Top Tent Camping near Lake City, MN
Looking for the best options for tent camping near Lake City? The Dyrt helps you find campsites near Lake City with tent camping. Search nearby tent campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Tent Sites Near Lake City, MN (13)
1. Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground
7 Reviews•30 Photos•48 SavesTent only campground.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
$22 - $132 / night
2. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park
32 Reviews•90 Photos•131 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
3. Aefintyr
4 Reviews•43 Photos•54 SavesAefintyr 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
4. Gooseberry Glen Cart-in Campground — Whitewater State Park
1 Review•20 Photos•6 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
8. Pool 4, Riecks Lake Park
Be the first to review!•2 SavesThis recreation area is part of Mississippi River - Pool 4
- Tents
9. Camp Spring Lake Retreat Center
1 Review•1 Photo•6 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
$50 / night
10. Cannon River Wilderness Area
2 Reviews•2 Photos•32 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Equestrian
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Showing results 1-10 of 13 campgrounds
Recent Tent Reviews In Lake City
492 Reviews of 13 Lake City Campgrounds
Equity
Scout
Highland Ridge
15% Profit Share in the Challenge Stage https://instantfundingnow.com/#
15% Profit Share in the Challenge Stage https://instantfundingnow.com/#
- AAbbieScout
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.
- JJeff F.Scout
Highland Ridge
Beautiful in the fall
This is a smaller Corps of Engineers park, lots of primitive sites and lots electric sites too. A smaller lake but no gas motors. Cell service with Verizon was ok.
Katherine T.
Guide
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park
Nice weekend get away
Nice distance from the twin cities for a weekend away with some nice hiking trails. The tent pads have been upgraded to pea gravel by the friends association (which seems to be quite active based on signage around park improvements). Showers and bathrooms were clean. Wi-Fi near the park entrance and spotty T-Mobile service throughout. The outside of the loop is good for tent camping but could be a little noisy if the campground had been fully booked.
Nanette M.Scout
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.
Molly M.Guide
Willow River State Park
Very nice camping
Lovely trails, the beach is a large area with a nice park and picnic area. The water itself is ok, lots of geese and algae. The falls are wonderful though. The bathrooms are fine. I could not find a garbage bin to save my life, not near the bathrooms or anywhere in campground 200 or by the park ranger post. If there were garbage cans dispersed throughout the campground, I would have given 5 stars. Especially along the trail to the waterfalls because there was garbage all along the trail unfortunately. Not the camps fault, but maybe people would be more responsible if garbage bins were placed along the route.
Leslie P.Scout
Lebanon Hills Regional Park
Jewel near the cit
Stayed here while visit our son. Picked it because it was close. We were very surprised at the privacy of our site. We were in the east loop with just electric.
- KKristina D.Scout
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.
- ppeter V.Scout
Lake Elmo County Park Preserve
Great camping
This was a great experience overall. The sites are spacious and far enough away from others to feel like there was enough privacy.
The one negative thing was that some neighbors watched a movie each night — starting just after quiet hours. We could hear their movie from across a road and through some trees (and tents).
But overall it was great. Good hiking and geocaching.
We would go back to this campground.
- JJohn B.
TravelerHighland Ridge
Clean and relatively quiet
Lots of RV campers, but none were obnoxious. T-mobile service is almost non-existent depending on location. The showers and bathrooms were spotless. Firewood is available at several roadside stands just outside the entrance.
- Jarrett G.Traveler
Willow River State Park
Awesome park!
Plenty of sites and hiking to do. Very cool area. The falls are awesome!
- PPad F.Scout
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park
Peaceful weekend camping
Stayed on non electric site which looking at the whole campground are the better sites. Sites are wooded so you don’t have neighbor issues. All have large pea gravel tent pads - very nice. Good fire rings with lots of room for lounging. Many trails to hike but due to prior heavy rain the only trail open was down to Hidden Falls - they were roaring. No cell/ very patchy cell signal and could only get WiFi signal when standing next to Ranger station. Would definitely visit again, maybe in the fall as I’m told the colors are wonderful.
Stacey N.
