Tent campsites near Nerstrand, Minnesota range from rustic walk-in sites to established campgrounds with shower facilities. The area sits within the Big Woods ecosystem, a hardwood forest dominated by maple, basswood, and oak trees that once covered over 2,000 square miles of southern Minnesota. Spring camping often requires preparation for muddy conditions, particularly on hiking trails that connect camping areas to natural features.
What to do
Hidden Falls hiking: Tent camping sites at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground offer access to trail systems leading to the park's signature waterfall. "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 one visitor.
River camping: For paddlers seeking riverside camping near Nerstrand, Cannon River Wilderness Area provides tent sites along the water. "We found a site tucked away from people which is what we like. We set up hammocks right next to the river," explains a camper who enjoyed the riverside location.
Fall color observation: The deciduous forests around camping areas transform during autumn months. "This is a great campground for Fall camping. The colors are amazing. Nice hiking trails," reports one camper who visits the area specifically during autumn.
What campers like
Flat, stable tent pads: Campers appreciate the well-designed tent platforms at Afton State Park Campground, located about an hour from Nerstrand. "My campsite was perfect. The woods made it very secluded. It was close enough to water and bathrooms so it wasn't bad if you planned," shares one tent camper.
Clean facilities: Tent campers value well-maintained bathroom facilities. "The bathroom/shower building was new and clean, the camp host was friendly and helpful, and the hike to the hidden falls did not disappoint," notes a visitor who appreciated the infrastructure.
Wooded privacy: Tent sites with natural screening receive positive reviews. "The sites have quite a few trees separating them," mentions a camper who values the separation between camping spaces. This natural screening helps maintain a sense of solitude even at busier times.
What you should know
Seasonal closures and conditions: Some tent camping areas near Nerstrand have limited seasons. "Sites were great but a little wet. Some of the south trails are closed because it's too wet," reports a spring visitor to the area. Early spring campers should check trail and site conditions before arrival.
Limited cell coverage: Technology-dependent campers should prepare for connectivity gaps. "Through no fault of the park, cell service (both AT&T and TMobile) was terrible. There's WiFi at the office, which is just a short hike from the campground," notes a camper who stayed at Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground.
Varying privacy levels: Not all tent sites offer equal seclusion. "As with most State Parks, the campground sites are really close together and you have very little privacy," observes one camper, while others note specific loops or areas with better separation between sites.
Tips for camping with families
Try walk-in sites for beginners: Walk-in tent camping provides an entry-level experience. "We did a overnight in the rain at one of the walk-ins. Great area. Everything you need close at hand," shares a camper who found the arrangement convenient despite wet weather.
Plan for weather variables: Spring and fall camping requires preparation. "This was a fantastic campsite! The tent pad was very spacious and flat, great for sleeping! The bathrooms and showers were clean and well lit," notes a summer visitor to Roberds Lake Resort and Campground, where "sunsets were spectacular at the private beach."
Pack minimal gear for hike-in sites: The tent-only sites at wilderness areas require planning. "The hike from parking is not bad at all about a 10 minute walk from parking to the farthest site," explains a camper who appreciated the accessible nature of the walk-in arrangement.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: For those bringing small trailers to tent camping areas, site angles matter. "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," advises an RVer at Camp Spring Lake Retreat Center.
Electric site differences: Electric sites often have different characteristics than non-electric tent areas. "Some Electric sites. Nice dump station," notes a camper who appreciated these amenities, while others mention electric sites typically have less tree cover than primitive tent sites.
