🌤 Weather at St. Croix State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19–67 °F | 53–80 °F | 24–70 °F | 2–27 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Danbury, 10 mi away, elevation 950 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Minnesota’s Largest State Park: 34,000 Acres of Rivers, Forests, and Wilderness
St. Croix State Park is a colossus of the Minnesota state park system — at 34,037 acres, it’s the largest state park in the state, larger than many national parks. Nestled between the St. Croix National Scenic River and the Wild and Scenic Kettle River, this vast wilderness offers 127 miles of hiking trails, 211 drive-in campsites, housekeeping cabins, and some of the finest river paddling in the Upper Midwest. If you want genuine backcountry solitude without leaving Minnesota, St. Croix is your park.
Paddling: Two Wild and Scenic Rivers
The park is uniquely positioned at the confluence of two protected rivers, offering paddling experiences ranging from calm, scenic flatwater to exciting Class I rapids.
River Comparison
| River | Character | Best For | Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Croix River | Calm, scenic, wide | Canoe touring, families, wildlife | 8 canoe landings within the park |
| Kettle River | Easy rapids, narrower | Kayaking, more adventure-oriented | Multiple access points |
Seasonal canoe and kayak rentals are available through Pardun’s Canoe Rental, located inside the park. Day trips and multi-day canoe-camping trips with various route lengths are available. The park’s 10 primitive canoe-in campsites make overnight paddling trips especially rewarding.
Hiking: 127 Miles of Wilderness Trails
With 127 miles of trails, St. Croix has more trail mileage than nearly every other Minnesota state park combined. The trail system traverses river bluffs, deep forests, marshlands, and open meadows.
Trail Highlights
| Trail/Area | Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sundance Self-Guided Trail | 1.0 mile | Easy | Park history, wildlife, habitat education |
| River Bluff Trails | Various | Easy–Moderate | St. Croix River overlooks |
| Interior Forest Trails | Various | Moderate | Remote, wildlife-rich |
| Equestrian Trails | 75+ miles | Varies | Open to horses and hikers |
Many trails are also open for horseback riding, mountain biking (on designated paths), and cross-country skiing in winter.
Camping: From Drive-In to Canoe-In Wilderness
St. Croix’s camping options span the full spectrum from modern RV sites to primitive backcountry experiences.
Campground Overview
| Type | Sites | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Drive-In Family Sites | 211 (81 electric) | 3 campgrounds, modern facilities |
| Canoe-In Sites | 10 | Primitive, riverside, paddle-access only |
| Backpack Sites | 2 | Remote wilderness camping |
| Walk-In Sites | 4 | Short walk from parking |
| Equestrian Sites | 40 | Horse-friendly amenities |
| Housekeeping Cabins | 6 (seasonal) | Full kitchen, beds, electricity |
| Guest Houses | 2 (year-round) | Larger groups, heated |
| Group Centers | Multiple | Dining halls, lodging, group activities |
Winter camping is also available for the adventurous. The group centers with dining halls make St. Croix especially popular for scout troops, retreats, and family reunions.
Wildlife
The park’s immense size supports exceptional biodiversity. White-tailed deer, black bears, timber wolves, and bald eagles all inhabit the park. River otters play in the Kettle River, and the diverse forest habitats attract over 200 bird species throughout the year.
Visitor Information
Getting There
St. Croix State Park is located at 30065 St. Croix Park Road, Hinckley, MN 55037, approximately 90 minutes north of the Twin Cities via I-35 to Highway 48.
Fees
A Minnesota State Parks vehicle permit is required: $7 daily or $35 annual.
Best Time to Visit
Summer (June–August) for river paddling and swimming. Fall (September–October) for spectacular forest foliage and quieter trails. Winter for cross-country skiing and peaceful solitude across 34,000 acres of snow-covered forest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is St. Croix State Park really the largest in Minnesota?
Yes! At 34,037 acres, St. Croix is by far the largest state park in Minnesota. To put that in perspective, it’s larger than Manhattan (22,830 acres) and bigger than several U.S. national parks. With 127 miles of trails, you could hike here for weeks without repeating a route.
Can I rent canoes inside the park?
