Are you in need of a campground near Nerstrand, MN? Nerstrand is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Nerstrand camping trip.
"To be on the safe side, incase we had issues, we decided to stay close to home so we decided to hit up a new park, Nerstrand Big Woods State Park just outside Northfield, Minnesota."
"Nerstrand is nestled just outside Faribault MN. The town has a great downtown area on the river with places to eat and little shops."
"Near lake and excellent bike path. Great brewery and winery close by."
"Lakeside sites are close together, with W/E hookups, but they’re right in the lake with a wonderful view. The facilities are very clean and well-kept."
$39 - $60 / night
"We didn’t get to swim at the lake because it was shut down due to a chemical spill at the time, but we did walk over and check it out. The views are great! We stayed in a RV spot next to the lake."
"Sites were so easy and the bike trails were awesome! Lots of nature paths too."
"My only complaint was how close together the walk-in sites were."
"Beautiful forested area just outside Owatonna. Easy drive past beautiful farms to town. Camp host told us mosquitoes were light this year; they seemed plentiful to me!"
"Close to the Twin Cities yet out in the country. Mostly grass sites. Beautiful pool. Susan and Brad are wonderful hosts and very accommodating. We took our grandkids and they had a blast!"
"Nearby are bike trails, a winery, and a brewery."
"Great park if you’re not looking to drive too far to enjoy a bit of nature. Wonderful hiking paths and biking paths.
Our site was nice a secluded and right next to the trail heads."
"Sites are wooded and shady but some are close to neighboring sites. Not too many mosquitos or flies for August in Minnesota! Sakatah Singing Hills paved trail runs through the park. "
$24 - $42 / night
"Professional built mtn bike trails for adventure. Camping in Minnesota suburbs. Miles of hiking, horseback riding, cross country ski trails. . perfect for my family's weekend Stay-cation"
"We live about 15 mins. away from this campground. We stayed in the East Loop which is for smaller RVs and tents. it has electricity but no water hookups, however there are water pumps."
"We found a site tucked away from people which is what we like. We set up hammocks right next to the river."
"Outside of this the children spent most of the weekend in the pool!"
"Neighbors decided movie night was important with surround sound but over all I would stay here again.
Lots of seasonal golf cart traffic and kids on bikes."
TravelerI love the location and how quiet it is and secluded each spot is
RangerBig Island was nicely wooded, keeping a very cool temperature but with little cover from other campsites. Tent pad and fire pit were well maintained. Restrooms were well cleaned, if not exactly maintained (soap and Toilet paper ran light over the weekend, and spiders hung out after a cleaning). ADA accessible. Even with a few trails closed, plenty of trails to explore around the Big Island campground. Rented a tandem kayak from the ranger station, looked like one of the two kayaks, plenty of canoes for rent. Spotted pelicans, turtles, and birds along the shore. Campground host never came by, but the ranger was spotted twice once to keep hammock straps off a smaller tree. Mosquitos were out in full force during the cooler weather.
ScoutGreat pricing and friendly staff. Nice beach. A few spots are pull through which is nice for larger RVs and travel trailers.
LegendThe direct road to the KOA was all jacked up due to a large construction project that closed the whole road. We got back on the Interstate & got off on exit 224. Took Co Rd 7 to HWY 52. This is a lot easier than the directions the KOA gave.
This is a small KOA Journey we stayed in 1 night on our way up North. It's an established campground, but well kept. We stayed on the office side of the road. The other side has newer sites & the pool. Our site was a buddy site, which I dislike. It was close to the bathrooms/showers though, which helps out my mobility challenged husband. I can put up with it for 1 night.
The bathrooms were clean. The laundry had 2 dryers out of service.
ScoutThis area is off a low maintenance dirt road. It is best to come in from the south as sometimes the gate on the river bridge to the north is closed.
There is a parking spot near a known dispersed camping site with easy vehicle access next to it. There are hiking trails that pass by this site.
ScoutPretty good site. Cool playground, pool is a little small and no wifi. Phone reception is choppy and worse on the weekends. Many different-sized sites. Right on the river. Great tubing. Weekend activities are very fun and the concerts are always fun, the band rocks.
RangerLakeside sites are close together, with W/E hookups, but they’re right in the lake with a wonderful view. The facilities are very clean and well-kept. Cannon Falls is a nice town to explore, and it’s close to home and work. Cell service was good also.
ScoutFacilities are great no complains, the beach is a bit over run my goose so is a little dirty, there is a great spot below the dam to cool off if needed.
GuideSmall nicely maintained campground along the Mississippi River with great views and boat launch. The town of Stockholm is an easy walk with restaurants, baker, gift shops, and art gallery.
The campground is first come, first serve. We showed up around 1 pm. on a Friday, and there were several sites to choose from. The camp host was welcoming and helpful. There are railroad tracks right next to the campground. The trains do not use a horn, and we didn't hear any at night.
Camping near Nerstrand, Minnesota, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy nature, whether you're in a tent or an RV.
Camping near Nerstrand, Minnesota, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation, there's a campground that fits your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the main campground at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park located?
The main campground at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground is located just outside of Faribault, Minnesota. The campground features both standard drive-in sites and a separate group camping area that's a short walk from the main camping area. There are also walk-in sites opposite the group camping area that offer a more secluded experience. The park itself is nestled in a beautiful wooded setting that preserves one of the last remnants of the Big Woods that once covered much of southern Minnesota.
What amenities are available at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park campground?
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park campground offers well-maintained bathroom facilities with showers, vault toilets in the group campground area, and spacious campsites set in a partially wooded environment. The sites include both electric and non-electric options, with the outer non-electric sites (like 12, 14, 16) offering more space and less mud during wet conditions. Unlike Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground, which has swimming facilities, Nerstrand focuses more on hiking opportunities with a network of trails that connect to a main path. The park also features picnic areas and access to natural attractions like seasonal wildflowers.
Do I need reservations for camping at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park?
Yes, reservations are highly recommended for camping at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, especially if planning to visit during peak seasons like spring for wildflower viewing or summer weekends. The park accommodates both tent campers and RVs, with visitors noting they've successfully brought 30-foot travel trailers to the campground. Unlike Frontenac State Park Campground where spontaneous camping might be possible, Nerstrand is a popular destination near the Twin Cities metro area, making advance bookings essential to secure your preferred site. Reservations can be made through the Minnesota State Parks reservation system.
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