Wild River State Park
3 notices: Special deer hunt · Ranger station hours · Guest house closure — details
- Status
- Temporarily closedDaily 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- Entrance fee
- Statewide rule — see below
- Day-use reservations
- None mentioned
- Dogs
- No dogs
- Camping
- YesAlso cabins, glamping or camper cabins
- Official site
- dnr.state.mn.us(651) 583-2125
Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. Details last changed Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current
Current alerts 6
Closure Special deer huntThe entire park will be closed to the public from 11/7-11/9 for a special hunt. Only hunters that were drawn and have a valid permit will be able to… (more)
The entire park will be closed to the public from 11/7-11/9 for a special hunt. Only hunters that were drawn and have a valid permit will be able to enter the park during those three days. Normal camping and day use will resume on 11/10/2026.
Posted by the park. Official alert
Partial closure Water off datesWater is off for the season in the main campground: shower buildings, spigots and the dump station are closed. Water is available to fill at the… (more)
Water is off for the season in the main campground: shower buildings, spigots and the dump station are closed. Water is available to fill at the office. Water will be shut off in the horse camp 11/2/26.
Posted by the park. Official alert
Partial closure Sunrise Trail partial closureA portion of the Sunrise Trail north and west of the former county gravel pit travels across private property and is closed until further notice.… (more)
A portion of the Sunrise Trail north and west of the former county gravel pit travels across private property and is closed until further notice. Visitors can access the Sunrise Trail from the campground area then turn around at the property line. Alternatively, visitors can travel from the parking area at Sunrise Landing to the property line, then return to the parking lot. Through traffic is prohibited. At this time, there is not an alternative route for a through trail.
Posted by the park. Official alert
Closure Ranger station hoursThe ranger station and nature store are open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, with extended hours on Friday and Saturday evenings through 10/24/2026.… (more)
The ranger station and nature store are open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, with extended hours on Friday and Saturday evenings through 10/24/2026. When it's closed, buy permits online.
Posted by the park. Official alert
Closure Guest house closureThe guest house is closed through January 2027 for accessibility renovations and remodeling. Thank you for your support as we improve our facilities!
Posted by the park. Official alert
Partial closure Snake River Campground is open until the end of November or until the first plowable snowfall.Wild River State Park manages the Snake River Campground in the Chengwatana State Forest, an hour north of the park. The campground will close for… (more)
Wild River State Park manages the Snake River Campground in the Chengwatana State Forest, an hour north of the park. The campground will close for the season on November 30th (or for the first snowfall). Last updated October 22, 2026.
Posted by the park. Official alert
Overview
Covering about 6,596 acres, Wild River State Park lies in Chisago County, about 10 miles east of North Branch.
Popular activities here are cross-country skiing, winter sports, canoeing and kayaking, boating, and wildlife watching. Its trail network totals roughly 5 miles, according to the park. For overnight stays there are 7 camping areas (RV sites with electric hookups, tent sites, group camping, equestrian camping, and showers). If you'd rather not camp, the park offers cabins and camper cabins or similar shelters.
Hours
Park, gate, office and facility hours are listed separately because they often differ. Alerts above override normal hours.
| Facility | Days | Hours | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park | Daily | 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. | — |
| Office | Daily | 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. | — |
| Park | Programs: Naturalist programs are on the DNR Events Calendar and schedules posted in the park. Showers: Shower buildings are closed for the season. Buildings: The trail center is open daily. The visitor center is open daily, and the exhibit room is open most days from 9-3 (or sometimes longer). Water: Water is off for the season in the campground, restroom/shower buildings, picnic shelter and dump station. Water is available in the horse camp through October 31. Water is available at the trail center (water bottle filling station inside) and ranger station year-round. RVs: The park has typical gravel back-in sites that vary in spur length. There are two non-electric pull-through sites. The dump station is closed for the season. Water and a hose are available at the ranger station year-round. Rentals: Please call the ranger station for information on local vendors and paddling opportunities. We keep birding kits and kids' activity kits at the ranger station for checkout. There is also fishing poles with basic tackle kits for checkout at the visitor center. Dump station: The dump station is closed for the season. Water and a hose are available at the ranger station year-round. Electric sites: The park has 34 electric sites, four of these remain open through the winter. There are no full hookups. The dump station is closed for the season. Water is available at the ranger station year-round. Bathrooms: Flush toilets are available at the trail center and visitor center. Campground restroom/shower buildings and picnic shelter restrooms are closed for the season. Vault toilets are open year-round throughout the park. Campgrounds: The group camp and equestrian campgrounds are open for the season and will close on 11/01/2026. Camping is available year-round in the main campground. Heated cabins and a guesthouse are available year-round. Trails: The park has 34 miles of hiking trails, 2.6 miles of surfaced bike trails, 2.6 miles of wheelchair accessible trails and 18 miles of horse trails. Horse trails are open for the season. Please note that a portion of the Sunrise Trail is closed indefinitely. Hikers and horseback riders are prohibited from traveling through the area posted as private property. In the winter, the park maintains 19 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails. No snowmobiles are allowed in the park. Wild River also has winter hiking and snowshoe trails. Drinking water: Drinking water is available year-round at the trail center and ranger station. Water in the campground is off for the season. | ||
Official wording
Daily from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m.
