Best Tent Camping near Stewartville, MN

State parks and public lands surrounding Stewartville, Minnesota offer diverse tent camping options within a short drive. Whitewater State Park, located about 20 miles east, features the secluded Gooseberry Glen Cart-in Campground with walk-in tent sites along a stream. Schmidt Farm by Forestville, situated southeast of Stewartville, provides hike-in tent-only sites with access to both private trails and Forestville State Park. Houston Nature Center, approximately 30 miles southeast, maintains a tent-only campground at the trailhead of the Root River State Bike Trail. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, though farther north, offers walk-in tent sites with large pea gravel tent pads and wooded surroundings.

Most tent campsites in the region feature fire rings and picnic tables, with varying levels of additional amenities. Walk-in sites typically require carrying gear short distances from parking areas, with some parks providing carts to transport equipment. Tent pads range from flat dirt surfaces to upgraded pea gravel bases that drain well after rain. Primitive tent camping areas like Oak Ridge in R.J.D. Memorial Hardwood State Forest offer minimal facilities but greater seclusion. Most parks maintain clean vault toilets near tent camping areas, while larger facilities like Nerstrand Big Woods and Houston Nature Center provide shower buildings. Firewood is generally available for purchase on-site, and many parks implement seasonal fire restrictions during dry periods.

The outer non-electric sites at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park provide better privacy for tent campers, according to visitors. One camper noted that "sites are wooded so you don't have neighbor issues" and appreciated the "large pea gravel tent pads." At Gooseberry Glen in Whitewater State Park, tent sites offer a balance of seclusion and convenience, with one visitor describing the experience as "quiet, woodsy and secluded" while noting "all we could hear was the stream." Fall camping is particularly popular for tent campers seeking colorful foliage and fewer insects. Schmidt Farm by Forestville receives praise for its "secluded campsites" that aren't "side by side with others," making it ideal for backcountry tent camping experiences with ample space for multiple tents.

Best Tent Sites Near Stewartville, Minnesota (17)

    1. Schmidt Farm by Forestville

    2 Reviews
    Preston, MN
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 273-6278

    $35 / night

    "This location offers the opportunity to explore both private trails and less traveled areas of Forestville State Park. Secluded campsites so you are not camping side by side with others."

    "If you're looking for a simpler camping experience focused on getting away from everything and solitude, then this is the place for you.   "

    2. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground

    35 Reviews
    Nerstrand, MN
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 333-4840

    "It's just a bit of a walk from the main campground and opposite of some very beautiful walk-in sites. The group campground has an open space to play games as well as wooded areas all around."

    "There are four “walk in” sites, and you can see one another from all of them. Sites 1 and 3 require a walk about three car lengths to the tent pad, and 4 is not much farther."

    3. Aefintyr

    4 Reviews
    Elba, MN
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 513-5598

    $29 - $139 / night

    "We're so excited to have this unique property on our platform. Offering hike in sites with Bell Tents or pitch your own, this is a great place to view the stars."

    "A beautiful cabin, hike-in glamping or bring your own gear.

    I was able to stay in the cabin for a couple nights with two friends. The cabin was cozy even during winter."

    4. Gooseberry Glen Cart-in Campground — Whitewater State Park

    2 Reviews
    Elba, MN
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 312-2300

    "We wanted a quiet, secluded campsite, but one we wouldn't have to backpack into."

    "Right when you park you see the push carts and it is a very short walk to the campsite. You are able to slightly see 1 cart-in site neighbor, but besides that it was very private and quiet."

    5. Oronoco City Park

    1 Review
    Pine Island, MN
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 367-4526

    6. Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground

    7 Reviews
    Lake City, MN
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 345-3855

    $22 - $132 / night

    "The campground was very full that weekend but the group sites are spacious and well spaced out, (if you can I would recommend G4 or G5 right on the lake for group sites) you definitely don't feel like"

    "This is one of my favorite campgrounds in Southern Minnesota! It is only 1 1/2 hours away from the TwinCities which makes it an ideal getaway."

    7. Houston Nature Center

    5 Reviews
    Houston, MN
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 896-4668

    "The Nature Center campsite is located at the trail head for the Root River State Bike Trail."

    "This campsite is at the trailhead for the Root River Bike Trail. This bike trail is so awesome and by far the best in the tri-state area!"

