By:
Submission
Governor Knowles State Forest offers nine primitive campsites along the hiking trails. Reservations are required and a free special camp registration permit can be obtained by emailing the forest headquarters at least 7 days prior to occupying the site.
What a beautiful and quiet place to go for a hike! Went on a sunny Sunday afternoon and didn't see a single other person the whole time! Trails (the many miles of them) are pretty well kept, and terrain is pretty easy. Short drive from the cities. No cost to park or access trails as a hiker - I seriously don't understand why this isn't a popular area, but I am not going to complain! The dog and I loved it!!
Equestrian campground is well maintained. Trails are well groomed, not very many bugs. Trails are soft, shoes not needed. The trails are not challenging and scenery is pretty but nothing too exciting.
Beautiful hiking trail along the river. A best kept secret! Very few people on the most gorgeous of fall days.
The forest parallels the St Croix for miles. The St Croix river is awesome to fish. Lots of smallies...lots. Floated the river by day, stayed at the St Croix campground at night. Smaller campground, well kept and decent buffer between sites.
Hesitated between 4&5 bc mostly primitive sites with no bathhouse but it’s beautiful, quiet, loved canoeing the St. Croix river with Wild River Outfitter and hiking the trails with Deet! We were fortunate to have our bathhouse with us in our camper! Will come back!
