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Best Tent Camping near Elba, MN

484 Reviews

The Whitewater Valley surrounding Elba, Minnesota provides several tent camping opportunities with varied terrain and amenities. Tent campers can choose between established campgrounds like Aefintyr, which offers dedicated hike-in tent sites, or Gooseberry Glen Cart-in Campground at Whitewater State Park, where sites are accessible via a short walk from the parking area. Both locations cater specifically to tent camping experiences with natural settings and minimal infrastructure.

Most tent sites in the Elba area require some walking from parking areas, with distances ranging from a short cart-in journey at Whitewater State Park to more strenuous hikes at locations like Aefintyr. Campgrounds typically provide basic amenities such as fire pits, picnic tables, and access to drinking water. Toilet facilities vary by location, with some sites offering vault toilets while others maintain shower buildings. Firewood is available at many established campgrounds, though availability may be seasonal. Reservations are recommended for most tent sites, particularly during summer and fall weekends.

Tent campers visiting the Elba region often note the peaceful natural settings and proximity to outdoor recreation. The wooded sites provide shade during summer months and protection from wind. The area is known for excellent hiking opportunities, with many tent campgrounds positioned near trail networks. Water features are common, with several tent sites located near creeks or streams. A camper described the Gooseberry Glen Cart-in sites as "quiet, woodsy and secluded... We could see site 4 from our site, but all we could hear was the stream." Another visitor at Aefintyr mentioned that "the hike to the site is steep but worth it once you get up there," highlighting the elevated views available from some tent locations in the region.

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Best Tent Sites Near Elba, Minnesota (16)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Elba, MN

36 Photos of 16 Elba Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Elba, MN

484 Reviews of 16 Elba Campgrounds

  • Kelly S.
    May. 2, 2018

    Frontenac State Park Campground

    Early Season Experience

    We spent a single night here at site 37. The site was great, the privacy was okay, and the campground itself was slightly above average.

    Our site was huge. It could have easily accommodated an RV and a tent. There was a campfire ring and picnic table there like each site, but ours also had a tent pad and a very long parking spot. We were tent camping. This was the first tent pad I have ever been able to stake down without bending or breaking stakes and needing a mallet. The site was also close to a few of the trailheads. See pictures. Would recommend site 37 any day.

    The privacy was nonexistent because there were no leaves on the trees yet. In the summer, that might change. There are trees between sites.

    The campground itself was okay. The ranger and lady in the office when we stopped in were a little strange, but helpful. They were out of wood, but there is a DNR certified seller not a mile down the road- you can get more wood for cheaper there anyway. In MN, you need to get your firewood from the state park you are at or a certified seller in the same county to prevent the spread of tree pests and disease. The ranger can and will stop at your site and ask to see your seller card from the wood. The rest of the campground was nice. Many water spigots were still frozen, but there isn't much to be done about that. Overall, I would definitely recommend this campground!

  • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 31, 2024

    Minneiska Campground — Whitewater State Park

    Nice state park

    Stayed here for a couple nights on a mini state park road trip. Nice place, like most of the MN state parks. Spotty cell service. Hiked a trail with lots of steps. Fire ring and picnic table are provided at each site. Restroom with showers also available in campground. Site was large and easy to back into and offered some tree cover for shade during certain times of the day. Was unable to hang hammock in specific site we stayed at, but some of the sites looked like they would be suitable.

  • Mary S.
    Aug. 16, 2018

    Frontenac State Park Campground

    Shady, quiet campground in the woods with short hiking opportunities

    Campground Design

    I like that it's split into 4 small loops (1-11, 12-28, 29-38 and 39-59). There shouldn't be much traffic in any one loop. It's a very shady campground - lots of trees so it's quite dark at night with no stargazing from your site.

    Our site #42 was right next to #40 and there's not much privacy between the 2 sites. There's a lot more distance and privacy between #42 and #44. In general, sites are fairly close together but there are some trees in between.

    I thought we might be closer to the Mississippi River, but the campground is located above the river (called Pepin Lake at this wide point). You can hike down to the river; the steep descent makes the short hike more interesting. There are Lower and Upper Bluff trails as well as other short, connected trails throughout the park. (See photo of trail map.)

    Tent Campers

    There are 6 'cart in' sites, but they are about 1/2 mile away from the main campground and on the other side of the road. Park, put your gear in a cart, and walk about 1/4 mile to your site (C1 through C6). 

    Special rule for these sites: You have to pay $2 to use the showers at the main campground! Your camping rate is $15 instead of $23 for a non-electric site. If a cart in site doesn't appeal to you, the regular sites are good for tents; many have tent pads. There are also a couple backpacker sites.

    Amenities

    • Picnic table and fire ring on each site. Some sites have a tent pad. The 'rule of 3' says you can have 3 'units' on a site - 2 tents + vehicle, RV + rent +vehicle,... - One restroom with flush toilets, sinks and showers (old but no temperature control) located near the road in front of the loop with sites 12-28. We were in the last loop on site 42, and there was a pit toilet that smelled okay but had lots of flies.

    • Some electric sites ($31) in the first 2 loops; the map (see photo) has an 'e' next to the site number and so does the post at the site.

    • Dump station that includes a potable water filling station. There are water spigots in the camping areas.

    • Trash dumpsters and recycle bins.

    Extra fees

    • There's a $7 reservation fee for online or phone reservations, and the site posts indicate you need to 'reserve' the site before you set up camp.  You avoid that fee by showing up without a reservation when the office is open, but I wouldn't do that on a Friday or Saturday in the summer. You can always get a sense of whether showing up without a reservation is feasible by checking availability online. It also looks like you avoid the fee if you reserve online on the day you stay.

