Tent campsites near Montgomery, Minnesota range from secluded riverside spots to prairie sites with varying terrain. The region sits within Minnesota's deciduous forest-prairie transition zone, with elevations between 1,000-1,100 feet and a continental climate featuring warm summers and cold winters. Most campgrounds operate from April through October, though winter camping options exist for experienced campers at selected parks.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: At Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, trails lead to Hidden Falls, a popular natural feature. "We went there last July just go hiking for the day. The trails were great and at the end of the trails there were beautiful falls. The falls weren't huge but there were pretty. A lot of things to photograph," notes Halie B.
Winter activities: For cold-weather campers, some parks maintain trails for seasonal recreation. "Minnesota State Parks have just started to build Yurts for 3 campgrounds around the state; Afton, Cuyuna and Glendalough State Parks. These have some great amenities and are perfect for family camping, especially in Fall, Winter and Spring," reports Jason S.
Paddling opportunities: The Cannon River provides water-based recreation options for campers. Tim B. explains the Cannon River Wilderness Area is "great for hiking and winter snowshoeing and cross country skiing. The 2 camp sites are a good little hike in and you have to backpack everything you need in. Of course if you are on the river it's a nice little stop between Faribault and Northfield."
What campers like
Secluded tent sites: Tent campers often seek privacy at Rapidan Dam County Park. "Lots of sites all separated by trees. Has a awesome family owned drive thru fast food shop at the entrance. The river is perfect for paddle boarding," says Nick G. Another reviewer notes it's a "great primitive only sites" location.
Well-designed tent pads: Campers appreciate the thoughtful site construction at some parks. Hannah Y. reports about Nerstrand Big Woods: "The tent pad was very spacious and flat, great for sleeping! The bathrooms and showers were clean and well lit. Will definitely camp here again!"
Tree cover for hammocks: Many campers enjoy setting up hammocks at Afton State Park. Adam P. describes: "My campsite was perfect. The woods made it very secluded... These sites do require a hike from parking. Would strongly discourage big coolers or lots of weight."
What you should know
Water access varies: Water availability is inconsistent across campgrounds. Warren H. warns about Afton State Park: "None of the water faucets or water pumps on the trails at Afton State Park are working. The good news is you can fill up on cold drinking water at the visitor center before trekking around the park's beautiful hiking trails!"
Seasonal weather impacts: Spring camping may encounter wet conditions. Timothy S. observed at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park: "Sites were great but a little wet. Some of the south trails are closed because its too wet."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies greatly between tent campgrounds. Deb M. shares about 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."
Tips for camping with families
Beach access considerations: Families with children should know about swimming options. Daniel R. says about Lake Rebecca Park Reserve: "This has an amazing beach. Great Trails. Sweet single track for mountain biking. The best kids park at any campground I've been to."
Kid-friendly hiking distances: When camping with children, plan for appropriate trail lengths. A visitor to Afton State Park mentioned: "We hiked 11 miles here and it was awesome!" - but families should note this distance might be challenging for younger children.
Wildlife encounters: Prepare children for possible wildlife sightings. Emily G. recounts her Afton State Park experience: "Then I saw the snake. I literally grabbed my husband to hold him back from stepping on it and then he walks past it like nothing happened. I needed more encouragement."
Tips from RVers
Site spacing concerns: RV campers should research site layouts before booking. Deb M. notes about Nerstrand Big Woods State Park: "The sites have quite a few trees separating them, but most of 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. Also, there's some sites that are tricky to back a trailer into, which would have been helped by some maintenance."
Seasonal considerations: Fall offers particularly appealing camping for RVers. Tim B. reports: "This is a great campground for Fall camping. The color's are amazing. Nice hiking trails. Little area to get wet but not swimming. Sites are good and some can handle bigger RV's. Some Electric sites."
Amenities access: Campers should know about bathrooms and hookups. At Roberds Lake Resort and Campground, Jaime N. observes: "Hook ups a bit squished together and as always we rolled in late, and Saturday night had a very thick smoky haze due to the density and humidity. Small store and restaurant, ice cream parlor."
