RV Campgrounds & Parks In Scandia, Minnesota -- Find RV Parks

45.2536° N, 92.8058° W

Quick Overview

Scandia sits in the heart of the St. Croix River Valley, where Swedish heritage meets Minnesota's lake country charm. This small community of about 4,000 residents offers a peaceful base camp for exploring the scenic St. Croix National Scenic Riverway and the rolling hills of Washington County. The area's Swedish roots run deep, with historic sites and cultural attractions that give this corner of Minnesota a distinct Scandinavian flavor.

The camping scene here is intimate but well-established, with several RV parks serving travelers who want a quieter alternative to the Twin Cities bustle just 45 minutes south. These are primarily full-service campgrounds that cater to families and couples seeking a mix of outdoor recreation and small-town atmosphere. Currently, some locations offer free camping, making this destination more suited to RVers who don't mind paying for amenities and convenience.

From your campsite in Scandia, you're perfectly positioned to explore the St. Croix River's pristine waters, whether that's canoeing the calm stretches or fishing for walleye and bass. The Gammelgården Museum showcases authentic Swedish log buildings and hosts traditional festivals throughout the summer. Wild River State Park lies just 15 minutes north, offering 35 miles of hiking trails through hardwood forests and prairie remnants. The historic Taylors Falls area, with its dramatic river gorge and Interstate State Park, sits 20 minutes away.

This area appeals most to RVers who appreciate full hookups with a side of culture and history. The campgrounds here focus on families and offer amenities like playgrounds, swimming areas, and organized activities during peak season. If you're looking for primitive camping or boondocking, you'll want to head to Wild River State Park or explore options further north in the Chisago Lakes area.

Summer brings the warmest weather and most festivals, but spring and fall offer cooler temperatures and stunning foliage along the river valley. Winter camping is limited but available for hardy souls who want to experience Minnesota's snow country. Check our listings below to find the perfect spot for your Scandia adventure.

Top Rated Dump Stations in Scandia

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All Dump Stations Near Scandia

Station Name	Distance	Rating	Category	Cost
Savanna Campground	2.5 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Riverway Campground	3.3 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Golden Acres RV Park & Picnic Area	7.1 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Whispering Bay Resort	8.1 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Apple River Family Campground	10.4 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Wildwood RV Park & Campground	10.6 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Blue Waters Leisure Park	10.9 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Camping World	11.1 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Hillcrest Park & Marina	11.7 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
River's Edge Apple River Tubing & Camping	12.0 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies

Traveling to Scandia by RV

Getting to Scandia is straightforward via Highway 95, which runs north-south through the St. Croix Valley and offers some of the most scenic RV driving in Minnesota. From the Twin Cities, take I-35E north to Highway 97 east, then connect to Highway 95 north – it's about a 45-minute drive with gentle hills and minimal traffic. The route passes through Stillwater, where you might want to stop for supplies or a meal before continuing north.

RV drivers should note that Highway 95 has some winding sections as it follows the St. Croix River, but nothing challenging for most rigs. The road is well-maintained year-round, though winter conditions can create icy patches in the valley areas. For fuel and last-minute supplies, Stillwater offers several gas stations and a Cub Foods that's RV-accessible. Marine on St. Croix, just south of Scandia, has a small grocery store and hardware shop for basic needs.

If you're coming from Wisconsin, the Taylors Falls crossing on Highway 8 provides easy access, though the bridge has weight restrictions that rule out the heaviest Class A motorhomes. Most RVs under 40 feet and standard weight limits handle this route fine. The scenic Osceola crossing further north offers an alternative route with fewer restrictions but adds about 15 minutes to your drive time.

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Dump Station Costs in Scandia

RV camping in Scandia typically runs $35-55 per night for full hookup sites, with premium waterfront spots reaching $65 during peak summer weekends. These rates reflect the area's proximity to the Twin Cities and the quality amenities most local campgrounds provide. Currently, a portion% of the area's several campgrounds offer free camping, while a portion% charge fees for their services and amenities.

Seasonal pricing varies significantly, with summer rates (June through August) running 20-30% higher than spring and fall periods. Many campgrounds offer weekly and monthly rates that can reduce costs for longer stays, particularly attractive to snowbirds passing through in spring and fall migrations.

