Camping sites near Frontenac, Minnesota feature a mix of wooded riverside locations and bluff-top settings within a 30-mile radius of the town. The region lies at approximately 700-1,100 feet elevation with limestone bluff formations creating distinct microclimates in the valleys and ridge tops. Winter camping options remain limited to Frontenac State Park and Nugget Lake County Park, with most other campgrounds closing from late October through mid-April.
What to do
Biking the Cannon Valley Trail: Located near Haycreek Valley Campground, the paved trail offers a shaded ride into Red Wing. "Very nice ride to Red Wing right from our site! Would probably stay here again but would definitely ask for a different site. Great for biking!" notes Karin W.
Trout fishing lessons: Available seasonally at Minneiska Campground in Whitewater State Park. "We hiked, took trout fishing lesson, sat at the beach and had relaxing evenings by the fire," shares Melissa H. The park's spring-fed river provides good fishing access directly from some campsites.
Boating on Lake Pepin: Both motorized and non-motorized boats can access the Mississippi River from several campgrounds. Bay City Campground offers boat launch facilities directly into the Mississippi. "There is a boat launch into the Mississippi used by all sizes of boats," reports Karen M. about the nearby Stockholm Park Campground.
What campers like
Secluded campsites: Cart-in sites at Frontenac State Park Campground provide more privacy. "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)," explains Mary S.
Waterfront access: Riverside camping at Bluff Valley Campground allows direct water access. "For the last 3 years we have stayed river front in the 'field' and really enjoy it... the draw from this camp ground for us is sitting in the river and relaxing watching the tubers go by," says Melissa H.
Loop-based campground layouts: Smaller camping sections create quieter experiences. "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," writes Mary S. about Frontenac State Park Campground.
What you should know
Train noise considerations: Several campgrounds along the Mississippi River have active rail lines nearby. "The trains do not use a horn, and we didn't hear any at night," reports Laura P. at Stockholm Park Campground, while others note more frequent disturbances at Maiden Rock's Village Park.
Water access limitations: Not all campgrounds provide drinking water year-round. "Water is not on in the campground, but there is a spigot right across the road at the visitor center that is on (easy 2 min walk)," advises Amy G. about winter camping at Whitewater State Park.
Unique booking systems: Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground has specific regulations about vehicle access. "The campsites are semi-walk-in sites, where your car stays in the main parking lot, but they do allow for drive-up loading and unloading, so don't feel like you need to pack extra light. It limits traffic driving through the campground," explains Emily H.
Tips for camping with families
Cabin options for non-tent campers: Several campgrounds offer basic cabin facilities. "The camper cabins are really nice. They have two rooms, a sleeping room and a front room. The sleeping room has 2 bunk beds (4 beds.) The front room has a mini fridge, coffeemaker, toaster, microwave, and a futon," writes Shelly E. about Nugget Lake County Park.
Swimming beach availability: Limited swimming options exist in the area. Hok-Si-La City Park provides dedicated beach access. "The campground is very green and luscious, full of beautiful trees, plants and wildlife... There is great lake access for swimming," notes Beth W.
Playground facilities: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. "Looked like a decent playground," mentions Ames about Nugget Lake County Park, while Bluff Valley Campground features "a pool, video games, driving range and park," according to Melissa H.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup locations: Consider site orientation when booking. "Our site was rather odd as the electric and water post was on the opposite side of our camper. 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," warns Karin W. about Haycreek Valley Campground.
Site selection for larger rigs: Electric sites tend to be limited to specific loops. "Some electric sites ($31) in the first 2 loops; the map has an 'e' next to the site number and so does the post at the site," explains Mary S. about Frontenac State Park Campground.
Winter RV access: Wintertime campers should check plowing status. "We visited in winter (February) and while there was snow on the ground, the spaces were kept plowed with easy access to the electric boxes," notes Amy G. about Whitewater State Park's camping areas.
