1 campground with availability next weekend
Tent campers in the Austin, Minnesota region can access several established campgrounds nestled within the rural landscapes of southeastern Minnesota and northern Iowa. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground, located about 45 miles northwest of Austin, offers designated tent sites including both drive-in options and walk-in tent sites that provide more seclusion among the trees. The Cannon River Wilderness Area provides free, primitive tent camping with sites accessible via short hikes from the parking area.
Most tent sites in the region feature basic amenities with varying levels of development. At Nerstrand, tent pads have been upgraded to pea gravel surfaces, providing better drainage during wet conditions. Walk-in sites require a short carry from parking areas, though most are only a brief distance equivalent to "three car lengths" according to camper reviews. Facilities range from modern shower buildings at state parks to basic vault toilets at more primitive locations. The Cannon River Wilderness Area maintains minimalist backcountry tent camping with pit toilets but no potable water. One camper noted, "For free the area is awesome right by the river. The hike from parking is not bad at all about a 10 minute walk from parking to the farthest site."
The tent camping experience near Austin varies significantly between established and primitive areas. Sites in the outer loop at Nerstrand Big Woods provide more privacy and a deeper woods experience than the central campground area. Several campers mentioned that the walk-in sites offer better separation from neighbors and a more natural setting. The Schmidt Farm by Forestville, located southeast of Austin, provides a rare backcountry tent camping experience on private land adjacent to Forestville State Park. A recent visitor described it as offering "secluded campsites so you are not camping side by side with others" and "ample space for multiple tents." Seasonal considerations affect the camping experience, with spring featuring abundant wildflowers, particularly at Nerstrand, while fall brings colorful foliage throughout the region's wooded areas.
"Sites are approximately 2 miles from parking and the hike it relatively easy with minimal elevation change."
"This remote site is about a mile hike in from the parking area. Easy/moderate hike in. Saw 6 or 7 deer hiking in."
from $22 / night
"Though they were right next to each other, they felt very secluded. Site 4 felt a bit more private from the main road because the campsite slightly slopes downward."
"It's just a bit of a walk from the main campground and opposite of some very beautiful walk-in sites. The group campground has an open space to play games as well as wooded areas all around."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $24 - $34 / night
"There is a boat launch and paths down each side of the launch you could fish. On the way in, you'll see a deck to the left, providing a scenic overlook."
"It’s like a large gravel parking lot right on the lake. It was insanely peaceful and quiet the entire time. The birds chirping was beautiful."
"This location offers the opportunity to explore both private trails and less traveled areas of Forestville State Park. Secluded campsites so you are not camping side by side with others."
"If you're looking for a simpler camping experience focused on getting away from everything and solitude, then this is the place for you. "
from $35 / night
"We found a site tucked away from people which is what we like. We set up hammocks right next to the river."
"Free, first come first served rustic hike/cart in sites with steel fire ring/grill. There are 4 official sites and 2 more unofficial sites with no fire ring."
RangerThis campground has large private sites, most are shady or partially shaded. Bathrooms are large and well maintained. There’s lots of good hiking trails and the historic town of Forestville was interesting to explore. Absolutely no cell coverage for T-Mobile or AT&T but luckily our site had a good opening in the trees for our Starlink. Would definitely recommend.
LegendCute park in Rockwell Iowa. There is a south campground too, but that was blocked off when I was there. There is a public golf course and aquatic center just a few hundred feet from the campground. The campground is on the edge of town. There a a river running between the south campground and the main campground with a footbridge over the river. Dump station present. Playground for kids. There are sites along the river edge.
TravelerSite are first come first reserve. Easy to pull into, large concrete pads. Stationary fire pits with grill grate attached, stationary four bench picnic tables on each site . Very quiet cozy park. Has about 10 rv sites and a few tent sites. Small pond/lake onsite and a river. Large park with some creative equipment.
TravelerWe tent camped one night, midweek late August. Our site was private, close enough to the shower house but far enough away that we didn't hear any noise from the exhaust fans. Was a lovely quiet night. On a tight schedule so we weren't able to sample any of the hikes. Would stay here again. #33 also looked like a prime tent camp spot.
GuideOctober 12, low of 63° high around 78°.
We arrived here on Sunday around noon and there were maybe 4 other trailers. We self registered and chose one of the many spots and headed to decorah for lunch. When we got back around 5 pm everyone was gone. We enjoyed the creek rushing next to us and the quiet park!
Water was shut off but vault toilets were available.
GuideWe pulled in here sunday about noon and eight sites available eight sites , open thirty amp service , ten dollars a night
GuideThe Nonelectric sites at the White Fox campground were very nice. Great size and mostly private. The electric sites were definitely less private. The showers were clean and the vault toilets actually had a light inside! Trails were very nice.
TravelerNeat little place right off I 90. We arrived in the dark since we had a flat to fix but happily were still able to download the campground map… Seems like people stay here All year at some of the sites because there are literally decks and gardens attached to some larger campers. Gorgeous mature trees and seems like the campground is well kept outside. The bathrooms are clean but pretty old and guessing that the water is fairly hard from the rust stains in the shower… hot water felt great and no quarters to feed. Definitely bring your flip-flops for the shower the drainage was not great. Would definitely stay here again for the convenience, maybe next time we will get to enjoy the water front area… All the sites were nice and flat and easy to back in with lots of length. We have been towing a 31 foot AIRSTREAM so had no problems whatsoever.
GuideMyre Big Island was a peaceful and relaxing campground to visit. The trees are so tall and beautiful. The island had a few trails and a nice view of the lake.
It did rain while I stayed and site 17E floods a bit but dries up when the rain stops so it wasnt a big deal.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Austin, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Austin, MN is Backpacking Sites — Myre-Big Island State Park with a 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 8 tent camping locations near Austin, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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