The tent campsites near Hay Creek, Minnesota sit within the Driftless Area, characterized by deeply carved river valleys and limestone bluffs that escaped glaciation during the last ice age. Most camping areas in this region are positioned between 650-1300 feet above sea level, creating dramatic elevation changes for hiking and distinct microclimates. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F with occasional thunderstorms, while spring and fall camping requires preparation for wider temperature swings.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Whitewater State Park offers excellent trails with varying difficulty levels. "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 Sarah D.
Star gazing opportunities: The rural location of Aefintyr provides exceptional night sky viewing with minimal light pollution. A camper mentioned it's "a great place to view the stars. Each site has a bundle of firewood so you can roast your s'mores and cook your food."
Water activities: Swimming and paddling options abound at Lake Pepin. At Hok-Si-La City Park, one visitor noted, "The lake is incredible" and "There is great lake access for swimming and shower houses."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the thoughtful spacing at Hok-Si-La City Park. "The group sites are spacious and well spaced out... you definitely don't feel like you are on top of each other or another group," reports Beth W.
Car-free camping experience: The vehicle restrictions at Hok-Si-La create a quieter environment. Emily H. explains, "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, and is really nice to not have vehicles driving through at all hours."
Winter camping options: Some parks in the area remain open year-round. One camper at Afton State Park mentioned, "Minnesota State Parks have just started to build Yurts for 3 campgrounds around the state; Afton, Cuyuna and Glendalough State Parks. These have some great amenities and are perfect for family camping, especially in Fall, Winter and Spring."
What you should know
Elevation challenges: Some campgrounds require uphill hikes to reach sites. At Gooseberry Glen, "Right when you park you see the push carts and it is a very short walk to the campsite," which makes gear transport easier, according to Molly Y.
Site selection strategy: The prairie sites at Afton State Park offer surprising privacy. Andrew C. notes, "The terrain is just hilly enough - and in August - the grass long enough to give the sites a sense of privacy and seclusion."
Firewood considerations: Firewood availability and format varies between parks. Adam P. warns about Afton State Park, "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."
Water availability concerns: Not all water sources are reliable year-round. One visitor at Afton State Park 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!"
Tips for camping with families
Best sites for groups: When camping with extended family, choose sites designed for larger parties. Bryan W. says Cannon River Wilderness Area offers free camping "right by the river. We found a site tucked away from people which is what we like. We set up hammocks right next to the river."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many camping areas offer chances to spot local fauna. At Hok-Si-La, campers report hearing "bullfrogs, owls, woodpeckers and more," providing natural entertainment for children.
Cart-in camping for beginners: Families new to camping might appreciate the balance of seclusion and convenience. "I love backpacking, but my husband had never been, so carting in was a good first camping trip for us as a couple," explains a visitor to Gooseberry Glen.
Rain preparedness: Weather can change quickly in the river valleys. One camper at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park advises, "This is a great campground for Fall camping. The color's are amazing. Nice hiking trails."
Tips from RVers
Electric site limitations: Nerstrand Big Woods State Park offers some electric sites, but according to Deb M., "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."
RV maintenance access: Deb M. also notes that at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, "the bathroom/shower building was new and clean" and "there's WiFi at the office, which is just a short hike from the campground," useful for checking weather and routes.
Connectivity challenges: Cell coverage can be unreliable. "Cell service (both AT&T and TMobile) was terrible" at Nerstrand Big Woods, according to one camper, which is important for RVers who might need to stay connected.
