- St. Croix State Forest
The best camping in St. Croix State Forest, MN
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Read millions of real reviews from campers like you—so you know what to expect.Top-rated campgrounds near St. Croix State Forest
Crooked Creek Retreat
Crooked Creek Retreat
100%
(22)
4.7mi from St. Croix State Forest · 3 sites · Lodging
Come experience Crooked Creek Retreat, a Cedar Log Cabin and a Pine Hunter's 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.
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).
The Pine Hunter's Cabin is a perfect add-on or stand-alone rental for up to four people- a vintage glamping delight!
The Maple Group Cabin can be added on to any of these rentals for larger group gatherings (meals, sleeps another 6 people) for $100 per night. Information forthcoming!
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$70
/ night
O'Dalaigh Hideaway
O'Dalaigh Hideaway
100%
(44)
14mi from St. Croix State Forest · 1 site · Tent
Note: Site does not have an assigned address but the driveway is next to our cabin on the North side of the Snake River in Pine City MN, NOT Rock Creek MN. The site is a vacant lot and has the better river view and experience as its a small peninsula that juts out to the river with rapids. There is a swimming area right next to the campsite or feel free to jump into the rapids if you want a rush. River is not deep most of the year and there is fishing right there as well, mostly large and small mouth bass.
There is parking off the road and a short walk to the campsite, just follow the sounds of the river. A small wagon is provided to help with getting gear down to the river tent site. New this year (2025) is a composting toilet along the trail to the tent site. It uses a "separator" where #1 goes back to the earth (as it is sterile and liquid) and #2 goes into a bucket and is covered with wood chips. There is also a standing urinal for men if desired. If you would prefer to use a pit toilet there is one on the property with directions marked with a sign. It is a farther walk however, about 100 yards from the tent site and on the cabin property near the driveway. If you want something even more convenient, feel free to bring your own.
Firewood is available for sale onsite or feel free to clean up dead wood lying along the trail at no cost, note that it is more than likely freshly cut and wet but will burn if the fire is hot enough.
The tent site is right next to rapids on the Snake river. If you struggle sleeping to the sound of rushing water, this may not be for you!
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from
$20
/ night
The Wooded Retreat/breakfast/spa
The Wooded Retreat/breakfast/spa
98%
(127)
15mi from St. Croix State Forest · 5 sites · Lodging
Situated just 3 miles from the interstate, our retreat offers the tranquility and beauty of a state park while being conveniently accessible and private with comforts of home! 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 9 acres we have 5 private ponds, 3 unique cottages ; and a vintage safari tent on a platform! With all of our cottages (sorry not the tent) we provide a breakfast basket in your refrigerator. For ALL guests on the Wooded Retreat we now have a Spa Cottage! (State of the art exercise equipment and a two person infrared Health sauna) Each space is strategically placed on the property to provide utmost privacy and beauty. Welcome to the Wooded Retreat and don't forget to bring your camera and binoculars!
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$101
/ night
Meadow Cabin
Meadow Cabin
97%
(37)
16mi from St. Croix State Forest · 2 sites · Lodging
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.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$120
/ night
Into The Woods
Into The Woods
100%
(20)
16mi from St. Croix State Forest · 1 site · Lodging
Glamping in a geodesic dome on 4 private tree-filled land. Though no electricity or water access, this unique property does have a 20ft diameter domed structure with a bed, compostable toilet and a solar powered ceiling fan. Sitting on the deck or around the fire, you will see nothing but birds and trees
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$59
/ night
Gabeshiwin Tipi Village
Gabeshiwin Tipi Village
100%
(18)
19mi from St. Croix State Forest · 9 sites · Lodging
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.
Toilets
Potable water
from
$64
/ night
Rustic Haven Retreat on 80 acres
Rustic Haven Retreat on 80 acres
100%
(12)
22mi from St. Croix State Forest · 1 site · Tent, RV
Nestled amidst the tranquil beauty of nature, Rustic Haven Retreat offers an unparalleled camping experience spread across 80 sprawling acres of pristine land. This serene getaway is the perfect destination for adventurers seeking a blend of rustic charm and modern amenities. Designed with the discerning camper in mind, Rustic Haven Retreat provides a unique opportunity to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature.
Whether you're arriving with an RV or setting up a tent, Rustic Haven Retreat caters to all styles of outdoor enthusiasts. The site boasts electrical hookups for RVs, ensuring that guests can enjoy the comforts of home while surrounded by the serenity of nature. The vast acreage invites exploration and is a haven for wildlife, offering campers the chance to witness the beauty of undisturbed flora and fauna.
