN-16 miles away. Cascade Falls- Osceola, WI-17 miles away. Osceola St. Croix Valley Railway- Osceola, WI- 17 miles away. Osceola Bedrock Glades State Natural Area- Osceola, WI -17 miles away. Standing Cedars State Natural Area- Osceola, WI- 17 miles away. RESTAURANTS- Amery Family Restaurant- Downtown Amery-2 miles away. Farm Table-Downtown Amery-2 miles away. Village Pizzeria-Downtown Amery-2 miles away. Amery Ale Works-Local brewery/restaurant- 6miles away. Deer’s Bar-Deer Park-8 miles away. Excellent burgers. Thirsty Otter Tavern - Balsam Lake -, WI- 10 miles away. Indian Head Supper Club-Balsam Lake-10 miles away. Lift Bridge Brewing- New Richmond, WI- 18 miles away. 45th Parallel Distillery- New Richmond, WI- 18 miles away.

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Twin Folk Farms

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents120 acres · Hager City, WI

Previously a 100 acre century farm, this fertile land was tended to by generations of old time farmers. Their dairy cows pastured in areas which we now graze sheep. The restored quarry provided gravel for the nearby highway restoration and local projects.The property is currently a mix of hay ground, cropland, pasture, forest, and quarry. Twin sisters, Darla and Kayla, and their families live across the road from each other and own the surrounding 140 acres. They keep busy planting/tending trees, making hay, moving fence for grazing animals, operating a farm business called Twin Folk Farms (pastured meat, camps, etc), and raising their families.Learn more about this land:- This site is at the edge of a restored quarry, sheep pasture, and wooded hillside.- The site is tucked down a flat mowed path, so it feels very private and protected. - You can hike up a path to the sheep pasture. Sometimes sheep are there, sometimes elsewhere on the farm. You can hike the other direction and check out the restored quarry. We have paths all around the property, so feel free to respectfully explore.- You can't see the highway from this site, but you can hear it. It's super handy to be able to hop out of your campsite haven and onto the hwy, but be aware that you will hear vehicles.- There's a Mississippi river boat launch a few miles down the road, so feel free to park your boat at the bottom of the quarry driveway.- The Hay Creek riding trails are 25 minutes away, so contact us if you want to set up a place in the quarry to park your horses and trailer for the night. - We are certified to sell meat straight off of the farm (Twin Folk Farms), so contact us if you want to purchase your meat and have it delivered to your campsite. You can also set up a time to come up to the farm and purchase meat. - The beautiful, historic town of Red Wing is 10 minutes from our farm. You'll find a mix of modern amenities and historic shops to suit your fancy.

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Wild Haven farm

1 site · RV, Tent2 acres · MN

Beautiful encampment with the luxury of country home feel. Located in just ten minutes from downtown stillwater following up the river along the St.Croix boom site. 2 acres surrounded by trees and farm fields. Fire pit to enjoy s’mores and stories. Activities that can be enjoyed include visiting the St.Croix boom site, enjoying downtown a Stillwater, kayaking the river , and returning to our farmhouse for fires, cooking over the fire, and card games.

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The Double J

5 sites · RVs, Tents71 acres · MN

Welcome to the Double J! Of the 71 acres we own, about half is tillable and the other half is woods and pastures for our horses. Within that, there is a beautiful secluded 3-acre meadow nestled down along along a beautiful 1,200 foot stretch of the Zumbro River where we have 5 spacious tent/RV campsites. While the campsites are all adjacent to each other along the river, they are each very spacious (the smallest being 100' wide and 75' deep), with some mature trees scattered around. Each sites (except Site #1) is able to accommodate up to 8 people and more than one tent or RV. There is a small meadow above all the sites where campers can play catch or other games. We provide and maintain a centrally located outhouse and keep the entire area mowed throughout the year. All sites offer great shade trees (perfectly spaced for hanging up a hammock) and access to the river - great for those hot summer days! Water activities to be enjoyed include fishing, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding and tubing (equipment not included). Some campers will drop in upstream at the Covered Bridge Park and float down to their campsite (Note there is a large log jam or two that will require portaging around). The Zumbro River, especially in the fishing hole, offers great fishing including Trout, Small-mouth, Red-horse, and an occasional Northern or Sauger. Campers are welcome to to meander out into our pasture to pet our two horses, Shiloh and Champ. Also, we are only 1.5 miles from town where you can visit Covered Bridge Park which has a Frisbee golf course and a nice play area for younger kids. Reserving adjacent sites, or all of the sites, makes for the ideal setting for a large family or group camp-out. In order to prevent overcrowding, we do reserve the right to limit number of sites, or campers per site based on overall parties/campers in the camping area. We will notify you if there are any limits prior to confirming your booking. We enjoy being able to share our property with others, and it is our desire to promote a safe, peaceful, family-friendly environment, therefore, be sure to note, we do have a NO ALCOHOL policy. PLEASE NOTE: Be sure to read the "RV Details" on the site information page as the road to the camping area may limit the type or size of RV due to a couple dips, a sharper curve, and it's steeper slope. Also, keep in mind, we reserve the right to cancel any reservations due to heavy rains or floods that may require our sites some additional time to dry out sufficiently. For updates and notice of last minute cancellations be sure to follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/DoubleJCamping Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions! We look forward to being able to serve you!

The best camping near Willow River State Park guide

Overview

About

Almost 3,000 acres of forested gorges and wildflower-dotted prairies stretch along the banks of the Willow River in this western Wisconsin park. Willow Falls are the star attraction, and you can take your pick of four viewpoints. Seasoned kayakers can tackle the river rapids, but for a leisurely paddle, head to Little Falls Lake, where you can cruise, kayak, and cool off with a swim, then relax beachside. To explore further, discover more than 13 miles of hiking trails, follow paved bike trails, or seek out a quiet spot to fish before checking into Willow River Campground.

Tips for snagging a campsite

You can reserve one of the 130 RV/tent sites at Willow River Campground via the Wisconsin State Park website.
Campsite reservations open 11 months in advance. There is a minimum 3-day booking for holiday weekends and a minimum 2-day stay from May 15 through October.
Campsites can book up as fast, especially on summer and holiday weekends. Book a minimum of six months in advance to avoid disappointment.

When to go

Willow State River Park is a popular destination year-round, but it’s busiest from May through October. Activities are seasonal, so come in summer to swim, in spring or fall to hike and paddle, or in winter to snowshoe, sled, and cross-country ski. Views of the falls are most impressive after rainfall. Camping is possible year-round.

Know before you go

Willow State River Park is close to the Minnesota state border, about a 40-minute drive from Minneapolis.
Vehicle admission permits are required to enter the park, in addition to camping reservation fees. Hunting and fishing permits are also required.
Facilities include a boat launch, fishing pier, picnic areas, playgrounds, and restrooms.
There are accessible campsites, picnic areas, and restrooms at Willow River, plus the accessible fishing pier and Hidden Ponds Nature Trail.