Top Tent Camping near Houston, MN

Looking for the best options for tent camping near Houston? With The Dyrt, it's easy to find Houston campgrounds for you and your tent. Each tent campsite offers quick access to one or more of Houston's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Houston, MN (22)

    Camper-submitted photo from Houston Nature Center
    Camper-submitted photo from Houston Nature Center
    Camper-submitted photo from Houston Nature Center
    Camper-submitted photo from Houston Nature Center
    Camper-submitted photo from Houston Nature Center
    Camper-submitted photo from Houston Nature Center

    1. Houston Nature Center

    4 Reviews
    12 Photos
    7 Saves
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Picnic Table
    • Firewood Available
    • Showers
    Camper-submitted photo from Shady Rest Acres
    Camper-submitted photo from Shady Rest Acres
    Camper-submitted photo from Shady Rest Acres
    Camper-submitted photo from Shady Rest Acres
    Camper-submitted photo from Shady Rest Acres
    Camper-submitted photo from Shady Rest Acres

    2. Shady Rest Acres

    2 Reviews
    17 Photos
    22 Saves

    Camp along a Mississippi tributary beside the Minnesota-Wisconsin line in this whimsical farm paradise. Run around the pasture, take a walk in the forest or dip your toes in the flowing creek at Shady Rest Acres. You are welcome to sit back, relax, and observe the farm animals. No guest are allowed inside the fenced off area of pasture without a host with them. We do have 4 well behaved dog's an 8 indoor outdoor cats, cows, goats, sheep, mini donkeys, ducks, chickens, turkeys and honey bee's. Tent Sites Pitch a tent in the field beside a fire pit and get a great view of the night sky or pitch a tent beneath the walnut trees beside the creek and relax in a hammock. Bee Relaxed Studio If you would rather stay indoors, kick back in the fully furnished studio with a wood burning stove and vinyl record player. Please no pets in the studio. No matter where you decide to stay at Shady Rest Acres you will be in close proximity to the Mississippi River, Beaver Creek Valley State Park, and Great River Bluffs State Park. This area is great for hiking, fishing, kayaking, and swimming. When making reservations please include in your total any person over the age of two.

    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Cabins
    • Trash
    • Firewood Available

    $40 - $120 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from South Bear Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from South Bear Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from South Bear Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from South Bear Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from South Bear Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from South Bear Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Reno Horse Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Reno Horse Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Reno Horse Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Reno Horse Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Reno Horse Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Reno Horse Campground
    • No image available
      Camper-submitted photo from Camp Glen Wendel Primitive Backcountry — Yellow River State Forest
      Camper-submitted photo from Camp Glen Wendel Primitive Backcountry — Yellow River State Forest
      Camper-submitted photo from Camp Glen Wendel Primitive Backcountry — Yellow River State Forest
      Camper-submitted photo from Camp Glen Wendel Primitive Backcountry — Yellow River State Forest
      Camper-submitted photo from Camp Glen Wendel Primitive Backcountry — Yellow River State Forest
      Camper-submitted photo from Camp Glen Wendel Primitive Backcountry — Yellow River State Forest

      6. Camp Glen Wendel Primitive Backcountry — Yellow River State Forest

      12 Reviews
      46 Photos
      4 Saves

      Yellow River State Forest is a perfect place to explore some of Iowa's best hiking trails. Located in northeast Iowa in Allamakee County, the forest is part of the "driftless area" that escaped the glaciers during the most recent ice age. The forest consists of 8,900 acres of hardwood and coniferous forest and is comprised of 6 units.

