DIANNE T.
Guide
GuideHigh Island Creek Park
Quiet and creek is beautiful
Had a great time walking the river. W dog
Tent Camping near Waterville, MN
1 campground with availability this weekend
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State parks and wilderness areas surrounding Waterville, Minnesota provide diverse tent camping options for outdoor enthusiasts. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, located approximately 20 miles east of Waterville, offers both standard and walk-in tent sites within its forested landscape. The Cannon River Wilderness Area provides more primitive tent camping experiences with sites that require a short hike from parking areas. Rapidan Dam County Park, southwest of Waterville, features secluded tent-only sites along the river with minimal amenities but maximum natural immersion.
Tent campsites at Nerstrand Big Woods feature pea gravel tent pads that provide level surfaces for comfortable sleeping. The walk-in sites require minimal effort to reach, with most being just "three car lengths" from parking areas according to visitor reports. Primitive tent camping at Cannon River Wilderness Area involves a 10-minute walk to reach the farthest sites. Most tent campgrounds in the region provide basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables, while vault toilets are available at established sites. Water access varies significantly between locations, with Nerstrand offering drinking water near the campground while more remote sites require campers to bring their own supplies. The camping season typically runs from April through October, with some sites becoming muddy after heavy rains.
The outer loop of non-electric sites at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park offers the best experience for tent campers seeking privacy. One visitor noted that these wooded sites help prevent "neighbor issues" compared to the more open central camping areas. At Cannon River Wilderness Area, campers report finding "sites tucked away from people" with opportunities to set up hammocks near the river. The walk-in tent sites at Nerstrand are described as "nested within the trees" and provide adequate privacy without requiring long hikes with gear. Fall brings spectacular colors to the wooded campsites, making it a prime season for backcountry tent camping. Cell service is limited throughout the region's tent campgrounds, with WiFi typically only available near park offices or ranger stations.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Waterville (10)
1. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground
"Though they were right next to each other, they felt very secluded. Site 4 felt a bit more private from the main road because the campsite slightly slopes downward."
"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."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $24 - $34 / night
2. Cannon River Wilderness Area
"We found a site tucked away from people which is what we like. We set up hammocks right next to the river."
"Free, first come first served rustic hike/cart in sites with steel fire ring/grill. There are 4 official sites and 2 more unofficial sites with no fire ring."
3. Rapidan Dam Co Park
"Small trails for car/ tent camping. Not trailer friendly. Small vehicles only. At the foot of the road in there a small food/ice cream shop with friendly staff."
"Beautiful location in the woods witha stream next to it. There are a few water pumps and some outhouses. All sites have a picnic table and fire ring. Restaurant onsite is fantastic."
4. Backpacking Sites — Myre-Big Island State Park
"Sites are approximately 2 miles from parking and the hike it relatively easy with minimal elevation change."
"This remote site is about a mile hike in from the parking area. Easy/moderate hike in. Saw 6 or 7 deer hiking in."
Check Availabilityfrom $22 / night
5. Tony’s Backyard
"Tony's Backyard is new to the Dyrt and looking to share a camping spot with others. Check them out and share your experience on the Dyrt!"
Check Availabilityfrom $45 - $60 / night
6. Camp Sacajawea Retreat Center
Check Availabilityfrom $50 / night
7. Camp Spring Lake Retreat Center
Check Availabilityfrom $50 / night
8. Hidden Valley Campground
9. Belle Creek Bluff
10. Clear Lake Co Park
Drive Time
- 26 min from Mankato, MN
- 57 min from Minneapolis, MN
- 1 hr 4 min from Rochester, MN
- 1 hr 47 min from St. Cloud, MN
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Waterville, MN
11 Photos of 10 Waterville Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Tent Camping Reviews near Waterville, MN
401 Reviews of 10 Waterville Campgrounds
Janel G.GuideWhite Fox Campground — Myre-Big Island State Park
White Fox
The Nonelectric sites at the White Fox campground were very nice. Great size and mostly private. The electric sites were definitely less private. The showers were clean and the vault toilets actually had a light inside! Trails were very nice.
- AAlison B.
TravelerPihls County Park
Quaint and convenient!
