Sacred E.
Guide
GuideAitkin County Campground
This is a sweet and easy spot right on the river. It could be buggy during warmer weather but in late October it was great and we had the place to ourselves.
Tent Camping near Nisswa, MN
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The Mississippi River and Crow Wing River watersheds surrounding Nisswa, Minnesota offer numerous tent camping options, particularly along designated water trails. Baxter Canoe Camp and Overlook Park Canoe Campsite provide tent-only sites directly on the Mississippi River, while South Bend Watercraft Site offers primitive tent camping along the Pine River. Crow Wing State Park, located about 15 miles southwest of Nisswa, features a dedicated canoe landing campsite that accommodates tent campers arriving by water or on foot. Knob Hill, situated near Staples, provides walk-in tent sites with river access and is divided between upper and lower camping areas.
Most tent campsites in the Nisswa region feature basic amenities suited for self-sufficient campers. Fire rings and picnic tables are standard at established sites, though firewood availability varies significantly. Vault toilets are present at larger sites like Baxter Canoe Camp and Crow Wing State Park's canoe landing, but many watercraft sites lack toilet facilities entirely. Tent pads range from level, cleared dirt areas to natural forest floor with minimal preparation. Mosquitoes can be abundant during summer months, making spring and fall preferable for backcountry tent camping. Cell service is limited but often available at higher elevation sites.
Tent campers frequently use these locations as bases for paddling adventures or hiking excursions. At Baxter Canoe Camp, visitors noted the "level tent pad right on the river" and ample space for hammocks between trees. The site's location allows campers to "wake up to the sound of water babbling on the Mississippi River." According to reviews, Overlook Park provides "high ground soft space for a tent" with "very little traffic" despite being close to town. South Bend Watercraft Site features "cleared grassy soft spots great for a tent" and offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. During peak summer weekends, primitive tent sites may fill quickly, but midweek visitors often find complete solitude even at popular locations.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Nisswa (24)
1. Baxter Canoe Camp
"There is a trail for maintenance workers to drive in (they come by regularly to empty the trash cans!), but I don't know if it's for drive in traffic as well."
2. South Bend Watercraft Site
"This is a site on Pine River Water Trail - it's tucked just above Rat Lake, and only accessible by boat/waterfcraft."
3. Overlook Park Canoe Campsite
"This hidden gem is on the Mississippi water trail around mile 996. It is called "Overlook Park" and owned/maintained by the city of Baxter, but is part of the DNR's state water trail."
4. Canoe Landing Campsite — Crow Wing State Park
"This is a canoe campsite that is part of the Mississippi River Headwaters Water Trail, one stop on the paddle trail which allows canoers and kayakers to paddle from Lake Itasca to to the north, all the"
"We were bike riding the Paul Bunyon Trail and rode into Crow Wing in the dark. I self registered because the office was closed (wrote in canoe site since you can't reserve it online)."
5. Sullivans Resort and Campground
6. Half Moon Watercraft Campsite
7. Mosquito Ridge Watercraft Campsite
8. Little Pine Watercraft Campsite
9. Knob Hill
"All have fire rings. There is a staircase that connects the two. Would love to stay here sometime! We just stopped for a bite to eat before heading down the river further."
10. Bullard Bluff Campsite
Drive Time
- 1 hr 13 min from St. Cloud, MN
- 2 hrs 6 min from Minneapolis, MN
- 2 hrs 6 min from Duluth, MN
- 2 hrs 23 min from Fargo, ND
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Nisswa, MN
3 Photos of 24 Nisswa Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Tent Camping Reviews near Nisswa, MN
310 Reviews of 24 Nisswa Campgrounds
Brian R.
TravelerOuting BLM camp
Fall colors
Vault toilet. Oak lake level on the lake. Across the road up the hill nice spot overlooking lake.