      The Paint Creek Unit is of primary interest to the recreationist, with well-kept camping areas, equestrian accommodations, fishing, hunting, and over 45 miles of trails for hiking, equestrian riding, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Tents
      • Group

      $12 / night

      • No image available
        Camper-submitted photo from Aefintyr
        Camper-submitted photo from Aefintyr
        Camper-submitted photo from Aefintyr
        Camper-submitted photo from Aefintyr
        Camper-submitted photo from Aefintyr
        Camper-submitted photo from Aefintyr

        8. Aefintyr

        4 Reviews
        43 Photos
        54 Saves

        Aefintyr campground is located in the scenic woods of the Whitewater River Valley in the Driftless Area of Southeastern Minnesota. We offer beautiful blufftop hike-in camping and glamping and cozy treehouse inspired camper cabins. The hike-in camp/glamp sites offer a backpacking like experience (1460 ft hike with a 230 ft elevation gain) and are great for people who like to get some exercise and want to immerse themselves in a woodland setting. Perfect relaxation destination or home base for your Whitewater Valley adventures. Aefintyr is a small operation that values peace, quiet and quality over quantity. Get away from crowds and get into the woods! Onsite, enjoy a campfire, stargazing, hiking and observing the amazing animals, plants and fungi.

        Nearby recreation opportunities include:

        Within 2 miles of Whitewater State Park, the Elba Fire Tower, Whitewater State Wildlife Management Area (hunting, trout fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing) and the Whitewater River State Water Trail (canoe/kayak/tube). There is a gas station (bait and fishing supplies, convenience store items), 2 bars and a restaurant within a mile in the town of Elba. Whitewater Wines Winery is also just a few miles up the road!

        Shared amenities:

        Bathhouse with individual rooms, with a hot shower, vanity and composting toilet

        Outhouse with composting toilet on top of the bluff within 400 feet of each campsite

        Community area (requires short hike) with tent shelters (2, each 10' x 20'), outdoor furniture, tables, chairs, propane grill w/ side burner, firepit w/ cooking grate/skillet.

        Propane Gas Grill (at base of the hill by the bathhouse)

        Stargazing area with reclining chairs

        Cell service: AT&T typically works well, Verizon works intermittently, and T-mobile doesn't have a good signal.

        Wi-fi: Available at the bathhouse and parking area, data speeds up to 25 Mbps.

        **Parking: **On site, 2 vehicle limit, no vehicles larger than a full-size truck, no trailers.

        **Host accessibility: **Available 24/7/365 via phone and email/messaging, frequently on site.

        **Security: **Campground community areas are under video surveillance.

        Setting: Aefintyr campground is located in the hilly, wooded, blufflands of the Whitewater River Valley just north of the tiny town of Elba, MN. Views are primarily of the woods and valleys. The campground is off of a 2 lane county highway so there is some intermittent road noise. It is otherwise very peaceful and filled with the sounds of nature, including lots of birds and other wildlife.

        Aefintyr is a peaceful place with chill vibes and we like to keep it that way! It is not a place for parties or rowdy groups. We like to listen to nature, not loud music or rowdy people blabbering into the night. Please see our rules/polices to know what to expect.

        20240824

        • Pets
        • Fires
        • Phone Service
        • Reservable
        • Tents
        • Cabins

        $29 - $139 / night

        Camper-submitted photo from Schmidt Farm by Forestville
        Camper-submitted photo from Schmidt Farm by Forestville
        Camper-submitted photo from Schmidt Farm by Forestville
        Camper-submitted photo from Schmidt Farm by Forestville
        Camper-submitted photo from Schmidt Farm by Forestville
        Camper-submitted photo from Schmidt Farm by Forestville

        9. Schmidt Farm by Forestville

        2 Reviews
        15 Photos
        1 Save

        Quiet, remote tent camping under dark skies for the minimalist. One mile hike-in to site. Direct access to more remote areas of the NE side Forestville State Park and 50 acres of wooded private trails. Sites are located on the lower area of our property. Approximately 100 yards between sites and each are not within site of each other. All sites are located directly on a main trail circling a walnut grove. A shared centrally located compostable outhouse is located within 50 yards of each site.

        This is a beautiful, remote property nestled between our organic Century Family Farm and Forestville State Park. We offer these limited campsites to a very specific demographic, minimalists looking for a quiet experience in nature. Years have gone into the making of these sites to be in balance with nature and our farm. These sites will be only open during spring and fall months. Camping does not include access to our other agritourism opportunities on our farm.

