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State parks and county-managed campgrounds surround Northfield, Minnesota, creating a diverse camping landscape within an hour's drive of the Twin Cities. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, located just 10 miles southeast of Northfield, features both electric and non-electric sites in a relatively open campground setting with a notable waterfall hiking trail. The Cannon River Wilderness Area offers more primitive camping with hike-in sites approximately 10 minutes from parking areas, providing opportunities for hammock camping along the river. Lake Byllesby Regional Park in nearby Cannon Falls provides paved RV pads with full hookups, while Sakatah Lake State Park, about 30 minutes southwest of Northfield, combines wooded tent sites with cabin accommodations and access to the Sakatah Singing Hills paved trail system.
Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from April through October, with reservations strongly recommended during summer weekends and holiday periods. Spring camping can present challenges after heavy rainfall, as noted by one visitor who mentioned "swampy trails" at Nerstrand Big Woods following wet weather. Winter activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are available at several parks, though camping options become limited. The proximity to the Twin Cities makes these areas popular weekend destinations, with one camper describing Nerstrand as "only an hour from the Twin Cities and very convenient for a weekend getaway after work on Friday." Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area, and most campgrounds provide clean restroom facilities with showers.
Campers frequently mention the balance between accessibility and natural settings as a highlight of the region. "For free the area is awesome right by the river. We found a site tucked away from people which is what we like," noted one visitor to the Cannon River Wilderness Area. Privacy levels vary significantly between campgrounds, with Nerstrand Big Woods often described as having more open sites with limited seclusion. Many campgrounds feature family-friendly amenities, including playgrounds and hiking trails suitable for children. The region's waterways provide additional recreation opportunities, with Lake Byllesby offering "excellent bike paths" and proximity to local breweries and wineries according to visitor reviews. Seasonal attractions include fall foliage viewing, with one camper recommending Nerstrand Big Woods as "great for leaf peeping."
"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."
"A friend and I stayed here over Jesse James Day (Northfield; 20 minute drive; $30 cab ride). The trails near and around the campground itself were great!"
from $24 - $34 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $24 - $42 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $39 - $60 / night
Check Availability"We found a site tucked away from people which is what we like. We set up hammocks right next to the river."
"If you camp with animals: Sites all sit directly off walking trail very popular with dog walkers."
"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. "
from $24 - $85 / night
Check Availability"I imagine in the middle of summer, it might feel slightly less secluded as there are 3 other sites relatively close by, one of which you have to walk through to get to this one, but in early September,"
"The access to water is really nice and a couple sites were perfect. The hike in sites are super close to the car so it doesn’t even require much work. Plan to come here again!"
from $22 - $164 / night
Check Availability"There is a fire ring outside of each cabin, along with a table. No cooking is allowed inside the cabins, which can make things rough if the weather isn't cooperating. "
"There is no cooking inside the cabin so you have to use the fire ring outside. Shower facilities are really nice and match the cabins. Plan ahead as these are hard to come by."
from $85 / night
Check Availability
ScoutNice quiet campground. It's a very basic KOA. Not a whole lot of amenities. Large playground is quite good for children. Our site is right across from the campground.
Campsite is in the middle of nature. Lots of trees cover. Not much of a breeze but well protected.
Water is clean, electrical boxes are in good condition.
TravelerWe stayed for a weekend in the East Loop and had such a nice time! They have many trails to a pretty well-kept bathroom and the sites themselves are private nooks in the trees. They had firewood available that we took advantage of, and we overall had a great time!
ScoutMy two boys and I camped here for one night on a weekday in late August. It was a great place to relax and spend time together. We chose the cart in campsite and we had the area all to ourselves. The vault toilets near the campsite were clean, and the main bathrooms and showers in the main campground were also very nice and clean. We enjoyed a great hike around the park and had a successful birding outing. The trails closer to the water had more mosquitoes, although their numbers decreased the closer we got to our campsite. From our campsite, we saw five new bird species without even having to get out of our chairs. All in all, I would definitely come back.
ScoutPretty much in the middle of nowhere surrounded by small towns.
ScoutGreat campsites. Have camped here 8 times this summer in 7 different sites and have loved every one of them. Bathrooms are good, showers are good, just very well kept.
ScoutAs a newer resident on Roberds Lake I decided to walk my son in his stroller down to the resort. It looked like a tropical paradise. The water is treated, there were tons of kids splashing around, his age.. It was the hottest day this year so far. It was packed! Lots of welcoming smiles on the beach...I saw the sign saying "Public Not Allowed." I was like aw that's disappointing ,and I understand completeley, why they do this. I have worked in the food and bev/entertainment industry for all of my life. Im 44...
I went into the little eatery to ask permission from what appeared to be the owner or manager. I asked her and she replied with " NO!" in the rudest way you could say it, and pointed her finger at the door....I mean, come on. Im my opinion, I think she could have handled it a little more professionally and suggest somewhere else, offer a cup of ice water, anything kind....no. All she was, was straight up cruel and I had to rush the first 2 blocks before I lost it. My son, didn't make a peep..anyways. . .I dont like saying negative things about people but in the case, I cant hold back. If you cant be kind and hospitable to EVERYONE that walks in that door, find a new profession like a prison guard or something....
GuideWell tended county campground surrounded by many good fishing lakes. Good spacing between sites , gravel pads, nice and clean shower house. Not much shade. Both paved and grass trails. Not very busy.
ScoutI picked this site for the proximity to the golf course that I’m playing in the morning. A lot of people, a lot of noise being next to the highway but, I can’t sleep in my own house let alone being outside. When I came in and set up at the RV spot instead of the tent. Kurt was kind enough to help me relocate to the correct location. Kudos!
ScoutVery clean and level sites. Small park close to lovely historic towns. Sites feel very private . There is road noise and possibly a shooting range near by so it is not quiet in the day.
Camping spots near Northfield, Minnesota range from primitive riverside sites to modern RV parks with full amenities. Located in the southeastern portion of the state, the region experiences pronounced seasonal weather changes with average summer temperatures in the mid-70s to low 80s. Spring camping often coincides with increased rainfall amounts, making site selection critical for those camping in April and early May.
Hiking to Hidden Falls: Nerstrand Big Woods State Park features a memorable waterfall trail even in spring. "The hike to the hidden falls did not disappoint. It's so close to the Twin Cities that it's very convenient for a weekend, or maybe a commute-to-work midweek getaway," notes one Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground visitor.
Biking the Sakatah Singing Hills Trail: Access this paved trail system directly from Sakatah Lake State Park. "Biked the trail. Campfires, hammocked and just enjoyed chillin!" reports a camper who visited in late summer when the trail is typically less crowded.
Kayaking on smaller lakes: Lebanon Hills Regional Park offers paddling opportunities for beginners. "Nice little lake to kayak on," mentions one visitor who appreciated the protected waters that remain calmer than larger bodies of water in the region.
Winter activities: Several parks maintain trails for cold-weather recreation. "This park is great for hiking and winter snowshoeing and cross country skiing," explains a visitor to Cannon River Wilderness Area, highlighting year-round access despite seasonal campground closures.
Private sites despite proximity: Many campers appreciate the balance of accessibility with seclusion. "The sites are private. Great biking and hiking trails. Great amenities. Close to the zoo as well as the city," notes a visitor to Lebanon Hills Regional Park.
Tree cover and shade: Wooded sites provide natural temperature regulation. "The walk in site was great - close to parking with plenty of tree shade," explains a camper who stayed at one of the walk-in sites at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park.
Access to water: Campsites near lakes and rivers rate highly. "I really like the hike in sites. Short walk from the car and right by the water yet spaced nicely for privacy," reports a visitor to Cleary Lake Regional Park, highlighting the balance between accessibility and waterfront locations.
Fall camping opportunities: The region excels during autumn. "This is a great campground for Fall camping. The colors are amazing. Nice hiking trails," shares a camper who visited Nerstrand in October when crowds typically thin out.
Variable shower quality: Hot water availability differs between parks. At Whitetail Woods Camper Cabins, a visitor notes: "The bathroom is heated and open year round. There are two year round showers as well, but don't plan on a long shower to unwind unless you like cold water. There was maybe 2 minutes of hot water."
