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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Showing results 1-10 of 17 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Stewartville, MN

445 Reviews of 17 Stewartville Campgrounds



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.