        Please read through our description carefully and be sure this is the right fit for you prior to booking. Please contact us with questions. I would much rather leave the site open/unbooked than not meet your expectations. You must check in at our office prior to going to your campsite.

        Additional items that will be delivered to your site. Plan ahead. $5 fee per delivery trip.

        • Firewood is available for purchase from Schmidt Farm for $8/bundle
        • Each site has a table and 2 chairs. 2 additional chairs can be requested
        • Tripods and cooking grates are available upon request
        • Bring your own container for water refills
        • Lockable totes for food storage are available upon request.
        • Plan ahead with your requests. Each delivery trip to your site will be $5.

        No hunting on property and no hunting groups.

        Know before you go. Our outhouse has a dry compostable SunMar toilet. Instructions are located inside the outhouse. There is a solar motion detected light inside the outhouse.

        Up to 2 dogs are allowed per site. Dogs must be vaccinated and not display aggressive behavior towards people or other animals. Dogs must be leashed and supervised at all times. For the safety of your pets and our livestock, visiting dogs are not allowed on the private trails. Hiking with your dog is available on and off trail in Forestville.

        Please meet us at a pre-arranged time at our farm store/camping office at least one hour prior to sunset. You will be given parking instructions and directions to hike in to your site at that time. Please pack and plan accordingly to be able to carry/pack in all of your personal items. Additional items (listed above) are available on loan to check out for your camping experience. These items will be brought to your campsite for you.

        • Pets
        • Fires
        • Reservable
        • Tents
        • Group
        • Market

        $35 / night

        • No image available
        Showing results 1-10 of 22 campgrounds

        Recent Tent Reviews In Houston

        469 Reviews of 22 Houston Campgrounds


        • A
          Camper-submitted photo from Prairie Island City Campground
          Oct. 13, 2024

          Prairie Island City Campground

          Not my type of camping

          We went here as a last minute decision. We were placed in the middle of the seasonal crowd who were loud. Music was playing all day loud enough for half the campground to hear. When the music went up so did their conversations. I go for peace and quiet. If I wanted to be at a concert. I would have gone to a concert. Showers seemed ok but some areas to me seemed kinda junky.

        • Mike L.
          Camper-submitted photo from Sparta DNR Campground
          Sep. 27, 2024

          Sparta DNR Campground

          Non-resident upcharge ($30 vs. $15 plus fees)

          Sites are basic with water, pit toilets, tables and fire rings. I originally planned to stay here but came across the non-resident charges (my state does not do this). I made reservations at the Village of Norwalk and the town of Hillsboro instead. Both have City parks with free tent camping. Norwalk even has showers and RV spots. I've added both to The Dyrt library.

        • TThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Beaver Creek Valley State Park
          Sep. 19, 2024

          Beaver Creek Valley State Park

          Beautiful & peaceful

          Very nice QUIET park! RV Campsites are gravel with fire ring and picnic table. The sites are fairly level. There is also a cabin to rent. Many electric sites.

          Very nice hiking trails, make sure to check the map to plan easy hike up and steep hike downhill! Beautiful vistas on the Switchback trail.

          The Mossy Seep trail has interesting plants and unique growth.

          Big Spring Trail boarders the campground, easy walk to see the Spring. Tried to dip feet in the water but couldn’t leave them in the COLD water for long! Water is crystal clear and flowing fast.

          Bathroom (men’s) if functional, has running water at the sinks and showers work well.

          NO PHONE SERVICE which we appreciated.

          The Restaurant “Good Times” is 4 miles away and has good food and service. Also a grocery store in town in case you need more supplies.

          Leaves are just starting to change in September.

        • A
          Camper-submitted photo from Schmidt Farm by Forestville
          Sep. 18, 2024

          Schmidt Farm by Forestville

          A very peaceful camping experience

          If you're looking for a simpler camping experience focused on getting away from everything and solitude, then this is the place for you.   You can tell that the hosts have put a ton of work and love into their property and I really enjoyed meeting and getting to know them.   The campsites are large and kept up and I picked campsite two so that I could hear the creek behind me and I enjoyed hearing it the whole time I was there plus the Forestville State Park was just across the creek.   The peace and quiet allowed me to have one of the best nights of sleep while camping that I've had, I didn't hear a person or a vehicle the whole night and the crickets, frogs, and occasional hooting owl just added to the nighttime experience.