Daily 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with extended hours on Friday and Saturday evenings through 10/24/2026. .
November hours: Daily, 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., staff dependent.
The group camp and equestrian campgrounds are open for the season and will close on 11/01/2026. Camping is available year-round in the main campground. Heated cabins and a guesthouse are available year-round.
Programs: Naturalist programs are on the DNR Events Calendar and schedules posted in the park. Showers: Shower buildings are closed for the season. Buildings: The trail center is open daily. The visitor center is open daily, and the exhibit room is open most days from 9-3 (or sometimes longer). Water: Water is off for the season in the campground, restroom/shower buildings, picnic shelter and dump station. Water is available in the horse camp through October 31. Water is available at the trail center (water bottle filling station inside) and ranger station year-round. RVs: The park has typical gravel back-in sites that vary in spur length. There are two non-electric pull-through sites. The dump station is closed for the season. Water and a hose are available at the ranger station year-round. Rentals: Please call the ranger station for information on local vendors and paddling opportunities. We keep birding kits and kids' activity kits at the ranger station for checkout. There is also fishing poles with basic tackle kits for checkout at the visitor center. Dump station: The dump station is closed for the season. Water and a hose are available at the ranger station year-round. Electric sites: The park has 34 electric sites, four of these remain open through the winter. There are no full hookups. The dump station is closed for the season. Water is available at the ranger station year-round. Bathrooms: Flush toilets are available at the trail center and visitor center. Campground restroom/shower buildings and picnic shelter restrooms are closed for the season. Vault toilets are open year-round throughout the park. Campgrounds: The group camp and equestrian campgrounds are open for the season and will close on 11/01/2026. Camping is available year-round in the main campground. Heated cabins and a guesthouse are available year-round. Trails: The park has 34 miles of hiking trails, 2.6 miles of surfaced bike trails, 2.6 miles of wheelchair accessible trails and 18 miles of horse trails. Horse trails are open for the season. Please note that a portion of the Sunrise Trail is closed indefinitely. Hikers and horseback riders are prohibited from traveling through the area posted as private property. In the winter, the park maintains 19 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails. No snowmobiles are allowed in the park. Wild River also has winter hiking and snowshoe trails. Drinking water: Drinking water is available year-round at the trail center and ranger station. Water in the campground is off for the season.
Source: official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Times are local to the park (America/Chicago).
Fees and passes
Per vehicle: a state park vehicle permit (one-day $7 or year-round $35) is required for every vehicle; same price for residents and nonresidents. Four free park days per year. Iron Range OHV SRA states 'There is no entrance fee'.
Statewide fee rule from Minnesota's park system; this park’s page doesn’t list its own fees.
Minnesota park passes
- Year-round vehicle permit — $35. Unlimited visits to every Minnesota state park and recreation area for 12 months from the month of purchase Details
- One-day vehicle permit — $7. One day, one vehicle Details
- Additional year-round vehicle permit — $26. Additional vehicles owned by a year-round permit holder Details
- Year-round motorcycle permit — $30. Motorcycle, 12 months Details
- One-day group permit — $5. Group vehicles, one day Details
From the Minnesota state guide. Confirm which passes this park accepts.
Reservations
- Day use
- No day-use reservation requirement mentioned
- Booking system
- Reserve MN (US eDirect)
- Phone
- 866-857-2757
We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.
Pets
No dogs
No pets allowed.
Service animals are generally permitted where pets are not. Check with the park for specific areas.
Camping
| Campground or site type | Sites | Hookups / features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drive-in Sites There are 94 drive-in sites. Each has vegetative screening between campsites for privacy. No more than two camping structures per site: two tents OR one tent and one trailer. No more than one wheeled camping unit per site.
Two sites are doubles. Each can accommodate up to four tents and up to 12 people.