David L.GuideCrosby Memorial City Park
Convenient to town
The great part about this campground was that it was conveniently located in the attractive town of Crosby. The sites were small and close together. The most negative part was the restrooms. They were very old and used by all the people enjoying the lake & park. It would be nice to have a restroom facility dedicated to campers only. The concept of a campground in the city park is wonderful, but could use just a little more fine tuning.
elizabeth B.GuideSebeka Public Park and Campground
nice hookups
Nice little park with four hookups. Maybe six, I'm not sure, but four for sure. Bathrooms with showers. $30/night with hookups, $15/night without. They also have potable water and a dump station, which they charge for. Gotta pay cash though I guess a check will work.
- JJeremy J.
ScoutCrosby Memorial City Park
Ugh, don’t know why I was expecting
In town campground near in a busy park. Wasn’t to bad during the day but was awful at night. More street lights than I had anticipated but the worst was how many people drove through parking area of park late at night with loud music or the police using bright search lights after midnight or pulling people over in the parking lot. Only one shower in a public restroom with prison style equipment. If you want to be in town this is your spot otherwise I would look into other campgrounds.
- KKimysue J.Guide
Cross Lake Recreation Area
Nice developed campground
This is a large and popular developed campground. With camping options for a variety of campers. There are sites with both water and electric, some with just electric, and some without either. Do not expect quiet or solitude. This is a busy place. There are 2 shower houses with restrooms. Only 1 vault toilet. There are water spigots. There was only one boat launch in operation. The only garbage is by the park entrance. The biggest fault is the lack of facilities for the size of the campground. That being said the sites are spacious, shaded, and well maintained. This is a great place for boating and the beaches are nice and one is dog friendly. Staff are friendly and helpful.
- KKat H.Scout
Camp Holiday Resort and Campground
Wonderful Place!
We have been going up to Camp Holiday for about 5 years now and staying in the same campsite. We just love this place. We have the same neighbors every year so it is like having a family reunion each time. It is so clean and quiet and the sunsets are absolutely beautiful. It is so nice just sitting by the lake listening to the loons. It is hard to leave at the end of the week! Thank you Camp Holiday for giving us such a great week every year!
- GGlen B.
LegendPaul Bunyan State Forest Dispersed
Serious Stars
was due for some deep woods after battling mosquitoes around bodies of water the last week. Geared towards ATV and dirt bike riding. Easy to get to and great for star gazing. Room for 3 or 4 rigs. Level spots are there if you look closely.
- Crystal R.Guide
Father Hennepin State Park Campground
Cozy little state park right on the water!
I stayed here last summer (2025)and am planning on staying here this summer as well.
The park is smaller than it's sister park Mille Lacs Kathio, but it definitely has some things that are better about it!
I stayed in the Maplewood campground, which I recommend if you like quiet and privacy. The sites are further apart and give you a more "in the woods" feel. The other campground (lake view) is more traditional RV style camping where the sites are fairly close. However they have some sites (small and close together) that have views directly of the lake, if that's your thing.
I stayed at site 96 which was verrrrry deep and felt pretty private. It's backed up to the woods so you don't have anyone behind you. It has a nice tent pad, and plenty of space for canopies or other equipment. It's a short walk down to the water too, where there's a fishing pier really close by, and a large beach a little further down. I went in very early June and the mosquitoes honestly weren't terrible yet, but the caterpillars were everywhere! There were caterpillars all over my tent, in my sandals I left outside my tent, on my car, etc. When I found one I just relocated them to a safer area in the woods. Lots of deer, you can hear owls at night, squirrels etc. It is bear country, but I didn't see any bears. I kept my food locked up in my car.
One night it was kind if windy and you could hear the waves on the lake from the tent, so that was kinda cool.
I have t mobile and had decent service here as well.
Guide to Nisswa
Tent camping sites near Nisswa, Minnesota occupy riverside locations across two major watersheds, with most requiring water access. The Pine River and Mississippi River trails provide established sites with varying levels of amenities and infrastructure. Many campsites are positioned on elevated ground to prevent flooding during heavy rains, which typically occur from late May through September.
