Best Campgrounds near Cannon Falls, MN

The southeastern Minnesota landscape surrounding Cannon Falls features a variety of camping options within an hour's drive of the Twin Cities. Lake Byllesby Regional Park offers boat-in, drive-in, and walk-in access with tent, RV, and glamping accommodations along the shores of Lake Byllesby. Cannon Falls Campground provides family-friendly amenities on grassy sites with full hookups for RVs. Within a short drive, Nerstrand Big Woods State Park showcases a remnant hardwood forest with hiking trails leading to Hidden Falls, while Frontenac State Park offers scenic bluff-top camping with Mississippi River views. The region balances developed campgrounds with more secluded options in natural settings.

Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from mid-April through October, with limited winter camping available at select state parks. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for summer weekends and holiday periods when sites fill quickly. The terrain varies from riverside flats to rolling woodland, with most campgrounds accessible via paved roads. Weather conditions can change rapidly, with summer thunderstorms common and spring bringing occasional flooding along waterways. As one camper noted, "Cannon Falls is such a nice town especially when the wine festival is going on," highlighting the area's connection to local attractions. Cell service is generally reliable at developed campgrounds but may be spotty in more remote areas.

Families frequently mention the recreational opportunities available at campgrounds near Cannon Falls. Lake Byllesby earns praise for its "paved RV pads, nice showers and restrooms" and proximity to "excellent bike paths." The Cannon River Wilderness Area provides more primitive camping experiences where visitors report finding "sites tucked away from people" with short hikes from parking areas. Seasonal campers at Cannon Falls Campground appreciate the family atmosphere, with one noting they "have tons of things to do for the kids." Fall brings spectacular color to the hardwood forests, making it a popular time for camping, while summer visitors enjoy water recreation on the Cannon River and Lake Byllesby. Noise levels vary by location, with riverside sites occasionally experiencing train or highway sounds.

Best Camping Sites Near Cannon Falls, Minnesota (114)

    1. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground

    35 Reviews
    Nerstrand, MN
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 333-4840

    "This is a Nice campground middle of Minnesota. Surprising place in the middle of farm country. Very nice campground and lots of walking trails. Great for leaf peeping."

    "To be on the safe side, incase we had issues, we decided to stay close to home so we decided to hit up a new park, Nerstrand Big Woods State Park just outside Northfield, Minnesota."

    2. Lake Byllesby Regional Park

    11 Reviews
    Cannon Falls, MN
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 263-4447

    "Lakeside sites are close together, with W/E hookups, but they’re right in the lake with a wonderful view. The facilities are very clean and well-kept."

    "Near lake and excellent bike path. Great brewery and winery close by."

    3. Lake Byllesby Campground

    7 Reviews
    Cannon Falls, MN
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 480-7770

    $39 - $60 / night

    "We didn’t get to swim at the lake because it was shut down due to a chemical spill at the time, but we did walk over and check it out. The views are great! We stayed in a RV spot next to the lake."

    "Sites were so easy and the bike trails were awesome! Lots of nature paths too."

    4. Lebanon Hills Regional Park

    42 Reviews
    Apple Valley, MN
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 480-7773

    $24 - $42 / night

    "Professional built mtn bike trails for adventure. Camping in Minnesota suburbs. Miles of hiking, horseback riding, cross country ski trails. . perfect for my family's weekend Stay-cation"

    "We live about 15 mins. away from this campground. We stayed in the East Loop which is for smaller RVs and tents. it has electricity but no water hookups, however there are water pumps."

    5. Cannon Falls Campground

    5 Reviews
    Cannon Falls, MN
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (507) 263-3145

    "Cannon Falls is such a nice town especially when the wine festival is going on. A little speedy, but we still go at least once a year"

    "We can't say enough good things about Cannon Falls Campground!"

    6. Afton State Park Campground

    36 Reviews
    Denmark, MN
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 436-5391

    "Minnesota State Parks have just started to build Yurts for 3 campgrounds around the state; Afton, Cuyuna and Glendalough State Parks."

    "It is also next to Afton Ski resort. This park has a lot of beautiful prairie landscape with some temperate forest features. Wildflowers, shrubs, fungi, evergreens, and deciduous trees."

