Camping opportunities near Red Wing, Minnesota extend beyond standard state park options to include several lesser-known locations with unique features. The area sits at the convergence of the Cannon and Mississippi Rivers, with elevations ranging from 696 feet at river level to over 1,200 feet on surrounding bluffs. Fall camping typically experiences temperature swings of 30-40 degrees between day and night, requiring proper layering and cold-weather gear.
What to do
Biking from camp to town: Haycreek Valley Campground provides direct access to paved trails. "We really enjoyed the bike trail that was so close, paved and had lots of tree cover to keep us cool," notes one visitor who appreciated "the very nice ride to Red Wing right from our site."
Waterfall hiking: Willow River State Park Campground offers challenging waterfall trails about 40 miles from Red Wing. "We did SO many miles hiking! And at certain points in the river, you are able to get in and swim," explains a camper, while another mentioned "the hill was a bit grueling" but worth the effort.
Bird watching: Bird enthusiasts find Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground ideal for spotting eagles along Lake Pepin. A visitor shared their experience: "On our last stay, we were able to watch eagles from our campsite, which was amazing."
What campers like
Lake Pepin views: The Mississippi River widening known as Lake Pepin creates scenic vistas from several campgrounds. At Frontenac State Park Campground, a camper raved "Site 20 has an absolutely outstanding view of Lake Pepin and fall colors."
Privacy between sites: Many campers value the sense of seclusion at various campgrounds. "The campsites are wooded and have enough distance between them that noise is minimal," reported a visitor to Hok-Si-La, while at Frontenac, a camper noted that "there are some trees in between" sites, though privacy levels vary.
Proximity to breweries and wineries: Cannon Falls Campground offers easy access to local craft beverages. "Nearby are bike trails, a winery, and a brewery," mentions one reviewer who found it "an excellent getaway."
What you should know
Water limitations: Some campgrounds restrict water access seasonally. At Afton State Park Campground, a visitor warned: "None of the water faucets or water pumps on the trails are working. The good news is you can fill up on cold drinking water at the visitor center before trekking around."
Train noise: Riverside locations often experience train disturbances. At Frontenac State Park, "When the wind died down, you could easily hear trains—there are several that run nearby," reports one camper.
Campground layouts: Site configurations vary significantly between parks. One camper at Lake Byllesby Regional Park observed: "The sites on and close to the water are long, but not very wide. The sites further back have a lot more room at each site."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: For families with young children, proximity to play areas matters. A visitor to Lake Byllesby Regional Park shared: "The playground is a short walk to the tent area, which was a big hit with our kids. Our girls didn't want to leave!"
Security considerations: Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground limits vehicle traffic through camping areas. "They do allow for drive-up loading and unloading," explains a camper, adding that "it limits traffic driving through the campground, and is really nice to not have vehicles driving through at all hours."
Tent pad quality: Ground conditions impact family camping comfort. At Frontenac, one visitor was pleasantly surprised: "This was the first tent pad I have ever been able to stake down without bending or breaking stakes and needing a mallet."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many RV sites in the area require minimal adjustment. At Treasure Island RV Park, a camper noted that despite being "basically a parking lot with mostly pull through sites," the "sites are level, the park was clean, and the utilities were in good working order."
Hookup positioning: Some campgrounds have awkward utility placements. A visitor to Haycreek Valley Campground shared: "Our site was rather odd as the electric and water post was on the opposite side of our camper. Our standard water hose and electrical cord wouldn't reach."
Fire pit locations: RVers should check fire pit positioning before setting up. At Haycreek Valley, one camper warned that "the fire pits were located in very odd spots too - basically unusable unless you wanted to light your rig on fire."
