Best Tent Camping near Marion, MN

Whitewater State Park and Aefintyr offer several tent camping options in the rolling hills around Marion, Minnesota. The area features walk-in tent sites at Gooseberry Glen Cart-in Campground within Whitewater State Park, where campers can use push carts for a short walk to secluded campsites. Aefintyr provides hike-in tent sites with a more rugged experience, requiring a steep climb to reach the bluff-top camping areas. These locations provide alternatives to developed campgrounds while still offering basic amenities.

Most tent sites in the area feature fire pits with firewood provided, particularly at Aefintyr where each site includes a bundle. Picnic tables are common at established sites. Gooseberry Glen Cart-in Campground offers a balance of seclusion with relatively easy access to amenities like drinking water and toilets. Campers should note that many locations require a short walk from parking areas to tent sites. This walk-in design creates a more peaceful camping experience while maintaining reasonable access to facilities and vehicles.

Privacy varies across tent camping locations near Marion. Gooseberry Glen's cart-in sites provide good separation between campers with limited visibility between neighboring sites. A camper mentioned that the sites were "quiet, woodsy and secluded" with only the sound of the stream audible from their site. Fall camping is particularly popular in this area, with Whitewater State Park offering excellent hiking trails with scenic views and challenging terrain. Another review noted the cart-in sites are "a very short walk to the campsite" making them accessible while still feeling removed from developed areas. Tent campers at Aefintyr enjoy stargazing opportunities from their elevated position, with clear nights providing exceptional views.

Best Tent Sites Near Marion, Minnesota (15)

    1. Aefintyr

    4 Reviews
    Elba, MN
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 513-5598

    $29 - $139 / night

    "We're so excited to have this unique property on our platform. Offering hike in sites with Bell Tents or pitch your own, this is a great place to view the stars."

    "A beautiful cabin, hike-in glamping or bring your own gear. I was able to stay in the cabin for a couple nights with two friends. The cabin was cozy even during winter."

    2. Gooseberry Glen Cart-in Campground — Whitewater State Park

    2 Reviews
    Elba, MN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 312-2300

    "We wanted a quiet, secluded campsite, but one we wouldn't have to backpack into."

    "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."

    3. Schmidt Farm by Forestville

    2 Reviews
    Preston, MN
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 273-6278

    $35 / night

    "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."

    "If you're looking for a simpler camping experience focused on getting away from everything and solitude, then this is the place for you.   "

    4. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground

    35 Reviews
    Nerstrand, MN
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 333-4840

    "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."

    "There are four “walk in” sites, and you can see one another from all of them. Sites 1 and 3 require a walk about three car lengths to the tent pad, and 4 is not much farther."

    5. Oronoco City Park

    1 Review
    Pine Island, MN
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 367-4526

    6. Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground

    7 Reviews
    Lake City, MN
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 345-3855

    $22 - $132 / night

    "The campground was very full that weekend but the group sites are spacious and well spaced out, (if you can I would recommend G4 or G5 right on the lake for group sites) you definitely don't feel like"

    "This is one of my favorite campgrounds in Southern Minnesota! It is only 1 1/2 hours away from the TwinCities which makes it an ideal getaway."

    7. Northend Campground

    1 Review
    Rushford, MN
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 864-7949

    8. Houston Nature Center

    5 Reviews
    Houston, MN
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 896-4668

    "The Nature Center campsite is located at the trail head for the Root River State Bike Trail."

    "This campsite is at the trailhead for the Root River Bike Trail. This bike trail is so awesome and by far the best in the tri-state area!"

    9. Chimney Rock County Park

    1 Review
    Cresco, IA
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 534-7145
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Tent Camping Reviews near Marion, MN

534 Reviews of 15 Marion Campgrounds


  • Kelly S.
    May. 2, 2018

    Frontenac State Park Campground

    Early Season Experience

    We spent a single night here at site 37. The site was great, the privacy was okay, and the campground itself was slightly above average.

