The southeastern Minnesota region offers multiple tent camping locations with varying terrain and accessibility. Lake City sits along the shores of Lake Pepin, the widest naturally occurring part of the Mississippi River. Campsites in this area typically range from walk-in tent pads to secluded hike-in sites, with elevations from river level to bluff tops offering different perspectives of the river valley.
What to do
Hiking trails and waterfalls: At Whitewater State Park, campers can explore a 4-mile loop trail that offers "a beautiful and challenging hike that isn't too punishing. There were lots of scenic views, and a good variety of terrain to keep it interesting. Fantastic for fall colors," according to Sarah D.
River and lake activities: Lake Pepin provides numerous water recreation opportunities near Hok-Si-La City Park. The park features "great lake access for swimming," notes Beth W. A camper named Asher K. adds, "The campsite is really beautiful with lots of great walking paths and a beach area where you can swim in the river."
Wildlife viewing: The diverse habitats around Lake City support varied wildlife. At Hok-Si-La, Anne T. reports, "On our last stay, we were able to watch eagles from our campsite, which was amazing." During the warmer months, frogs, woodpeckers, and owls are frequently heard throughout the wooded camping areas.
What campers like
Private, natural settings: The Gooseberry Glen Cart-in Campground offers a secluded experience with a short walk from parking. Molly Y. describes it as "very private and quiet. We hiked all the trails in the park and the Fall colors were beautiful."
Group-friendly sites: Several campgrounds offer larger group sites. At Hok-Si-La, campers appreciate the spacious group areas. Emily H. notes, "If you're staying with friends or have a large family, the group sites G0 and G2 offer views and lots of space for multiple tents. We've stayed here with a group of about 20 people with plenty of room."
Vehicle-free camping: Many of the best tent camping options near Lake City feature walk-in designs. Sapphire J. notes that Hok-Si-La "doesn't allow cars or generators on any of the camping spots, so be sure to keep that in mind!" This creates a quieter experience for all campers.
What you should know
Season and weather considerations: Most campgrounds in the area operate from May through October. However, spring camping can mean muddy conditions. According to Timothy S., who camped at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park early in the season, "Sites were great but a little wet. Some of the south trails are closed because its too wet."
Shower facilities: When available, showers at campgrounds near Lake City often require quarters. Bring change if you plan to use these facilities. Sapphire J. mentions that at Hok-Si-La, the manager "lives on the grounds so it made for easy access to any answers we needed while camping."
Site selection tips: For the best camping experience, research specific site locations and features. Bryan W. recommends Hok-Si-La for its "great group campsites that allow you to have privacy and a great time." For smaller groups seeking privacy, Emily H. suggests, "Stay in the N sites, they are a little more private, and a few offer great views of Lake Pepin. N1 is a prime site."
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: Aefintyr offers a mix of bring-your-own gear sites and furnished options. Mike L. notes, "I stayed at the Talia bell tent site so I didn't have to bring much so it made the hike a lot easier." This can be ideal for families new to camping.
Security considerations: Some campgrounds offer enhanced security features. Emily H. points out that Hok-Si-La is "a bit more spendy than state parks and regional campgrounds, but the security and family friendly atmosphere make it worth the extra cash."
Cart-in convenience: For families with young children or lots of gear, cart-in sites offer a good balance. At Gooseberry Glen, Sarah D. explains, "Right when you park you see the push carts and it is a very short walk to the campsite... I love backpacking, but my husband had never been, so carting in was a good first camping trip for us as a couple."
Tips for RVers
Site accessibility: When bringing a trailer to Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, be prepared for tight spots. Deb M. warns, "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."
Cell service limitations: For those needing to stay connected, be aware of spotty coverage. Deb M. reports that at Nerstrand Big Woods, "cell service (both AT&T and TMobile) was terrible. There's WiFi at the office, which is just a short hike from the campground."
Seasonal camping options: Tim B. notes that Nerstrand Big Woods State Park is "a great campground for Fall camping. The colors are amazing. Nice hiking trails. Sites are good and some can handle bigger RV's. Some Electric sites."