Good Sam and Passport America memberships can provide 10-15% discounts at participating campgrounds in the area. For budget-conscious RVers, consider staying at Wild River State Park's primitive sites for around $15-20 per night, then driving into Scandia for activities and supplies.

Groceries and fuel costs run slightly higher than Twin Cities averages due to the rural location, so stock up in Stillwater if you're watching expenses. Local restaurants are reasonably priced, with most dinner entrees ranging $12-18 at family-friendly establishments.

Free: 3 stations (75%)

Paid: 1 station (25%)

Contact station for pricing details.

Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.

What RVers Are Saying About Scandia

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Best Time to Visit Scandia by RV

❄️

Winter

December-February

5-25°F

Crowds: Low

Limited campground availability; most close November through March. Wild River State Park offers winter camping for hardy souls.

🌸

Spring

March-May

35-65°F

Crowds: Low

Campgrounds reopen in April; excellent time for hiking and fishing. Book ahead for Memorial Day weekend.

☀️

Summer

June-August

60-80°F

Crowds: High

Peak season with festivals and events. Reserve well ahead, especially for Midsummer Festival in June.

🍂

Fall

September-November

40-70°F

Crowds: Medium

Spectacular foliage in early October. Many campgrounds close after Halloween; confirm availability before arrival.

Explore the Scandia Area

For the best overall experience, focus on campgrounds that offer direct river access or are within walking distance of Scandia's historic downtown area. The local campgrounds tend to fill up during Midsummer Festival in June and the autumn color peak in early October, so book ahead for these periods.

Boondockers should head to Wild River State Park, about 15 minutes north, which offers primitive camping sites without hookups in a beautiful natural setting. The park's trail system connects to the Scandia area via the Gateway State Trail, making it perfect for cyclists and hikers.

Don't miss the Gammelgården Museum's summer events, especially if you're here during Swedish heritage festivals. The museum grounds are walkable from most Scandia campgrounds. For groceries and dining, drive south to Marine on St. Croix or Stillwater rather than relying on Scandia's limited options.

Pet owners will appreciate the numerous off-leash areas along the St. Croix River, but keep dogs leashed in town and at most campgrounds. The best photography spots include the Scandia overlook on Highway 95 and the historic church grounds, particularly stunning during fall foliage season in early October.

National Parks Nearby

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Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Scandia

What are the best RV campgrounds in Scandia?

Scandia's campgrounds focus on family-friendly amenities with full hookups and river access. The area's {{stationCount}} parks offer a mix of waterfront sites and wooded settings. Most feature swimming areas, playgrounds, and organized activities during summer months, making them ideal for families seeking a peaceful Minnesota lake country experience.

Is there free RV camping near Scandia?

Currently {{freeCount}} of Scandia's {{stationCount}} campgrounds offer free camping, so budget travelers should look to nearby Wild River State Park for primitive camping around $15-20 per night. The state park offers beautiful natural settings without hookups, about 15 minutes north of Scandia's downtown area.

What is the best time of year to camp in Scandia?

Summer offers the warmest weather and most festivals, but early fall provides spectacular foliage along the St. Croix River Valley. Spring brings excellent fishing and fewer crowds, while winter camping is limited to hardy souls at state parks. Book ahead for Midsummer Festival in June and peak foliage in early October.

Are there full hookup RV parks in Scandia?

Yes, Scandia's campgrounds primarily offer full hookup sites with water, electric, and sewer connections. These parks cater to families and couples wanting amenities like restrooms, showers, and recreational facilities. Rates typically run $35-55 per night, with premium waterfront sites reaching $65 during peak summer weekends.

Can I visit the Gammelgården Museum from RV campgrounds?

Absolutely – the Gammelgården Museum showcasing Swedish heritage is within walking or short driving distance from most Scandia campgrounds. The museum features authentic log buildings and hosts traditional festivals throughout summer. Plan your visit around special events like Midsummer celebrations for the full cultural experience of this historic Swedish settlement.

What outdoor activities are available near Scandia campgrounds?

The St. Croix National Scenic Riverway offers excellent canoeing, kayaking, and fishing just minutes from most campgrounds. Wild River State Park provides 35 miles of hiking trails through hardwood forests and prairie. The Gateway State Trail connects to regional trail systems, perfect for cycling and walking from your campsite to area attractions.