DIANNE T.
Guide
GuideHigh Island Creek Park
Quiet and creek is beautiful
Had a great time walking the river. W dog
Tent Camping near Kasota, MN
Search destinations
Add dates
State parks and public lands surrounding Kasota, Minnesota provide several options for tent camping within an hour's drive. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, located about 30 miles east of Kasota, offers both standard and walk-in tent sites in a wooded setting. Rapidan Dam County Park, situated southwest of Kasota near Lake Crystal, features primitive tent-only sites along the river. The Cannon River Wilderness Area, northeast of Kasota, provides free backcountry tent camping with minimal facilities but natural seclusion.
Tent campsites at Nerstrand Big Woods feature pea gravel tent pads that provide level, well-drained surfaces for setting up tents. The outer loop non-electric sites offer more privacy and tree cover than the central campground area. Walk-in tent sites require minimal carrying distance, with some just "three car lengths" from parking areas. Rapidan Dam's primitive tent camping areas accommodate small vehicles only and are not trailer-friendly. Sites include fire rings and access to water pumps, but facilities are basic. The Cannon River sites require backpacking gear approximately 10 minutes from the parking area to the farthest site.
The tent camping experience varies significantly between locations. At Nerstrand, campers noted the "large pea gravel tent pads" provide comfortable sleeping surfaces with "good fire rings with lots of room for lounging." The park's waterfall and hiking trails are major attractions, with one visitor reporting "wonderful trails and waterfall" accessible from the campground. Rapidan Dam offers more seclusion, with one camper describing it as having "lots of sites all separated by trees" and "a beautiful location in the woods with a stream next to it." For those seeking true backcountry tent camping, Cannon River Wilderness Area provides the opportunity to find "a site tucked away from people" with riverside hammock options, though the area has only two designated campsites that require hikers to "backpack everything you need in."
Best Tent Campgrounds near Kasota (5)
1. Rapidan Dam Co Park
"Small trails for car/ tent camping. Not trailer friendly. Small vehicles only. At the foot of the road in there a small food/ice cream shop with friendly staff."
"Beautiful location in the woods witha stream next to it. There are a few water pumps and some outhouses. All sites have a picnic table and fire ring. Restaurant onsite is fantastic."
2. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground
"Though they were right next to each other, they felt very secluded. Site 4 felt a bit more private from the main road because the campsite slightly slopes downward."
"It's just a bit of a walk from the main campground and opposite of some very beautiful walk-in sites. The group campground has an open space to play games as well as wooded areas all around."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $24 - $34 / night
3. Cannon River Wilderness Area
"We found a site tucked away from people which is what we like. We set up hammocks right next to the river."
"Free, first come first served rustic hike/cart in sites with steel fire ring/grill. There are 4 official sites and 2 more unofficial sites with no fire ring."
4. Clear Lake Co Park
5. St. James City Park Camp
Drive Time
- 9 min from Mankato, MN
- 1 hr 2 min from Minneapolis, MN
- 1 hr 21 min from Rochester, MN
- 1 hr 43 min from St. Cloud, MN
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Kasota, MN
9 Photos of 5 Kasota Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Tent Camping Reviews near Kasota, MN
325 Reviews of 5 Kasota Campgrounds
- AAlison B.
TravelerPihls County Park
Quaint and convenient!
Neat little place right off I 90. We arrived in the dark since we had a flat to fix but happily were still able to download the campground map… Seems like people stay here All year at some of the sites because there are literally decks and gardens attached to some larger campers. Gorgeous mature trees and seems like the campground is well kept outside. The bathrooms are clean but pretty old and guessing that the water is fairly hard from the rust stains in the shower… hot water felt great and no quarters to feed. Definitely bring your flip-flops for the shower the drainage was not great. Would definitely stay here again for the convenience, maybe next time we will get to enjoy the water front area… All the sites were nice and flat and easy to back in with lots of length. We have been towing a 31 foot AIRSTREAM so had no problems whatsoever.
- DDawn
ScoutPeaceful Valley Campground
Hope you like your neighbor
We initially chose this location due to its proximity to Belle Plain and its reasonable pricing. The RV sites are relatively small and positioned quite close to one another. While they are long enough to accommodate a large camper, the proximity is such that one could nearly reach out and touch the neighboring vehicle, creating a sense of overcrowding. It appears that the capacity of the park is prioritized for revenue. Although we were informed about the suboptimal cell and WiFi service upon check-in, I believe the quality of service could be improved significantly by installing WiFi extenders to ensure reliable coverage throughout the area. Currently, even a passing truck or camper can disrupt the signal, forcing me to repeatedly reconnect in order to load pages or send messages. The bathrooms are satisfactory, and the shower was pleasant, providing consistent hot water for an enjoyable experience.
Brett G.ScoutMinneapolis Southwest KOA
Basic KOA
Nice quiet campground. It's a very basic KOA. Not a whole lot of amenities. Large playground is quite good for children. Our site is right across from the campground.
Campsite is in the middle of nature. Lots of trees cover. Not much of a breeze but well protected.
Water is clean, electrical boxes are in good condition.
Jeanelle B.ScoutPihls County Park
Peaceful
We booked site 31 which is directly in the middle of seasonal campers. Not very many people around. Bathrooms are definitely old but clean. I would not waste the extra 10 dollars on a lakeside site (trees blocking view)
Ryan M.ScoutNerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground
Great place to visit
My two boys and I camped here for one night on a weekday in late August. It was a great place to relax and spend time together. We chose the cart in campsite and we had the area all to ourselves. The vault toilets near the campsite were clean, and the main bathrooms and showers in the main campground were also very nice and clean. We enjoyed a great hike around the park and had a successful birding outing. The trails closer to the water had more mosquitoes, although their numbers decreased the closer we got to our campsite. From our campsite, we saw five new bird species without even having to get out of our chairs. All in all, I would definitely come back.
