St. Croix Campground: Your Northern Wisconsin Camping Getaway

St. Croix Campground Introduce

Welcome, fellow Wisconsin adventurers, to a hidden gem nestled in the heart of our beautiful state: St. Croix Campground. If you're seeking an authentic outdoor experience, surrounded by pristine nature and offering a true escape from the everyday hustle, then look no further. St. Croix Campground provides a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the tranquility of the Northwoods, making memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you're a seasoned camper or new to the joys of pitching a tent under a starry sky, this campground offers something for everyone, promising a refreshing and memorable Wisconsin getaway.

St. Croix Campground is strategically located in Grantsburg, Wisconsin, within the expansive and breathtaking Governor Knowles State Forest. This prime location offers unparalleled access to a wealth of natural wonders. Situated alongside a major riverway, the campground provides immediate proximity to the St. Croix River, a federally protected Wild and Scenic River, perfect for paddling, fishing, and simply enjoying the scenic views. While it's worth noting that some road noise from Highway 70 might be present, as mentioned by previous campers, the overall setting within the forest more than compensates, offering a deep connection with nature. For those traveling from various parts of Wisconsin, Grantsburg is readily accessible via well-maintained state highways, making your journey to relaxation a smooth one. Its placement within a state forest means that you are instantly connected to a vast network of outdoor recreation, from hiking and biking to wildlife viewing. This accessibility, combined with the natural beauty, makes it an ideal destination for a spontaneous weekend trip or a longer family vacation.

St. Croix Campground is designed with the camper's comfort and convenience in mind, offering a range of services that enhance your outdoor experience. While the focus here is on rustic charm and connecting with nature, the essentials are well-provided, ensuring a comfortable stay. Each campsite is thoughtfully equipped to cater to your basic needs, allowing you to focus on relaxation and recreation.

Spacious and Private Campsites: Guests consistently praise the generosity of the campsites. They are designed to offer a good degree of privacy, allowing campers to enjoy their space without feeling overcrowded. This layout is especially appreciated by those seeking a peaceful retreat.
Handicapped Accessible Picnic Tables: Demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity, every site features a handicapped accessible picnic table. This thoughtful provision ensures that visitors with varying mobility needs can comfortably enjoy meals and gather around their campsite.
Fire Rings: Essential for any camping experience, each site includes a durable fire ring. These are perfect for cooking over an open flame, roasting marshmallows, or simply enjoying the warmth and ambiance of a crackling campfire under the Wisconsin sky.
Permanent Wooden Benches (Select Sites): Adding an extra touch of comfort and convenience, some campsites are equipped with permanent wooden benches situated next to the fire rings. These benches provide comfortable seating, making it easier to gather around the fire and enjoy the evening.
Clean Bathroom Facilities: The campground maintains clean and well-kept bathroom facilities. Visitors frequently commend the cleanliness, noting that they are surprisingly pleasant for a rustic camping environment. The emphasis on proper use, such as closing latrine lids, helps maintain their agreeable condition.
Easy Tent Staking Ground: For tent campers, the ground at the campsites is reported to be soft enough, making it easy to stake tents securely. This seemingly small detail significantly contributes to a hassle-free setup, allowing you to settle in quickly and begin enjoying your surroundings.

Beyond the essential services, St. Croix Campground boasts a variety of features and highlights that truly set it apart as a premier camping destination in Wisconsin. These elements contribute to the overall appeal and provide memorable experiences for all who visit.

Extensive Trail System: One of the most celebrated features of the campground is its access to a fantastic network of trails. These paths, composed of dirt and grass, wind through the beautiful Governor Knowles State Forest. They are ideal for hiking, walking, and exploring the diverse flora and fauna of the Northwoods.
Riverside Access and Views: Many of the trails lead directly down to rivers, offering stunning scenic views and opportunities for riverside activities like wading, fishing, or simply enjoying the peaceful flow of the water. The proximity to the St. Croix River is a major draw for water enthusiasts.
Bridges Over Creeks: The thoughtful design of the trail system includes bridges over numerous creeks. This ensures that hikers can navigate the terrain without getting their feet soggy, making for a more enjoyable and comfortable exploration of the forest. This detail speaks to the care taken in maintaining the trails for user comfort.
Beautiful Fall Scenery: St. Croix Campground is particularly stunning in the fall. The vibrant colors of the changing leaves create a breathtaking backdrop for camping and outdoor activities, making it a highly recommended destination during this season. The visual appeal during autumn enhances the overall camping experience.
Proximity to Governor Knowles State Forest: Being situated within this state forest means immediate access to a vast natural playground. This includes opportunities for wildlife observation, birdwatching, and simply being immersed in the natural beauty of one of Wisconsin’s significant forest areas.
Soft Ground for Tenting: As noted by campers, the ground at the sites is conducive to easily staking tents, making setup a breeze. This practical feature is a big plus for tent campers, ensuring a stable and comfortable pitch.
Friendly Resident Feral Cat ("Stevie"): A unique and charming highlight, as shared by a past visitor, is the presence of a friendly short-haired orange tabby cat named Stevie. This feral cat, despite its independence, has been known to interact with campers, adding a whimsical and memorable touch to the stay.

