Tent campsites near Cottage Grove, Minnesota range from primitive wilderness areas to state parks with limited amenities. The region sits within the St. Croix River Valley at elevations between 700-900 feet, with summer temperatures typically reaching 75-85°F during peak camping season. Winter camping is available at select locations like William O'Brien State Park, where temperatures can drop below freezing from November through March.
What to do
Hiking extensive trail systems: At William O'Brien State Park Campground, campers can access miles of hiking paths through diverse landscapes. One visitor noted, "We loved the trails. It was easy to takes hikes of varying lengths. There were so many different kinds of birds, and the wildflowers were blooming and ferns were unfurling - so many shades of green!"
Swim at designated beaches: The swimming area at Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground provides lake access for cooling off. A reviewer mentioned, "The lake is incredible" and another camper highlighted "the nice little swimming beach" as a standout feature of their experience.
Fall color viewing: The changing foliage creates ideal conditions for autumn camping trips. A camper at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground recommended, "This is a great campground for Fall camping. The color's are amazing. Nice hiking trails."
What campers like
Secluded prairie sites: Some tent camping areas offer unusual open terrain settings with natural privacy. A camper at William O'Brien State Park described their experience: "The terrain is just hilly enough - and in August - the grass long enough to give the sites a sense of privacy and seclusion."
Wildlife encounters: Many campsites provide opportunities to observe local fauna. One camper at Hok-Si-La reported, "On our last stay, we were able to watch eagles from our campsite, which was amazing."
Riverside camping spots: Sites positioned along water offer prime views and ambient sounds. A visitor to Cannon River Wilderness Area shared, "We found a site tucked away from people which is what we like. We set up hammocks right next to the river."
What you should know
Water source reliability: Water availability varies seasonally at campgrounds near Cottage Grove. A visitor to William O'Brien State Park advised, "Firewood is $6/bundle. Self-pay available at site 74e if the ranger station is closed. Bring exact change since you'll be paying by envelope."
Drive-up restrictions: Several campgrounds limit vehicle access to camping areas. At Hok-Si-La, a camper explained, "This campground doesn't allow cars or generators on any of the camping spots, so be sure to keep that in mind!"
Construction impacts: Check for temporary closures before planning your trip. A recent visitor to William O'Brien noted, "The east part of the park was all closed for construction. Everything on the east side of the highway was closed so we could not hike a lot of the trails or use the beach which was a challenge with kids."
Tips for camping with families
Proximity to Twin Cities: When seeking tent campsites near Cottage Grove with children, consider travel time. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park is described as "so close to the Twin Cities that it's very convenient for a weekend, or maybe a commute-to-work midweek getaway."
Tent pad quality: Look for sites with level, well-maintained tent spaces. A visitor to Tony's Backyard noted it's "new to the Dyrt and looking to share a camping spot with others," making it a potential option for families seeking alternatives to established campgrounds.
Security considerations: Some campgrounds offer additional oversight. A camper at Hok-Si-La observed that "the security and family friendly atmosphere make it worth the extra cash," noting it costs more than state parks but provides benefits for those camping with children.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing awareness: RV campers should research site dimensions carefully. At Nerstrand Big Woods, a camper reported, "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."
Electric hookup availability: While most tent-focused campgrounds have limited services, some offer electrical connections. A visitor to Camp Sacajawea Retreat Center described it as "a great place to take kids, good 1st camping experience for bonfires and single night camping," though noted it functions primarily as a retreat center rather than a traditional campground.
Dump station access: RVers should confirm waste disposal options. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park provides a "nice dump station" according to one visitor, making it suitable for those traveling with RVs who need proper waste management facilities.