    Our site was huge. It could have easily accommodated an RV and a tent. There was a campfire ring and picnic table there like each site, but ours also had a tent pad and a very long parking spot. We were tent camping. This was the first tent pad I have ever been able to stake down without bending or breaking stakes and needing a mallet. The site was also close to a few of the trailheads. See pictures. Would recommend site 37 any day.

    The privacy was nonexistent because there were no leaves on the trees yet. In the summer, that might change. There are trees between sites.

    The campground itself was okay. The ranger and lady in the office when we stopped in were a little strange, but helpful. They were out of wood, but there is a DNR certified seller not a mile down the road- you can get more wood for cheaper there anyway. In MN, you need to get your firewood from the state park you are at or a certified seller in the same county to prevent the spread of tree pests and disease. The ranger can and will stop at your site and ask to see your seller card from the wood. The rest of the campground was nice. Many water spigots were still frozen, but there isn't much to be done about that. Overall, I would definitely recommend this campground!

  • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 31, 2024

    Minneiska Campground — Whitewater State Park

    Nice state park

    Stayed here for a couple nights on a mini state park road trip. Nice place, like most of the MN state parks. Spotty cell service. Hiked a trail with lots of steps. Fire ring and picnic table are provided at each site. Restroom with showers also available in campground. Site was large and easy to back into and offered some tree cover for shade during certain times of the day. Was unable to hang hammock in specific site we stayed at, but some of the sites looked like they would be suitable.

  • Mary S.
    Aug. 16, 2018

    Frontenac State Park Campground

    Shady, quiet campground in the woods with short hiking opportunities

    Campground Design

    I like that it's split into 4 small loops (1-11, 12-28, 29-38 and 39-59). There shouldn't be much traffic in any one loop. It's a very shady campground - lots of trees so it's quite dark at night with no stargazing from your site.

    Our site #42 was right next to #40 and there's not much privacy between the 2 sites. There's a lot more distance and privacy between #42 and #44. In general, sites are fairly close together but there are some trees in between.

    I thought we might be closer to the Mississippi River, but the campground is located above the river (called Pepin Lake at this wide point). You can hike down to the river; the steep descent makes the short hike more interesting. There are Lower and Upper Bluff trails as well as other short, connected trails throughout the park. (See photo of trail map.)

    Tent Campers

    There are 6 'cart in' sites, but they are about 1/2 mile away from the main campground and on the other side of the road. Park, put your gear in a cart, and walk about 1/4 mile to your site (C1 through C6). 

    Special rule for these sites: You have to pay $2 to use the showers at the main campground! Your camping rate is $15 instead of $23 for a non-electric site. If a cart in site doesn't appeal to you, the regular sites are good for tents; many have tent pads. There are also a couple backpacker sites.

    Amenities

    • Picnic table and fire ring on each site. Some sites have a tent pad. The 'rule of 3' says you can have 3 'units' on a site - 2 tents + vehicle, RV + rent +vehicle,... - One restroom with flush toilets, sinks and showers (old but no temperature control) located near the road in front of the loop with sites 12-28. We were in the last loop on site 42, and there was a pit toilet that smelled okay but had lots of flies.

    • Some electric sites ($31) in the first 2 loops; the map (see photo) has an 'e' next to the site number and so does the post at the site.

    • Dump station that includes a potable water filling station. There are water spigots in the camping areas.

    • Trash dumpsters and recycle bins.

    Extra fees

    • There's a $7 reservation fee for online or phone reservations, and the site posts indicate you need to 'reserve' the site before you set up camp.  You avoid that fee by showing up without a reservation when the office is open, but I wouldn't do that on a Friday or Saturday in the summer. You can always get a sense of whether showing up without a reservation is feasible by checking availability online. It also looks like you avoid the fee if you reserve online on the day you stay.

    • $7 entry fee per day is standard in MN parks. A $35 pass is good for 12 months.

  • GoWhereYouAreDraw N.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 23, 2019

    Prairie Island City Campground

    Great introductory campground

    Prairie Island has all of you basic amenities without being too far from town. This campground isn’t for everybody -- if you’re looking for extreme adventure and wilderness, this is not the place for you. If you’re interested in getting into camping and not investing the money into all the gear or having direct river access, this is the place for you! They seriously rent it all. Paddleboards, kayaks, canoes, tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and dutch ovens. The camp store sells all of the basics and fishing supplies. The shower house has flush toilets and pit toilets are located throughout the campground.

