Tent campsites near Skyline, Minnesota range from primitive riverside sites to more developed county park options within a 30-mile radius. The region features hardwood forests interspersed with prairie landscapes, with elevations ranging from 900 to 1,100 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically average 75-85°F during peak camping months, with occasional thunderstorms common in July and August.
What to do
Paddleboard on rivers: Rapidan Dam Co Park offers excellent river access for water activities. "The river is perfect for paddle boarding," notes camper Nick G., who enjoyed the secluded riverside setting.
Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing: Winter recreation options abound at Cannon River Wilderness Area during the off-season. "This park is great for hiking and winter snowshoeing and cross country skiing," reports Tim B., who frequently visits the area throughout the year.
Ice cream stops: Several campgrounds feature nearby food options. At Rapidan Dam Co Park, campers appreciate the convenience of the "small food/ice cream shop with friendly staff" located at the entrance road, according to Skip H., making it easy to grab refreshments after a day outdoors.
What campers like
Hammock-friendly riverside spots: Campers at Cannon River Wilderness Area appreciate the proximity to water. "We found a site tucked away from people which is what we like. We set up hammocks right next to the river," shares Nick G., noting the short 10-minute walk from parking to the sites.
Fall foliage viewing: Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground offers spectacular autumn displays. "This is a great campground for Fall camping. The colors are amazing," according to Tim B., who recommends it for weekend getaways.
Lakeside camping with sunset views: Bright Lake Co Park provides campsites with partial lake views. "Really nice spot almost overlooking the lake (Through the trees), had fire ring, picnic tables and room for quite a lot of tents," reports Wally B., who particularly noted the "Awesome Sunset!"
What you should know
Flood potential: Rapidan Dam Co Park experiences periodic closures due to water levels. Kent F. reported in July 2024 that the park was "Closed due to flooding," something campers should check before planning trips during rainy seasons.
Varying site quality: Experiences can differ significantly between campgrounds and even within the same park. Michael V. advised caution about Rapidan Dam Co Park, noting, "My girlfriend and I drove through the park before we booked a campsite and I'm glad we did! It was rough."
Vehicle restrictions: Many tent sites have limited vehicle access. Bike G. mentions that at Rapidan Dam Co Park, "Cycling into sites can be difficult because some have lots of sand on the path," while Skip H. notes the park is "Not trailer friendly. Small vehicles only."
Tips for camping with families
Site spacing considerations: At Nerstrand Big Woods, family campers should be strategic about site selection. "The sites have quite a few trees separating them, but most of the sites on the C loop back up almost into the sites on the right side of the B loop," cautions Deb M., suggesting families select sites with better privacy buffers.
Bathroom access: Families appreciate updated facilities at certain campgrounds. Hannah Y. reports that at Nerstrand Big Woods, "The bathrooms and showers were clean and well lit," making it more comfortable for family camping trips with children.
Weather preparedness: Spring camping often means dealing with wet conditions. Timothy S. noted at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, "Sites were great but a little wet. Some of the south trails are closed because its too wet," suggesting families pack extra tarps and waterproof gear in spring.
Tips from RVers
Limited backing space: RVers at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park sometimes struggle with site access. "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," reports Deb M.
Dump station availability: RV campers appreciate the waste facilities at certain campgrounds. "Nice dump station" is highlighted by Tim B. at Nerstrand Big Woods, noting that some sites "can handle bigger RV's."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies widely across campgrounds. According to Deb M., "Cell service (both AT&T and TMobile) was terrible" at Nerstrand Big Woods, though "There's WiFi at the office, which is just a short hike from the campground" for those needing to stay connected.
