Pine Island, Minnesota offers multiple camping options on the rolling farmland terrain of southeastern Minnesota. Located at approximately 1,200 feet elevation, the area features gentle hills, hardwood forests, and river valleys with multiple water access points. Campsites in this region typically remain open from April through October, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping season and occasional thunderstorms in late afternoons.
What to do
Hiking at Whitewater State Park: Located about 30 miles east of Pine Island, this park features limestone bluffs and challenging trails. "I spent a day here hiking and had a blast! I hiked up Chimney Rock and then looped back to tackle part of the Dakota trail! The hiking paths were well taken care of," shares Sarah C. who visited the park.
Wildlife viewing at Oxbow County Park: The park features a free zoo with rescued animals. "The zoo is amazing, the campground is well cared and a ton of hiking trails!!" says Allyson H. about her experience. The bison herd, elk, and deer provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities within the park boundaries.
Tubing at Bluff Valley Campground: The campground sits alongside a river perfect for relaxing water activities. "The draw from this camp ground for us is sitting in the river and relaxing watching the tubers go by," notes Melissa H. who enjoyed the riverside location during summer months.
What campers like
Free zoo at Oxbow County Park: This unexpected amenity gets consistently high ratings from visitors. "There is a free zoo and interactive area as well as several play equipment areas. They have activities at the zoo and plenty of hiking trails," explains Ash V. who gave the park five stars.
Clean facilities at Nerstrand Big Woods: Campers appreciate the maintained bathrooms and showers. "The tent pad was very spacious and flat, great for sleeping! The bathrooms and showers were clean and well lit," reports Hannah Y. after her stay at the park.
River access at Bluff Valley: Many campers specifically book riverside sites for the water views. "We go to this campground once a year - week before Memorial Day Weekend. They offer a discount then, so we get the premium spots down by the river for a good price," mentions Lisa D. who enjoys the riverfront setting.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. "No cell service but able to text," notes Tom about Oxbow County Park, while another camper mentions that at Tilly's RV Resort, road noise is the only negative.
Weather considerations: Spring camping may encounter wet conditions. "Sites were great but a little wet. Some of the south trails are closed because it's too wet," reports Timothy S. about Nerstrand Big Woods State Park in early April.
Reservation timing: For better sites and deals, consider non-peak times. "We live close but finally camped here. Quiet and peaceful. Smaller campgrounds so everything is easily accessible," mentions J.J. F. about Oxbow County Park.
Tips for camping with families
Zoo activities: Oxbow County Park offers educational opportunities beyond camping. "In the middle of the pandemic when all of the campsites are booked, there is absolutely no one here. It's a very well maintained park with clean showers and bathrooms. The zoo is just 500 yards away," shares Lindsay K. who found the park surprisingly uncrowded.
Water features for hot days: Several campgrounds offer swimming options. "Great tent sites some along river lots of activities for children and adults tubing down the river, man-made lake with blowups, scooters, swimming pool and jumping pillow," explains Melissa R. about Shades of Sherwood Campground's family amenities.
Hidden Meadows location: This Pine Island campground offers convenience to medical facilities. "This is very convenient if you have Mayo Clinic appointments. The campground was nice with grassy sites along with electric and water hook ups," notes Karen S. who appreciated the proximity to Rochester.
Tips from RVers
Site selection at Frontenac State Park: Choose carefully for the best experience. "The inner ring sites are fairly close together and don't offer a ton of privacy from site to site. If I was to stay here again, site 42 and 44 would probably be the ones I'd try for in terms of views and privacy," advises Mandee L. who stayed at the park in spring.
Electric hookup locations: Most campgrounds offer varying electric options. "We stayed in site 49, part of the outer ring of the 4th loop. Most of the outer loop sites were pretty large, this site being no exception," continues Mandee about Frontenac's spacious RV sites.
Seasonal accessibility: Many campgrounds close completely in winter. "Nice campground!! The area has lots to do," notes Mari N. about Whitewater State Park, which remains open year-round unlike most campgrounds near Pine Island that close between October and April.