    Personally, this campground is not the type that I like to stay at but it is really great for the type that wants to get into camping or the camper trailer type. Unfortunately, not enough activities to do besides boating on the river.

  • ERolf P.
    Aug. 29, 2016

    Perrot State Park Campground

    Group Camping, Hiking, and Water Sports

    Wonderful time in Perrot State Park. Camped in the group campground, site A. Plenty of room for many tents, and nice level ground to pitch tents on. Huge fire ring for large group fires, and both a large grill on the fire ring, and freestanding charcoal grill. Lots of options for hiking and walking in the park with more than 13 miles of trails. We did a 5 mile hike up and over two of the more popular bluffs. We also did a two-three hour canoe/kayak trip and had a blast.

    There is not a swimming beach at the park, so if you're into that, you'll have to leave the park, but there is more than enough to do at Perrot State Park.

  • K
    Sep. 5, 2020

    Hidden Meadows RV Park

    Hidden Gem

    This is very convenient if you have Mayo Clinic appointments. The campground was nice with grassy sites along with electric and water hook ups, there was a dump station also. Portable toilets spaced around and a centralized bath house by the office. There are seasonal guests and everyone was friendly. We saw deer by the primitive camp areas and had nightly campfires in our fire ring. We will return the next time we are up in MN.

  • R
    Aug. 30, 2019

    Merrick State Park Campground

    Nice Walk-In site but bring your bug spray!

    Very nice walk-in site right on the river. LOTS of bugs to the point it was uncomfortable so make sure to bring bug spray. Tent pad, fire ring and picnic table available. Trees available that are good for those who hammock.

  • GoWhereYouAreDraw N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2018

    Houston Nature Center

    Great location!

    The Nature Center campsite is located at the trail head for the Root River State Bike Trail. Trail Head Park is a nice tent only campground with walk-in sites. A majority of the sites have picnic tables and fire pits. The Nature Center has clean bathrooms and free showers. They recommend donations for the use of the showers.

    $20 per night camping fee. You can pay inside the Nature Center or at the slot between the restroom mirrors. The sites are first come, first serve. Local firewood is available near the restrooms as well; take what you need and leave the center a donation.

    Trail Head Park has a 1 acre natural playground near the campsite. When I visited during the week, I only saw a small group of people using the playground. The playground has a zip line, tree house, small rock wall, and more. Inside the Nature Center, they have interactive and interesting displays. The highlight of this campground is the Root River State Bike Trail and the Owl Center in the town of Houston.

    I'd give the campsite 4/5 review. The location, the bluffs, the bike trail, and center get 5/5 review.

  • J
    Oct. 24, 2017

    Sylvan City Park

    Close to bike trail and downtown

    Stayed here in a tent while on a bicycle camping trip and it was adequate. It is located in a city park within a couple minutes walk of the downtown area. The bike trail crosses the south end of downtown so close to that too. This would not be a good place to camp if you'd like to be out in nature

    Biggest gripe is the slope of the tent sites. The majority of the tent sites are on an incline around a pond. There are also a lot of ducks that aren't very afraid of humans. None got into my gear though. There are fire rings at the tent sites. No picnic tables at the individual sites but there are some nearby in the park and there's also a covered picnic shelter. Hammocks would be difficult to impossible as the tent area is a strip of grass between pond and bluff, which has mostly brush or too whimpy of trees to hang from at the base. There are a couple huge oaks but none in pairs.

    Quarter showers and clean restrooms are available. $20/night/tent which seemed a bit steep to me considering how slanted the sites were and quarter showers. It is cheaper than the other places within immediate biking distance which were $25/night.


Guide to Marion

Tent camping near Marion, Minnesota provides access to secluded woodland sites nestled among the limestone bluffs of southeastern Minnesota. The region sits within the driftless area, characterized by deeply carved river valleys and forested ridges that weren't flattened by glaciers during the last ice age. Nighttime temperatures can drop into the 40s even during summer months, requiring campers to pack appropriate layers regardless of season.