Danielle D.ScoutRoberds Lake Resort and Campground
Clean and quaint
As a newer resident on Roberds Lake I decided to walk my son in his stroller down to the resort. It looked like a tropical paradise. The water is treated, there were tons of kids splashing around, his age.. It was the hottest day this year so far. It was packed! Lots of welcoming smiles on the beach...I saw the sign saying "Public Not Allowed." I was like aw that's disappointing ,and I understand completeley, why they do this. I have worked in the food and bev/entertainment industry for all of my life. Im 44...
I went into the little eatery to ask permission from what appeared to be the owner or manager. I asked her and she replied with " NO!" in the rudest way you could say it, and pointed her finger at the door....I mean, come on. Im my opinion, I think she could have handled it a little more professionally and suggest somewhere else, offer a cup of ice water, anything kind....no. All she was, was straight up cruel and I had to rush the first 2 blocks before I lost it. My son, didn't make a peep..anyways. . .I dont like saying negative things about people but in the case, I cant hold back. If you cant be kind and hospitable to EVERYONE that walks in that door, find a new profession like a prison guard or something....
- PPad F.Guide
Lake Washington County Park
Nice campground
Well tended county campground surrounded by many good fishing lakes. Good spacing between sites , gravel pads, nice and clean shower house. Not much shade. Both paved and grass trails. Not very busy.
- KKristy H.Guide
Crystal Springs RV Resort
Excellent Location
We stayed 1 night and the host was Amazing! Our site had everything included. Site was easy to back into and the location is just an hour from Mall of America
Guide to Kasota
Tent camping options near Kasota, Minnesota offer varied terrain from riverside sites to wooded areas. The camping season typically runs from April through October, with peak conditions in late spring and early fall when temperatures average 65-75°F during the day. Several campgrounds provide primitive to moderate amenities across Waseca, Blue Earth, and Rice counties within 30-45 minutes of Kasota.
What to do
Paddle the Blue Earth River: Rapidan Dam County Park provides direct access to paddleboarding opportunities. "The river is perfect for paddle boarding," notes Nick G., who found the secluded spot ideal for water activities.
Hike through ancient forests: Nerstrand Big Woods State Park features trails through one of the last remnants of the Big Woods that once covered much of southern Minnesota. "The variety of old growth trees was spectacular," shares Erik R., who visited specifically for the hiking opportunities.
Wildlife observation: Cannon River Wilderness Area allows visitors to experience nature up close. Campers can "set up hammocks right next to the river" according to Nick G., creating perfect spots for observing local wildlife and enjoying riverside relaxation.
What campers like
Secluded camping spots: Rapidan Dam County Park offers isolation between sites. "Lots of sites all separated by trees," mentions Nick G., while another camper described it as a "great primitive only sites" with cycling access, though "some have lots of sand on the path."
Clean facilities: Nerstrand Big Woods State Park maintains well-kept amenities. "The bathroom/shower building was new and clean, the camp host was friendly and helpful," reports Deb M., noting the convenience for Twin Cities residents seeking weekend getaways.
Affordable options: Cannon River Wilderness Area provides free camping with riverside access. "For free the area is awesome right by the river," according to one camper who appreciated the economic value combined with natural setting.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Campgrounds near Kasota can experience seasonal flooding. Kent F. reported Rapidan Dam was "closed due to flooding" during one visit, making it important to check conditions before traveling.
Limited connectivity: Cell service can be unpredictable. At Nerstrand Big Woods, "cell service (both AT&T and TMobile) was terrible," according to Deb M., who noted "there's WiFi at the office, which is just a short hike from the campground."
Site limitations: Many campgrounds have vehicle restrictions. Skip H. mentions Rapidan Dam has "small trails for car/tent camping. Not trailer friendly. Small vehicles only," making advance planning essential for larger vehicles or trailers.
Tips for camping with families
Look for amenities: Roberds Lake Resort offers family-friendly features beyond just camping. "The sunsets were spectacular at the private beach, boat rental availability for a whole day, flexible and friendly," reports Jaime N., highlighting the "small store and restaurant, ice cream parlor" that children enjoy.
Check site spacing: Site proximity varies significantly between parks. At Nerstrand Big Woods, some campers noted sites "have very little privacy" with some that "back up almost into the sites" nearby, making it important to research specific site numbers when booking for families needing space.
Pack for varying conditions: Spring camping can be unpredictable. Timothy S. found "sites were great but a little wet" with "some of the south trails closed because its too wet," indicating families should bring appropriate footwear and rain gear.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: At Nerstrand Big Woods, RVers should research specific sites. "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," warns Deb M.
Hookup information: Electric sites are limited at many campgrounds. Tim B. notes Nerstrand Big Woods has "sites are good and some can handle bigger RVs. Some Electric sites. Nice dump station," making reservations important during peak season.
Consider alternatives: Roberds Lake Resort offers RV options with different amenities than state parks. "Hook ups a bit squished together" according to Jaime N., but the resort offers additional recreational opportunities not found at more primitive campgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Kasota, MN?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Kasota, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Kasota, MN is Rapidan Dam Co Park with a 4-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
Kasota, MN?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Kasota, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 tent camping locations near Kasota, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring