Tucked along the bluffs of the St. Croix River, Taylors Falls is one of the Midwest’s best-kept secrets, a small town with big scenery, just an hour from Minneapolis. Between the basalt cliffs of Interstate State Park, the scenic riverboat tours, and the charming main street, it’s no surprise more travelers are looking to stay overnight. And if you love the outdoors but aren’t ready to give up a real bed, glamping is the perfect middle ground.
Here are the top glamping and outdoor stays around Taylors Falls and the St. Croix Valley.
1. Big Rock Creek — St. Croix Falls, WI
Just minutes across the river from Taylors Falls, Big Rock Creek is the area’s standout glamping destination, a 1,000-acre outdoor playground in the heart of the St. Croix Valley with 9 unique glamping experiences to choose from.
This is “glamorous camping” in the truest sense: luxurious amenities you’d never associate with a traditional pop-up tent getaway. And the property itself is half the experience, guests enjoy water sports on the private lake, 23 miles of hiking and biking trails, and on-site bike and ranger rentals, with Taylors Falls’ restaurants, riverboat tours, and Interstate State Park just a short drive away.
Why we love it: With nine distinct stays on 1,000 private acres, no two visits are the same, and at about an hour from Minneapolis and St. Paul, it’s the easiest true escape from the Twin Cities.
Good to know: Big Rock Creek also hosts weddings, retreats, and events, so it’s a favorite for groups celebrating a special weekend.
2. Interstate State Park — Taylors Falls, MN & St. Croix Falls, WI
The crown jewel of the area, Interstate State Park actually spans both sides of the river, with a Minnesota unit in Taylors Falls and a Wisconsin unit across the bridge. While it’s traditional camping rather than glamping, the drive-in and walk-in sites put you steps from the famous glacial potholes and river overlooks. If you want to wake up inside the scenery that made Taylors Falls famous, this is it.
3. Wild River State Park — Center City, MN
About 20 minutes north of Taylors Falls, Wild River State Park stretches along 18 miles of the St. Croix. For a step up from tent camping, the park offers camper cabins, simple heated cabins with beds and screened porches, available much of the year. It’s a great budget-friendly glamping-lite option, especially for fall color season.
4. Camp Waub-O-Jeeg — Taylors Falls, MN
A family-run campground right in Taylors Falls along the river flats, Camp Waub-O-Jeeg is the closest place to pitch a tent or park a camper to downtown. It’s classic camping rather than luxury, but the location, walking distance to the boat landing and a short hop to Interstate State Park, is hard to beat.
5. Private-Land Glamping Stays (Hipcamp & Beyond)
The farmland and forest around the St. Croix Valley hide a growing number of small, private glamping staysm canvas tents, tiny cabins, and rustic hideaways listed on platforms like Hipcamp. Offerings change season to season, so it’s worth a search if you’re looking for something off the beaten path. Just read recent reviews, since amenities vary widely.
6. Afton State Park Yurts — Hastings, MN
If you’re willing to drive about 45 minutes south along the river valley, Afton State Park offers year-round yurts, round canvas-walled structures with bunks and wood stoves. They’re one of Minnesota’s most beloved glamping experiences and pair well with a scenic drive up to Taylors Falls the next day.
When to Go Glamping Near Taylors Falls
- Summer brings riverboat tours, swimming, and full main-street charm, book early.
- Fall is arguably the valley’s best season, when the bluffs turn gold and crimson.
- Winter and spring offer quiet, lower rates, and a peaceful off-season escape (check which accommodations are open year-round before booking).
Frequently Asked Question About Glamping Spots
Most glamping accommodations sit just outside town in the surrounding St. Croix Valley, including Big Rock Creek, minutes across the river in Wisconsin. Taylors Falls proper offers traditional campgrounds and small inns.
About an hour northeast of the Twin Cities, making the St. Croix Valley one of the closest true getaways for Minneapolis–St. Paul residents.
Glamping gives you the outdoor setting with real beds, furnishings, and usually heat or electricity, no gear required. Camping means bringing your own tent and equipment.