RangerPerrot 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.
Jaime P.Traveler
Hidden Meadows RV Park
Staff friendly, but the park is not so great
Campsites are very closely spaced together. I was thankful no one was placed near our campsite to give us more room. The permanent campsites are practically on top of one another. If you’re bringing the kids there is literally nothing to do there. They do have a play-set but that’s where it ends. I think this campground may be under new ownership and it may be nice to see what they do with it in a year or two. For now the picnic tables are run down. The parking pads are very unlevel. WiFi signal is weak at best. If you have Verizon don’t count on service. Antenna strength is weak. Also oddly spaced power hook up with sewer and water placements. Overall not a horrible experience but not a great one. Mostly like will not return.
Tiffany K.GuideWillow River State Park
Nice state park close to the twin cities
Stayed here for our first camping of the season. It's a great park that has hiking, mountain bike trails, water features and good mix of electric and non electric sites.
Jordan D.Traveler
Afton State Park
Sites with privacy and great trails near!
Good pricing, great trails for all different skill levels and nice staff. Our site was mighty large and for the most part secluded from those near and on the path. $22 for the site, $8 for reservation. $8 for wood (all you can chop) and $7 for the overnight and next day parking pass for one car. Beautiful surroundings and clean bathrooms and grills one mile mostly uphill hike from parking lot but not to difficult and some paved parts. Definitely coming back.
KenScoutWillow River State Park
Great park for quick city getaway
It’s a great park conveniently located near the twin cities making it a great spot for a quick getaway.
Jennifer H.GuideTresure Island RV Park
Crowded park, nice people
We were here for a night to see a concert at the amphitheater and everyone was super friendly. It was easy to check in, and we were able to do laundry and shower which was great. It’s mostly gravel but they have some tent sites on the grass. They are dog friendly and have some grassy areas to walk your pets which was great.
- Abi H.Scout
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park
Spacious camp sites
Stayed at the cart in sites for the first time and am super impressed! Larger and more private than most state parks, especially so close to the cities. Trails are also nice and well kept. The only downside I might add is that there is only water/toilets at the campground or picnic area so if you plan on doing a full day of hiking just be aware of that. Carts are provided and parking is very close by.
Heather N.Traveler
Cannon Falls Campground
Love this place!
We started coming here in 2020 and got on the seasonal list right away. We have now been seasonals 2 years and absolutely love it!! The owners and family are amazing. They have tons of things to do for the kids! We have two boys 12 and 5 and they love it here! We can't say enough good things about Cannon Falls Campground!
- Angie A.Ranger
Mondovi Town Park
Tucked away treasure
Great find! Small yet only us and one tent couple camping. Toilets clean. Water and electric … so score! Close to restaurants and taverns. Recommend for a quick getaway!
- NNiki und Uwe S.Scout
Big River Resort
So clean and welcoming
Restrooms, showers, the areal is so clean! We felt very welcome. Elaine is very friendly and helpful!
- Stacey N.Ranger
South Campground — Merrick State Park
Back again
Our second time camping here.. this time at the South campground. Definitely bring everything to repel the bugs… thermacells are a must. Waterview sites are amazing. Very little park staff presence that I could see. Showers and flush toilets at the north campground which is a quick drive or a very long walk. They were clean, but showers could use a refresh. Pro tip: there are wheelbarrows full of firewood for sale across from the entrance of the park. Only 5 dollars buys a generous amount that burns well.
Stacy C.Traveler
Crystal Lake Campground - Strum
Favorite little spot
I absolutely love this little campground it's close to my grandparents & close to do much more all while being away from too much
- JJames W.Scout
Willow River State Park
Good camping at Willow River State Park
Stayed in the 100 loop. The sites are secluded by sumac trees. Sites are level, electric power and fire ring. The back side of the 100 loop where we stayed was a ways from the bathhouse. Bathroom and showers were clean and fresh. Very few bugs. Because we were there during the week, the loop was probably 70% full.
T-mobile reception was good. No reception in the other two loops as they are down the hill farther.
Molly Y.
