Wild River State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Wild River State Park in Minnesota curves around the St. Croix River and features an “S” layout with forests and lush greenery. The Sunrise River is at the park’s upper side. Outdoor activities include camping, canoeing, cross-country skiing, hiking trails, horseback riding, fishing, and boating. The weather is cold most of the year, but summers can reach the 80s and accommodate outdoor activities. Attractions near the park include Wild Mountain Winery and Wild Mountain Winter and Summer Fun. Wild River State Park also hosts an annual Candlelight Ski, Snowshoe, and Hike event.
Spring 23–39 F
Summer 62–81 F
Fall 41–55 F
Winter 14–25 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Wild River State Park
Wild River State Park Campground offers 134 camping spots, with 94 reserved for RV camping. The amenities include 50-, 30-, and 20-amp electrical hookups, boat ramps, picnic areas, water access, fire rings, pull-thru sites, picnic tables, and dump stations. There are also showers, toilets, ADA-accessibile sites, trash management, and firewood. Wi-Fi is available, and the campsites are pet-friendly.
What to Do at
Wild River State Park
Visiting Wild River State Park offers many outdoor activities during warmer months, including canoeing, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, and boating. Guests can cross-country ski and enjoy breathtaking park views as the temperatures turn colder. From late spring to October, you can rent boats and canoes through an on-site vendor, and you’ll see wildlife and birds around the lake while traveling down the lake.
Fishing
Anglers are attracted to Wild River State Park for the exceptional bass fishing, and they can catch northern pike, walleye, and catfish. You must have a valid fishing license to fish at the park. You can launch your boat from the boat ramps.
Geocaching
The geocaching adventure is an aquatic quest where you will travel through the trails and on the water. You’ll find hidden treasures throughout the park, and you can sign the logbook.
Nature Watching
There are many bird species living in the park, including bluebirds, woodcocks, eagles, house wren, Eastern towhee, vesper sparrows, Eastern meadowlark, Baltimore Oriole, red-winged blackbirds, owls, brown thrashers, European starlings, yellow-rumped warblers, and indigo bunting.
Stargazing
The best place to stargaze at Wild River State Park is at the edge of the campground. You’ll have clearer views of the stars, and you and your group can find constellations with binoculars.
Flora and Fauna
The flowers and plants you’ll see at the park include oak savanna, pine, hardwood, wild columbine, Carolina puccoon, black-eyed Susan, rough blazing stars, butterfly milkweed, asters, big bluestem, and Indian grass. Wildlife at the park includes raccoons, foxes, coyotes, deer, mink, beavers, black bears, squirrels, moose, wolves, elk, goats, loons, and river otters.
Hiking
Wild River State Park offers many hiking trails, including the Nevers Dam to Walter Mondale River Trail, and the River Trail Loop is 4.7 miles long. Another popular trail is the Highland, Pioneer, and Dry Creek Loop, which is 6.7 miles long. The Goose Creek Loop is 3.2 miles long, and the Sunrise Loop Trail is 5.1 miles long.
Boating
You’ll find the boat landing near the southern section of the state park. You can rent canoes, boats, and kayaks on-site. Seasonal paddleboating gives you about an hour of fun and is excellent for couples and families.
Biking
Bikes are permitted on the hiking trails, but motorized bikes are prohibited at the park.
How to Get to
Wild River State Park
From Center City, head west on Mobeck Avenue toward Summit Avenue. Turn right onto Summit Avenue, which turns right and becomes Louise Avenue. Turn left onto Oasis Road. Turn right onto Park Trail, and continue until you see the park entrance.
Entering Wild River State Park
Operating hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., and park office hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. except on Thanksgiving and Christmas, when the office is closed. You can park in the parking lot and enter the park on foot, and handicapped parking is available. To park at Sunrise Landing, you need a parking permit. You can go online to get a parking permit at Sunrise Landing. No outside wood is allowed; you must buy it from the approved vendors. The maximum RV length is 60 feet.
Wild River State Park Entry Fee (daily) : $7.0
Wild River State Park Entry Fee (annual) : $35.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Wild River State Park
Early summer and fall are the best times to visit the state park as the temperatures are mild, and late summer is often crowded. The winter is too cold for most outdoor activities.
Wildlife at the park includes raccoons, foxes, coyotes, deer, mink, beavers, black bears, squirrels, moose, wolves, elk, goats, loons, and river otters. Guests see many bird species from many vantage points, including bluebirds, woodcocks, eagles, house wren, Eastern towhee, vesper sparrows, Eastern meadowlark, Baltimore Oriole, red-winged blackbirds, owls, brown thrashers, European starlings, yellow-rumped warblers, and indigo bunting.
Yes, there are 94 camping spots designated for RVs at Wild River State Park.
You aren’t required to reserve a camping spot at Wild River State Park, but it is highly recommended since the park reaches maximum capacity quickly. The camping fee is $35 per night, with a maximum of 14 nights.
Dogs are allowed at Wild River State Park, but you must keep them on a leash no longer than six feet. You must also clean up behind your dogs and avoid leaving pet-related waste in the park. In winter, pets are not allowed on the ski trails. Pay attention to all posted signs regarding dogs and where they are permitted.