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Best Campgrounds near Nerstrand, MN

601 Reviews

Campgrounds surrounding Nerstrand, Minnesota provide access to a mix of natural environments from heavily wooded areas to lakeside settings. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground serves as the region's primary camping destination, featuring both drive-in and walk-in sites accommodating tents and RVs. Nearby options include Lake Byllesby Regional Park and Sakatah Lake State Park Campground, which offer additional camping styles including glamping and cabin accommodations. The concentration of established campgrounds within a 30-mile radius creates numerous options for weekend getaways, with most facilities located within short driving distance of Northfield and Faribault.

Most campgrounds in the Nerstrand area operate seasonally from April through October, with limited or no winter camping available. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park typically opens April 1 and closes October 23, while nearby facilities follow similar seasonal patterns. Reservations are recommended for all established campgrounds, particularly during summer weekends and fall color season. The area's amenities vary considerably, with most campgrounds offering drinking water, electric hookups, and fire rings, while fewer provide sewer connections or dump stations. Cell service can be spotty throughout the region, particularly at Nerstrand Big Woods. As one camper noted, "No cell/very patchy cell signal and could only get WiFi signal when standing next to Ranger station."

Visitors frequently mention the waterfall at Nerstrand Big Woods as a highlight of camping in the area. The Hidden Falls trail connects directly to the campground, making it easily accessible for overnight guests. Many campers appreciate the tent pads which have been upgraded to pea gravel in recent years, improving drainage during wet conditions. Sites along the outer loop receive positive reviews for increased privacy and woodland settings, though several campers mention the campground can feel somewhat open with limited screening between sites. The proximity to the Twin Cities (approximately 45 minutes from St. Paul) makes these campgrounds popular weekend destinations. Fall receives particular praise, with reviewers noting exceptional autumn colors throughout the Big Woods area and suggesting it as an ideal time to visit the region's campgrounds.

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Best Camping Sites Near Nerstrand, Minnesota (103)

    1. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground

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

    "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."

    2. Lake Byllesby Regional Park

    12 Reviews
    Cannon Falls, MN
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 263-4447

    "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."

    3. Lake Byllesby Campground

    7 Reviews
    Cannon Falls, MN
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 480-7770

    $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."

    4. Rice Lake Campground — Rice Lake State Park

    13 Reviews
    Owatonna, MN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 455-5871

    "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!"

    5. Cannon Falls Campground

    5 Reviews
    Cannon Falls, MN
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 263-3145

    "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."

    6. Sakatah Lake State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Waterville, MN
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 362-4438

    "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. "

    7. Lebanon Hills Regional Park

    43 Reviews
    Apple Valley, MN
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 480-7773

    $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."

    8. Cannon River Wilderness Area

    2 Reviews
    Faribault, MN
    9 miles
    Website

    "We found a site tucked away from people which is what we like. We set up hammocks right next to the river."

    9. Roberds Lake Resort and Campground

    1 Review
    Faribault, MN
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 332-8978

    10. River View Campground

    7 Reviews
    Owatonna, MN
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 451-8050

    "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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Nerstrand, MN

164 Photos of 103 Nerstrand Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Nerstrand, MN

601 Reviews of 103 Nerstrand Campgrounds

  • Meghan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 22, 2025

    Riverside Park and Municipal Campground

    Riverside Park - Mill Pond

    This is a very nice city park with electric sites, tent sites, and restrooms with showers. Website says it's open until the end of October this year. The website is where you can reserve online or get the phone number to call during office hours M-F. We phoned and it was an easy process, $30/night for an electric site. That said, there's no instructions in the park that I could see that directs you on how to pay... so I can see that confusing to people just pulling up. With it being off-season and mid-week, there wasn't anyone around to enforce reservations... so I'm assuming the two vehicle dwellers that pulled in late and left early didn't pay. Overall, the place felt safe (it's right behind the police station) and cell service was great. The city did great making this campground feel like it's not right in the middle of a city. Two trains did go through and blast their horns at 2AM, so bring ear plugs if you're a light sleeper.

  • Sarah D.
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Frontenac State Park Campground

    Secluded Site and Great Views Close to the Twin Cities

    We did a one night camping trip for my birthday at Cart-In Site 1 the second to last weekend of September.

    We loved the hiking at Frontenac State Park - walking along the lake and then walking along the bluffs at sunset was magical! Fantastic views. I imagine if we had gone two weeks later, we would have had a fantastic display of fall color. We went a little too early to catch the changing leaves.

    We loved how easy Frontenac was for a casual weekend getaway. It was an easy, scenic one hour drive from St. Paul that was very enjoyable. The park was also nice with great bathrooms at the main campsite, nice trails, and they even had board games to check out at the front office for a rainy day- a great idea!

    We stayed at Cart-In Site 1. I would rate the site itself a 3. It was very secluded and spacious, which was fantastic! We could not see any other campsites from our site, which was fantastic. We only occasionally saw some hikers on a nearby trail. We could hear some other noisy campers, but it wasn't too much of a disturbance. Very wooded, nice, spacious site. There is not water at the Cart-In parking lot, so be aware that you will have to fill up prior to parking and heading to your site (easiest place to do so is the main office/ visitor center).

    I also slept poorly because of a nearby train that kept going past and honking at least until midnight. So if you're a light sleeper, be aware of persistent train noise at these sites!

    Overall good site and an easy, fun, and relaxing weekend getaway from the twin cities.

  • Lance L.
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Cleary Lake Regional Park

    Large campground with plentyy of activities!

