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75 campgrounds and RV Parks near Shafer, MN. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
75 campgrounds
5707 campsites
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From $17/night
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Best campgrounds near Shafer, MN
Wildwood RV Park and Campground
Shafer, MN (3 miles away)
$$$$$
(113 sites)
+7
Interstate State Park
Taylors Falls, MN (4 miles away)
$$$$$
(37 sites)
+5
South - Interstate State Park
Wisconsin (5 miles away)
$$$$$
(45 sites)
+2
Camp Waub-O-Jeeg
Taylors Falls, MN (6 miles away)
$$$$$
(50 sites)
+6
Big Rock Creek
St. Croix Falls, WI (7 miles away)
+5
Wild Vines Campground
Taylors Falls, MN (8 miles away)
Wild River State Park
Center City, MN (11 miles away)
$$$$$
(96 sites)
+4
Savanna - William O Brien State Park
Minnesota (11 miles away)
$$$$$
(65 sites)
+5
Disabled Veterans Campground on Big Marine Lake
Minnesota (14 miles away)
$$$$$
(157 sites)
+9
Lakeview Park Inc.
Balsam Lake, WI (15 miles away)
$$$$$
+5
Kozy Oaks Kamp
North Branch, MN (15 miles away)
$$$$$
(80 sites)
+10
Skonewood Christian Retreat
Cushing, WI (16 miles away)
Most common amenities
Toilets Showers Pet friendly Dump station Playground Tables Grills Firewood Internet Laundry
Campgrounds near Shafer, Minnesota
Shafer sits in Chisago County along U.S. Highway 8, roughly forty miles north of the Twin Cities and minutes from the St. Croix River Valley. The area functions as a base for exploring Interstate State Park, the Swedish Immigrant Trail, and the small towns of Taylors Falls, Center City, Lindstrom, and Chisago City.
RV renters have a mix of options within a short drive. Wildwood RV Park and Campground offers full-hookup and pull-through sites, a heated pool, mini-golf, and free shuttles to Taylors Falls Canoe and Kayak Rentals. Interstate State Park, with its main campground on the Minnesota side split into North and South loops, provides wooded and riverside sites, and 22 of its 37 single-family sites carry electric hookups. Wild Vines Campground and Camp Waub-O-Jeeg round out the nearby choices, with Camp Waub-O-Jeeg spread across more than forty riverfront acres in the St. Croix Valley.
Most visitors combine one of these campgrounds with day trips to the Dalles of the St. Croix, local orchards, and Wild Mountain Recreation.
Things to do around Shafer
The St. Croix River is the main draw. Renters can paddle flat-water stretches, watch kayakers run the rapids, join a Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tour, or climb the basalt cliffs of the Dalles. Interstate State Park is home to the deepest explored glacial pothole in the world, and short trails lead from the campground area to the potholes and river overlooks.
Families typically pair river time with Wild Mountain Recreation in Taylors Falls, which runs an alpine slide, go-karts, and a summer waterpark. Closer to Shafer, visitors can pick apples at local orchards, walk the Swedish Immigrant Trail, and take in the small-town shops of Center City, Lindstrom, and Chisago City. Biking on the paved trail that runs through the area is easy and mostly flat.
Camping spots and RV parks near Shafer, MN
When to visit Shafer
- spring
March - May
52° / 36°F 65 mmWildflowers bloom; river outfitters open in May.
- summer
June - August
79° / 59°F 105 mmPeak season; weekends book weeks out.
- fall
September - November
54° / 36°F 65 mmStrong color in the St. Croix Valley.
- winter
December - February
23° / 9°F 25 mmCold and snowy; most private RV parks closed.
Peak season runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day, when the river outfitters, boat tours, and Wild Mountain waterpark are fully operating. Wildwood RV Park and Campground opens the first weekend of May and runs through the last weekend of October, with the on-site pool operating through the warm months. Summer weekends fill fast because of the short drive from Minneapolis and St. Paul, so booking well in advance is important.
Spring is quieter and cooler, with wildflowers along the river valley and canoe and kayak rentals starting in early May. Fall brings strong red, gold, and orange color through the St. Croix River Valley forest, along with apple picking and pumpkin patches.
Winter camping is limited but possible. Interstate State Park stays open year-round for day use, but most of the campground sites and the nearby private RV parks are seasonal, generally closing in late October and reopening in April or early May.
Top Hosts near Shafer, MN
Wade10 trips - Joined Apr 2023 - Superhost
Best vacation I've had! Thank you, Wade!
Nancy G. - Sep 2026
Great camper, perfect size. Double bunks were great for the kids. Wade is friendly and easy to work with.
