S89.7 Highway 70 Landing - DNR St Croix Campground

For us Wisconsinites, the allure of the St. Croix River, a federally designated Wild and Scenic River, is a call to connect with nature's untamed beauty. If you're seeking a camping experience that offers both rustic charm and essential comforts, all while providing direct access to one of our state's most cherished waterways, then the S89.7 Highway 70 Landing - DNR St. Croix Campground is a destination you'll want to explore. Nestled within the expansive Governor Knowles State Forest, this campground provides a serene and authentic Wisconsin outdoor adventure.

As locals, we appreciate campgrounds that offer a genuine escape without sacrificing convenience, and this DNR-managed site perfectly balances those priorities. It's a place where you can launch your canoe directly onto the river, hike scenic trails, and unwind in a peaceful setting. This article aims to provide you with a detailed and engaging overview of what makes S89.7 Highway 70 Landing - DNR St. Croix Campground an excellent choice for your next Wisconsin camping trip, highlighting its prime location, the services it offers, and the features that ensure a memorable stay.

Location and Accessibility

The S89.7 Highway 70 Landing - DNR St. Croix Campground is strategically located at 15425 WI-70, Grantsburg, WI 54840, USA. This places it directly within the stunning Governor Knowles State Forest, a vast natural area known for its diverse landscapes and recreational opportunities, and crucially, just a quarter-mile east of the beautiful St. Croix River on State Highway 70. This prime positioning offers remarkable accessibility for Wisconsinites traveling from various parts of the state.

State Highway 70 is a well-maintained route, making the drive to the campground straightforward for those coming from population centers like Minneapolis-St. Paul (just across the border) or other parts of Wisconsin. The campground’s designation as a "Landing" indicates direct and easy access to the St. Croix River for launching canoes, kayaks, or even smaller boats, which is a significant advantage for paddlers and anglers. Its location within a state forest ensures a natural, wooded setting, providing a sense of seclusion and tranquility away from urban noise. Furthermore, being part of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway means the surrounding area is protected, offering pristine views and a commitment to preserving the natural environment. This blend of easy road access and immediate river access makes it an ideal spot for locals looking for both convenience and a genuine outdoor experience.

Services Offered

• Rustic Campsites with Electric Hookups: The campground offers 30 rustic campsites, with some providing electrical hook-ups (likely 30 amp), providing a balance of primitive feel with essential modern convenience for RVs and trailers.
• Spacious and Well-Separated Sites: Reviewers consistently praise the sites for being "huge and very distant from others" and "well separated," offering a good sense of privacy.
• Clean Restrooms: While the type of restroom (e.g., pit toilets) isn't always specified, reviews consistently note the cleanliness of the facilities.
• No Garbage Service/Dumpsters: Campers should be prepared to pack out all trash, as there are no dumpsters available on-site. This encourages a "leave no trace" ethic.
• Fire Rings and Picnic Tables: It is standard for DNR campsites to include fire rings and picnic tables at each site for cooking and dining.
• Firewood: While not explicitly stated for this specific campground, state forest campgrounds typically allow the collection of dead and down wood for campfires within the park, or offer firewood for purchase at a ranger station.
• Canoe/Kayak Access: Being a "Landing" on the St. Croix River, there is direct access for launching non-motorized watercraft.

Features / Highlights

• Proximity to St. Croix River: Located just 0.25 miles east of the beautiful St. Croix River, the campground offers excellent access to this renowned waterway for paddling, fishing, and scenic enjoyment.
• Rustic Charm with Electric Option: It provides a truly rustic camping experience while still offering the convenience of electrical hookups at some sites, catering to both tent campers and RVs.
• Large and Private Sites: Campsites are notably spacious and well-separated by foliage, ensuring a private and peaceful stay for campers.
• St. Croix Recreational Trail System Access: Enhance your stay by taking a stroll on the St. Croix Recreational Trail System, which overlooks the Wood and St. Croix Rivers, perfect for hiking and exploring.
• Wildlife Observation: Situated within Governor Knowles State Forest and along a scenic riverway, the campground offers abundant opportunities for birding and wildlife viewing.
• Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: The rustic nature and spacious sites contribute to a generally quiet and relaxing environment, allowing campers to truly unwind.
• Ideal for Paddlers: With direct river access, it's an excellent base for canoe and kayak trips on the St. Croix River.
• Forest Setting: Surrounded by forested terrain, providing natural shade and a classic Wisconsin Northwoods ambiance.
• Suitable for Various RV Sizes: While some sites might have length limitations (e.g., 25 feet), others are noted to be "huge" and can accommodate larger RVs, offering flexibility.

