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Chengwatana/Snake River
Overview
The Chengwatana State Forest, located just outside Pine City, offers a rugged and authentic Minnesota wilderness experience. Centered around the scenic Snake River, this area provides a quiet escape for travelers who prefer nature over commercial resort settings. It is a primitive camping environment where the focus remains on the landscape and outdoor recreation rather than modern luxuries. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful retreat within the Snake River Campground, which serves as a gateway to miles of multi-use trails and water-based activities.
Location & Surroundings
Situated in Pine County, this destination is approximately 70 miles north of the Twin Cities, making it an accessible getaway for a weekend trip. The surroundings are characterized by dense hardwood forests and marshy lowlands, providing a rich habitat for local wildlife. The Snake River winds through the forest, offering a tranquil backdrop for those parked near its banks. The terrain is relatively flat but heavily wooded, offering a sense of seclusion and privacy that is often missing from more developed RV parks in the region.
Amenities & Park Features
As a state forest facility, the amenities here are basic and designed for dry camping enthusiasts. There are no electrical, water, or sewer hookups available, so RVers must come prepared with full tanks and sufficient power. The campground offers vault toilets and hand-pumped well water, though it is always wise to bring your own drinking water. Each site typically includes a fire ring and a picnic table, allowing for traditional campfire evenings under a dark, star-filled sky away from city light pollution.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The primary draw for visitors is the extensive trail system, which supports ATV riding and horseback riding throughout the warmer months. For water lovers, the Snake River is ideal for canoeing and kayaking, with several launch points nearby. History buffs might enjoy a short drive to the North West Company Fur Post in Pine City, a reconstructed 1800s trading post. Additionally, the St. Croix State Park is located just to the east, providing even more opportunities for hiking and birdwatching in a larger protected wilderness area.
Who This Park Is Best For
This location is ideal for RVers who own smaller rigs or truck campers and possess an adventurous spirit. Because the roads can be narrow and the sites are unpaved, it is not recommended for large Class A motorhomes or those who require constant connectivity. It is a perfect match for nature photographers and anglers looking to immerse themselves in the quiet rhythms of the forest. If you value solitude and a primitive boondocking experience within a managed forest setting, Chengwatana will meet your needs perfectly.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Paul Schmitt
First come/first serve state forest campground. $17 and totally worth it. There is no electricity, a shared restroom, and water is available via pump. It was very quiet and it is very well taken care of.
J Patrick Michaelson
26 very private and separated between many trees. The DNR guy is very nice and you will go around check on you make sure you're good you'll even offer you large bundles of wood for $5. You can even get doordash delivered there. However the cell service there sucks unless you have at&t. My Verizon barely had one bar.
Tom
Nice quite spot not far from the cities. Number of first-come-first-serve spots, all nicely secluded from one another. Easy access to river. New well and pump should offer drinking water. Simple toilets. Paul is a great host/caretaker!
Jesse Gillespie
The absolute basics in a beautiful location. Clean & well-maintained, but very simple: outhouses and, at the moment, no running water at all. Bring your own H20. The best part of this site is that I'd guess it's rarely full, so it's a guaranteed restful spot for very a very low price (you don't even have to pay the same day)!
Dylan Thomas
Great place for a quick getaway. We drove up Friday after work and appeared to get the last site at ~4pm. There was some sites that opened Saturday morning and they quickly filled. Bathrooms are acceptable and fresh water on site. Fun trails throughout the woods, multiple landing/beaches for getting in/out of tubes. We were able to hike all along the North banks of the river and eventually wade back across to the campground. Didn’t catch any fish, but there was many people fishing in the late afternoon and admittedly, I’m a beginner. Billions of crawdads.