    8. Northend Campground

    1 Review
    Rushford, MN
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 864-7949

    9. Chimney Rock County Park

    1 Review
    Cresco, IA
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 534-7145
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Tent Camping Reviews near Stewartville, MN

486 Reviews of 17 Stewartville Campgrounds


  • C
    Aug. 8, 2021

    White Fox — Myre-Big Island State Park

    Nice state park

    This is a rustic state park with limited amenities. There are no water or electric hook ups. However clean water is available in the park. The park does have flush toilets and showers. We found these to be in good condition and clean. The showers had warm water. The water stream is on a timer and so are the lights. The shower stalls are Individual stalls. The interior roads are dirt roads with a few potholes they are very narrow. The camping sites are nice sized and relatively private. There is a gravel pad on each site and some have a tent pad. Each site had a picnic table and a fire ring. There are plenty of walking and biking trails and there are walk-in tent camp sites. However, you cannot see the lake from the campground and there is no access to the lake from the campground. We were able to drive through the campground with our 40 foot fifth wheel. But just barely, be careful! 

  • Kelly S.
    May. 2, 2018

    Frontenac State Park Campground

    Early Season Experience

    We spent a single night here at site 37. The site was great, the privacy was okay, and the campground itself was slightly above average.

    Our site was huge. It could have easily accommodated an RV and a tent. There was a campfire ring and picnic table there like each site, but ours also had a tent pad and a very long parking spot. We were tent camping. This was the first tent pad I have ever been able to stake down without bending or breaking stakes and needing a mallet. The site was also close to a few of the trailheads. See pictures. Would recommend site 37 any day.

    The privacy was nonexistent because there were no leaves on the trees yet. In the summer, that might change. There are trees between sites.

    The campground itself was okay. The ranger and lady in the office when we stopped in were a little strange, but helpful. They were out of wood, but there is a DNR certified seller not a mile down the road- you can get more wood for cheaper there anyway. In MN, you need to get your firewood from the state park you are at or a certified seller in the same county to prevent the spread of tree pests and disease. The ranger can and will stop at your site and ask to see your seller card from the wood. The rest of the campground was nice. Many water spigots were still frozen, but there isn't much to be done about that. Overall, I would definitely recommend this campground!

  • Mary S.
    Aug. 16, 2018

    Frontenac State Park Campground

    Shady, quiet campground in the woods with short hiking opportunities

    Campground Design

    I like that it's split into 4 small loops (1-11, 12-28, 29-38 and 39-59). There shouldn't be much traffic in any one loop. It's a very shady campground - lots of trees so it's quite dark at night with no stargazing from your site.

    Our site #42 was right next to #40 and there's not much privacy between the 2 sites. There's a lot more distance and privacy between #42 and #44. In general, sites are fairly close together but there are some trees in between.

    I thought we might be closer to the Mississippi River, but the campground is located above the river (called Pepin Lake at this wide point). You can hike down to the river; the steep descent makes the short hike more interesting. There are Lower and Upper Bluff trails as well as other short, connected trails throughout the park. (See photo of trail map.)

    Tent Campers

    There are 6 'cart in' sites, but they are about 1/2 mile away from the main campground and on the other side of the road. Park, put your gear in a cart, and walk about 1/4 mile to your site (C1 through C6). 

    Special rule for these sites: You have to pay $2 to use the showers at the main campground! Your camping rate is $15 instead of $23 for a non-electric site. If a cart in site doesn't appeal to you, the regular sites are good for tents; many have tent pads. There are also a couple backpacker sites.

    Amenities

    • Picnic table and fire ring on each site. Some sites have a tent pad. The 'rule of 3' says you can have 3 'units' on a site - 2 tents + vehicle, RV + rent +vehicle,... - One restroom with flush toilets, sinks and showers (old but no temperature control) located near the road in front of the loop with sites 12-28. We were in the last loop on site 42, and there was a pit toilet that smelled okay but had lots of flies.

    • Some electric sites ($31) in the first 2 loops; the map (see photo) has an 'e' next to the site number and so does the post at the site.

    • Dump station that includes a potable water filling station. There are water spigots in the camping areas.

    • Trash dumpsters and recycle bins.

    Extra fees

    • There's a $7 reservation fee for online or phone reservations, and the site posts indicate you need to 'reserve' the site before you set up camp.  You avoid that fee by showing up without a reservation when the office is open, but I wouldn't do that on a Friday or Saturday in the summer. You can always get a sense of whether showing up without a reservation is feasible by checking availability online. It also looks like you avoid the fee if you reserve online on the day you stay.

    • $7 entry fee per day is standard in MN parks. A $35 pass is good for 12 months.

  • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 31, 2024

    Minneiska Campground — Whitewater State Park

    Nice state park

    Stayed here for a couple nights on a mini state park road trip. Nice place, like most of the MN state parks. Spotty cell service. Hiked a trail with lots of steps. Fire ring and picnic table are provided at each site. Restroom with showers also available in campground. Site was large and easy to back into and offered some tree cover for shade during certain times of the day. Was unable to hang hammock in specific site we stayed at, but some of the sites looked like they would be suitable.

  • GoWhereYouAreDraw N.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 23, 2019

    Prairie Island City Campground

    Great introductory campground

    Prairie Island has all of you basic amenities without being too far from town. This campground isn’t for everybody -- if you’re looking for extreme adventure and wilderness, this is not the place for you. If you’re interested in getting into camping and not investing the money into all the gear or having direct river access, this is the place for you! They seriously rent it all. Paddleboards, kayaks, canoes, tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and dutch ovens. The camp store sells all of the basics and fishing supplies. The shower house has flush toilets and pit toilets are located throughout the campground.

    Personally, this campground is not the type that I like to stay at but it is really great for the type that wants to get into camping or the camper trailer type. Unfortunately, not enough activities to do besides boating on the river.

  • K
    Sep. 5, 2020

    Hidden Meadows RV Park

    Hidden Gem

    This is very convenient if you have Mayo Clinic appointments. The campground was nice with grassy sites along with electric and water hook ups, there was a dump station also. Portable toilets spaced around and a centralized bath house by the office. There are seasonal guests and everyone was friendly. We saw deer by the primitive camp areas and had nightly campfires in our fire ring. We will return the next time we are up in MN.

  • Chloe T.
    Oct. 14, 2024

    Myre State Park Campgrounds

    Beautiful and easy to get to backpacking sites

    Sites are approximately 2 miles from parking and the hike it relatively easy with minimal elevation change. You have a choice between a grassy walk or walking mainly on tar and gravel as part of the Blazing Star Trail. They are also accessible by boat.

    There are 4 backpacking sites and they are well-spaced so you each have privacy. #3 and #4 are close enough that you could be in a group together but #1 and #2 are pretty isolated. Each site has a fire pit, picnic table, wood cabinet/fish cleaning table, at least 1 flat spot for a tent, and a nearby porta potty.

    Views of the lake are amazing with a variety of birds making appearances. Harvesting season may bring some farm sounds but otherwise, aside from the occasional train, you'll mainly hear the sounds of nature around you.

    If you can make the walk carrying everything, including water, on your back, definitely check out one of these sites.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 14, 2022

    White Fox — Myre-Big Island State Park

    Delayed Autumn

    We tent camped at Myre-Big Island State Park in Minnesota from September 30 to October 3, 2022. The weather was warmer than usual at this time of year, and the fall color development was a couple weeks behind normal. It was cool but beautiful during the daytime (light jacket/sweater weather). The temperature dropped at night but didn’t require anything more than our sleeping bags to keep us warm. The earlier sunset meant meal cooking and cleanup needed to be a bit earlier, but it also meant longer time for beautiful campfires in the evenings.

    The trails were in great shape and beautiful with past-peak grasses and developing colors in the trees. Most of the wildflowers were done for the year, but some were still in bloom. Deer, squirrels, chipmunks, and lots of birds were active near the trails and campgrounds.

    We have camped here previously, in early summer. Then the bugs were abundant and aggressive on the Big Island trails. During this fall trip, there were very few.

  • R
    Aug. 30, 2019

    Merrick State Park Campground

    Nice Walk-In site but bring your bug spray!

    Very nice walk-in site right on the river. LOTS of bugs to the point it was uncomfortable so make sure to bring bug spray. Tent pad, fire ring and picnic table available. Trees available that are good for those who hammock.


Guide to Stewartville

Tent camping near Stewartville, Minnesota offers a serene escape into nature, with a variety of well-reviewed sites that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for a peaceful retreat.

Explore Scenic Trails and Natural Beauty

Family-Friendly Amenities and Activities

  • Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground offers a family-friendly atmosphere with grassy campsites and access to Lake Pepin for swimming and fishing.
  • Enjoy a cozy stay at Aefintyr, where you can choose between tent camping or renting a cabin, making it ideal for families or groups.
  • The Northend Campground is big rig friendly and features a sand-bottom creek for swimming, perfect for family fun.

Unique Camping Experiences

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Stewartville, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Stewartville, MN is Schmidt Farm by Forestville with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Stewartville, MN?

TheDyrt.com has all 17 tent camping locations near Stewartville, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.