Promotions or Special Offers

As a campground managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) within Governor Knowles State Forest, S89.7 Highway 70 Landing typically operates under state park and forest regulations regarding fees and reservations. This means it generally does not offer commercial promotions or special discounts in the way a private campground might. Fees are set to support the maintenance and preservation of the state forest. However, there are aspects related to its management that could be considered beneficial:

• Wisconsin State Park System Passes: While not a discount on the campsite fee itself, purchasing a Wisconsin State Parks and Forests admission sticker is required for vehicle entry and provides access to all state parks and forests for the year. This can offer significant value for frequent visitors.
• Affordable Rates: DNR campgrounds are often priced to be affordable, reflecting their rustic nature and public service mission. Current nightly rates for electric sites are around $28 (based on older reviews, current rates should be confirmed).
• Reservation System: Campsites can typically be reserved through the Wisconsin DNR reservation system (WiDNR website), allowing campers to secure their spot in advance, which is a valuable "offer" during peak seasons.

For the most accurate and current information on fees, reservation procedures, and any specific policies, it is always best to consult the official Wisconsin DNR website for Governor Knowles State Forest or use their online reservation portal.

Contact Information

For inquiries and reservations related to S89.7 Highway 70 Landing - DNR St. Croix Campground, your primary points of contact will be through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, specifically for Governor Knowles State Forest:

• Address: 15425 WI-70, Grantsburg, WI 54840, USA
• Governor Knowles State Forest Office Phone: (715) 463-2898 (This is the most direct local contact for the state forest where the campground is located).
• Wisconsin DNR General Inquiries: You can also typically find information and make reservations through the main Wisconsin DNR website or their statewide reservation phone number (which can be found on their website).

Calling the Governor Knowles State Forest office directly is recommended for the most current information regarding campsite availability, specific site details (e.g., hookup types, size limits), and any special conditions or regulations for your stay. You can also ask about obtaining required permits or information on the St. Croix Recreational Trail System.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For us Wisconsinites, the S89.7 Highway 70 Landing - DNR St. Croix Campground is an ideal reflection of what makes camping in our state so special. It's a place that perfectly marries the desire for a genuine outdoor experience with the convenience of essential amenities, all set against the stunning backdrop of the St. Croix River. Its suitability for locals is rooted in its commitment to providing accessible yet rustic recreation in a beloved natural setting.

We appreciate that this campground, though managed by the DNR, goes beyond basic primitive sites by offering electric hookups. This means whether you're a tent camper seeking solitude or an RVer desiring a bit of power, you can find a comfortable spot. The consistently praised "huge and very distant" sites are a major draw, ensuring privacy and a peaceful atmosphere that allows us to truly relax and connect with our surroundings, away from crowded, noisy areas. The direct access to the St. Croix River is a priceless feature, enabling easy canoe and kayak launches for exploring one of our nation's wild and scenic rivers right from our doorstep.

Furthermore, the campground's integration into the Governor Knowles State Forest means an abundance of hiking opportunities on trails like the St. Croix Recreational Trail System, catering to our love for exploration. While the "no garbage service" policy promotes a responsible "leave no trace" ethic that many Wisconsinites already embody, it's a minor consideration for the immense natural beauty and tranquility on offer. For families, solo adventurers, or groups of friends, this DNR campground offers a quintessential Wisconsin experience – a chance to unwind, make memories, and rediscover the serene beauty of our state's incredible riverways.