Neat little place right off I 90. We arrived in the dark since we had a flat to fix but happily were still able to download the campground map… Seems like people stay here All year at some of the sites because there are literally decks and gardens attached to some larger campers. Gorgeous mature trees and seems like the campground is well kept outside. The bathrooms are clean but pretty old and guessing that the water is fairly hard from the rust stains in the shower… hot water felt great and no quarters to feed. Definitely bring your flip-flops for the shower the drainage was not great. Would definitely stay here again for the convenience, maybe next time we will get to enjoy the water front area… All the sites were nice and flat and easy to back in with lots of length. We have been towing a 31 foot AIRSTREAM so had no problems whatsoever.
Shan B.GuideBig Island Campground — Myre-Big Island State Park
Big Island
Myre Big Island was a peaceful and relaxing campground to visit. The trees are so tall and beautiful. The island had a few trails and a nice view of the lake.
It did rain while I stayed and site 17E floods a bit but dries up when the rain stops so it wasnt a big deal.
- DDawn
ScoutPeaceful Valley Campground
Hope you like your neighbor
We initially chose this location due to its proximity to Belle Plain and its reasonable pricing. The RV sites are relatively small and positioned quite close to one another. While they are long enough to accommodate a large camper, the proximity is such that one could nearly reach out and touch the neighboring vehicle, creating a sense of overcrowding. It appears that the capacity of the park is prioritized for revenue. Although we were informed about the suboptimal cell and WiFi service upon check-in, I believe the quality of service could be improved significantly by installing WiFi extenders to ensure reliable coverage throughout the area. Currently, even a passing truck or camper can disrupt the signal, forcing me to repeatedly reconnect in order to load pages or send messages. The bathrooms are satisfactory, and the shower was pleasant, providing consistent hot water for an enjoyable experience.
Brett G.ScoutMinneapolis Southwest KOA
Basic KOA
Nice quiet campground. It's a very basic KOA. Not a whole lot of amenities. Large playground is quite good for children. Our site is right across from the campground.
Campsite is in the middle of nature. Lots of trees cover. Not much of a breeze but well protected.
Water is clean, electrical boxes are in good condition.
Jeanelle B.ScoutPihls County Park
Peaceful
We booked site 31 which is directly in the middle of seasonal campers. Not very many people around. Bathrooms are definitely old but clean. I would not waste the extra 10 dollars on a lakeside site (trees blocking view)
Ryan M.ScoutNerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground
Great place to visit
My two boys and I camped here for one night on a weekday in late August. It was a great place to relax and spend time together. We chose the cart in campsite and we had the area all to ourselves. The vault toilets near the campsite were clean, and the main bathrooms and showers in the main campground were also very nice and clean. We enjoyed a great hike around the park and had a successful birding outing. The trails closer to the water had more mosquitoes, although their numbers decreased the closer we got to our campsite. From our campsite, we saw five new bird species without even having to get out of our chairs. All in all, I would definitely come back.
Danielle D.ScoutRoberds Lake Resort and Campground
Clean and quaint
As a newer resident on Roberds Lake I decided to walk my son in his stroller down to the resort. It looked like a tropical paradise. The water is treated, there were tons of kids splashing around, his age.. It was the hottest day this year so far. It was packed! Lots of welcoming smiles on the beach...I saw the sign saying "Public Not Allowed." I was like aw that's disappointing ,and I understand completeley, why they do this. I have worked in the food and bev/entertainment industry for all of my life. Im 44...
I went into the little eatery to ask permission from what appeared to be the owner or manager. I asked her and she replied with " NO!" in the rudest way you could say it, and pointed her finger at the door....I mean, come on. Im my opinion, I think she could have handled it a little more professionally and suggest somewhere else, offer a cup of ice water, anything kind....no. All she was, was straight up cruel and I had to rush the first 2 blocks before I lost it. My son, didn't make a peep..anyways. . .I dont like saying negative things about people but in the case, I cant hold back. If you cant be kind and hospitable to EVERYONE that walks in that door, find a new profession like a prison guard or something....
