Campgrounds and RV parks near Grant, MN

Water is the main draw. Big Marine Lake, Little Falls Lake, and the St. Croix River all support swimming, fishing, and paddling. At William O'Brien State Park, the St. Croix and adjacent Lake Alice hold northern pike, walleye, bass, and trout, and the river doubles as a canoe route and migratory bird corridor. Hiking and biking are strong at both state parks. Willow River State Park features Willow Falls and the Willow River Gorge, with miles of hiking trails through prairie remnants and forested gorges. William O'Brien has about 12 miles of trails through woodlands and wetlands. Apple River Hide-A-Way is set up for tubing trips on the Apple River. Families staying at Disabled Veterans Campground on Big Marine Lake can use a sandy swim beach, marina with boat rentals, playgrounds, and a game room on site.

Peak season runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Summer weekends at William O'Brien and Willow River book out quickly, and the Wisconsin state park system enforces a two-night minimum from May 15 through October plus a three-night minimum on holiday weekends. Willow River's campground has one of the highest occupancy rates in the Wisconsin State Park System, so early reservations matter. Spring and fall bring milder weather, fewer crowds, and better midweek availability. William O'Brien's Riverway campground and its dump station operate roughly mid-April through mid-October, while the Savanna campground stays open year-round with 50-amp electric sites useful for shoulder-season RV travel. Winter camping is limited but available. William O'Brien keeps three of its four camper cabins operating through winter, and Willow River water systems and some buildings shut down in the off-season. Groomed cross-country ski trails at William O'Brien and snowshoeing along the Riverside Trail are the main cold-season draws.

Sites accommodate a wide range of rigs. William O'Brien has 124 single-family campsites, 71 of them with electric, and can handle RVs up to 60 feet, with modern flush toilets, hot showers, and a seasonal dump station. Willow River's 100 and 300 campgrounds together hold about 120 sites and can accommodate tents up to the largest RVs, with flush toilets and showers. Full hookups are limited at the state parks. Travelers who need water, sewer, and 30 or 50 amp electric at the site are better served by Disabled Veterans Campground on Big Marine Lake or a private RV park. Cell service can be spotty inside the state parks, so download maps before arrival. Minnesota and Wisconsin both restrict moving firewood to prevent tree pests, so plan to buy firewood on site or from an approved local vendor rather than hauling it in.