Is Hike In first-come first-served or reservation?

Hike In accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Hike In before I book?

Yes! Hike In has 6 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

Are there showers at Hike In?

Hike In does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Hike In?

Fire policies at Hike In: Use approved or local firewood to prevent the spread of forest pests. A communal wood pile is available (reports indicate a single price for wood and that campers must saw/split it themselves).. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Are dogs allowed at Hike In?

Pets are not allowed at Hike In. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Hike In?

Hike In offers: Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Hike In?

Popular activities at Hike In include Hiking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Hike In

3.29

7 reviews

Hike In

Top 25% in MNFall

Featured in:Spring Camping Minnesota

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Book on Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (Minnesota State Parks)Official Website

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Book on Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (Minnesota State Parks)Official Website

Hike In

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Minnesota state parks require a vehicle permit for access; the state parks camping system uses a reservation option. Specific campsite or vehicle...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Minnesota State Parks

Provider

888-646-6367, 651-296-6157

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Hike In

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

Hike In

No map location available

Weather at Hike In

Best Time to Camp at Hike In

Fall delivers the best conditions: daytime highs in the 40s to 60s°F in September and October, nights in the 30s to 40s, and vivid foliage. Insect pressure drops sharply after Labor Day, and crowds thin compared with summer. Crisp evenings make campfires especially pleasant, though you'll need to split slab firewood yourself. Check local hunting seasons before visiting in October and November.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 25% in MN

Fall singled out as best: 40s–60s daytime, vivid foliage, insects drop and crowds thin.

Planning Tips

About Hike In

Just a short hike from the trailhead, these backcountry campsites perch on scenic bluffs high above the St. Croix River, where you'll find yourself surrounded by the quiet beauty of oak savanna and hardwood forest. Eastern-facing sites offer stunning river views, and you'll have convenient access to a shared wood pile and water well to make your wilderness experience complete.

Hike‑in / backpacking style campground with primitive, walk‑to sites; eastern sites face the St. Croix River and offer scenic views.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the best conditions: daytime highs in the 40s to 60s°F in September and October, nights in the 30s to 40s, and vivid foliage. Insect pressure drops sharply after Labor Day, and crowds thin compared with summer. Crisp evenings make campfires especially pleasant, though you'll need to split slab firewood yourself. Check local hunting seasons before visiting in October and November.

Natural Features and SceneryYour campsite awaits on dramatic bluffs overlooking the St. Croix River, where winding trails lead you through the park's characteristic oak savanna and hardwood forest. The rolling terrain provides a true sense of the river valley landscape, with mature trees offering dappled shade throughout your stay. Wake up to sunrise views over the river from select eastern sites, where the bluffs provide a front-row seat to one of Minnesota's most scenic waterways.

Geological RegionBluffs above the St. Croix River (St. Croix River valley)

Scenic ViewsEastern campsites offer direct views of the St. Croix River; parts of the camping area provide scenic river vistas from the bluffs.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsUseDirect (Minnesota state parks reservation system)

Best CampsitesEastern sites are most scenic for river views but are more likely to experience daytime boat noise. Sites farther from the river are generally quieter in the evenings. All sites are within a short walk of the communal wood pile and water well.

Need help booking Hike In?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Minnesota State Parks Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Wood pile available near camp (one price for unlimited wood; users report wood may need sawing). A water well is present and reported to work well. Campsite toilets are present, though at least one reviewer reported poor ventilation and odor.

Potable water

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Primary uses are hike‑in/backpacking and wildlife viewing; the St. Croix River is visible from parts of the campground and boats are present on the river.

Hiking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRaccoons have been reported to approach campsites and may scavenge food and trash; campers should secure food and follow park wildlife rules. Daytime boat traffic on the river can create noise at sites near the river.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground. Expect vault or pit toilets only.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

3.3

7 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Hike In has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews are generally positive about the short hike, scenery, available wood and working water well. Common negatives include bold raccoons, smelly toilets, and daytime boat noise at riverside sites.

Review Summaries

Based on 7 reviews

What Campers Love

Short (~1.0–1.4 mile) hike‑in distance suitable for first‑time and experienced backpackers; wood pile close to camp with a single price for unlimited wood; water well reported to work well; eastern...

Based on 7 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Choose eastern sites for river views but expect boat noise during the day; pick sites farther from the river for quieter evenings; bring a saw or means to cut wood and secure food from raccoons.

Based on 7 reviews

Camper Quotes

Only about a mile hike in, this is perfect for anybody wanting to try backpacking for the first time. | Came across THE most brazen raccoon... Do not feed the trash pandas!! | Toilet has no...

Based on 7 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Go if

First-time backpackers or anyone after a low-commitment overnight: the hike is short, water well works, and the wood pile covers your fire. Grab an eastern site for sunrise river views, and come in September or October for the best of it.

Skip if

Quiet evenings are the whole point, so river-adjacent sites disappoint during the day, boat traffic carries up the bluffs. The toilet has a ventilation problem reviewers keep mentioning, raccoons are bold enough to require real food security, and you'll want a saw for that wood p

Campgrounds

Afton State Park

Hike In

About Turquoise Lake

Context for the broader area surrounding Hike In, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Recreation facilities consist of 8 campgrounds, accommodating 300 campsites and 2 boat-launching ramps. Surface available for recreation includes 780 acres. Primary recreation activities include camping and fishing. Fish species available include mackinaw trout, rainbow trout, and brook trout. Facilities closed in winter due to ice and snow, but popular area for ice fishing.Turquoise Lake is a feature of the <A HREF="http://www.usbr.gov/dataweb/html/fryark.html">Fryingpan-Arkansas Project</a>. Recreation is managed by the Forest Service for Reclamation as part of the San Isabel National Forest. <A HREF="http://www.usbr.gov/gp-bin/arcweb_turq.pl">Current reservoir levels</a>.

Directions

About 5 miles west of U.S. Highway 24 and Leadville, Colorado.