        • Karen S.
          Camper-submitted photo from Schmidt Farm by Forestville
          Sep. 17, 2024

          Schmidt Farm by Forestville

          A quiet, back to nature experience under dark skies.

          This location offers the opportunity to explore both private trails and less traveled areas of Forestville State Park. Secluded campsites so you are not camping side by side with others. Site locations offer ample space for multiple tents. The native wildflowers are a special treat.

        • Tanner D.
          Camper-submitted photo from Sidie Hollow County Ridge Campground
          Aug. 26, 2024

          Sidie Hollow County Ridge Campground

          Great place to get away

          My wife and I went there for the weekend and it was great. Clean and spacious sites. The bathrooms were even clean. They also provided free showers. The wood was a reasonable price and easily available at any time of the day. It was also pet friendly. I do wish that they hadn't cleared away so many trees. A little more shade would have been nice since we were in a tent. But other than that was was perfect.

        • Jarrett G.
          Camper-submitted photo from Great River Bluffs State Park
          Aug. 7, 2024

          Great River Bluffs State Park

          One of my favorites!

          Beautiful area with very nice trails. 20-30 mins to Winona, 20 mins to La Crosse. Not a huge site selection, but very nice sites. My wife and I try to go there as much as we can!

        • Nanette M.
          Camper-submitted photo from Sleepy Hollow Campground
          Aug. 5, 2024

          Sleepy Hollow Campground

          Horrible service

          My husband made a reservation for our 25th wedding anniversary and he was rushed in the hospital for an emergency surgery. We notified you 3 days in advance and you refused to give us even a partial refund! We only had that money to celebrate. You didn't even offer another date for us! We are now not able to enjoy our 25th! That's terrible that you will do nothing in such an emergency situation. I will be making this public in every venue I can. Disgusting that you will probably get paid by another person to stay there. How disappointing that you would offer us nothing! Very bad business.

        • KThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Perrot State Park
          Jul. 24, 2024

          Perrot State Park

          Private Sites Beautiful Park

          We spent 2 nights at this park and enjoyed our stay. The sites are well spaced and well separated by trees. The potable water has high nitrate levels so we had to buy drinking water as filters don’t remove nitrates.

        • T
          Camper-submitted photo from Whiskey Creek Family RV Park
          Jul. 7, 2024

          Whiskey Creek Family RV Park

          Great family park!

          This is a great destination RV park if you are looking for a family getaway or just a quiet trip for two. There is plenty to do at the park including a cool swimming pond with inflatables, live music most weekends, corn hole tournaments, Friday fish fry, and much more. My wife and I have a special needs adult son that they welcomed and fully accommodate. The park is clean and the staff are friendly and helpful. Sparta (Walmart plus other shops) is less than ten minutes away. The park is near an Amish community giving the region a great country feel.

        • Heather S.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Hidden Bluffs Resort
          Jun. 24, 2024

          Hidden Bluffs Resort

          Babbling Brook and Hosts Activities!

          This campground became our favorite site in quite a while! Minimal bugs, very nice staff, beautiful sites with lots of nature! Dog friendly. Playground, mini golf, and pool all complimentary! 2 trails and babbling brooke were peaceful. They had kid and adult activities scheduled for Friday and Saturday which was a cool surprise when we checked in!

        • Stacey N.
          Camper-submitted photo from Perrot State Park
          Jun. 9, 2024

          Perrot State Park

          Lovely!

          A newly paved road leads into the park with lots of gorgeous views along the way. Very friendly staff. Bathrooms buggy… to be expected… but clean. Shower has ample hot water. Some sites are close together but nicely wooded for privacy. Some sites have water views.