For those eager to plan their next Wisconsin adventure, St. Croix Campground is ready to welcome you. While specific phone numbers for direct campground inquiries are typically managed through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WI DNR) for state forest campgrounds, the physical location provides a clear point of reference for GPS and navigation. It is always recommended to consult the official WI DNR website for the most up-to-date contact information, reservation details, and specific operational hours, as these can sometimes vary by season or for maintenance purposes. You can find essential information and prepare for your visit by using the following details:

Address: Grantsburg, WI 54840, USA

For detailed maps, reservation information, and current regulations, prospective campers are encouraged to visit the official Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WI DNR) website and the National Park Service websites, especially for trail maps within the Governor Knowles State Forest and along the St. Croix Riverway. These resources will provide comprehensive guidance to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit.

In conclusion, St. Croix Campground is an ideal destination for locals across Wisconsin seeking an authentic and accessible outdoor escape. Its prime location within Governor Knowles State Forest, coupled with its proximity to the St. Croix River, makes it a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking to hike extensive trails that lead to scenic river views, enjoy the comfort of well-maintained and private campsites, or simply unwind around a crackling campfire, this campground delivers. The commitment to providing accessible facilities and clean amenities ensures that it's a welcoming environment for families, individuals, and groups of all ages and abilities. The feedback from previous visitors consistently highlights the beauty of the surroundings, especially in the fall, and the overall positive camping experience. For Wisconsin residents, St. Croix Campground offers a convenient and rewarding opportunity to disconnect from daily routines and reconnect with the natural beauty that our state so generously provides. It's more than just a place to pitch a tent; it's an invitation to explore, relax, and create lasting memories right in our own backyard.

St. Croix Campground Photos

St. Croix Campground Location

St. Croix Campground

Wisconsin Burnett County Grantsburg

Grantsburg, WI 54840, USA

St. Croix Campground Reviews

First time camping here. The only thing I didn't like was the road noise from Hwy 70. Other than that, the sites are fairly private and large. Very pretty in the fall and lots of trails to walk on. Many of the trails lead down to rivers which is nice. I would camp here again.
Oct 21, 2022 · Al Tollefson
I highly recommend St. Croix Family Campground at Governor Knowles State Forest. There’s much to explore nearby on account of it’s a forest alongside a major riverway. The trails are fantastic paths of dirt or grass and even include bridges over the many creeks to cross so your feet won’t get soggy thus preventing you from giving this wild forest a one-star review. Before you go, find trail maps on the WI DNR and the National Park Service websites. The campsites are clear and the ground was soft enough to easily stake a tent. Each site has a handicapped accessible picnic table and a fire ring. Some sites even have a permanent wooden bench next to the fire ring. The bathroom facilities are clean. They even smell ok so long as you read and follow through with the instructions stenciled on the inside of the lid on the latrine- “PLEASE CLOSE”. There’s a resident feral cat that will elude you all weekend until Sunday morning when you’ll see the short-haired orange tabby sunning in the roadway, being friendly with the camperhood kids. The girls will tell you “hew name is Stevie even though she’s a stway, we named hew Stevie.” Then Stevie will stand up and you’ll see she has a pretty sizely pair of unmistakable balls. Stevie will rub against your legs and even allow you a pet or two, finally, as you close out your rustic weekend getaway at this fine, remarkable campground within this amazing Northwoods forest in the state of Wisconsin.
Mar 09, 2021 · Brianne C
Overall we loved this campground. The layout and placement of bathrooms was ideal. The bathrooms were clean and the hiking trials that extend directly from the cam round are amazing! My only complaint is that the website states there are multiple places that firewood is available for purchase and that was not the case. We found a locked building that was marked “firewood for sale” but there was no way to access the woods. Also, we are new to backing in trailers and the placement of the site numbers makes it difficult to back in. They could be placed more out of the way.
Jun 24, 2021 · Adriane Gilbert
Absolutely in love with this campsite. Beautiful river and lots of trails
Oct 20, 2023 · Linda Fernbacher
Generally speaking, this is a great campground. Pretty good privacy from neighboring campsites, but about 1/3 have direct exposure to campsites directly across the road/loop. If this is a concern, take this into consideration and consult the campground map before making a reservation.Be aware: there are NO shower facilities on-site - if you don't have an RV/camper, be prepared to go elsewhere for basic hygienic needs. There are basic toilets, however (but no sink or shower).The hiking (interpretive) trails are beautiful and highly recommended. Great views and access to the St. Croix River Valley (and the river itself).Be aware: there are many miles of trails for both hiking and biking in Gov. Knowles State Forest, but most of the trails specifically in the southern St. Croix family campground itself prohibit bikes.Aside from the aforementioned, great experience: beautiful and relaxing - would go again, keeping all of the above in mind
Sep 07, 2023 · Definitely Breakable