Brian K. - Jul 2026
Amanda 4 trips - Joined Aug 2024
The vacation was great. Lots of room for the grand children. The RV had some issues that took away from the driving experience.
Kent N. - Jul 2025
How to book
Interstate State Park uses the ReserveMN system operated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Sites can be reserved online 24 hours a day at the ReserveMN website, or by phone at 866-857-2757 during the call center's posted hours. The booking window opens 120 days in advance, and on that first day new dates release at 8 a.m. Central Time. A Minnesota state park vehicle permit is required for entry and is separate from the camping fee.
Private campgrounds nearby, including Wildwood RV Park and Campground, Wild Vines Campground, and Camp Waub-O-Jeeg, take reservations directly through their own websites or phone lines. For any summer weekend or holiday, reserve as early as possible; river-view sites at Interstate State Park and full-hookup pull-throughs at Wildwood are the first to go.
What to expect on-site
Interstate State Park's Minnesota campground has 37 single-family sites in a wooded stretch along the St. Croix River, with 22 offering 30/50-amp electric hookups. Amenities include potable water, flush and vault toilets, hot showers in the north loop, a dump station, and trash collection. Sites accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs up to 45 feet, though some are tight for larger rigs and U.S. Highway 8 runs close enough to add road noise.
Wildwood RV Park and Campground is more resort-style, with full-hookup and water-and-electric sites, big-rig-friendly pull-throughs, a heated pool, mini-golf, laundry, hot showers, and a general store with free WiFi. Cell service is generally reliable across the area. RV renters should expect mosquitoes near the river in early summer and should bring firewood from local sources, since transporting outside firewood into Minnesota state parks is restricted.
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
List your motorhome or travel trailer for free on RVezy.
Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Shafer, MN
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Shafer, MN?
RV rental in Shafer is affordable for the St. Croix Valley experience you get. Travel trailers typically run $90 to $160 per night, Class C motorhomes $175 to $295, and larger Class A rigs $250 to $400. Because Shafer sits along Highway 8 outside the Twin Cities metro, rates are often friendlier than in the city. For a cheap RV rental Shafer travelers love, book a travel trailer with delivery to nearby Wild River State Park and skip the towing learning curve. Midweek bookings in May or September can shave 15 to 25 percent off summer pricing.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Shafer,%20MinnesotaWhat license do I need to rent an RV in Shafer, Minnesota?
Good news: a regular driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Shafer. Minnesota does not require a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or special endorsement for any motorhome or travel trailer typically listed on RVezy, whether it's a campervan, Class C, or fifth wheel. Approved RVezy renters are generally 25 or older, and ID verification happens quickly inside the RVezy platform when you book. Visiting from outside the U.S.? Bring your home country's license plus an International Driving Permit. Most first-time renters in the Chisago Lakes area are surprised by how simple the paperwork really is.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsIs my RV rental in Shafer protected if something goes wrong?
Yes, every RV rental in Shafer booked through RVezy includes a renter protection plan and 24/7 roadside assistance. During checkout you choose your protection level, which covers most accidental damage to the vehicle so you can head down Highway 8 toward Taylors Falls with confidence. While it isn't traditional auto insurance, it provides real financial peace of mind for your trip. Coverage levels and what's included are spelled out clearly on RVezy before you confirm, so you stay in control of how much protection feels right for your Shafer RV trip.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat if I need to cancel my Shafer RV booking?
Booking is low-risk. RVezy sets clear cancellation policies for every reservation, including a money-back grace period right after you book. Whether plans change because of a Minnesota winter storm, a work surprise, or a family schedule shift, your refund depends on how far out your trip is. RVezy (not the host) manages all cancellations, so the process is consistent and fair across every listing. If a host ever cancels on you, RVezy refunds you or helps you rebook. Full cancellation details are available on the RVezy Help Center before you confirm.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on a pet-friendly RV rental in Shafer?
Absolutely, and the St. Croix Valley is a dream for dogs. Use the Pet-Friendly filter on RVezy to see every pet-friendly RV rental Shafer hosts have available, then message the host to share your pup's size and habits. Wild River State Park, just north of Shafer, allows leashed pets on most trails. Interstate State Park in Taylors Falls is another favorite, with shaded river overlooks perfect for a hot afternoon walk. Pack a tie-out, a collapsible water bowl, and proof of rabies vaccination, which Minnesota state parks may ask to see at check-in.
dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/rules.htmlCan the RV be delivered to my campground near Shafer?
Yes, RV delivery is one of the smartest ways to start your Shafer trip, especially if it's your first time renting an RV. Many local hosts will tow or drive the RV directly to Wild River State Park, Interstate State Park, or a private property in the Chisago Lakes area, then level it, hook up water and power, and walk you through every system. You skip the towing nerves and the dump-station learning curve on day one. Delivery fees typically run $2 to $4 per mile from the host's location, and some hosts include free delivery within a set radius for longer stays.
dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/wild-river/index.htmlHow far can I drive on a Shafer RV trip, and is unlimited mileage available?