What to do

Hiking trails with elevation: Whitewater State Park offers challenging terrain with significant elevation changes. "We did the 4 mile loop and it was perfect for us- a beautiful and challenging hike that wasn't too punishing. There were lots of scenic views, and a good variety of terrain to keep it interesting," notes one visitor.

Trout fishing: The streams around Marion provide excellent fishing opportunities. "A lot of great trout fishing spots along the river," shares a camper who stayed at Aefintyr. The cold, clear streams of the region support healthy populations of brown and rainbow trout.

Stargazing: Clear nights reward campers with exceptional celestial views, particularly from elevated sites. One reviewer mentioned that Aefintyr provides a "great view of the stars on clear nights" from their bluff-top locations, away from city light pollution.

Biking the Root River Trail: Located within driving distance from Marion, this paved trail follows an old railroad bed. "The Root River Bike Trail is so awesome and by far the best in the tri-state area," according to a cyclist who camped at Houston Nature Center.

What campers like

Secluded tent sites: Hok-Si-La City Park offers tent-only camping with good separation between sites. "The campsites are wooded and have enough distance between them that noise is minimal," writes one reviewer. This creates a more peaceful experience compared to densely packed campgrounds.

Wildlife viewing: The forests and waterways around Marion support diverse wildlife populations. One camper at Hok-Si-La noted, "On our last stay, we were able to watch eagles from our campsite, which was amazing." Morning and evening hours offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities.

Walk-in camping convenience: Despite being walk-in sites, many campgrounds make the process relatively simple. At Gooseberry Glen Cart-in Campground, "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."

Stream sounds: Many tent sites are positioned near flowing water. The natural white noise creates a calming backdrop for camping. The combination of running water sounds and forest ambiance enhances sleep quality for many campers.

What you should know

Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds near Marion require advance reservations, especially during summer and fall weekends. Some smaller sites like Schmidt Farm by Forestville have limited capacity with only 4 campsites available.

Steep terrain access: Several campgrounds feature challenging approaches to reach tent sites. At Aefintyr, "The hike to the site is steep but worth it once you get up there," warns one reviewer, adding "be sure to wear good shoes for the hike up."

Seasonal considerations: Fall brings spectacular colors but cooler temperatures. "We wanted a quiet, secluded campsite, but one we wouldn't have to backpack into. Several people recommended Whitewater State Park for fall colors close to the twin cities," shared a fall camper.

Bathroom facilities: Facilities vary significantly between campgrounds. Houston Nature Center receives praise for "spotless showers and bathrooms" while more rustic sites may only offer vault toilets or no facilities at all.

Tips for camping with families

Natural playgrounds: Families appreciate dedicated play areas that blend with the natural environment. One visitor to Houston Nature Center noted, "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."

Water access considerations: Streams provide recreation opportunities but require supervision. The "nice sand bottom creek to swim in" at Northend Campground offers a family-friendly swimming spot during summer months.

Cart-in convenience: For families with young children or lots of gear, cart-in sites provide a good balance between seclusion and accessibility. Gooseberry Glen provides carts that make it "a very short walk to the campsite" while still maintaining privacy between sites.

Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds feature nature centers with interactive displays. "Inside the Nature Center, they have interactive and interesting displays. The highlight of this campground is the Root River State Bike Trail and the Owl Center in the town of Houston," writes a visitor.

Tips from RVers

Limited RV options: Most tent camping areas near Marion don't accommodate larger RVs. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park is an exception, though "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."

Site selection strategy: RVers should research specific sites before booking. "The sites on the C loop back up almost into the sites on the right side of the B loop. (so we basically had the back our neighbor's trailer hanging almost into our site," warns an RV camper at Nerstrand.

Cell service limitations: Connectivity can be spotty in the bluff country around Marion. "Cell service (both AT&T and TMobile) was terrible. There's WiFi at the office, which is just a short hike from the campground," reports a camper, important information for those needing to stay connected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Marion, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Marion, MN is Aefintyr with a 5-star rating from 4 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 15 tent camping locations near Marion, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.