Best Tent Camping near Hayward, MN
Tent camping near Hayward, Minnesota provides access to several natural areas with tent-specific accommodations within driving distance. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground, located about 45 minutes east, offers dedicated walk-in tent sites nestled among mature trees. For those seeking more primitive tent camping experiences, Rice Lake Wildlife Management Area provides dispersed tent camping with basic amenities in a quieter setting. Cannon River Wilderness Area, though slightly farther, offers free hike-in tent sites along the riverbank for backcountry tent camping enthusiasts.
The tent campsites at Nerstrand Big Woods feature large pea gravel tent pads that provide level, well-drained surfaces for setting up tents. The walk-in tent sites require minimal hiking from parking areas, with most being just "three car lengths" from the parking area according to campers. The non-electric sites along the outer loop offer more privacy and tree cover than the central campground area. Clean restrooms, showers, and drinking water are available, with firewood sold on-site. The camping season runs April 1 through October 23, with spring and fall offering fewer insects and spectacular foliage.
Primitive tent camping at Rice Lake Wildlife Management Area provides a more rustic experience with drinking water available but no toilets or other facilities. Campers should be prepared to pack in and pack out all supplies. One visitor noted, "It's a nice spot off the main road, pretty quiet, but there aren't many spots to camp." For backcountry tent camping, Cannon River Wilderness Area offers sites that require approximately a 10-minute walk from the parking area. A camper reported, "We found a site tucked away from people, which is what we like. We set up hammocks right next to the river." These free tent-only sites are available May through October but have limited amenities, with just drinking water and vault toilets accessible. After rain, trails and tent sites can become muddy or flooded, so checking weather conditions before planning a tent camping trip is advisable.