In winter, electric sites are available in the campground's D lane. Non-electric winter campsites are available in the E lane. | — | ShowersRVs up to The maximum RV length is 60 feet. Length is measured from front of tow vehicle to rear of vehicle being towed. | — |
| Pull-Through Sites There are two pull-through sites. Neither are electric. | — | Showers | — |
| Electric Sites There are 34 electric sites. | — | ElectricShowersRVs up to The maximum RV length is 60 feet. Length is measured from front of tow vehicle to rear of vehicle being towed. | — |
| Backpack Sites There are eight backpack sites. Distance to sites varies from 1/4 mile to two miles. There is no water at these sites. | — | Showers | — |
| Canoe-in Sites There are four canoe-in sites. These are located along the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway and available on a first-come, first-served basis. | — | Showers | — |
| Horse Camp There are 20 horse camp sites. These sites feature rustic camping without showers. 18 of these have electricity. Picket lines are available. | — | Showers | — |
| Group Camp There are nine group camp sites that accommodate 18 people each. These sites are for tents only. There is no drive-in access. Sites are 150 to 850 feet from parking. Area includes hand pump for water and vault toilets. | — | Showers | — |
Camping details from the park
Drive-in Sites: There are 94 drive-in sites. Each has vegetative screening between campsites for privacy. No more than two camping structures per site: two tents OR one tent and one trailer. No more than one wheeled camping unit per site.
Two sites are doubles. Each can accommodate up to four tents and up to 12 people.
In winter, electric sites are available in the campground's D lane. Non-electric winter campsites are available in the E lane.
Pull-Through Sites: There are two pull-through sites. Neither are electric.
Electric Sites: There are 34 electric sites.
RV Length Limit: The maximum RV length is 60 feet. Length is measured from front of tow vehicle to rear of vehicle being towed.
Accessible Sites: The campground has one accessible drive-in site. The site is near a restroom and has electricity.
Backpack Sites: There are eight backpack sites. Distance to sites varies from 1/4 mile to two miles. There is no water at these sites.
Canoe-in Sites: There are four canoe-in sites. These are located along the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Horse Camp: There are 20 horse camp sites. These sites feature rustic camping without showers. 18 of these have electricity. Picket lines are available.
Group Camp: There are nine group camp sites that accommodate 18 people each. These sites are for tents only. There is no drive-in access. Sites are 150 to 850 feet from parking. Area includes hand pump for water and vault toilets.
From the official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Site counts and prices can change; confirm when booking.
Cabins and lodging
- Camper Cabins
- Guest House
Accessible Lodging: Camper cabins 3 and 5 are accessible.
Camper Cabins: There are six cabins with rustic furnishings, heat and outlets. There is no indoor plumbing. All cooking must be done outside. Cabins 1, 2, 4, and 6 accommodate six people. Cabins 3 and 5 are accessible and accommodate five people. No pets allowed. Get more information on camper cabins.
Guest House: See guest house details and photos. The guest house will be closed this spring and summer for ADA renovations and remodeling. Thank you for your support as we improve our facilities!
Things to do
CampingCanoeing and kayakingWinter sportsCross-country skiingHikingWildlife viewing and birdingRanger and interpretive programsPicnickingFishingBoating
Trails
| Trail | Length | Difficulty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groomed Cross-Country Skiing Classic (winter) | — | — | We have 19 miles of groomed trails for both classic and skate skiing. Trails range from easy to challenging. A Great Minnesota Ski Pass is required on groomed ski trails for skiers age 16 and up.Groomed Cross-Country Skiing Classic |
| Groomed Cross-Country Skiing Skate (winter) | — | — | We have 6 miles of groomed skate skiing. The Amador Prairie Loops are groomed for skate and classic skiing (single track). The Highland Hills loops are for skate skiing only.Groomed Cross-Country Skiing Skate |
| Snowshoe (winter) | — | — | The park offers 5 miles of trails for snowshoeing and winter hiking. Hikers may use these trails or go off-trail as long as they don't cross groomed ski trails.Snowshoe |
| Accessible (summer) | 3 mi | — | 3 miles — The paved Old Logging Trail runs three miles linking the trail center, visitor center, picnic area and campground.AccessibleAccessible |
| Hiking (summer) | — | — | We have over 30 miles of hiking trails.Hiking |
| Paved Bike (summer) | — | — | The paved Old Logging Trail runs three miles linking the trail center, visitor center, picnic area, and campground.Paved Bike |
| Horse (summer) | — | — | We have 20 miles of horse trails.Horse |
Trail descriptions from the park
Winter — Groomed Cross-Country Skiing Classic: We have 19 miles of groomed trails for both classic and skate skiing. Trails range from easy to challenging.
A Great Minnesota Ski Pass is required on groomed ski trails for skiers age 16 and up.
Winter — Groomed Cross-Country Skiing Skate: We have 6 miles of groomed skate skiing. The Amador Prairie Loops are groomed for skate and classic skiing (single track). The Highland Hills loops are for skate skiing only.
