State Parks Near North Branch, Minnesota
15 state park units lie within 50 miles of North Branch, including 6 parks across the line in Wisconsin. The closest is Wild River State Park, about 10 mi east of town. 4 parks are within 25 miles, close enough for an evening visit.
- Closest park
- Wild River State Park10 mi east
- Within 25 miles
- 4of 15 within 50 mi
- With camping
- 126 with cabins
- Dog-friendly
- 2pets allowed
State parks near North Branch, nearest first
Straight-line distance from central North Branch; driving distance is usually longer.
Wild River State Park
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.
Hours, fees and rules for Wild River State Park →Interstate State Park
Popular activities here are rock climbing, historic sites, canoeing and kayaking, boating, and fishing. Its trail network totals roughly 5 miles, according to the park.
Hours, fees and rules for Interstate State Park →Interstate State Park
Visitors come for rock climbing, canoeing and kayaking, hunting in season, boating, and swimming. For overnight stays there are campsites (tent sites).
Hours, fees and rules for Interstate State Park →William O'Brien State Park
Popular activities here are cross-country skiing, horseback riding, winter sports, swimming, and boating. Its trail network totals roughly 12 miles, according to the park.
Hours, fees and rules for William O'Brien State Park →Stower Seven Lakes State Trail
Visitors come for biking.
Hours, fees and rules for Stower Seven Lakes State Trail →Straight Lake State Park
Popular activities here are canoeing and kayaking, hunting in season, fishing, hiking, and picnicking. Its trail network totals roughly 8.5 miles, according to the park. Camping is available: campsites, including tent sites.
Hours, fees and rules for Straight Lake State Park →St. Croix Boom Site State Wayside
Popular activities here are picnicking.
Hours, fees and rules for St. Croix Boom Site State Wayside →Willow River State Park
The park supports canoeing and kayaking, hunting in season, boating, swimming, and biking. Camping is available: campsites, including tent sites.
Hours, fees and rules for Willow River State Park →St. Croix State Park
Things to do include horseback riding, historic sites, canoeing and kayaking, swimming, and boating. Its trail network totals roughly 127 miles, according to the park. On the water side, there is a swimming beach.
Hours, fees and rules for St. Croix State Park →Cattail State Trail
Things to do include horseback riding and biking.
Hours, fees and rules for Cattail State Trail →Fort Snelling State Park
Visitors come for cross-country skiing, historic sites, winter sports, swimming, and boating. The official site lists about 18 miles of trails. Water access includes a swimming beach and a fishing pier.
Hours, fees and rules for Fort Snelling State Park →Afton State Park
Visitors come for cross-country skiing, horseback riding, winter sports, swimming, and boating. On the water side, there is a swimming beach.
Hours, fees and rules for Afton State Park →Banning State Park
Things to do include historic sites, canoeing and kayaking, boating, ranger programs, and fishing. Its trail network totals roughly 17 miles, according to the park.
Hours, fees and rules for Banning State Park →Kinnickinnic State Park
Things to do include mountain biking, canoeing and kayaking, hunting in season, boating, and swimming. Its trail network totals roughly 10 miles, according to the park. Camping is available: campsites, including tent sites.
Hours, fees and rules for Kinnickinnic State Park →Lake Maria State Park
The park supports cross-country skiing, winter sports, canoeing and kayaking, boating, and wildlife watching. Water access includes a fishing pier.
Hours, fees and rules for Lake Maria State Park →
Best picks by activity
Camping near North Branch
- Wild River State Park 10 mi east · Campground listed
- Interstate State Park 16 mi southeast · 59 campsites
- Interstate State Park 17 mi southeast · Campground listed
- William O'Brien State Park 22 mi southeast · Campground listed
- Straight Lake State Park 27 mi east · Campground listed
+ 7 more in the list above
Cabins and lodging near North Branch
- Wild River State Park 10 mi east · Cabins or other roofed stays
- William O'Brien State Park 22 mi southeast · Cabins or other roofed stays
- St. Croix State Park 38 mi northeast · Cabins or other roofed stays
- Afton State Park 46 mi south · Cabins or other roofed stays
- Banning State Park 47 mi north · Cabins or other roofed stays
+ 1 more in the list above
Dog-friendly state parks near North Branch
- William O'Brien State Park 22 mi southeast · Pets allowed under park rules
- Fort Snelling State Park 46 mi south · Pets allowed under park rules
Swimming near North Branch
- Interstate State Park 17 mi southeast · Beach, pool or swim area
- William O'Brien State Park 22 mi southeast · Beach, pool or swim area
- Willow River State Park 37 mi south · Beach, pool or swim area
- St. Croix State Park 38 mi northeast · Beach, pool or swim area
- Fort Snelling State Park 46 mi south · Beach, pool or swim area
+ 2 more in the list above
Hiking near North Branch
- Wild River State Park 10 mi east · Hiking trails listed
- Interstate State Park 17 mi southeast · Hiking trails listed
- William O'Brien State Park 22 mi southeast · Hiking trails listed
- Straight Lake State Park 27 mi east · Hiking trails listed
- Willow River State Park 37 mi south · Hiking trails listed
+ 6 more in the list above
Fishing near North Branch
- Wild River State Park 10 mi east · Fishing listed
- Interstate State Park 16 mi southeast · Fishing listed
- Interstate State Park 17 mi southeast · Fishing listed
- William O'Brien State Park 22 mi southeast · Fishing listed
- Straight Lake State Park 27 mi east · Fishing listed
+ 6 more in the list above
Questions about state parks near North Branch
What is the closest state park to North Branch?
Wild River State Park is the closest, about 10 miles east of North Branch in a straight line. Next are Interstate State Park and Interstate State Park.
How many state parks are near North Branch?
15 state park units are within 50 miles, and 4 within 25 miles. That includes parks, recreation areas, historic sites and natural areas run by the state.
Which state parks near North Branch have camping?
12 parks list camping, the nearest being Wild River State Park, Interstate State Park and Interstate State Park. Check each park page for site types, hookups and how to reserve.
Are dogs allowed at state parks near North Branch?
Yes, at 2 parks, including William O'Brien State Park and Fort Snelling State Park. Dogs usually must be leashed, and some areas such as beaches or buildings may be off-limits.
Are there free state parks near North Branch?
None of the nearby parks list free entry; most charge a daily vehicle fee or accept an annual pass. Fees are on each park page.
State parks near other cities
- Near Minneapolis, MN41 mi south
- Near River Falls, WI48 mi south
- Near St. Cloud, MN59 mi west
- Near Lakeville, MN59 mi south
- Near Waconia, MN62 mi southwest
- Near Red Wing, MN66 mi south
- Near Hutchinson, MN82 mi southwest
- Near Brainerd, MN84 mi northwest
Or see all Minnesota state parks, Wisconsin state parks or every city we cover.
Built from official park data and updated as parks change; this list was last rebuilt Oct 30, 2026. Features shown are those the official source lists. Filter these parks on the map.