Tent campsites near Frontenac, Minnesota sit along the Mississippi River bluffs with elevations ranging from 700 to 1,100 feet above sea level. The camping season typically runs from May through October, with average summer temperatures between 70-85°F during the day. Several campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis for primitive sites while reservations are recommended for developed locations, especially during peak summer weekends.
What to do
Hiking to Hidden Falls: At Whitewater State Park, trails connect to a modest waterfall that rewards hikers with a natural swimming area. "We did the 4 mile loop and it was perfect for us- a beautiful and challenging hike that wasn't too punishing. There were lots of scenic views, and a good variety of terrain to keep it interesting," notes one camper who visited in fall.
Trail running: The varied terrain around Frontenac provides excellent trail running opportunities. Some campers specifically visit for this purpose. At Afton State Park, one visitor mentioned, "We will definitely be back for trail running!" The park offers multiple trail loops with elevation changes that challenge runners.
Eagle watching: Several campgrounds provide good vantage points for viewing bald eagles. At Hok-Si-La Park, a camper reported, "On our last stay, we were able to watch eagles from our campsite, which was amazing." The Mississippi River valley serves as a major flyway for eagles, particularly during spring and fall migrations.
Swimming in Lake Pepin: Lake Pepin's shoreline offers swimming opportunities from late May through early September. Water temperatures typically reach the mid-70s by July. "The campground is very green and luscious, full of beautiful trees, plants and wildlife...There is great lake access for swimming," observed one Hok-Si-La visitor.
What campers like
Secluded cart-in sites: The cart-in sites at Gooseberry Glen Campground provide privacy with minimal effort. "Right when you park you see the push carts and it is a very short walk to the campsite. You are able to slightly see 1 cart-in site neighbor, but besides that it was very private and quiet," explains one camper. These sites balance accessibility with seclusion.
Group camping areas: For larger gatherings, dedicated group sites offer ample space. At Hok-Si-La City Park, "The group sites are spacious and well spaced out, (if you can I would recommend G4 or G5 right on the lake for group sites) you definitely don't feel like you are on top of each other or another group," writes one reviewer who camped with about 20 people.
Tent-only camping environments: Several campgrounds prohibit RVs, creating a quieter atmosphere. One camper noted about Hok-Si-La: "This campground is a tent only campground with a couple cabins as well, which adds to it's secluded feel." The absence of generators and vehicle traffic contributes to the natural experience.
Prairie camping with natural screening: While some sites lack tree cover, tall prairie grasses create natural dividers. At Afton State Park, "The terrain is just hilly enough - and in August - the grass long enough to give the sites a sense of privacy and seclusion," according to one visitor who stayed in the prairie sites.
What you should know
Site access limitations: At several campgrounds, vehicles cannot park at campsites. One reviewer explained about Hok-Si-La: "The only down side is that you cannot leave any cars near your campsite, you can drive in to drop off or pick up your gear but otherwise vehicles are parked in the main parking lot outside of the gate." This requires planning when packing.
Steep hiking to reach some campsites: Afton State Park presents a challenging hike to reach camping areas. A camper warned, "The hike to the campground is short and grueling." Another noted the prairie sites are reached after a steep climb that requires preparation for those with heavy equipment.
Variable water access: Water sources may be unreliable at some locations during peak summer. At Afton State Park, a visitor reported: "None of the water faucets or water pumps on the trails at Afton State Park are working. The good news is you can fill up on cold drinking water at the visitor center before trekking around the park's beautiful hiking trails!"
Firewood considerations: Some campgrounds provide non-standard firewood that requires additional work. At Afton, "They do have firewood available however it is long slab wood, so you do need to cut it yourself. Hand hacksaws are provided, but we're not great quality which made cutting the wood difficult."
Tips for camping with families
Shower facility availability: Families with children should note shower access varies. At Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, "the bathroom/shower building was new and clean," according to a recent visitor. This makes it suitable for longer stays with children who need regular bathing options.
Spacing between sites: For families concerned about noise, site selection matters. At Nerstrand, "the sites have quite a few trees separating them, but most of the sites on the C loop back up almost into the sites on the right side of the B loop." Parents with light sleepers should research specific site locations.
Cell service considerations: Connectivity varies significantly between camping areas. One Nerstrand visitor noted, "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." Families needing to stay connected should plan accordingly.
Alternative accommodations: For families new to camping, several locations offer cabin options. At Aefintyr, one visitor reported, "The cabin was cozy even during winter. The space was perfect for us." These provide shelter while still experiencing the outdoor setting.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds present difficulties for trailer setup. At 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," one RVer reported. Sites often require careful navigation due to tree placement.
Limited electrical hookup access: Electric sites fill quickly at popular campgrounds. Nerstrand offers "Some Electric sites" according to one visitor, but they recommend booking well in advance, especially for weekend camping between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
