Tent camping near Austin, Minnesota offers options from heavily wooded sites to open prairie landscapes across southeastern Minnesota and northern Iowa. The region sits at elevations between 1,000-1,300 feet and receives approximately 32 inches of annual precipitation. Most campgrounds in the area open in late April and remain operational through October, with midweek availability typically better than weekends.
What to do
Waterfall hikes: At Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground, trail conditions vary seasonally with spring and early summer offering the best waterfall viewing. "The trails were great and at the end of the trails there were beautiful falls. The falls weren't huge but there were pretty. A lot of things to photograph," notes visitor Halie B.
Creek-side relaxation: Schmidt Farm by Forestville provides backcountry tent sites with natural water features. One camper shared, "I picked campsite two so that I could hear the creek behind me and I enjoyed hearing it the whole time I was there plus the Forestville State Park was just across the creek."
Winter activities: Several parks maintain winter trails even when camping facilities close. "This park is great for hiking and winter snowshoeing and cross country skiing," reports Tim B. about Cannon River Wilderness Area, which offers different recreational opportunities throughout the year.
What campers like
Fall colors: Autumn camping provides distinctive seasonal experiences in the wooded areas. "This is a great campground for Fall camping. The color's are amazing. Nice hiking trails," explains Tim B. about Nerstrand Big Woods, highlighting the visual transformation that occurs in October.
Walk-in privacy: The walk-in sites at several locations offer increased separation from other campers. "The walk in site was great - close to parking with plenty of tree shade," reports Matt C. about his experience at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground.
Dark skies: Rural locations provide opportunities for night sky viewing away from city light pollution. Karen S. noted that Schmidt Farm by Forestville offers "A quiet, back to nature experience under dark skies," making it ideal for stargazing during clear nights.
What you should know
Site spacing: Campground density varies significantly across the region. At Rice Lake Wildlife Management Area, one camper observed, "It's a nice spot off of the main road. It's pretty quiet, but there aren't many spots to camp... if there are other people, that will really complicate your life."
Seasonal closures: Always check current operating dates before planning trips. Some areas have extended seasonal closures or maintenance periods outside the typical May-October window.
Weather impact: Spring conditions often affect accessibility at several locations. "Sites were great but a little wet. Some of the south trails are closed because its too wet," notes Timothy S. about early spring camping at Nerstrand Big Woods.
Tips for camping with families
Bathroom facilities: Amenities vary significantly between established and primitive sites. Hannah Y. reported about Nerstrand, "The bathrooms and showers were clean and well lit. Will definitely camp here again!"
Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds offer opportunities to observe local flora and fauna. Karen S. mentioned that at Schmidt Farm by Forestville, "The native wildflowers are a special treat," making it educational for children interested in nature.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience varying noise levels. One camper at Nerstrand Big Woods noted, "Nothing great but nothing bad. Hosts are very nice. Clean bathrooms. But can be loud from time to time."
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: RV campers should research site dimensions before arrival. Deb M. cautions about Nerstrand Big Woods: "There's some sites that are tricky to back a trailer into, which would have been helped by some maintenance - there were LOTS of branches that needed to be trimmed back."
Hookup variations: Facilities range from primitive to full-service. At Roberds Lake Resort and Campground, one visitor mentioned, "Hook ups a bit squished together... Small store and restaurant, ice cream parlor," indicating both challenges and conveniences for RV campers.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies throughout the region. "Through no fault of the park, cell service (both AT&T and TMobile) was terrible. There's WiFi at the office, which is just a short hike from the campground," reports Deb M. about Nerstrand Big Woods, important information for those needing to stay connected.
