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Best Campgrounds near Zumbrota, MN

632 Reviews

Southeastern Minnesota's camping landscape around Zumbrota features a mix of state parks, county facilities, and private campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. Zumbrota Covered Bridge Park offers tent and RV camping directly in town, while Shades of Sherwood Campground provides family-oriented camping with cabin options just outside city limits. Nearby Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, approximately 20 miles east, offers wooded sites and hiking trails leading to Hidden Falls, a popular natural feature. Frontenac State Park, situated along the Mississippi River bluffs, provides year-round camping with scenic overlooks. Lake Byllesby Regional Park in Cannon Falls combines water recreation with camping facilities, making it popular for weekend getaways from the Twin Cities.

Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from April through October, with limited winter camping available at Frontenac State Park. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for summer weekends and holiday periods when sites fill quickly. Cell service varies significantly across the area, with better coverage at private campgrounds and spotty reception in state parks. According to one visitor at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, "The tent pads have been upgraded to pea gravel by the friends association. Wi-Fi is available near the park entrance with spotty T-Mobile service throughout." Weather considerations include summer thunderstorms and occasional flooding along the Zumbro River, which can affect low-lying campgrounds during spring runoff.

Campers frequently mention the area's natural features as highlights of their experience. The Hidden Falls at Nerstrand Big Woods draws particular praise, with one visitor noting it's "shallow enough to carefully walk in from the top of the falls and then down at the bottom too." Wildlife viewing opportunities include deer, eagles, and various bird species. Site privacy varies considerably across campgrounds, with some visitors noting that Nerstrand's sites "were really open and you could see other people's campsites." Many campgrounds offer electric hookups and basic amenities, though water may be turned off during shoulder seasons. The region's proximity to the Twin Cities makes it popular for weekend trips, with one camper describing it as "a good option to be able to get away on short notice close to home."

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Best Camping Sites Near Zumbrota, Minnesota (115)

    1. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground

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

    "This is a Nice campground middle of Minnesota. Surprising place in the middle of farm country. Very nice campground and lots of walking trails. Great for leaf peeping."

    "To be on the safe side, incase we had issues, we decided to stay close to home so we decided to hit up a new park, Nerstrand Big Woods State Park just outside Northfield, Minnesota."

    2. Frontenac State Park Campground

    32 Reviews
    Frontenac, MN
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 345-3401

    "Quiet, pretty hiking trails, nice people, close to home but tucked away enough to be away from everything"

    "The ranger station was small and charming, stocked with board games to rent, and it’s clear the staff cares about creating a positive camping experience."

    3. Haycreek Valley Campground

    8 Reviews
    Hay Creek, MN
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 388-3998

    "Nice campground outside of Red Wing, MN with a bar/restaurant and other features. Access to trials for bikes and horses. I stayed in the horse camp without a horse but it was a nice area."

    "Our standard water hose and electrical cord wouldn’t reach so we ended up backing up the hill to get next to the water and filled our tank for the weekend."

    4. Hidden Meadows RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Pine Island, MN
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 356-8594

    $38 - $45 / night

    "The lower area of this park is so nice and right near a river. The owners are really nice, bathrooms/showers clean and everybody is friendly."

    "Portable toilets spaced around and a centralized bath house by the office. There are seasonal guests and everyone was friendly."

    5. Bluff Valley Campground

    5 Reviews
    Pine Island, MN
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 753-2955

    "Bathrooms near by need updated. But brand new showers by main entrance. Very clean, nice staff. They have a little restaurant that I saw but didn't eat or see open."

    "They have a pool, video games, driving range and park but the draw from this camp ground for us is sitting in the river and relaxing watching the tubers go by."

    6. Zumbrota Covered Bridge Park

    2 Reviews
    Zumbrota, MN
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 732-7318

    $20 - $35 / night

    "Tent and rv camping, with a public pool close by, oldest covered bridge in the state, close to town, playground and miles of trails fir skiing, hiking and biking."

