Tent camping near La Crescent, Minnesota offers access to wooded river bluffs along the Mississippi River at elevations between 600-1200 feet. The camping season typically runs April through October with July temperatures averaging 82°F highs and nighttime lows around 62°F. Most primitive sites in the state forests require campers to pack out all trash and bring their own water supplies.
What to do
Bicycle touring: 47-mile trail access at Houston Nature Center Campground where campers stay at the trailhead for the Root River State Bike Trail. "The Nature Center is tent camping only but they do have nice spots with picnic tables and grills. The Nature Center also has a bike servicing station, showers, and bathrooms," notes one visitor.
Fishing: Multiple stream access points near campsites along Root River. A camper at Camp Glen Wendel in Yellow River State Forest reported "Very secluded with good fishing opportunities and great fishing in the area!" The forest areas typically allow fishing with proper Minnesota licenses.
Stargazing: Open meadow viewing in forest clearings. "Great spot to view the stars," reports a camper at Yellow River State Forest. The most remote sites offer minimal light pollution, especially those located more than 10 miles from Interstate 90.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Free hot showers at Houston Nature Center, where one camper noted "Spotless showers and bathrooms, access to drinking water. The International Owl Center was a welcome discovery. Best tent campground on the Root River Trail." Day-use fees are typically $5-7 for non-campers.
Privacy between sites: Secluded camping options at Shady Rest Acres which offers both forest and meadow camping. "One is in the middle of the pasture (that's right...near the goats) They will pen up the larger animals if you stay at that site, but it's perfect for stargazing! The other is nestled in the woods," explains a visitor.
Wildlife viewing: Farm animals and wild creatures around camping areas. Shady Rest Acres provides unique encounters as "home to so many animals that are all exceptionally well cared for. They have donkeys, Scottish Highland cows, sheep, goats, chickens, bees, horses, ducks, cats and dogs," according to a camper's experience.
What you should know
Primitive sites: No facilities at Reno Horse Campground in R.J.D. Memorial Hardwood State Forest where visitors need to bring everything and pack everything out. "We backpacked to the quarry and found a large open area, perfect for multiple tents. The sandstone bluffs were in the background. There are multiple handmade rock fire pits, some rock chairs, tables and lots of space."
Traffic noise: Highway sounds affect some campgrounds, particularly those near Interstate 90. At Sparta Campground, a visitor reported: "The most disappointing factor for me was the highway noise. I had to wear noise-cancelling headphones to drown out the noise in order to sleep."
Seasonal operations: Limited winter camping with most sites closed November through April. Many tent camping areas in La Crescent and surrounding counties have no winter maintenance, though Yellow River State Forest notes "there is snow in the winter" for those willing to brave cold-weather camping.
Tips for camping with families
Natural playgrounds: Kid-friendly features at Houston Nature Center where "Trail Head Park has a 1 acre natural playground near the campsite. The playground has a zip line, tree house, small rock wall, and more."
Short walks to sites: Manageable distances for children at Island Campground in Merrick State Park. "These sites are in 1 of 3 campgrounds in the State Park. They are technically 'hike-in' or 'cart-in' but have a very short hike to get to. They are large and have a fire ring and picnic table at each of the on the water sites."
Educational opportunities: Wildlife centers near camping areas provide learning experiences. Houston Nature Center includes an Owl Center in town, and as one visitor notes, "Inside the Nature Center, they have interactive and interesting displays."
Tips for RVers
Limited hookups: Few RV amenities at tent-focused camping areas. At Northend Campground, a visitor observed: "Small lil park that they allow people to camp in. I've seen RV's and tents here." Most sites in the La Crescent tent camping region have limited or no electric hookups.
Size restrictions: No big rig access at most area campgrounds. Most tent camping areas near La Crescent have narrow access roads and compact parking areas suitable primarily for vehicles under 25 feet in length.
Alternative locations: Nearby town parks sometimes offer better RV options. "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."