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. "Cell service (both AT&T and TMobile) was terrible. There's WiFi at the office, which is just a short hike from the campground," explains a visitor to Nerstrand Big Woods State Park.
Spring trail conditions: Early season visits may require waterproof footwear. "Sites were great but a little wet. Some of the south trails are closed because its too wet," reports a Sakatah Lake State Park Campground camper who visited in April.
Algae concerns in summer: Some lakes develop water quality issues. "The only thing disappointing is the lake becomes green with algae as the summer goes on," warns a visitor to Lake Byllesby Regional Park, suggesting early summer visits for swimming.
Playgrounds and easy hiking: Look for campgrounds with child-friendly amenities. "The play area was really nice and looked brand new. Our girls loved making new friends to play with," shares a visitor to Lake Byllesby Campground about their experience with younger children.
Consider site proximity: Some family campers prefer closer sites. "Camping spots are rather close, but we have two little ones so they made friends quick with other children," notes another Lake Byllesby visitor who found the social aspect beneficial.
Test gear close to home: Lebanon Hills provides a convenient option for equipment trials. "Our family selected this camp ground to test out some gear -- if we had problems or if we forgot something it was a short drive home. Turns out this is a wonderful camp ground and offers a lot of seclusion," explains a camper who appreciated the proximity to urban areas.
Weather preparation: Spring camping requires extra planning. "Did a overnight in the rain at one of the walk ins. Great area. Everything you need close at hand," reports a Nerstrand Big Woods camper who successfully managed wet conditions.
Site selection for larger rigs: Some parks have limited big rig access. "Very nice park if your RV is not to big. I put our 38 foot 5th wheel in a site but you better be on your game here. Lots of shade and big trees," cautions a visitor to Sakatah Lake State Park.
Consider site privacy at Dakotah Meadows RV Park: The layout affects interaction with neighbors. "Sites are two pull-thru's to each site. Your door is opposite of your site mate and you each have your own power pedestal w/water. Sites are 60+ feet, concrete and level," explains a visitor who stayed at this casino-adjacent campground.
Reservation planning: Popular RV sites fill quickly. "Reserve early online, most weekends were already reserved by mid May," advises a Lebanon Hills camper, highlighting the need to book 3-4 months ahead for summer weekends.
Seasonal road access: Spring camping may present challenges. "The campground staff checked us in quickly, and gave us the rundown on all the amenities. We headed to our spot, which backed up to a beautiful wooded area," reports a visitor who appreciated clear directions during muddy spring conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds near Northfield, MN?
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground is a top choice just 20 minutes from Northfield, offering spacious sites amid beautiful woodlands with excellent hiking trails. The park is especially beautiful during fall for leaf viewing. For a different experience, Cannon River Wilderness Area provides free primitive campsites along the river, perfect for those seeking a more secluded experience. These sites require a short 10-minute hike from parking. Other options in the region include Lake Byllesby Campground near Cannon Falls and Sakatah Lake State Park, all within reasonable driving distance of Northfield.
How much does it cost to camp overnight at Northfield campgrounds?
Camping costs near Northfield vary by location and amenities. Cannon River Wilderness Area offers free primitive camping sites, making it the most budget-friendly option. State parks like Frontenac State Park Campground typically charge $15-25 per night for standard sites, with electric sites costing $25-35. County parks like Lake Elmo County Park Reserve range from $20-30 for tent sites and $25-40 for RV sites with hookups. For private campgrounds, expect to pay $30-50 per night depending on amenities and hookup options. Minnesota state parks also require a vehicle permit ($7 daily or $35 annual), which is separate from camping fees.
What amenities are available at Northfield, MN tent camping sites?
Lake Elmo County Park Reserve offers impressive amenities including drinking water, modern restrooms, showers, and recreational facilities like a filtered swimming pond with a sandy beach. The park also features hiking trails and playgrounds. For a more rustic experience, Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground provides wooded sites with fire rings and picnic tables, plus access to Lake Pepin for swimming. Most campgrounds in the region offer basic amenities like pit toilets or flush toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. State parks typically provide water spigots, shower buildings (seasonal), and some have firewood for purchase. Amenities at primitive sites like those in Cannon River Wilderness Area are minimal, so come prepared.
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