Guide to Waterville
Tent camping sites surrounding Waterville, Minnesota range from established state parks to secluded wilderness areas within a 25-mile radius. The region features hardwood forests, river valleys, and prairie landscapes at elevations between 1,000-1,100 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-85°F with winter lows often dropping below freezing, creating a camping season that generally runs from late April through mid-October.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: The Hidden Falls at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park offers photographers an impressive natural feature along well-maintained hiking trails. According to Halie B., "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."
Paddleboarding: The river at Rapidan Dam Co Park provides calm waters ideal for paddleboarding adventures during summer months. Nick G. notes, "The river is perfect for paddle boarding."
Seasonal color viewing: Fall brings exceptional foliage displays throughout the camping areas near Waterville, particularly in hardwood forest areas. Tim B. from Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground states, "This is a great campground for Fall camping. The colors are amazing."
Winter recreation: Some areas remain accessible during winter months for activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Tim B. mentions that Cannon River Wilderness Area is "great for hiking and winter snowshoeing and cross country skiing."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate the well-maintained bathroom and shower facilities at established campgrounds. Hannah Y. from Nerstrand Big Woods says, "The bathrooms and showers were clean and well lit. Will definitely camp here again!"
River proximity: Campsites near water features rank highly among tent campers. Nick G. from Cannon River Wilderness Area shares, "We found a site tucked away from people which is what we like. We set up hammocks right next to the river."
Level tent pads: Flat, well-prepared tent sites make for comfortable sleeping arrangements. Hannah Y. notes about Nerstrand Big Woods, "The tent pad was very spacious and flat, great for sleeping!"
Secluded options: Campers seeking privacy can find isolated spots away from crowds. Lisa K. from Rapidan Dam Co Park states, "This camp ground is great. Beautiful location in the woods with a stream next to it."
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Flooding and wet conditions can affect site availability throughout the season. Kent F. reports that Rapidan Dam Co Park was "Closed due to flooding" during their planned visit.
Variable cell service: Connectivity remains limited at most campgrounds in the region. Deb M. from Roberds Lake Resort and Campground notes, "Through no fault of the park, cell service (both AT&T and TMobile) was terrible. There's WiFi at the office, which is just a short hike from the campground."
Site spacing concerns: Some campgrounds have issues with proximity between sites. Erik R. observes about Nerstrand Big Woods, "As with most State Parks, the campground sites are really close together and you have very little privacy."
Weather impacts: Spring conditions can leave camping areas wet and muddy. Timothy S. reports, "Sites were great but a little wet. Some of the south trails are closed because its too wet."
Tips for camping with families
First-time camping spots: For families new to tent camping, select areas with minimal hiking required. Megan L. from Camp Sacajawea Retreat Center suggests, "Great place to take kids, good 1st camping experience for bonfires and single night camping."
Amenities checklist: Families should verify available facilities before arrival. Lisa K. notes that Rapidan Dam Co Park has "a few water pumps and some outhouses. All sites have a picnic table and fire ring."
Local food options: Some campgrounds feature nearby dining opportunities. Skip H. mentions about Rapidan Dam Co Park, "At the foot of the road in there a small food/ice cream shop with friendly staff."
Walk-in site selection: For families considering walk-in sites, some require minimal hiking with gear. George W. from Nerstrand Big Woods reports, "Did a overnight in the rain at one of the walk ins. Great area. Everything you need close at hand."
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Some camping areas near Waterville have limitations for larger vehicles. Skip H. cautions about Rapidan Dam Co Park, "Small trails for car/tent camping. Not trailer friendly. Small vehicles only."
Backup planning: Always verify campground status before arrival as closures happen frequently. Anna J. discovered that Hidden Valley Campground was "Closed for good."
Branch clearance: Some sites require careful navigation due to overhanging vegetation. Deb M. warns about Nerstrand Big Woods, "There were LOTS of branches that needed to be trimmed back" which made backing trailers into sites difficult.
Hookup availability: Electric connections are limited to specific campgrounds and loops. Jaime N. from Roberds Lake Resort notes, "Hook ups a bit squished together" but still rated the overall experience positively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Waterville, MN?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Waterville, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Waterville, MN is Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 38 reviews.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
Waterville, MN?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Waterville, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 tent camping locations near Waterville, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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