        • N
          Camper-submitted photo from Sidie Hollow County Ridge Campground
          May. 29, 2024

          Sidie Hollow County Ridge Campground

          Decent Camp Ground

          Book this campground last minute over the phone for a weekend of trout fishing in the driftless area. Fishing was great. The upper ridge campground did not have hardly any grass so it got muddy fast when it rained. The pit toilets were kind of dirty though toilet paper was always stocked so that’s a plus. I explored the other 3 campground at sidie hollow while I was there and this is my take. The main campground had nicer facilities and a play ground for kids. The boat landing campground is convenient if you have a boat. The upper ridge campground has the most shade out of all 3 campgrounds (cooler in the summer). The locals sell firewood for $5 a bundle which is awesome. I would stay at this campground again.

        • Tori L.
          Camper-submitted photo from Big Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest
          May. 26, 2024

          Big Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest

          Dream stay.

          Came to learn more about Tenkara fly fishing. Had a ball. Visited the 3 lookouts including Iowa only Fire tower. Bird life is colorful. Lots of places to hike. Scenery is lush. I had no phone service. Campsites are well mown, have a picnic table and fire ring. Pit toilets. Easy access to water. Drink water and firewood are at the host A frame. There is no dump site. Everyone was very friendly. Helpful. Nights were quiet. Very relaxing.

        • Eugene O.
          Camper-submitted photo from Eagle Cliff Campground and Lodging
          May. 20, 2024

          Eagle Cliff Campground and Lodging

          Good campground, rude and unprofessional management

          If you want to experience very rude and unfair treatment where you will be mistreated and ripped off by the staff and ow era you must come to Eagle Cliff campground. Was double charged for the room without any options and negotiations and knees delivered to us after we already left the campground. Staff is very rude and unwilling to be reasonable, professional and understanding. Campground looks good but rules are ridiculous and staff and owners are very shady and make non sense decisions. Stay away if you want nice peaceful stay and don’t want to be ripped off.

        • E
          Camper-submitted photo from Eagle Cliff Campground and Lodging
          May. 20, 2024

          Eagle Cliff Campground and Lodging

          Management is beyond horrible. Very unprofessional.

          If you want to experience very rude and unfair treatment where you will be mistreated and ripped off by the staff and ow era you must come to Eagle Cliff campground. Was double charged for the room without any options and negotiations and knees delivered to us after we already left the campground. Staff is very rude and unwilling to be reasonable, professional and understanding. Campground looks good but rules are ridiculous and staff and owners are very shady and make non sense decisions. Stay away if you want nice peaceful stay and don’t want to be ripped off.

        • D
          Camper-submitted photo from Great River Bluffs State Park
          May. 14, 2024

          Great River Bluffs State Park

          Nice Weekend Get Away

          The cart in sites all have a fire pit with a grill, picnic table, and are a short walk from the primitive toilets. There is a water spigot in the parking area. They have 4-5 wheelbarrows to use as carts to get your stuff to the site. Each site could comfortably hold 3 to 4 tents. They are on a path for an out and back hike so expect some passers by. Cart in 1 and 2 are fairly close to the parking area and are less secluded from each other. 3 and 4 are more secluded. Site 3 offers more shade and 4 looks to have recently had some trees cut down and is fairly open air. Overall the trails are well maintained and accessible from the cart in area. They provide some nice views of the river and you can easily hike the area in a day. It’s by no means a secluded area if you’re looking to get away from road noise or other people. All in all it makes for a nice weekend getaway.

        • c
          Camper-submitted photo from Twins Campground
          May. 3, 2024

          Twins Campground

          Serene

          Serenity, nature at its best, birdsong all day long wildlife at every turn our campsite was level the owners and manager were great hosts. We stayed several weeks the price was very reasonable, honey wagon service was included ; riding/ hiking trails from campsite.

        • Greg K.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Twins Campground
          Apr. 13, 2024

          Twins Campground

          Twins campground- cresco,Iowa.

          Very friendly and helpful owner. He even drove to town so we could follow him in. Has playground community area fire pit and a structure built to cover picnic tables. atv trails. Turkey river right there was 20 feet from my site. Porta potty and shower water is hot. 30/50 amp power with water on each site. Water fill station and dump station. Garbage .