    • $7 entry fee per day is standard in MN parks. A $35 pass is good for 12 months.

  • GoWhereYouAreDraw N.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 23, 2019

    Prairie Island City Campground

    Great introductory campground

    Prairie Island has all of you basic amenities without being too far from town. This campground isn’t for everybody -- if you’re looking for extreme adventure and wilderness, this is not the place for you. If you’re interested in getting into camping and not investing the money into all the gear or having direct river access, this is the place for you! They seriously rent it all. Paddleboards, kayaks, canoes, tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and dutch ovens. The camp store sells all of the basics and fishing supplies. The shower house has flush toilets and pit toilets are located throughout the campground.

    Personally, this campground is not the type that I like to stay at but it is really great for the type that wants to get into camping or the camper trailer type. Unfortunately, not enough activities to do besides boating on the river.

  • ERolf P.
    Aug. 29, 2016

    Perrot State Park Campground

    Group Camping, Hiking, and Water Sports

    Wonderful time in Perrot State Park. Camped in the group campground, site A. Plenty of room for many tents, and nice level ground to pitch tents on. Huge fire ring for large group fires, and both a large grill on the fire ring, and freestanding charcoal grill. Lots of options for hiking and walking in the park with more than 13 miles of trails. We did a 5 mile hike up and over two of the more popular bluffs. We also did a two-three hour canoe/kayak trip and had a blast.

    There is not a swimming beach at the park, so if you're into that, you'll have to leave the park, but there is more than enough to do at Perrot State Park.

  • K
    Sep. 5, 2020

    Hidden Meadows RV Park

    Hidden Gem

    This is very convenient if you have Mayo Clinic appointments. The campground was nice with grassy sites along with electric and water hook ups, there was a dump station also. Portable toilets spaced around and a centralized bath house by the office. There are seasonal guests and everyone was friendly. We saw deer by the primitive camp areas and had nightly campfires in our fire ring. We will return the next time we are up in MN.

  • R
    Aug. 30, 2019

    Merrick State Park Campground

    Nice Walk-In site but bring your bug spray!

    Very nice walk-in site right on the river. LOTS of bugs to the point it was uncomfortable so make sure to bring bug spray. Tent pad, fire ring and picnic table available. Trees available that are good for those who hammock.

  • GoWhereYouAreDraw N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2018

    Houston Nature Center

    Great location!

    The Nature Center campsite is located at the trail head for the Root River State Bike Trail. Trail Head Park is a nice tent only campground with walk-in sites. A majority of the sites have picnic tables and fire pits. The Nature Center has clean bathrooms and free showers. They recommend donations for the use of the showers.

    $20 per night camping fee. You can pay inside the Nature Center or at the slot between the restroom mirrors. The sites are first come, first serve. Local firewood is available near the restrooms as well; take what you need and leave the center a donation.

    Trail Head Park has a 1 acre natural playground near the campsite. When I visited during the week, I only saw a small group of people using the playground. The playground has a zip line, tree house, small rock wall, and more. Inside the Nature Center, they have interactive and interesting displays. The highlight of this campground is the Root River State Bike Trail and the Owl Center in the town of Houston.

    I'd give the campsite 4/5 review. The location, the bluffs, the bike trail, and center get 5/5 review.

  • J
    Oct. 24, 2017

    Sylvan City Park

    Close to bike trail and downtown

    Stayed here in a tent while on a bicycle camping trip and it was adequate. It is located in a city park within a couple minutes walk of the downtown area. The bike trail crosses the south end of downtown so close to that too. This would not be a good place to camp if you'd like to be out in nature

    Biggest gripe is the slope of the tent sites. The majority of the tent sites are on an incline around a pond. There are also a lot of ducks that aren't very afraid of humans. None got into my gear though. There are fire rings at the tent sites. No picnic tables at the individual sites but there are some nearby in the park and there's also a covered picnic shelter. Hammocks would be difficult to impossible as the tent area is a strip of grass between pond and bluff, which has mostly brush or too whimpy of trees to hang from at the base. There are a couple huge oaks but none in pairs.

    Quarter showers and clean restrooms are available. $20/night/tent which seemed a bit steep to me considering how slanted the sites were and quarter showers. It is cheaper than the other places within immediate biking distance which were $25/night.

Guide to Elba

Tent camping near Elba, Minnesota offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying a variety of amenities and activities. With several well-reviewed campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot for your outdoor adventure.

Some prices for tent camping range from $20 to $50

  • At Aefintyr, you can enjoy a cozy cabin or hike-in glamping options, making it a versatile choice for different budgets.
  • Northend Campground provides a drive-in experience with essential amenities, perfect for those looking for convenience at a reasonable price.
  • For a unique experience, Gooseberry Glen Cart-in Campground offers a cart-in site with a short walk to your tent, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of Whitewater State Park.

Tips for tent camping near Elba

  • When camping at Aefintyr, be sure to wear good shoes for the hike up to the bluff, as the terrain can be steep.
  • Bring your own gear to Gooseberry Glen Cart-in Campground for a more authentic camping experience, and enjoy the privacy of the cart-in sites.
  • If you’re looking for a family-friendly atmosphere, consider Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground, where you can enjoy spacious sites and a serene lake view.

Local activities to enjoy while camping

  • Explore the stunning trails and beautiful scenery around Aefintyr, which is located near the picturesque Whitewater area.
  • Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity of Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground to great trout fishing spots along the river.
  • Take a short drive to Whitewater State Park for hiking and breathtaking views, especially during the fall when the colors are vibrant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Elba, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Elba, MN is Aefintyr with a 5-star rating from 4 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Elba, MN?

TheDyrt.com has all 16 tent camping locations near Elba, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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