You have plenty of road to roam. Most Shafer hosts include 100 to 150 free miles per night, with extra miles priced around $0.30 to $0.45. Some listings offer RV rental with unlimited mileage, which is ideal for a longer loop through Duluth or the Mississippi River bluffs. From Shafer you can reach Taylors Falls in about 15 minutes, Stillwater in 45 minutes, downtown Minneapolis in roughly an hour, Duluth and Lake Superior in about 2 hours 15 minutes, and the Wisconsin Dells in roughly 3.5 hours. Filter by 'Unlimited Mileage' on RVezy to see which rigs fit your route best.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Shafer,%20MinnesotaWhere are the best campgrounds near Shafer, MN?
You're spoiled for choice. Wild River State Park (about 8 miles north) has nearly 100 drive-in sites along the St. Croix River with electric hookups and a modern dump station. Interstate State Park in Taylors Falls (about 10 miles east) offers dramatic glacial potholes and campsites tucked near basalt cliffs. Chengwatana State Forest near Pine City has rustic, quiet sites if you want to unplug. Several private RV parks in the Chisago Lakes area welcome RVs with full hookups. Reserve Minnesota state park sites up to 120 days ahead through the DNR reservation system, especially for summer weekends, which fill quickly when reservations open.
dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/camping.htmlWhen is the best time of year for RV camping in Shafer?
Late May through mid-October is the sweet spot for RV camping Shafer offers, when daytime highs typically run 70 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit and the St. Croix Valley turns lush. Fall foliage peaks in late September and early October, with brilliant maples lining Highway 95 toward Taylors Falls. July and August are warm and can be buggy near the river, so pack repellent. Winters are genuinely cold (often well below freezing) and most campgrounds close, but a handful of four-season hosts on RVezy rent winterized rigs for ice fishing trips on nearby Chisago and Forest Lakes.
weather.gov/mpx/I've never driven an RV before. Will I be okay starting in Shafer?
You'll do great, and Shafer is one of the easier places in Minnesota to learn. Rural Highway 8 has wide shoulders, light traffic outside rush hour, and gentle terrain, so you can build confidence before tackling anything bigger. Every host gives you a full walkthrough at pickup covering propane, slide-outs, water systems, and dump procedure, and you can message them anytime during your trip. If you're truly new, choose a Class C motorhome (drives like a big van) or book delivery so the RV is already parked and level when you arrive. First time renting an RV nerves disappear fast once that orientation is done.
rvezy.com/blog/how-to-rent-an-rvWhat happens if the RV breaks down during my trip?
You're never alone on the road. Every RVezy booking includes 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the protection plan, covering things like flat tires, dead batteries, lockouts, and towing. From Shafer, help can typically reach you anywhere along the I-35, Highway 8, or Highway 95 corridors. Save the roadside number in your phone before you leave, note your exact location or mile marker, and call right away if something feels off. Your host is also a quick text away for questions about quirks specific to their rig, like which propane valve runs the fridge. Most issues are resolved the same day so your Minnesota RV trip stays on track.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailCan I take my Shafer RV rental into Wisconsin or across state lines?
Yes, cross-state travel is one of the best parts of an RV road trip from Shafer. The Wisconsin border sits just east across the St. Croix River at Taylors Falls, opening up the Wisconsin Dells, Apostle Islands, and Door County. Most hosts welcome travel anywhere in the continental U.S., though a few set mileage or geographic limits that are clearly shown on the listing. Just confirm the route in your booking message. Travel into Mexico isn't permitted on RVezy rentals, and trips into Canada are case-by-case, so ask the host before booking if Thunder Bay or Winnipeg is on your itinerary.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039340074-Insurance-coverage-validityWhat kind of fuel economy and gas costs should I budget for?
Plan for honest numbers and you'll have no surprises. Class B campervans typically get 18 to 22 miles per gallon, Class C motorhomes return 8 to 12 MPG, and Class A rigs land around 6 to 10 MPG. Truck-and-travel-trailer combos depend on your tow vehicle but expect 9 to 13 MPG. Holiday and Kwik Trip stations in Lindstrom and North Branch (both under 15 minutes from Shafer) are reliable diesel and DEF stops. For a weeklong 600-mile Shafer loop in a Class C, budget roughly $200 to $260 for fuel based on recent Minnesota pump prices.
gasprices.aaa.com/state-gas-price-averages/How far ahead should I reserve a campsite near Shafer?
