Tent camping near Hayward, Minnesota provides access to several primitive campsites and established campgrounds within a 45-mile radius. The area sits at the transition zone between prairie and deciduous forest ecosystems, with average summer temperatures ranging from 58°F to 82°F. Campers should note that many sites in this region experience seasonal closures between late October and early May due to harsh winter conditions.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground features hiking trails leading to Hidden Falls. A camper noted, "The hikes were beautiful and the variety of old growth trees was spectacular." The falls provide excellent photography opportunities with trails open year-round, though some south trails may close after heavy rain.
Paddling opportunities: Cannon River Wilderness Area offers tent camping spots accessible via paddling between Faribault and Northfield. "Of course if you are on the river it's a nice little stop between Faribault and Northfield," reports one visitor. The river is typically navigable from May through October, with calm waters suitable for beginners.
Fishing spots: Rice Lake Wildlife Management Area provides boat launch access and shoreline fishing. "There is a boat launch and paths down each side of the launch you could fish," mentions one camper. The lake contains panfish and bass, with spring and early summer offering the best catch rates.
What campers like
Privacy levels: Some sites at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground offer more seclusion than others. "The sites have quite a few trees separating them," one camper observed, though they added that "most of the sites on the C loop back up almost into the sites on the right side of the B loop." For maximum privacy, request outer loop sites when reserving.
Sunset views: Roberds Lake Resort and Campground provides waterfront tent sites with exceptional evening views. One visitor remarked, "The sunsets were spectacular at the private beach, boat rental availability for a whole day, flexible and friendly." The best sunset viewing spots face west across the lake, particularly during summer months.
Hammock camping: Cannon River Wilderness Area permits hammock setup along the riverbank. "We found a site tucked away from people which is what we like. We set up hammocks right next to the river," a camper shared. Bring tree-safe straps as the area has no designated hammock posts, and select sites furthest from the parking area for quieter experiences.
What you should know
Site spacing considerations: Nerstrand Big Woods State Park campground has varying degrees of privacy. "As with most State Parks, the campground sites are really close together and you have very little privacy," reports one visitor. The walk-in sites typically offer more separation than the drive-in options.
Weather impacts: Spring camping can encounter wet conditions that affect site quality and trail access. "Sites were great but a little wet. Some of the south trails are closed because its too wet," notes one camper who visited in early April. After rainfall, tent sites may remain soggy for 2-3 days, particularly at lower elevations.
Limited site availability: Rice Lake Wildlife Management Area has a small number of primitive campsites. According to a camper, "It's a pretty quiet, but there aren't many spots to camp. When you come in on the dirt road, it hooks to the right, and you'll come upon a dirt cul-de-sac." Arrive early on weekends to secure a spot as no reservation system exists.
Tips for camping with families
Bathroom facilities: Nerstrand Big Woods offers clean restroom buildings with showers. "The bathrooms and showers were clean and well lit," reports a camper. Facilities are located centrally in the campground, with most sites within a 3-minute walk of restrooms.
Easy walk-in access: For families with small children, Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground provides accessible walk-in sites. "The walk in site was great - close to parking with plenty of tree shade," mentions one visitor. Most walk-in sites require carrying gear less than 100 yards from parking areas.
Tent pad quality: Tent camping at Nerstrand features well-designed tent pads. "The tent pad was very spacious and flat, great for sleeping!" shared a camper. The level gravel pads prevent pooling water and provide better insulation from ground moisture than natural surfaces.
Tips from RVers
Site access challenges: Some camping areas near Hayward have limited turn-around space for larger vehicles. At Roberds Lake Resort and Campground, "Hook ups a bit squished together and as always we rolled in late," one RVer noted. Arrive during daylight hours for easier navigation of tight campground roads.
Backing considerations: RV sites at some parks may require careful maneuvering. "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," observed a camper at Nerstrand Big Woods. Sites on the outer loops typically offer more straightforward backing access.
Seasonal availability: RV camping options decrease significantly after mid-October. "Closed all 2020 camping season for Covid. Great for a weekend getaway," noted one visitor about Nerstrand Big Woods, which normally operates from April 1 to October 23. Make reservations for fall camping well in advance as sites with hookups fill quickly during peak foliage season.