        • Jon M.
          Camper-submitted photo from Big Joes Little Campground
          Mar. 24, 2024

          Big Joes Little Campground

          Never Again

          It is not meant for weekenders. The campground is 97% concrete pad sites for people who want to park their camper and ent for the year. The two "weekender sites they do have are over 100 yards away and the water smells like sulphur. The owner will also personally take the time to drive out and chew you out if you inadvertently park on the grass. Bottom line, they care about getting their cash and trying to make it look like Augusta National golf course. I will never go back.

        • SThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Houston Nature Center
          Sep. 15, 2023

          Houston Nature Center

          Great Campground for Cyclists

          Spacious, level, well kept, quiet. $10/night, which is great. Spotless showers and bathrooms, access to drinking water. The International Owl Center was a welcome discovery. Best tent campground on the Root River Trail.

        • Brian M.
          Camper-submitted photo from Waukon City Park
          Sep. 9, 2023

          Waukon City Park

          Great campground

          Free firewood, free wifi, water and electric at each campsite. Found a nice shady site for tent camping.



        Guide to Houston

        Camping near Houston, Minnesota, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and beautiful scenery. Whether you're looking to hike, fish, or just relax by the campfire, there are plenty of options to explore.

        What to do:

        • Hiking: There are many trails in the area. For example, at Wyalusing State Park Campground, one camper mentioned, “Great hiking trails, overall a great place to stay.” You can enjoy stunning views while getting some exercise.
        • Kayaking and Canoeing: The backwaters of the Mississippi River are perfect for paddling. A review from Minneiska Campground — Whitewater State Park highlights, “Awesome campground with lots of hiking trails, and access to backwaters of Mississippi.”
        • Fishing: Many campgrounds have access to rivers and lakes. One visitor at Perrot State Park Campground noted, “This park has become one of my favorite parks in the area. Camping spots are large and private, the bathroom facilities and showers are clean, and the scenery and views are phenomenal.”

        What campers like:

        • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful landscapes. A review from Pikes Peak State Park Campground states, “Absolutely BEAUTIFUL overlooks above the great Mississippi River!”
        • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds pride themselves on cleanliness. A camper at Great River Bluffs State Park Campground said, “Clean flush toilets. There are no hookups.”
        • Wildlife Watching: Campers enjoy spotting local wildlife. One visitor at Eagle Cliff Campground and Lodging shared, “Our site was right along the river where we saw turtles, bald eagles, and lots of other wildlife.”

        What you should know:

        Tips for camping with families:

        • Family-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. One camper at Forestville Mystery Cave State Park Campground said, “The cave tours are awesome!”
        • Playgrounds: Some campgrounds have playgrounds for children. A review from Pulpit Rock Campground mentions, “Large playground, internet at the front building in case you need to work.”
        • Group Sites: Consider booking sites that can accommodate multiple families. A camper at Beaver Creek Valley State Park Campground noted, “This hidden gem is a great small park and campground perfect for a weekend getaway.”

        Tips from RVers:

        • Big Rig Friendly: Many campgrounds can accommodate larger RVs. A review from Eagle Cliff Campground and Lodging states, “This huge campground had the best lush looking grass I ever saw.”
        • Dump Stations: Check for dump stations before you arrive. A camper at Wyalusing State Park Campground mentioned, “The campground has a large new area for RVs and trailers.”
        • Electric Hookups: Ensure your site has electric hookups if needed. A review from Minnesota Whitewater State Park highlights, “The main shower/restroom area looks brand new and is very nice.”

        Camping around Houston, MN, is a fantastic way to enjoy nature and create lasting memories. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's something for everyone!

        Frequently Asked Questions

        • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Houston, MN?

          According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Houston, MN is Houston Nature Center with a 4.8-star rating from 4 reviews.

        • What is the best site to find tent camping near Houston, MN?

          TheDyrt.com has all 22 tent camping locations near Houston, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.