Afton State Park

Grand oaks and delicate prairie flowers grace the rugged, rolling landscape of this park. Trails traverse remnant and restored prairies, wind down deep ravines and rise up to the grassy ridgetops and bluffs overlooking the scenic St. Croix River. The trails are perfect for hikers, horseback riders and cross-country skiers. The park offers visitors a swimming beach, backpack campsites and a visitor center with interpretive displays.

Park Highlights:

Backpack Camping
Fishing
Swimming
Prairie Landscape
Hiking
Cross-Country Skiing

Camping

Backpack Sites 28 Rustic Sites
Located about 1 mile from parking area. Available year-round. Wood and water are available in the campground year-round.

Canoe Sites 1 Site
Site can be accessed from the hiking/bike trail. A canoe/kayak is not required to stay at this site.

Group Camp 2 Sites - Each accommodates up to 60 people.
Sites are located in a secluded camping area and share a water spigot for drinking water. Vault toilets available.
Site 1 - Semi-wooded area with smaller areas for camping. Can be accessed by vehicle and will accommodate tents and small trailers.
Site 2 - Large open area for tent camping only. Parking space is limited, and travel trailers/RVs are not permitted.

Trails

Summer

Wheelchair Accessible .6 Miles

Self Guided .75 Miles
Trail begins at visitor center.

Hiking 20 Miles
Paved Bike 4 Miles
Horse 5 Miles

Winter

Cross Country Skiing 12 Miles
Beginner loop is 2 1/2 miles long. The rest of the trails are intermediate or advanced.

Snowshoe 12 Miles
There are 12 miles of designated trail in the park open to snowhoes, hiking, and running. Foot traffic and pets are prohibited on groomed ski trails. Snowshoe rental is available from the park office for $6 per pair.

Other Winter Hiking Trail
The park clears 1 mile of the paved bike trail for winter hiking.

Recreation Facilities

Summer

Picnic Area 3 Picnic Areas
The Upper Picnic Area is near the parking lot and is wheelchair accessible.

The Middle Picnic Area is 250 yards beyond the upper picnic area and is wheelchair accessible.

The Lower Picnic Area requires a half mile hike from the main parking lots, and is located at the edge of the St. Croix River.

Picnic tables, fire rings, and pedestal charcoal grills are available at all three picnic areas.

Picnic Shelter 2 Shelters - 1 Wheelchair Accessible
A three-sided enclosed shelter with lights and electrical outlets is available at the Middle Picnic Area. This shelter is wheelchair accessible and has picnic tables, fire rings, a pedestal charcoal grill, and a vault toilet facility nearby. This is the park's only reservable shelter, and reservations can be made by calling the park office.

An open-air covered pavilion is available at the lower picnic area at the edge of the St. Croix.

Volleyball Upper Picnic Area
The net is up seasonally. Pick up equipment at park office.

Horseshoes Upper Picnic Area
Pick up equipment at park office.

Golf Course Within 10 Miles

Winter

Warming House In Visitor Center
Center also includes bathroom facilities, a wood stove and tables.

Water

Water Source St. Croix River
Fishing St. Croix River
Swimming Beach Within the park
Boat Access Facilities are located within 10 miles of the park.
Boating Restrictions Inquire at Park