Paint Rock Spring Campground

Welcome, fellow Minnesotans, to an in-depth look at Paint Rock Spring Campground, a fantastic destination nestled within the vast and beautiful St. Croix State Park near Hinckley. This campground offers a compelling blend of comfort and adventure, making it an ideal choice for families, couples, and friends seeking to explore Minnesota's largest state park. If your outdoor plans include hiking, river activities, and comfortable amenities, Paint Rock Spring Campground provides an excellent base for your next memorable getaway.

Paint Rock Spring Campground is more than just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV; it's a gateway to diverse outdoor experiences. Praised for its "nicely spaced" campsites and convenient access to "everything we needed" in the bathrooms, it clearly prioritizes guest comfort. From climbing a thrilling fire tower to exploring trails near the river, there's always an adventure waiting just outside your campsite. In this article, we'll delve into what makes Paint Rock Spring Campground a top choice for locals, covering its strategic location, the comprehensive services it offers, its standout features, and why it's so well-suited for Minnesotans eager to embrace the great outdoors.

Paint Rock Spring Campground is located in Hinckley, MN 55037, USA. This places it directly within St. Croix State Park, Minnesota's largest state park, spanning over 34,000 acres. This prime location in East Central Minnesota makes it quite accessible for residents from various parts of the state, including the Twin Cities metropolitan area, offering a convenient drive for a weekend escape or longer vacation.

The campground is typically accessed via paved roads within St. Croix State Park. While the main areas of the park are easily reached by Highway 22, a large road running through the heart of the park, visitors with "larger rigs should have no issues on this road." However, it's noted that "there are some tight turns as you get closer to the back of the park and the Paint Rock Spring Campground." This suggests that while navigable, drivers of very large RVs might need to exercise a bit more caution or consider alternative campgrounds within the park like Old Logging Trail Campground, which is described as "larger and easier to access" for bigger vehicles. Paint Rock Spring Campground itself has "66 sites, only nine of which have electrical hookups. The sites in this campground are a bit smaller, so it's more popular with campers who have small trailers." This indicates it's well-suited for a variety of camping units, but perhaps best for those with smaller RVs, pop-ups, or tents. The campground's location within the vast state park means immediate access to its extensive trail system, the St. Croix River, and other park amenities, providing ample opportunities for exploration right from your campsite.

Paint Rock Spring Campground, as part of a well-regarded Minnesota State Park, offers a comprehensive set of services designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience. Based on customer reviews and public park information, here are the key amenities you can expect:

• Spacious Campsites: Reviewers note that "The campsites were nicely spaced and we were fortunate to have some covering from other sites and the sun." This indicates sites provide a good balance of openness and natural privacy.

• Modern Restrooms with Showers: A significant highlight is that "The bathrooms were nearby and had everything we needed (shower, sinks, etc.)." These are modern flush toilets and shower facilities, offering comfort often sought in state park campgrounds. One review specifically mentions "flush toilets and showers."

• Potable Water: Access to clean, potable water is available throughout the campground, a fundamental service for any comfortable camping trip.

• Electric Sites Available: The campground offers a selection of electric sites (9 out of 66 sites), providing power hookups for RVs and trailers.

• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, essential for outdoor dining and campfires.

• Sanitary Dump Station: For RV campers, a sanitary dump station is available within the park, allowing for convenient waste disposal.

• Seamless Firewood Access: One review praises the experience of "getting wood was seamless," indicating an organized system for purchasing firewood, often from approved vendors to prevent the spread of invasive species.

• Helpful Staff: "Staff were extremely helpful" is a recurring theme, suggesting that park personnel are readily available to assist campers with their needs and questions.

• Activity Calendar: An "activity calendar posted in the bathroom for the weekend" indicates that the park often organizes naturalist programs or other recreational activities for campers, enhancing the visitor experience.

• Cabins and Guesthouses: While primarily a campground, St. Croix State Park also offers "Housekeeping Cabins" and "Guest Houses" (like Norway Point) for rent, providing alternative lodging options for those who prefer more amenities than a traditional campsite. One reviewer "spent a few days in a cabin here" and raved about how "nice" and "clean" it was, with a "cute kitchen w/ amenities fridge 4 burner stove and oven! Even an indoor flush toilet!"

• On-site Store/Office: The park office often doubles as a small store for "last minute needs" and firewood.

These services collectively ensure that Paint Rock Spring Campground provides a well-equipped and user-friendly environment for a variety of camping styles.

Paint Rock Spring Campground, within St. Croix State Park, boasts several compelling features and highlights that make it a standout destination for Minnesotans:

• Historic Fire Tower with Panoramic Views: A major highlight is the park's iconic 100-foot Fire Tower. One reviewer noted, "We went to the fire tower and that was a big highlight." Climbing it offers "spectacular view" of the vast surrounding forest and rivers. While the steps are steep, the railings provide safety, and the reward is an unparalleled vista.