Legend
Gooseberry Glen Cart-in Campground — Whitewater State Park
Cart-In Campsite with Short Walk
We stayed in one of the cart-in sites. Right when you park you see the push carts and it is a very short walk to the campsite. You are able to slightly see 1 cart-in site neighbor, but besides that it was very private and quiet. We hiked all the trails in the park and the Fall colors were beautiful but not yet at full peak.
Roger W.LegendHighland Ridge
Wow Spacious Sites and Peaceful
Highland Ridge, WI - COE east of Minneapolis. (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good (70 yr olds in 17’ trailer) Overall Rating: 4.5 Price 2023: $12/ night w senior pass Usage during visit: 60 - 70% during weekdays Site Privacy: GOOD - not a fence forest, but tremendous spacing makes up for it.
Site Spacing: VERY GOOD Site surface: Gravel and level Reservations: Yes. Can reserve on line at the cg Campground Noise: None Road Noise: None Through Traffic in campground: None Electric Hookup: Yes Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: Yes Potable Water Available: Yes, at the bathrooms. Generators: Not needed. Bathroom: kept VERY clean. Shutdown for cleaning every morning at about 6 AM. Showers: Yes. Clean Pull Throughs: I think all are back ins. Cell Service (AT&T): Good Setting: Forest with no understory Weather: 80s Bugs: Not too bad.
Solar: Forest canopy would interfere , but not needed. Host: Yes. They are around and offer free beach passes. They are super. Rig size: Large RVs. Sites: All sites are very nice in loop 1 -24. I understand that Loop 28+ is less private.
Guide to Lake City
Camping near Lake City, Minnesota, offers a fantastic mix of outdoor fun and beautiful scenery. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
What to do:
- Hiking: Explore the trails at Willow River State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "Lovely trails, the beach is a large area with a nice park and picnic area." The park features various hiking paths, including routes to stunning waterfalls.
- Fishing and Water Activities: At Lake Wissota State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and kayaking. A visitor shared, "The park has good access for a kayak/canoe path."
- Wildlife Watching: Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground is great for spotting birds and other wildlife. One reviewer noted, "We enjoy coming to Nerstrand in the spring to view the beautiful flowers!"
What campers like:
- Privacy: Campers appreciate the spacious sites at Perrot State Park Campground. A visitor said, "The sites are well spaced and well separated by trees."
- Clean Facilities: Many campers rave about the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers at Frontenac State Park Campground. One camper remarked, "Bathrooms are VERY CLEAN."
- Scenic Views: The views at Lake Wissota State Park Campground are a highlight. A reviewer mentioned, "Best trails and lots of wildlife. The park staff is great also."
What you should know:
- Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in the summer. A camper at William O'Brien State Park Campground warned, "We had a battle with mosquitoes. We went through a lot of bug spray."
- Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Afton State Park Campground, do not have showers. A visitor noted, "No showers, toilets, or trash."
- Cell Service: Expect spotty cell service in many areas. A camper at Whitewater State Park mentioned, "Spotty cell service."
Tips for camping with families:
- Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Lebanon Hills Regional Park is noted for being family-friendly. One camper said, "Clean showers and family-friendly."
- Plan for Activities: Look for campgrounds with nearby activities. At Lake Elmo County Park Reserve, a visitor mentioned, "Great bike trails, lakes a little way’s from campground."
- Pack for Comfort: Bring bug spray and sunscreen. A camper at William O'Brien State Park Campground advised, "We went through a lot of bug spray."
Tips from RVers:
- Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Frontenac State Park Campground noted, "Plenty of space to park a 21 ft trailer."
- Reserve Early: Popular spots fill up fast. A visitor at Lebanon Hills Regional Park mentioned, "Must reserve months in advance as usually full."
- Bring Extra Supplies: Some campgrounds, like Lake Wissota State Park Campground, don’t have firewood available. A camper said, "They do not allow gathering of firewood."
Camping near Lake City, Minnesota, has something for everyone. With beautiful parks and plenty of activities, it’s a great spot for your next outdoor adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Lake City, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Lake City, MN is Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Lake City, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 13 tent camping locations near Lake City, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.