Backpack Campsites Campground

4.00

9 reviews

39797 Park Trail, Center City, MN 55012

Quick Facts

781 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Opens Minnesota DNR - State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

781 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Opens Minnesota DNR - State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Backpack Campsites Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Reservations are required for all campsites. A non-refundable reservation fee is charged for advance reservations: $10 for call center reservations...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Minnesota State Parks

Provider

651-583-2125

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What Campers Say

4.00

Satisfactory

Based on 9 reviews

7 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quiethikingstaffsites

Some mention

mosquitoessmall

"Visitor sentiment is generally positive: reviewers praise the park's hiking, quiet/remote feel and long-term enjoyment by repeat visitors. Backpack sites require a substantive hike-in and are small; visitors report limited on-site firewood and seasonal mosquitoes/ticks."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

39797 Park Trail, Center City, MN 55012

Backpack Campsites Campground

39797 Park Trail, Center City, MN 55012

Driving directionsEnter the park address into your GPS. Take exit #147 (Hwy 95) from I-35. The park is located 15 miles east of North Branch at the terminus of County Road 12. Note: Purchase vehicle permit in advance or at the ranger station; permits are not available at Sunrise Landing.

Accessible via I-35: take exit 147 to Hwy 95, then follow County Road 12 to Park Trail to park headquarters and main use area.

Nearby places

North Branch — approximately 15 miles west

Nearby supplies

Gas station in Almelund (noted as nearby vendor for firewood and supplies)

Best Time to Camp at Backpack Campsites Campground

Wild River State Park transforms with each season, offering year-round adventures for every type of outdoor enthusiast. Spring through fall bring ideal conditions for hiking the extensive trail network, paddling the St. Croix, and watching for migrating birds and blooming wildflowers. When winter blankets the landscape in snow, the park becomes a wonderland for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, with the trail center and visitor center welcoming guests throughout the colder months. Before planning a winter visit, be sure to check current snow depth and trail conditions to make the most of your cold-weather adventure.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Below Average

Wildflowers, hiking and programs suggest summer is a peak season.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Below Average

Forests and river likely provide good fall color though not explicitly detailed.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Average

Wildflowers and trails imply strong spring appeal, though details are limited.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Below Average

No winter offerings mentioned; MN winters could limit access or services.

Planning Tips

About Backpack Campsites Campground

Escape into the backcountry without leaving Wild River State Park, where eight backpack campsites offer an intimate wilderness experience along 18 miles of stunning St. Croix River shoreline. With 35 miles of trails to explore and food storage boxes at each site, you'll enjoy a true backcountry adventure with thoughtful amenities that help protect both you and the local wildlife.

Wild River State Park provides a range of camping options noted on the official site: semi-modern camping, group camping, equestrian camping, backpack camping, canoe camping, six camping cabins, and a reservable guest house.

Historical SignificancePark highlights include the Nevers Dam Overlook.

Weather and SeasonsWild River State Park transforms with each season, offering year-round adventures for every type of outdoor enthusiast. Spring through fall bring ideal conditions for hiking the extensive trail network, paddling the St. Croix, and watching for migrating birds and blooming wildflowers. When winter blankets the landscape in snow, the park becomes a wonderland for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, with the trail center and visitor center welcoming guests throughout the colder months. Before planning a winter visit, be sure to check current snow depth and trail conditions to make the most of your cold-weather adventure.

Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking up to the sounds of the St. Croix River flowing nearby, surrounded by dense hardwood forests that burst with wildflowers each spring and summer. The park's diverse landscape weaves together riverfront meadows, forested ridges, and winding trails that reveal new vistas around every bend. Whether you're paddling along the scenic river corridor or hiking through sun-dappled woodland, the natural beauty here creates an immersive escape from everyday life. Wildlife sightings are common, from white-tailed deer browsing at dawn to bald eagles soaring overhead.

Geological RegionSt. Croix River valley

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Group Sites

Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

The park offers camping and paddling/canoeing on the St. Croix River, hiking on a 35-mile trail system, horseback riding, interpretive programs and winter activities such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Wildlife- and wildflower-viewing are highlighted.

HikingA 35-mile trail system for day hikes and cross-country skiing; visitor center and trail center support interpretive and self-guided opportunities.

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife can be attracted to food and garbage; the park provides guidance on keeping food secured (store food in vehicles or in backpack site storage boxes). The park participates in bear-safety outreach and advises visitors to keep campsites clean to avoid attracting raccoons, bears and other animals.

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.

Weather at Backpack Campsites Campground

Reviews

4.0

9 reviews

Satisfactory

Backpack Campsites Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Visitor sentiment is generally positive: reviewers praise the park's hiking, quiet/remote feel and long-term enjoyment by repeat visitors. Backpack sites require a substantive hike-in and are small; visitors report limited on-site firewood and seasonal mosquitoes/ticks.

Review Summaries

Based on 9 reviews

What Campers Love

Great hiking and diverse trails, quiet and remote-feeling campsites, helpful park staff and naturalist programs, strong opportunities for paddling on the St. Croix River and wildlife viewing.

Based on 9 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Expect a substantial hike to backpack sites (reviewers report about a 45-minute walk or ~1.8 miles); bring insect repellent and adequate firewood (buy approved wood if arriving after ranger hours);...

Based on 9 reviews

Camper Quotes

“Nice little backpacking site, about 45 minute walk from the parking lot.” — “Not very large but we squeezed four personal tents on the space.” — “The park ranger took pity on us and let us...

Based on 9 reviews

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