The landscape of Rustic Haven Retreat is diverse, featuring rolling hills, wooded areas, and open fields. This variety allows guests to choose their ideal camping spot – whether it’s under the canopy of ancient trees, beside a babbling brook, or in the middle of a sun-drenched meadow. The property is designed to provide both privacy and community, with ample space for solitude as well as communal areas for gathering and sharing stories under the stars.
Activities at Rustic Haven Retreat are as boundless as its landscapes. From hiking and bird watching to stargazing and enjoying quiet evenings by the fire, there’s something for everyone. Our commitment to maintaining the natural beauty of the land ensures that every visit is as breathtaking as the last.
Rustic Haven Retreat is more than just a place to camp; it’s a destination where memories are made, spirits are rejuvenated, and the beauty of nature is celebrated. Come and experience the magic of this 80-acre paradise, where every stay promises an adventure and a sanctuary.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
$24
/ night
Bundo's Cabin
Bundo's Cabin
99%
(160)
22mi from St. Croix State Forest · 2 sites · Lodging
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 outhouse and outdoor rainwater bucket shower, 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 from an electric pump faucet in the kitchen, and a brand-new outhouse is located steps from the cabin.
The cabin is efficiently heated and cooled with a 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$123
/ night
Fish Lake Getaway
Fish Lake Getaway
94%
(33)
22mi from St. Croix State Forest · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Learn more about this land:
There is a fire pit and firewood, access to a basicly private lake. 14’ aluminum boat and a canoe is available There is no place to put your own boat in. There is an outhouse and a shed with many yard games. There is a park model camper available to use with no hook ups other than gas stove. Theirs is a twin bed, a queen bed and a couch. The max for the site would be 8 people and that’s only if a few sleep in tents.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$45
/ night
Medicine Creek Farm
Medicine Creek Farm
100%
(106)
23mi from St. Croix State Forest · 2 sites · Lodging
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.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$80
/ night
Reflections- Unique Modern A Frame
Reflections- Unique Modern A Frame
97%
(31)
25mi from St. Croix State Forest · 1 site · Lodging
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.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$120
/ night
Ringler's Family Campground
Ringler's Family Campground
100%
(22)
26mi from St. Croix State Forest · 8 sites · Tents, RVs
We dreamed of our own land to expand Ringler's Haunted Trail, this property called to us the first day we stepped foot here. Each year our family opens up for the month of October a haunted trail, complete with actors, a half mile long wooded trail with buildings to wander through. Now our dreams are expanding to a winter wonderland and a hipcamp campground. We enjoying sharing the beauty of our land with others, including every now and again the neighbors cattle (they like to wonder over and check things out and then wonder back home, lol). Come on over and join the fun.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$25
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
Aaron
2 weeks ago
3 nights at Bundo's Cabin
Great stay at Jon’s cabin. Cozy little cabin with the essentials and an amazing piece of property.
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Geoffrey
December 2025
With kids
Great space along the river. Cosy cabin with all the amenities.
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P
Paul
November 2025
With pets
Bundo’s cabin is delightful. It’s super well designed, cozy, and has a biffy fit for an outhouse coffee table book.
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Anaiah
November 2025
Weekend Trip to Crooked Creek Retreat
Crooked Creek was a perfect oasis away from the city. We really enjoyed the cozy vibes of the cabin, and the walking paths for us to enjoy. We were even provided orange beanies for hunting season, which we greatly appreciated as we went on our hikes! Naomi did a great job of making us feel comfortable and at home, and we would absolutely return.
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N
Nicole
October 2025
1 night at The Wooded Retreat/breakfast/spa
Such a lovely respite for the night! I’m super grateful for the little cabin and slept so well there. Enjoyed my morning coffee outside in spite of the chill. Can’t wait to come back and hopefully explore the other lodging options, too.
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Andrea
October 2025
Tent
Everything was great, I would highly recommend this place. The layout seemed very well planned and thought out. I loved the little camp store they had set up and the outhouse was clean.
It was a very peaceful stay and I will definitely be back.
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A
Ann
October 2025
28 ft Class C
I have stayed at Jubilee Homestead a handful of times over 3 years. It’s a beautiful slice of land to bring my friends and my granddaughters to. The animals, the beautiful barn and owners are all great. Esther answers messages within minutes and is so helpful always. She and her husband have written many books and we bought one on this visit. I’ll be coming back here a few times every year. It’s wonderful to bring my city granddaughters out so they can experience this beautiful country life! Picking apples from trees, touching goats and chickens and just playing at the playground, it’s a sweet slice of country life.
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T
T.J.