• Extensive Trail System: The campground provides access to a massive network of trails within Minnesota's largest state park. This includes "127 miles of hiking trails" and a "5.5-mile paved bike trail" that connects the campground to the beach and play area. Hikers can enjoy trails "near the river," offering scenic routes. There are also 75 miles of horse trails and 80 miles of groomed snowmobile trails in winter.

• Modern & Clean Facilities: The presence of "beautiful facilities" and nearby bathrooms with "everything we needed (shower, sinks, etc.)" are key highlights. The commitment to cleanliness, including "clean restrooms" and "clean showers," greatly enhances the comfort of campers.

• Comfortable Cabin Accommodations: The availability of well-appointed cabins within the park (like the one reviewed as "so nice! Much nicer than we had hoped for!" with a "cute kitchen" and "indoor flush toilet!") provides a fantastic alternative for those seeking more comfort than traditional camping, making the park accessible to a wider range of visitors.

• Nicely Spaced Campsites: Campers appreciate that "The campsites were nicely spaced and we were fortunate to have some covering from other sites and the sun," offering a degree of privacy and a pleasant setting.

• River Access and Activities: Being near the St. Croix River and the Kettle River (both National/State Scenic Rivers) offers opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. While a dedicated swimming beach is available, the river itself provides natural recreation.

• Wildlife Viewing and Naturalist Programs: St. Croix State Park is rich in wildlife, including eagles, owls, and various mammals. Year-round naturalist programs are offered, providing educational and engaging activities, often listed on an "activity calendar" for the weekend.

• Seasonal Operations and Accessibility: Paint Rock Springs is a seasonal campground (closed in winter), allowing it to focus its resources on excellent warm-weather camping. While parts of the park are open year-round for winter recreation, the dedicated seasonal closure can lead to better maintenance during the open season.

These highlights collectively make Paint Rock Spring Campground a well-rounded and appealing destination for a variety of outdoor pursuits within Minnesota's largest state park.

For those ready to plan their adventure at Paint Rock Spring Campground within St. Croix State Park, here is the direct contact information:

Address: Hinckley, MN 55037, USA (located within St. Croix State Park)

St. Croix State Park Office Phone: (320) 384-6591

Reservations Phone: (866) 857-2757 or online at MNDNR.GOV/RESERVATIONS

It is highly recommended to use the reservation phone number or the online system, especially for Paint Rock Spring Campground, as "Reservations are accepted" and "This is particularly recommended during peak seasons when the campground tends to fill up quickly." For any specific questions about current trail conditions (especially regarding bugs or downed trees, as mentioned in reviews), facility details, cabin availability, or activity schedules, contacting the St. Croix State Park Office directly at (320) 384-6591 will provide the most accurate and up-to-date information. The "extremely helpful" staff are prepared to assist you in planning your ideal Minnesota state park experience.

For Minnesotans, Paint Rock Spring Campground in Hinckley offers an exceptionally suitable and rewarding outdoor experience, perfectly combining convenience, comfort, and the quintessential adventures found in our state's largest park. It's an ideal local choice for several compelling reasons.

Firstly, its location within the vast St. Croix State Park provides easy access to an incredible array of recreational opportunities right in our backyard. From climbing the iconic Fire Tower for breathtaking "incredible views" to hiking "near the river" on over 127 miles of trails, locals have a seemingly endless playground to explore. The paved bike trail connecting campgrounds to the beach further enhances its appeal for active families, allowing for easy and safe exploration within the park.

Secondly, the campground prioritizes comfort, a key factor for many Minnesotans seeking a relaxing getaway. The "nicely spaced" campsites offer a sense of privacy, and the "beautiful facilities" including modern restrooms with "showers, sinks, etc." ensure a pleasant stay, even when roughing it. The availability of electric sites and even "nicer than we had hoped for" cabins with full amenities means there's an option for every comfort level, allowing diverse groups of friends and family to enjoy the park together. The "seamless" firewood process and "extremely helpful" staff further demonstrate a commitment to a hassle-free experience.

Lastly, despite challenges like "the worst" mosquitoes (a common Minnesota experience that campers are well-aware of and prepared for), the overall positive atmosphere and the sheer volume of activities make it a recurring favorite. Its suitability for locals lies in its ability to deliver a comprehensive, comfortable, and adventure-filled state park experience without requiring extensive travel. For Minnesotans eager to explore our natural heritage, Paint Rock Spring Campground offers a welcoming and exciting base to create lasting outdoor memories, year after year.

Paint Rock Spring Campground

Hinckley, MN 55037, USA