Is Wild River Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Wild River Campground 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.

Are there showers at Wild River Campground?

Wild River Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Are dogs allowed at Wild River Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Wild River Campground?

Wild River Campground offers: Electrical Hookups. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Wild River Campground

0 review

Top 23% in MNSummer

Family FriendlyGreat Hiking

Real-Time Availability

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Quick Facts

837 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

ElectricPull-Through

Book on Minnesota DNR Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

837 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

ElectricPull-Through

Book on Minnesota DNR Official Website

Get Directions

Wild River Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Minnesota State Parks

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I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Wild River Campground

45.5238, -92.7493

Weather at Wild River Campground

Best Time to Camp at Wild River Campground

Summer brings the most reliable warm weather and full access to river recreation. Expect daytime highs around 75–85°F and nighttime lows in the 50s–60s, ideal for canoeing, fishing, and hiking along the St. Croix bluffs. Water levels are generally suitable for paddling and swimming, and the park is fully staffed, though sites fill up on weekends and holidays. This is also when wildflowers, green forests, and meadow birdlife peak. The tradeoff: very heavy mosquitoes and ticks, particularly in mid-summer heat. Some campers explicitly caution against August visits if you're bug-averse. Many positive reviews mention spring and fall as especially pleasant. Autumn offers ideal conditions for colors and cooler temps. Spring and fall also mean thinner foliage, better star views from open sites, and fewer bugs. Winter camping is not discussed in user reviews.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 23% in MN

Summer offers reliable warm weather and full river recreation access; ideal for paddling/hiking.

Planning Tips

About Wild River Campground

Wild River Campground sits in a heavily wooded section of Wild River State Park along the St. Croix River in east-central Minnesota. The campground is known for large, well-spaced sites surrounded by trees and brush that give strong privacy between neighbors. Restrooms and showers are exceptionally clean and well-maintained, and the park offers miles of hiking trails through forest, meadows, and occasional river overlooks.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the most reliable warm weather and full access to river recreation. Expect daytime highs around 75–85°F and nighttime lows in the 50s–60s, ideal for canoeing, fishing, and hiking along the St. Croix bluffs. Water levels are generally suitable for paddling and swimming, and the park is fully staffed, though sites fill up on weekends and holidays. This is also when wildflowers, green forests, and meadow birdlife peak. The tradeoff: very heavy mosquitoes and ticks, particularly in mid-summer heat. Some campers explicitly caution against August visits if you're bug-averse. Many positive reviews mention spring and fall as especially pleasant. Autumn offers ideal conditions for colors and cooler temps. Spring and fall also mean thinner foliage, better star views from open sites, and fewer bugs. Winter camping is not discussed in user reviews.

Natural Features and SceneryMixed hardwood forest, river bluffs, open meadows, and marshy lowlands define Wild River State Park's landscape. Most campsites are tucked into woods thick enough that campers say it feels like "camping in the woods," with trees and brush creating natural screens between sites. Trails wander mostly through forest and meadows with intermittent river views rather than continuous waterfront access. Fog over the river and lowlands around dusk is a scenic feature when driving into the park. Deer are commonly seen and described as fairly fearless around the campground. The easy walk to Nevers Dam overlook is a family-friendly viewpoint for the St. Croix River. Because of the wooded and meadow habitat, ticks are a regular presence on trails and at campsites, especially in summer.

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Tents

Tents are not allowed

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RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Best CampsitesSite 22 in the main campground is specifically recommended as a wide, open site ideal for star-gazing, with plenty of room for a travel trailer and lawn games, and still not far from the restroom. Many other sites are described as large, wooded, and very private, with trees and brush creating strong separation between neighbors. Double drive-in sites are available and noted as good options for small groups in autumn. Backpacking sites are viewed as adequate but less favored due to water access issues.

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Minnesota State Parks Guide

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Amenities available

Electricity hookups

I manage this campground

RV details

Electric hookups32 of 129 sites (25%)

2 pull-through sites

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Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

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 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.

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Reviews

From Booking Sources

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Limited Reviews

Wild River Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

Campers overwhelmingly praise Wild River Campground for its heavily wooded, spread-out sites, plentiful hiking trails (including scenic trails along the St. Croix River), and very well‑maintained restrooms and shower facilities. Many visitors find the park peaceful and family/pet friendly with good privacy between sites, though a minority report issues with staff attitude, barking dogs and limited cell service in this secluded location.

Review Summaries

What Campers Love

["Heavily wooded, spacious campsites that feel private and are good for hammocks; many sites have flat space for more than one tent.","Excellent restrooms and showers; campground described as...

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Hammock campers and families who want serious quiet and tree cover will do well here. Sites fit multiple tents, the Nevers Dam overlook is an easy walk, and the restrooms draw consistent praise. Come in early summer or fall to dodge peak mosquito and tick pressure.

Skip if

No pets allowed, and that's firm. Beyond that, reviewers flag a ranger whose rule enforcement turns confrontational. Campers who aren't part of the local cultural mainstream have reported interactions that made the trip feel unwelcoming, and the remote location means there's no e

Nearby Campgrounds

0.0

(5)

Equestrian - Horse Required Campground

Wild River State Park

Wild River State Park's equestrian campground is a dedicated horse-camping area with electrical hookups, wooded sites, and direct access to an extensive network of horse trails. The campground sits in the St. Croix River valley at 879 feet elevation, part of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. Reviewers consistently rate it 4–5 stars for horseback riding, praising the quantity of trails and good site privacy.