What to do
Canoe camping trips: The Crow Wing State Park canoe landing is part of the Mississippi River Headwaters Water Trail. As one reviewer notes, this site is "beautifully maintained by the state park, and has fire ring, picnic tables, and ample tent space for several tents." Paddle the river then explore historic sites including the Red River Oxcart Trail from the 1800s.
Swimming in sandy river spots: The Pine River offers several excellent swimming locations. At South Bend Watercraft Site, "it's sandy and great swimming" according to campers. The water is "never super deep or too strong a current" making it suitable for families with older children who can swim safely.
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk provide optimal wildlife viewing times. Campers report seeing eagles, deer, otters and beaver at several waterfront sites. One camper at South Bend noted: "We saw so much wildlife on this kayak trip, and enjoyed a great swim in the river."
What campers like
Remote locations with cell service: Many water trail campsites balance wilderness feeling with basic connectivity. A camper at South Bend Watercraft Site reported: "We did have cell phone service out there, but definitely remote!" This makes these sites suitable for those wanting isolation while maintaining emergency communication.
Multi-level camping areas: Knob Hill features distinct upper and lower camping areas connected by stairs. "The lower has a view of the river and it a little further from the bathrooms, but much prettier," according to one camper who stopped during a canoe journey. This separation creates different experience options at the same location.
Maintained facilities: Despite their remote locations, many sites receive regular maintenance. At Baxter Canoe Camp, campers were surprised to find "maintenance workers to drive in (they come by regularly to empty the trash cans!)" making these wilderness sites more comfortable than expected.
What you should know
River access challenges: Several campsites have steep entry points that require physical capability. At Baxter Canoe Camp, one visitor noted: "There are two spots off the water where you can get out of a canoe and hit dry land. The first has some stairs, but they are VERY steep." Scout for alternative landing spots nearby.
Wildlife encounters: Black bears are active in the region. Proper food storage is essential as one Baxter Canoe Camp visitor explained: "We did have a nighttime visitor in the form of something big and black and furry... Fortunately, we had properly hung our food in a tree and left all the Snickers in the bear bag."
Limited firewood availability: While some sites like the Canoe Landing Campsite provide firewood for purchase, most require scavenging or bringing your own. At South Bend, a visitor noted: "Plenty of deadfall for a small fire, but no actual firewood. I have been to this site a few times, and once there was a few stacked logs probs from a fallen tree that the DNR stacked up."
Tips for camping with families
Secure watercraft properly: River banks can be steep and slippery. One South Bend camper cautioned: "Make sure to pull your watercraft ALL the way up the hill or secure it tightly! One of our Kayaks slide back down the hill into the river, got caught in a branch so we were lucky!"
Choose sites with bathroom facilities: For families, sites with toilets reduce complications. Overlook Park Canoe Campsite provides "garbage and a vaulted toilet" which makes multi-day stays with children more comfortable while maintaining a wilderness experience.
Target off-season weekdays: Watercraft sites fill quickly during summer weekends. A mid-week trip increases site availability and reduces river traffic. One Overlook Park visitor mentioned it's "a city park although very little traffic," making weekday visits particularly peaceful.
Tips from RVers
Access road conditions: Most water trail campsites have rough access roads unsuitable for recreational vehicles. At Bullard Bluff Campsite, "The site is remote but accessible on back roads which has pluses and minuses," according to one visitor. Standard RVs should avoid these routes.
Consider motorcycle camping limitations: Tent camping with motorcycles requires careful planning. One Knob Hill visitor riding a Victory Motorcycle warned: "This place is off the beaten path for sure. It's more of a trail than a road for the last part... 4 wheels is advised or a dirt bike."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Nisswa, MN?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Nisswa, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Nisswa, MN is Baxter Canoe Camp with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
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tent camping near
Nisswa, MN?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Nisswa, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 24 tent camping locations near Nisswa, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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