Winter — Snowshoe: The park offers 5 miles of trails for snowshoeing and winter hiking. Hikers may use these trails or go off-trail as long as they don't cross groomed ski trails.
Summer — Accessible — 3 miles: The paved Old Logging Trail runs three miles linking the trail center, visitor center, picnic area and campground.
Summer — Hiking: We have over 30 miles of hiking trails.
Summer — Paved Bike: The paved Old Logging Trail runs three miles linking the trail center, visitor center, picnic area, and campground.
Summer — Horse: We have 20 miles of horse trails.
Trail conditions: The park has 34 miles of hiking trails, 2.6 miles of surfaced bike trails, 2.6 miles of wheelchair accessible trails and 18 miles of horse trails. Horse trails are open for the season. Please note that a portion of the Sunrise Trail is closed indefinitely. Hikers and horseback riders are prohibited from traveling through the area posted as private property. In the winter, the park maintains 19 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails. No snowmobiles are allowed in the park. Wild River also has winter hiking and snowshoe trails.
Boating and paddling
Boat Access: The main park landing and Sunrise landing have boat access.
Boat Docks: The main park landing has a boat dock. The dock is available from mid-May to mid-October depending on river conditions.
Canoe Access: The main park landing and Sunrise landing have canoe access.
Fishing
Fishing: The best places to access the St. Croix River are at the Sunrise Landing picnic area and the sandbar south of the Nevers Dam site overlook.
A state fishing license is usually required.
Amenities
Facilities
- Restrooms
- Flush toilets
- Vault or pit toilets
- Showers
- Picnic areas
- Picnic shelters
- Visitor center
- Nature center or museum
- Group facilities
- Drinking water: not available (stated by the park)
Water
- Marina or boat slips
Camping
- RV dump station
- Tent camping
- RV camping
- Electric hookups
- Group camping
- Equestrian camping
Lodging
- Cabins
- Glamping or camper cabins
Accessibility
- Accessible cabins or lodging
✓ listed by the park · ✕ the park says it is not available. Anything not shown here isn’t mentioned by the official source — that means unknown, not unavailable.
Accessibility
- Accessible cabins or lodging
Accessible Sites: The campground has one accessible drive-in site. The site is near a restroom and has electricity.
Accessible Lodging: Camper cabins 3 and 5 are accessible.
Camper Cabins: There are six cabins with rustic furnishings, heat and outlets. There is no indoor plumbing. All cooking must be done outside. Cabins 1, 2, 4, and 6 accommodate six people. Cabins 3 and 5 are accessible and accommodate five people. No pets allowed. Get more information on camper cabins.
Showers: Showers are available seasonally in the campground. These facilities do not have automated push button access doors but are otherwise accessible.
Flush Toilets: Flush toilets are available seasonally in the campground. These facilities do not have automated push button access doors but are otherwise accessible.
Read more from the park
Picnic Shelter: The picnic shelter is accessible, partially enclosed, and accommodates 50 people. There are picnic tables, a deck with two benches, two electric outlets, and a four-sided stone fireplace. The picnic shelter is available seasonally. Call the park to reserve.
Other: Our trail center is accessible and accommodates 55 people. The trail center has modern restrooms, two wood stoves, tables with chairs and a small kitchen with a sink, refrigerator and counter area with electric outlets.
The trail center is available for rent between April and October. The Rental fee is $50 per day. Call the park to reserve.
Accessible — 3 miles: The paved Old Logging Trail runs three miles linking the trail center, visitor center, picnic area and campground.
Official accessibility information
Conditions change. Contact the park to confirm specific accessible features before your visit.
Getting there
- Address
- 39797 Park Trail
Center City, MN 55012 - Nearest town
- North Branch — about 10 mi east (straight line)
- Coordinates
- 45.5242, -92.7545
- Phone
- (651) 583-2125
- wildriver.statepark@state.mn.us
Google Maps directionsApple MapsOfficial park map (PDF)
Directions from the park
From I-35, take State Highway 95 to County Road 12. Drive 3 miles on County Road 12 to the park entrance. Do not rely on a GPS unit to find the park's main entrance! GPS units direct you to the geographic center of the park (Sunrise Landing area), not to the main park entrance. Please consult a map or call the ranger station if you need additional driving directions.
Nearby state parks
Sources and freshness
- Minnesota State Parks and Trails — park page — last checked Oct 29, 2026
- MN DNR A-Z list of state parks and recreation areas (park IDs in server-rendered <noscript> links) + state waysides page; details from the compass feature_detail JSON API used by park.html
- Wikidata
- USGS PAD-US 4.1 (boundary and acreage)
“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. “Last changed” (Oct 29, 2026) is when the information shown here last differed from the previous check. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology