State Parks near Eau Claire, WI

The Great Lakes Region of the Upper Midwest is known for its rolling farmlands and spatterings of major cities. But just outside of Minneapolis, Minnesota, between Duluth and Rochester, is the small town of Washington, MN. Located on the border of Minnesota and Wisconsin on the St. Croix River is Afton State Park. Only about 1,600 acres, this park is on the smaller side, but if quaint is what you’re looking for, then this is your place.

In 1969, the state of Minnesota selected the area that would soon be known as Afton State Park to be conserved and maintained by the state. The park is made up of a combination of large ravines, oak woodlands, and open …

Just a few miles north of Sandstone, surrounding the banks of Kettle River in Minnesota, is Banning State Park. The park protects over 6,000 acres of Mille Lacs Uplands, an area that still bears the scars of the forest fires and growing industry of the 19th century. Even though the land is still recovering, the birch and aspen forests, along with the sounds of songbirds and running water, transformed this place into a true garden of tranquility.

With Kettle River and its rapids as the park’s focal point, some of the favorite activities include kayaking and fishing. Banning State Park campgrounds are lovely and decently equipped, so RV campers often book them in advance, as there's only a limited …

In the southeastern corner of Minnesota, sits Beaver Creek Valley State Park, an underrated, often-overlooked gem. Fed by the “Big Spring” found upstream, the water is exceptionally clear and cold. The banks are lined by moss-clad stones and gnarled old oak, basswood, and walnut trees.

Once inhabited by Native American tribes that roamed this part of the state, the first European settlers arrived in the area in the mid-1850s. Though they had intended to take advantage of the rich soil by creating farms, they found that the terrain was too steep and rocky, and thus Beaver Creek was preserved. Beaver Creek Valley State Park was officially established in 1937.

Surrounded by industrious farmlands growing a variety of crops ranging from …

Located right in the heart of west-central Wisconsin is Black River State Forest, covering a massive 67,000 acres. Two forks of the Black River flow through this forest, along with high sandstone abutments. For those campers without their own rig, and wishing to explore this amazing forest and the surrounding area, book an RV in Jackson County. Located near the city of Black River Falls, the forest is easily accessible from other close cities like Sparta and Melrose. On your motorhome camping trip to Black River State Forest, set aside plenty of time to explore the extensive trails of this rugged forest.

Established in 1957, much of the area was strongly influenced by glaciation. Once the glaciers …

Located on the banks of the Bois Brule River in the northwestern corner of Wisconsin, Brule River State Forest is heaven on Earth for outdoor enthusiasts. If you love nature, escaping the city, and indulging in outdoor adventures, the list of features in this 45,000-plus-acre park will have you licking your lips.

Some of the highlights include excellent trout fishing, beautiful river paddling, hiking on the North Country Scenic Trail, and several miles of shoreline on spectacular Lake Superior. And with two campgrounds catering to the needs of RV and tent campers alike, Brule River State Forest is a wonderful spot for anyone looking to enjoy a peaceful camping vacation.

Situated at the confluence of Route 64 and Route 27, Brunet Island State Park is easily accessible from Eau Claire and the surrounding towns of central Wisconsin. Just over a two-hour drive from Minneapolis, MN, consider Brunet Island State Park camping to escape the stresses of big city life.

The park is named after Jean Brunet, a French immigrant who once lived here and played an integral role in the development of the Chippewa River. His contributions included the construction of the first dam and sawmills in the area, remnants of which can be seen today. Opened as a state park in 1940, you can enjoy its diverse landscapes and unique flora and fauna.

Formed by the joining of …

Big, beautiful, and boasting a host of great activities for water sports enthusiasts and nature lovers, Buckhorn State Park has a whole lot to offer as a camping destination.

Located less than 15 miles southeast of Necedah in the heart of Wisconsin, this 8,000-acre park offers something to keep just about everyone happy. Situated on the shores of Castle Rock Lake, where the Wisconsin and Yellow River meet, the park is well-known as a great boating, fishing, and swimming destination. But with pretty hiking trails, hunting, and winter sports activities also on offer, you'll need to stay awhile to experience everything the park has to offer.

Happily, Buckhorn State Park also boasts a 68-site campground where you and your camper …

In the southeast corner of Minnesota, near the border that it shares with Wisconsin and Iowa, is Carley State Park. This state park is a wonderful place to visit when you book an RV in Wabasha County, as it provides an easy way to camp with an RV in the area. Carley State Park can trace its natural history to over 450 million years ago, back to when a shallow sea covered large sections of North America.

Carley State Park in modern-day covers over 200 acres and was founded in 1949. The recent human history includes that of the Dakota Native Americans, who once hunted, farmed, and sustained themselves on wild food found throughout the Whitewater River Valley. In …

Often regarded as one of the most scenic state parks anywhere in Wisconsin, Copper Falls State Park is a nature lover's delight. Located two miles northeast of Mellen, this 3,068-acre park boasts an eye-catching landscape of vast gorges and breathtaking waterfalls. It'll not only have you reaching for your camera at every opportunity, but also itching to get into the great outdoors and explore the surrounding natural beauty.

Visitors to the park will find 17 miles of hiking trails, excellent boating and fishing, and an ideal environment for winter sports. Throw in the inclusion of two pretty campgrounds and it soon becomes clear that Copper Falls State Park is the perfect destination to camp in a motorhome rental.

If you're a water sports enthusiast or if you're just looking for a tranquil camping destination, you'll love Council Grounds State Park. Located just to the west of Merrill in Wisconsin's Lincoln County, this 509-acre park sits on the shores of Lake Alexander, a dam on the Wisconsin River.

Swimming, boating, and fishing are by far the most popular pastimes, but Council Grounds State Park campers can also take advantage of seven hiking trails, snow sports opportunities, and much more. Even better, there's a pretty and peaceful family campground that offers all the creature comforts, ensuring you'll have everything you need to enjoy a relaxing stay.

Effigy Mounds National Monument is located near McGregor, Iowa, less than a mile from the mighty Mississippi River. The monument is a collection of mounds that were part of a culture that transcended individual tribes and is considered to be an archeological treasure providing insight into Native American culture. These mounds were not constructed for burial purposes, as many of the tribes continued to build circular mounds for burial. The Effigy Mounds Culture utilized hills in the shape of animals such as deer, bison, and turtle, among others. Archeologists believe that the mounds may have been created to honor seasonal events, to mark territory or for other purposes, but their actual purpose is still unknown.

Today the monument is …

If you're searching for untamed wilderness, abundant recreational activities, and a rustic camping experience, Flambeau River State Forest might just be your perfect destination. Located in northwestern Wisconsin, this 90,000-plus-acre forest offers the sort of features that true outdoors enthusiasts dream of.

The North and South Forks of the Flambeau River converge within the park, so fishing and whitewater rafting are two of the main attractions to enjoy. But with excellent swimming, hiking, biking, and hunting opportunities on offer, there's plenty to keep campers of all ages happy. And with two peaceful campgrounds to choose from, Flambeau River State Forest is the sort of location you'll want to return to again and again.

Fort Snelling State Park is situated in the southeast portion of Minnesota near the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers. The park is best known for containing Fort Snelling, which was used by the U.S. Army during the 1800s to manage the local fur trade. Besides its historic structures, this state park also features stunning landscapes that range from forests to meadows.

This area of Minnesota is somewhat warm during the summer, although winters can be brutally cold. Fort Snelling State Park is located near cities such as Minneapolis and Burnsville.

Learn about Hopewellian culture and history, explore hardwood forests and prairies, or just spend time fishing for catfish, crappie, and bluegill. This is just the tip of the iceberg of what awaits those who go RV camping at Frontenac State Park. The park is located on the Mississippi River, some seven miles away from Lake City, 11 miles away from Red Wing, and 24 miles away from the town of Wabasha. The park's proximity to an array of attractions and amenities only makes it more alluring for outdoor enthusiasts on a motorhome camping vacation. Don't have your own RV? No problem — you'll find a wide selection of affordable RV rentals near Frontenac State Park.

The park …

Sprawling over 19,343 acres, Governor Knowles State Forest is located in Northwest Polk and Southwest Burnett Counties in Northwestern Wisconsin. The state forest sits close to Wisconsin and Minnesota border making it a popular outdoor destination with locals from both states. The forest is located about 20 miles away from the town of Siren, WI, approximately 13 miles from Pine City. The beautiful St. Croix River flows along the edge of the forest.

Governor Knowles State Forest has previously been known as St. Croix River State Forest. It was renamed Governor Knowles State Forest in 1981 after Warren P. Knowles, a famous conservationist and a prominent former governor in this state.

Governor Knowles State Forest is a paradise …

The Great River Bluffs State Park lies along the border of Wisconsin and Minneapolis, on the banks of the Mississippi River that marks a natural boundary between the states. Although somewhat off the beaten path, the park is easily accessed via Highway 61 or Interstate Route 90, with approaches from Rochester and Minneapolis.

Recognized as a state park in 1976, the area was originally known as O.L Kipp State Park, a nod to a man who was integral in building the Minnesota highway system. In the late ‘90s, the park was renamed after the prominent geological formations found there; its steep buffs rise 500 feet above the river, creating narrow valleys and unique ecosystems.

It is conveniently located between …

Located in northeast Wisconsin, Hartman Creek State Park is well worth a visit for anyone that has chosen to book an RV in Waupaca County. Conveniently located along Route 54, the park is easily accessible from the town of Waupaca, just a ten-minute drive away, as well as the larger cities of Oshkosh and Steven’s Point.

Before it was established as a state park in 1966, Hartman Creek State Park began its life as a fish hatchery that released smallmouth bass into Wisconsin’s rivers. Now, with seven lakes of crystal clear waters surrounded by towering pine, oak, and maple trees, renting an RV near Hartman Creek State Park has become the ultimate lakeside getaway.

The aptly named Interstate State Park straddles the Wisconsin-Minnesota state line, encompassing more than 1,600 acres on either side of the St. Croix River. Considering the park's diverse landscape and wildlife, it’s no wonder that campers from Saint Croix Falls, Taylors Falls, and beyond all frequent the park. Whether you want to climb the cliffs, hike across glacial potholes and old lava flows, conquer the rushing rapids, or simply explore the woods and thickets brimming with oak, maple, and pine, the park has you covered.

This is the first interstate park in America. In the mid-19th century, as the mining industry encroached on the area, government officials in both states worked to protect the land. Thanks to these efforts, …

Interstate State Park is currently the oldest state park in Wisconsin is one of the most loved state parks and is a perfect escape for a motorhome camping trip. Covering 1330-acres of forested land, the state park lies within the Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway and the Ice Age National Scientific Reserve in the city of Saint Croix Falls, WI, and includes the scenic Dalles of St. Croix River. Surrounded by basalt cliffs, cavernous depressions, stunning rock formations, and miles of trails, its no surprise why Interstate State Park is considered one of the best state parks in the area where you can go camping with an RV.  Wisconsin's state park is adjacent and alongside Interstate State Park in …

Lake Louise State Park lies in southern Minnesota, close to the Iowa border and the towns of Le Roy, Grand Meadow, and Adams. The park bases itself along the shores of Lake Louise, a man-made 25-acre lake. The lake is the perfect spot for a bit of fishing or boating and is surrounded by breathtaking picturesque views. Alongside the lake, Lake Louise State Park is also made up of over one thousand acres of prairie and deciduous forests.

This perfect balance of lakeside recreation combined the rolling green land of southern Minnesota makes Lake Louise State Park the ideal place to take an RV rental. Making your way to Lake Louise State Park with a rental RV …