    7. St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park

    20 Reviews
    Denmark, MN
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 430-8240

    "Minnesota is beautiful and there is so much to do here. The bathrooms are spotless and everything is new here."

    "Washington County, which manages campgrounds at both the Lake Elmo Park Reserve and St Croix Bluffs Regional Park, does a great job of maintaining campgrounds, trails, and bathroom facilities at both parks"

    8. Haycreek Valley Campground

    7 Reviews
    Hay Creek, MN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 388-3998

    "Nice campground outside of Red Wing, MN with a bar/restaurant and other features. Access to trials for bikes and horses. I stayed in the horse camp without a horse but it was a nice area."

    "Our standard water hose and electrical cord wouldn’t reach so we ended up backing up the hill to get next to the water and filled our tank for the weekend."

    9. Whitetail Woods Camper Cabins

    4 Reviews
    Empire, MN
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (952) 891-7000

    $85 / night

    "There is a fire ring outside of each cabin, along with a table. No cooking is allowed inside the cabins, which can make things rough if the weather isn't cooperating. "

    "There is no cooking inside the cabin so you have to use the fire ring outside. Shower facilities are really nice and match the cabins. Plan ahead as these are hard to come by."

    10. Frontenac State Park Campground

    29 Reviews
    Frontenac, MN
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 345-3401

    "Quiet, pretty hiking trails, nice people, close to home but tucked away enough to be away from everything"

    "to drive through the same area."

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Showing results 1-10 of 114 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Cannon Falls, MN

629 Reviews of 114 Cannon Falls Campgrounds



Guide to Cannon Falls

Camping near Cannon Falls, Minnesota, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With beautiful parks and campgrounds nearby, you can enjoy nature while making lasting memories with family and friends.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Willow River State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "Lovely trails, the beach is a large area with a nice park and picnic area." The park features various trails that lead to stunning waterfalls and beautiful landscapes.
  • Water Activities: Head to Interstate State Park for canoeing or kayaking. A visitor shared, "Canoe and kayak rentals for more adventures on the river" make it a perfect spot for water lovers.
  • Wildlife Watching: At Whitewater State Park, you can enjoy birdwatching and spotting local wildlife. One reviewer noted, "Lots of birds, butterflies, and squirrels visited our campsite daily."

What campers like:

  • Privacy: Campers appreciate the spacious sites at Lebanon Hills Regional Park. One guest said, "We were very surprised at the privacy of our site."
  • Clean Facilities: Many visitors rave about the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A camper at Frontenac State Park mentioned, "Bathrooms are VERY CLEAN," which is always a plus when camping.
  • Convenient Location: The proximity to the Twin Cities makes it easy for families to escape for a weekend. A reviewer at William O'Brien State Park said, "It’s a great park conveniently located near the twin cities."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Afton State Park, do not have showers. A visitor noted, "NO showers, toilets, or trash," so be prepared for a more rustic experience.
  • Mosquitoes: Be ready for bugs, especially in the warmer months. A camper at William O'Brien State Park warned, "We had a battle with mosquitoes."
  • Reservations Recommended: Popular spots like Baker Campground fill up quickly. One visitor advised, "Must reserve months in advance as usually full."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Parks: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids, like Lake Elmo County Park Reserve. A parent shared, "Great bike trails, lakes a little way’s from campground."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of fun activities. One camper at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park mentioned, "Trails are also nice and well kept," perfect for family hikes.
  • Pack Snacks and Games: Keep the kids entertained with snacks and games. A visitor at Minneiska Campground noted, "Had a good time. Nice state campground."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Interstate State Park mentioned, "The electric sites are quite cramped."
  • Use Dump Stations: Familiarize yourself with dump station locations. A camper at Baker Campground said, "Water and dump station located at the office."
  • Stay Connected: If you need to stay connected, check cell service availability. A visitor at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park noted, "T-Mobile service is one (1) bar of LTE."

Camping near Cannon Falls, Minnesota, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure or a peaceful retreat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Cannon Falls, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Cannon Falls, MN is Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 35 reviews.