    They have two lots for RV and travel trailer use although the first lot only has two spaces and the second one has a total of five. The five space spot has no water or electric hook up but was a great place for me to test out my new solar set up. Word to the wise, gates ACTUALLY close at 10pm, there's no way to contact anyone and I had to walk about a mile in parked outside the gate 😅. The White Pine lot (5 spaces) has a central bathroom/shower building. The park was jam packed Friday/Saturday but a ghosts town the remains sun/mon/tue I stayed.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Frontenac State Park Campground

    Great hiking trails NICE Bathrooms

    The campground is well maintained, all of the sites are clean and laid out nicely. Some sites are kinda close but there is brush growing between sites.

    There are a LOT of NICE TRAILS at this park. Many nice prairie trails and some fun trails in the bluffs along the Mississippi River too. One trail down along the River can be challenging because of MANY STAIRS.

    Large drive in picnic areas away from the campground that many people drive in to us and had a nice overlook on the Mississippi River. There are 2 nice overlooks that are great to walk to in the dark and watch the calmness and peaceful nature of the river and forest.

    The men’s bathroom and showers are GREAT! There is also very nice large full handicap bathrooms. The SHOWER WATER IS VERY HOT so be careful!

    Dump station is sloped so it makes it easy to drive in either direction to help dump waste water easily. Also fresh water at the dumping station.

    Always Plenty of firewood in the shed next to the office.

  • Joel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Lake Byllesby Regional Park

    Very nice campground

    This is a good campground. Very well kept. Fishing from shore and there is a boat launch. Nice playground for kids. Sites are fairly close. Many have no privacy from others, but some do. No water at the sites and pit toilets are the biggest weaknesses. Nice paths for walking and biking.

  • Larry K.
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Willow River State Park Campground

    Never again

    Never again, $81 for an electric only site. Come on Wisconsin let's jab the out of .staters. Entry fee to parks, extra for out of staters. The site was secluded but not close to level. Not close to the facilities. I am going back to SD. They don't add fees because you are from out of town, they actually encourage out of state tourists. Last trip to a Wisconsin state park . And the showers were closed for the season, this is 10/9/25. But still full price and just an electric only site. No thanks Wisconsin

  • Maria D.
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Frontenac State Park Campground

    Cleanest Campground Bathrooms Ever!

    Frontenac State Park had some of the nicest campground bathrooms and showers I’ve ever seen—clean, and modern. The ranger station was small and charming, stocked with board games to rent, and it’s clear the staff cares about creating a positive camping experience. I also loved the little free library outside the bathrooms.

    The downsides are that the campsites run small, usually only fitting two tents at most, and there aren’t many trees for hammocking. It’s also a popular park, so it can get pretty loud at times.

    Favorite sites: 37 – Shady and on the edge with just one neighbor (though the main road is on the other side). Decent privacy and potential for hammocking.

    21 – Nice views, but likely best for just one tent/car.

    22 – Very private, though the ground looked a little uneven.

    Other solid tent sites: 36, 25, 48, 49, 51. Site 57 also looked spacious with no neighbors, but it does border the visitor parking lot.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Lebanon Hills Regional Park

    Not a bad stay

    Sites are a little close with little to no privacy in most. Fun little trails nearby for an afternoon walk. Reservation system is weird and the sites are much bigger than they say. All rv sites are the listed length plus 16’ for your tow vehicle, which you need to call to find out.

Guide to Nerstrand

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.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Trails: Explore the beautiful trails at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "Many trails to hike but due to prior heavy rain the only trail open was down to Hidden Falls - they were roaring." This park is known for its scenic views and well-maintained paths.
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing at Lebanon Hills Regional Park. A camper shared, "The trails were nice, fishing was great, we enjoyed ourselves the whole thing." It’s a perfect spot for anglers looking to catch some fish.
  • Biking: The Sakatah Lake State Park Campground is right next to the Sakatah Singing Hills paved trail, making it ideal for biking. One reviewer noted, "Great place to camp and get away from the cities without a long drive."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park said, "Clean modern facilities and beautiful grounds."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campers mention the helpfulness of the staff. One reviewer at Dakotah Meadows RV Park stated, "The staff is friendly and helpful."
  • Secluded Sites: Campers enjoy the privacy of the sites. A visitor at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground remarked, "Sites are wooded so you don’t have neighbor issues."

What you should know:

  • Reservations Needed: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. A camper at Lebanon Hills Regional Park advised, "Must reserve months in advance as usually full."
  • Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell service in some areas. A visitor at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground mentioned, "No cell/very patchy cell signal."
  • Alcohol Restrictions: Some campgrounds, like St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park, do not allow alcohol. A camper noted, "No alcohol allowed and no pets!"

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities for kids. One family at Dakotah Meadows RV Park enjoyed, "A large play park for kids."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or check if the campground has a store. A visitor at Kamp Dels mentioned, "There is a store on site to buy supplies."
  • Choose Spacious Sites: Opt for campgrounds with larger sites for more room to play. A camper at Lake Byllesby Regional Park said, "The sites on and close to the water are long, but not very wide."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure the site can accommodate your RV size. A reviewer at Dakotah Meadows RV Park noted, "Full hook up sites at a reasonable rate."
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Some campgrounds have quiet hours, so be respectful of your neighbors. A visitor at Kamp Dels shared, "They start at 11pm telling people to turn off all music."
  • Look for Amenities: Choose campgrounds with amenities like laundry and showers. A camper at Minneapolis Southwest KOA mentioned, "Shower rooms and laundry room require hotel card entry."

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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