October 2025
52 ft travel trailer
With pets
Matt’s land was great. It is very peaceful and quiet. We had two other neighbors during are stay. The sites are far enough apart, that you don’t really hear or see them. Trails are in good shape and you are near Moose Lake for any last minute items.
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M
Mike
October 2025
23 ft travel trailer
With kids
Matt’s land was a great spot to camp for a long weekend! Camping pads are rock and well maintained. Big space next to the pad for a fire pit and kids to play. Electric and water hook ups worked great! Will definitely be back again.
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M
Makenzie
October 2025
With pets
The cabin was a perfect weekend getaway for my husband and I and our two pups! There was plenty of space for the dogs to roam and Jon had everything you needed to cook, have a fire and relax. We’re already talking about doing it again next year! Thanks Jon for sharing your space!
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C
Courtney
October 2025
31 ft Class C
Esther’s property was so beautiful and relaxing! I loved all the chickens, goats and seeing the neighbors’ cows and horses. Also, one of the barn cats literally climbed up in my lap and cuddled into my neck!! So sweet! The little path around their property is cute and the outhouse was so clean and roomy. The cookies at arrival were delicious and I purchased a book (excited to read) and crochet pig from their little store. It was a quick stay but peaceful and relaxing. I would recommend!
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Leslie
October 2025
With kids
Our farm stay was wonderful! Our kids thoroughly enjoyed the tour, the animals, the dogs! The barn was perfect for our family of five. Highly recommend!!!
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A
Ashley
October 2025
2 nights at Into The Woods
Where do I even start? Maybe at the fact that we absolutely cannot wait to return?! We had so much fun at “the dome”. The autumn trees worked out perfectly for us – the trees were in full color and the weather mostly cooperated while we were there. The second night we were able to see the stars and MY GOODNESS, it was absolutely spectacular.
It was expected to be pretty chilly during the night, so I brought a 10x20ft tarp to lay on the ground and help insulate against it and I think that helped significantly during our second night when the temp was about 36*. We cooked over the fire mostly for meals, but also drove the few minutes to A&W for root beer floats daily.
The compostable toilet is located behind a small partition to provide a bit of privacy, but there is also a gas station within three minutes of the site so I just drove to use that one mostly. The solar powered fan circulated the air a bit, but there’s only so much you can move the air around in a dome shaped space… it was 70* on our second day and it got warm inside of the dome pretty quickly.
We were able to buy firewood at the Adventure Church lot (five minutes away) and paid $5/bundle in cash at a self-serve stand. This stand is covered, so it had dry wood even after it rained the first night.
We loved how secluded it felt without also feeling like we were in the middle of nowhere. Overall, as the first camp like experience for us, it was a roaring success! Highly highly recommend, 10/10.
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J
Jennifer
October 2025
2 nights at Meadow Cabin
Property was just as described. Easy check in. Great area to hike and enjoy the fall color. Hosts responded quickly to questions.
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T
Tim
October 2025
2 nights at Meadow Cabin
We enjoyed a great "quick getaway" (from Minneapolis) at this sweet property. Tucked in the woods, a 3 minute walk to the river, this was super relaxing. Hiking at St Croix State Park, s'mores, reading & games... Couldn't ask for a better mini-break. Thanks for the hospitality!
See moreN
Nick
October 2025
2 nights at Bundo's Cabin
Beautiful location. The cabin is charming, cozy, and very well maintained. I love the record player too!
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Trisha
October 2025
3 nights at Reflections- Unique Modern A Frame
We loved the property and amenities! My husband isn’t much of a camping or outdoors kind of guy but he had a great time here! The cabin was clean and had all kitchen cookware needed when we were stuck inside due to rain. We had a fire every day we were there and cozied up by the fireplace inside when it rained. The stars out there were truly breathtaking! The location is out of the way of noise but not so out of the way from civilization with the nearby town 25 mins away. Dave and Tracy really thought about everything needed to accommodate your stay.
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C
Camille
October 2025
With kids
My grandkids; ages 8 and 10 and I visited wonderful farm this past weekend for a one nite getaway. We all loved the experience! The kids rollerbladed in the barn, played with the cats and loved seeing the goats and chickens! Our glampung tent was perfect; comfortable bed and fun vibe. We definitely will be back next year! Thank you, Esther and Joel for your hospitality!
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Sue
October 2025
Tent
Group trip
What an amazing spot. Such an amazing view and the natural sound of river flowing was soothing. I loved this spot very much and the host was amazing as well. Thanks so much!
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M
Mike
October 2025
30 ft travel trailer
The host were very friendly. It was fun to set their chickens and goats. And the neighbors cows and horses. The location is quiet
See moreThe best camping in St. Croix State Forest, MN 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.
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