Tent camping near Vermillion, Minnesota offers opportunities for outdoor activities throughout the year, with summer temperatures averaging 80°F and winter lows reaching -10°F. The region sits at elevations ranging from 700-1,100 feet above sea level, with the St. Croix and Cannon Rivers carving valleys through glacial deposits that create varied terrain for camping experiences.
What to do
Wildlife observation: Afton State Park Campground offers excellent opportunities for spotting local fauna. "I saw the snake. I literally grabbed my husband to hold him back from stepping on it and then he walks past it like nothing happened," shares Emily G. The park's diverse habitats support numerous species visible from hiking paths.
Waterfall hunting: Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground features a hidden waterfall accessible via hiking trails. "The trails were great and at the end of the trails there were beautiful falls. The falls weren't huge but there were pretty. A lot of things to photograph," explains Halie B. The waterfall is particularly impressive during spring runoff.
Swimming: Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground provides lake access for cooling off during summer months. "There is great lake access for swimming and a shower houses (bring your quarters though, showers cost 50 cents for 3 minutes)," notes Beth W. The beach area offers gradual entry points suitable for various swimming abilities.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campers appreciate the separation between tent sites at William O'Brien State Park Campground. "The sites sit far enough apart... the sites have quite a few trees separating them," mentions Deb M. The Savanna Campground section typically offers more privacy than the Riverway section.
Natural amenities: Cannon River Wilderness Area provides direct river access from primitive campsites. "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. The river access allows for both wading and fishing opportunities during summer months.
Group camping options: For larger gatherings, Hok-Si-La City Park offers spacious group sites. "The group sites are spacious and well spaced out, you definitely don't feel like you are on top of each other or another group," reports Beth W. Group sites G4 and G5 sit directly on the lake, providing premium water views.
What you should know
Water availability varies: At some locations, water sources may be unreliable. "None of the water faucets or water pumps on the trails at Afton State Park are working. The good news is you can fill up on cold drinking water at the visitor center," warns Warren H. Always check current water status before arrival.
Terrain challenges: Some campsites require significant hiking effort to reach. "The hike to the campground is short and grueling. A few of the sites are in wooded areas, but we stayed in one of the prairie sites," explains Andrew C. about Afton State Park. Plan accordingly with appropriate footwear and equipment.
Seasonal site conditions: William O'Brien State Park Campground experiences varying conditions throughout the year. "The east part of the park was all closed for construction... Raccoons will visit your site at night... Deer flies were thick around the water filling station," reports Tim. Always check for current closures or maintenance before planning your trip.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access for kids: Hok-Si-La provides family-friendly swimming areas. "The lake is incredible... there is also a set of vault toilets" near group sites, notes Beth W. The beach area features shallow entry points ideal for younger children.
Winter cabin options: Afton State Park Campground offers heated accommodations during colder months. "Perfect little cabin nestled in the southern half of the park! Screened in porch, heated with electricity, and two double bunk beds!" describes Alison O. These cabins provide shelter during Minnesota's harsh winters.
Short hiking distances: Cannon River Wilderness Area offers manageable hiking distances for families with children. "The hike from parking is not bad at all about a 10 minute walk from parking to the farthest site," explains Nick G. This accessibility makes it suitable for families with younger hikers.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV access: Most tent camping areas near Vermillion have significant RV restrictions. "This park has a nice, small campground... there's some sites that are tricky to back a trailer into, which would have been helped by some maintenance," notes Deb M. about Nerstrand Big Woods State Park. Many sites have low-hanging branches that can damage taller vehicles.
Vehicle restrictions: Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground offers limited RV-friendly sites. "Some Electric sites. Nice dump station," mentions Tim B. However, access roads may be narrow with tight turns, requiring careful navigation for larger vehicles.
Tent-only limitations: At Hok-Si-La, no RVs are permitted. "This campground also doesn't allow cars or generators on any of the camping spots, so be sure to keep that in mind!" advises Sapphire J. Vehicles must remain in designated parking areas away from the campsites.