Yes! Pardun’s Canoe Rental operates inside the park and offers seasonal canoe and kayak rentals. They also provide shuttle service for longer trips. Day trips and multi-day canoe-camping routes are available on both the St. Croix and Kettle Rivers.
Are there bears in the park?
Yes, black bears are present in the park. Store food properly using the bear-proof lockers at cart-in/canoe-in sites, or keep food in a hard-sided vehicle at drive-in sites. Bears are typically shy and avoid humans, but practice standard bear awareness precautions.
Explore More Minnesota State Parks
St. Croix State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Minnesota. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Minnesota guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Saint Croix State Park (a short drive away) and Hinckley Fire State Monument (within about an hour’s drive).
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Minnesota state parks online at reservemn.usedirect.com.
⛺ Camping at St. Croix State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 211 campsites across three campgrounds (Riverview, Paint Rock Springs, Old Logging Trail), plus separate equestrian, canoe, backpack, walk-to and group areas — 81 electric sites total (42 Riverview, 9 Paint Rock Springs, 20 Old Logging Trail, plus a separate 19-site equestrian campground); 2 backpack sites; 4 walk-to sites; 10 canoe sites; 40 equestrian sites (per park trail literature); 1 group site |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | 6 one-room cabins: Cabins A-E (clustered) and Jackpine (separate). Each has one double bed, sleeps 2 people (Cabin E is the only ADA-accessible unit). Full kitchen, half-bath (toilet+sink), campground shower access, fire ring/picnic table, parking for 1 vehicle. No heat or air conditioning. No pets or smoking. Guests must bring own bedding/linens. $95/night plus tax; seasonal mid-May-mid-Sept; check-in 3pm/check-out 11am. |
| Pets | Statewide MN DNR policy: leashed/enclosed, attended; service animals only in buildings/cabins. No pets in the 6 rental cabins. |
| Reservations | reservemn.usedirect.com or 866-857-2757; vehicle permit required. |
| Special sites | Modern group centers plus primitive group camps; canoe rental for St. Croix and Kettle Rivers; horse trails. |
| Season notes | Cabins seasonal (mid-May to mid-Sept). |
Camping questions about St. Croix State Park
Can you camp at St. Croix State Park?
Yes. St. Croix State Park has 211 campsites across three campgrounds (Riverview, Paint Rock Springs, Old Logging Trail), plus separate equestrian, canoe, backpack, walk-to and group areas. 81 electric sites total (42 Riverview, 9 Paint Rock Springs, 20 Old Logging Trail, plus a separate 19-site equestrian campground); 2 backpack sites; 4 walk-to sites; 10 canoe sites; 40 equestrian sites (per park trail literature); 1 group site.
How do you reserve a campsite at St. Croix State Park?
reservemn.usedirect.com or 866-857-2757; vehicle permit required.
Are there cabins at St. Croix State Park?
6 one-room cabins: Cabins A-E (clustered) and Jackpine (separate). Each has one double bed, sleeps 2 people (Cabin E is the only ADA-accessible unit). Full kitchen, half-bath (toilet+sink), campground shower access, fire ring/picnic table, parking for 1 vehicle. No heat or air conditioning. No pets or smoking. Guests must bring own bedding/linens. $95/night plus tax; seasonal mid-May-mid-Sept; check-in 3pm/check-out 11am.
Are pets allowed at the St. Croix State Park campground?
Statewide MN DNR policy: leashed/enclosed, attended; service animals only in buildings/cabins. No pets in the 6 rental cabins.
Source: dnr.state.mn.us (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at St. Croix State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome in Minnesota state parks and recreation areas as long as they are leashed and personally attended at all times.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash six feet or shorter (or portable enclosure) required at all times.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Only service animals are allowed in beach areas — pets are prohibited on swim beaches statewide.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Only service animals are allowed in state park lodging, camper cabins, yurts and tipis — no pet-friendly cabin program.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Emotional support/therapy animals do not qualify as service animals and are prohibited from park buildings.
Are dogs allowed at St. Croix State Park?
Pets are welcome in Minnesota state parks and recreation areas as long as they are leashed and personally attended at all times. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via dnr.state.mn.us. More: Minnesota state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for St. Croix State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
Top Tours & Activities Near Minnesota
from $79
from $110
from $195