You know how time just passes by in the blink of an eye? It had been somewhere around eight to ten years since I had last set foot in Afton State Park. I’m still trying to figure out exactly how long it had been, because that first visit was the one that changed my life — and I don’t say that lightly.
How It All Started
There was snow on the ground that day. Early winter or early spring, I honestly can’t remember. What I do remember is that I had signed up for an REI back-country navigation course — the kind where you learn to read a map and compass. What I didn’t know was that a chance parking lot conversation would give me one of my greatest friendships.
When I said “good morning” to the woman getting out of the car next to mine, I had no idea she would become an adventure partner for life. We introduced ourselves, started looking at the map together, and within minutes discovered that she had a cabin on Crane Lake and I had one in Lutsen. Something just clicked.
Endless Adventures
That was Lisa. Over the years, we have backpacked part of the Colorado Trail (one of the Collegiate Loops. I can never remember if it’s East or West. I just remember it was HARD and I wanted to DIE. She and I canoed the Boundary Waters and camped dangerously close to a forest fire. We backpacked the Angleworm Trail, camped in Voyageurs National Park, ran out of gas in the middle of Crane Lake and had to be towed in. We made 80 pounds of sausage together in one weekend. We have done Shot-Ski’s at Hungry Jack Resort on the Gunflint, and about a hundred other things in between. She is the most tell-it-like-it-is, nonjudgmental, in-your-corner, you-do-you human I know. She is MY Chica. Damn, I love this woman!
Mother’s Day weekend, for the first time since we met, we went back to the scene of the crime. We camped and hiked at Afton State Park. And it was absolutely glorious.
About Afton State Park
For those who may not be familiar, Afton State Park is a little gem located just a short drive from the Twin Cities Metro area, sitting right along the St. Croix River in Afton, Minnesota. It’s approximately 15 minutes from Woodbury, making it one of the most accessible state parks near Minneapolis and St. Paul.
The park offers a visitors center, beautiful pavilions for day-use, picnic areas, horseback riding trails, swimming, naturalist programs, and hiking along the river through wooded areas and prairie. Fair warning — the terrain is no joke. I probably should have remembered that considering the park is right next to Afton Alps Ski and Snowboard area. Forehead smack. Duh.
Afton State Park quick facts:
• Located in Afton, MN along the St. Croix River
• Approximately 15 minutes from Woodbury, MN
• Over 20 miles of hiking trails
• Horseback riding trails
• Swimming beach
• Hike-in and pack-in camping only
• Naturalist programs available
• Day use areas and picnic pavilions
Camping at Afton State Park: What You Need to Know
This is where I want to save you some confusion, because Lisa and I were absolutely talking about two completely different things when we made our plans and neither of us knew it.
Afton State Park only offers hike-in or pack-in camping therefore there is no drive-up campground. Which means that you have to pack your gear and hike to your site — which is part of what makes it such a special experience, but it’s important to know going in.
The Site You Want – Trust Me!
Lisa made our reservation and booked Hike-In Site 1, which neither of us could find on the website map. As a result, I was convinced we were hiking to a traditional campground. We were not. And I am so glad we weren’t.
I Was a Slacker
After she arrived early with her husband to set up camp, she met me in the parking lot around 5:40 so I could drive in from the north. We had other dinner plans first — because why eat backpacking food if you don’t have to? More on that in a minute.
When we finally made it back to the park that evening, it was time to grab my pack and make the 3/4 mile trek to what I thought was a campground. What we actually found was so much better.
The Best One Of Them All
Hike-In Site 1 was AMAZING. A short climb up a beautiful winding timber staircase brought us to the top of a plateau. Behind us was a wall of rock, and on top of that was the main campground — but you couldn’t see anyone. The other three sides were significant drops. We were completely secluded. Just us, the stars, and the deer that woke me up at 1 a.m. to let me know they were not happy about our presence. Oh — and I almost forgot the most important part. Down the stairs and just a short distance to the right were two biffys. It was like they put them there just for us.
Getting To and From Your Campsite
The trek in and out of the campsites — whether it’s the backpacking campground or Hike-In Site 1 — is essentially the same deal. You pack your gear and hike in. The path is paved and you have two options:
• Stairs from hell — shorter and more direct but steep. Not recommended if you’re not in great shape.
• The switchback — considered the accessible route, less intense but considerably longer.
You decide what kind of hell you want to endure. Either way, it will absolutely be worth it.
Camping Cost at Afton State Park
The cost is very reasonable. Our private hike-in site was $22 per night plus an $8.00 booking fee and taxes. Our total bill for the weekend was less than $55.00 — and that didn’t include firewood.
We purchased three bundles of firewood at approximately $8.00 per bundle. Now, it has been my experience that Minnesota State Park firewood is typically green and can be punky and hard to burn. This firewood was absolutely not that. It was dry and it burned hot. I don’t know if we just got lucky because it was early in the season, or if Afton State Park has figured out firewood. Let’s hope it’s the latter.
Where to Eat in Afton, MN
Here is one of my favorite parts of this trip — and a pro tip for anyone camping at Afton State Park. You don’t have to eat backpacking food the whole weekend.
The Current Restaurant and Bar
Both Friday and Saturday evenings we drove into town for dinner at The Current Restaurant and Bar in Afton. I made reservations for Friday night, though I’ll be honest — reservations probably aren’t necessary this early in the season. I’d imagine as spring moves into summer that changes, so it’s worth calling ahead.
As a self-proclaimed foodie, I was pleasantly surprised. The atmosphere is quaint and the lighting is unique and really lovely. Lisa and I both highly recommend the Current Old Fashioned — we’re talking Nummy-Nummy, in-my-tummy good. Neither of us was in the mood for a large entree so we ordered three appetizers to share:
• Duck Bacon Wontons — excellent
• Steak Bites — prepared medium rare to absolute perfection
• Truffle Sprouts — the flavor was good but the texture was a little disappointing. When I see sprouts, I want an actual sprout, not flaky leaves. Just my opinion. Ultimately, I would opt for a different choice but I’m still glad I tried them.
The service was fantastic. Our servers were friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about the menu. My only critique — and I say this with love — is that some of the skirts were a little too short for a restaurant setting. But that’s a minor thing.
Saturday night we went back and this time had the peach prosecco flatbread which was terrific. The Current is now a firm favorite.
Selma’s Ice Cream and Candy
After both dinners we stopped at Selma’s, the local ice cream parlor and candy store right on the main drag in Afton. It is extremely charming and the ice cream is excellent. Consider it a non-negotiable stop. Fun Fact: Selma’s is actually Minnesota’s oldest ice cream shop, dishing out ice cream since the early 1900s.
Hiking at Afton State Park
Saturday morning started off exactly the way a camping morning should — lazy. Coffee, a fire, books, and breakfast. Our friend Robin joined us mid-morning for a hike, and she mentioned the main parking areas were already packed. We headed to the northern trails to avoid the crowds and it was absolutely the right call.
The northern trails offer a completely different feel from the rest of the park. I was especially taken by the prairie restoration areas — something I don’t get to experience much living in northern Minnesota. We even spotted a turkey out there, which felt like a bonus.
Afton State Park Trail Map
The trails at Afton State Park are well maintained and clearly marked. The terrain is varied — you’ll move through wooded river areas, open prairie, and some genuinely challenging elevation changes. This is not a flat, easy stroll. Come prepared.
After our hike we grabbed our Helinox chairs and headed to the beach, where the sun was warm and the breeze off the river was just enough to put me straight to sleep. I come from a long line of champion nappers. I come by it honestly.
Afton State Park Hiking Tips
• Head to the northern trails on busy weekends to avoid crowds
• Wear sturdy hiking shoes — the terrain is hilly and varied
• The prairie restoration area is a highlight and worth seeking out
• Trails are well maintained but elevation changes can be significant
• Allow more time than you think you’ll need
Final Thoughts: Is Afton State Park Worth It?
In closing — yes. Absolutely yes.
I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of our stay at Afton State Park and would highly recommend it, especially for campers who don’t mind a little extra effort. The hike-in camping adds a layer of adventure that makes it feel more special than a standard campground, the price is incredibly reasonable, and the trails are beautiful and well cared for.
To sum it up, the park website can be a little confusing to navigate, particularly around the camping reservation process, so read carefully before you book. But don’t let that deter you — the trails, the seclusion, the St. Croix River views, and yes, the biffys at the bottom of the stairs, make it absolutely worth it.
And of course — any adventure is better with your people. Find yourself a Lisa. I highly recommend it.
Have you visited Afton State Park? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below! And if you’re planning a trip, save this post to your Minnesota travel board on Pinterest so you can find it later. Want to know more about the girl behind the adventures? Check out my About Page!