Book early and you'll thank yourself. Minnesota DNR opens state park campsite reservations 120 days in advance, and Wild River and Interstate State Parks often sell out for summer weekends within the first hour. For July and August Friday-Saturday stays, set a calendar reminder for exactly 120 days out and log in when reservations open. Midweek and shoulder-season sites in May, September, and early October are far easier to grab even a week ahead. Private parks in the Chisago Lakes area take direct phone bookings and often have last-minute openings. Pro tip: weeknight stays at Wild River feel almost private compared to weekends.
dnr.state.mn.us/reservations/index.htmlWhat are driving conditions like around Shafer?
Driving around Shafer is genuinely relaxing for RVers. Highway 8 is a divided highway from I-35 through Lindstrom and Chisago City, narrowing past Shafer toward Taylors Falls with gentle hills and wide farmland views. Watch for deer at dawn and dusk along Highway 95 and the county roads near Wild River State Park. Winter (November through March) brings snow, ice, and the occasional whiteout, so most leisure RV trips stick to April through October. Summer thunderstorms can pop up fast in the afternoon, so check the National Weather Service Twin Cities forecast each morning before you roll.
511mn.org/What amenities can I expect at campgrounds near Shafer?
You'll find a healthy mix. Wild River State Park has electric hookups on many sites, potable water fill stations, modern flush toilets, hot showers, and a dump station included with your camping fee. Interstate State Park offers electric sites and a dump station as well. Private parks in the Chisago Lakes area add full hookups (sewer at the site), Wi-Fi, and laundry. For dumping and water fills between trips, several area locations offer free or low-cost service. Always top off fresh water before leaving Shafer, since Highway 95 north has fewer fill stations than the I-35 corridor.
dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/wild-river/index.htmlWhat's actually inside a typical RV rental in Shafer?
More than you'd expect. A typical motorhome rental Shafer guests book sleeps 4 to 8, with a queen or king bed, convertible dinette, full kitchen (fridge/freezer, three-burner stove, microwave, sink), wet or dry bath with hot shower, roof air conditioning, furnace, and a propane water heater. Most have a flat-screen TV, Bluetooth stereo, and outdoor speakers; some include a generator, solar, or backup camera. Wi-Fi varies, so if you need to work remotely from the St. Croix Valley, ask the host or plan to use your phone hotspot. Seatbelted seating for everyone traveling is listed clearly on each RVezy listing for family RV trip Shafer planning.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Shafer,%20MinnesotaWhat add-ons and pickup options are available when I rent an RV in Shafer?
Hosts make it easy to customize. Popular add-ons include linen and towel packages ($25 to $75), camp chair and table kits ($20 to $40), bike racks, generators, kayaks, propane fire pits, and fully stocked kitchen kits. Pickup is typically at the host's home in Shafer, Lindstrom, Chisago City, or Taylors Falls in the early afternoon, with return by late morning so the next guest can begin. Need an early pickup before a Friday trip? Just message the host. Most are flexible. Mileage allowances and any pet or generator fees are spelled out right on the listing so there are no surprises at checkout.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Shafer,%20MinnesotaHow does payment and the security deposit work?
Payment is simple and secure. You pay through the RVezy platform with a credit or debit card when you book; never send money outside the site. A refundable security deposit (typically $500 to $1,500 depending on the RV) is held separately from your booking payment, usually a few days before pickup, and released after return assuming no damage. To avoid any deposit hiccups, do a walkaround video with the host at pickup and again at drop-off, return the RV with the same fuel and propane levels you got it with, and empty the tanks at a dump station before returning. Easy stuff, and it keeps your Shafer RV trip stress-free.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksCan I rent a campervan in Shafer for winter or cold-weather trips?
Yes, and a winter Shafer RV trip can be magical if you plan for it. A handful of campervan rental Shafer hosts list four-season rigs with heated holding tanks, enclosed underbellies, insulated windows, and reliable propane furnaces, perfect for ice fishing on Chisago Lake, snowshoeing at Wild River State Park, or chasing a winter sunrise over the St. Croix. Message hosts to confirm winter readiness. You'll want shore power at your campsite (a few private parks stay open year-round) and a heated water hose. Pack layers for temperatures that can drop well below zero in January, and you've got a true Minnesota adventure waiting.
weather.gov/mpx/Nearby cities with campgrounds
Minneapolis, MNDuluth, MNApple Valley, MNHopkins, MNPrior Lake, MNRice, MNLong Lake, MNHudson, WIChamplin, MNRockland, WIDurand, WIMaplewood, MNAitkin, MNSaint Anthony, MNCoon Rapids, MNSandstone, MNBecker, MNSaint Francis, MNSavage, MNBelle Plaine, MNOtsego, MNLake Wissota, WIGlenwood, MNRichfield, MN