    7. Oxbow County Park

    6 Reviews
    Byron, MN
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 775-2451

    $25 - $30 / night

    "There is an awesome park near the sites for children."

    "The zoo is amazing, the campground is well cared and a ton of hiking trails!!"

    8. Lake Byllesby Regional Park

    12 Reviews
    Cannon Falls, MN
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 263-4447

    "Near lake and excellent bike path. Great brewery and winery close by."

    "Lakeside sites are close together, with W/E hookups, but they’re right in the lake with a wonderful view. The facilities are very clean and well-kept."

    9. Shades of Sherwood Campground

    1 Review
    Zumbrota, MN
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 732-5100

    "Great tent sites some along river lots of activities for children and adults tubing down the river, man-made lake with blowups, scooters, swimming poolAnd jumping pillow."

    10. Tilly's American Travelers RV Resort

    2 Reviews
    Pine Island, MN
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 367-2499

    "It's a nice stop if you need close to Rochester. Not badly priced. Grill and Bar on site with good food. The store, bath, and laundry are still closed due to Covid."

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Recent Camping Photos near Zumbrota, MN

195 Photos of 115 Zumbrota Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Zumbrota, MN

632 Reviews of 115 Zumbrota Campgrounds

  • Sarah D.
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Frontenac State Park Campground

    Secluded Site and Great Views Close to the Twin Cities

    We did a one night camping trip for my birthday at Cart-In Site 1 the second to last weekend of September.

    We loved the hiking at Frontenac State Park - walking along the lake and then walking along the bluffs at sunset was magical! Fantastic views. I imagine if we had gone two weeks later, we would have had a fantastic display of fall color. We went a little too early to catch the changing leaves.

    We loved how easy Frontenac was for a casual weekend getaway. It was an easy, scenic one hour drive from St. Paul that was very enjoyable. The park was also nice with great bathrooms at the main campsite, nice trails, and they even had board games to check out at the front office for a rainy day- a great idea!

    We stayed at Cart-In Site 1. I would rate the site itself a 3. It was very secluded and spacious, which was fantastic! We could not see any other campsites from our site, which was fantastic. We only occasionally saw some hikers on a nearby trail. We could hear some other noisy campers, but it wasn't too much of a disturbance. Very wooded, nice, spacious site. There is not water at the Cart-In parking lot, so be aware that you will have to fill up prior to parking and heading to your site (easiest place to do so is the main office/ visitor center).

    I also slept poorly because of a nearby train that kept going past and honking at least until midnight. So if you're a light sleeper, be aware of persistent train noise at these sites!

    Overall good site and an easy, fun, and relaxing weekend getaway from the twin cities.

  • Lance L.
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Cleary Lake Regional Park

    Large campground with plentyy of activities!

    They have two lots for RV and travel trailer use although the first lot only has two spaces and the second one has a total of five. The five space spot has no water or electric hook up but was a great place for me to test out my new solar set up. Word to the wise, gates ACTUALLY close at 10pm, there's no way to contact anyone and I had to walk about a mile in parked outside the gate 😅. The White Pine lot (5 spaces) has a central bathroom/shower building. The park was jam packed Friday/Saturday but a ghosts town the remains sun/mon/tue I stayed.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Frontenac State Park Campground

    Great hiking trails NICE Bathrooms

    The campground is well maintained, all of the sites are clean and laid out nicely. Some sites are kinda close but there is brush growing between sites.

    There are a LOT of NICE TRAILS at this park. Many nice prairie trails and some fun trails in the bluffs along the Mississippi River too. One trail down along the River can be challenging because of MANY STAIRS.

    Large drive in picnic areas away from the campground that many people drive in to us and had a nice overlook on the Mississippi River. There are 2 nice overlooks that are great to walk to in the dark and watch the calmness and peaceful nature of the river and forest.

    The men’s bathroom and showers are GREAT! There is also very nice large full handicap bathrooms. The SHOWER WATER IS VERY HOT so be careful!

    Dump station is sloped so it makes it easy to drive in either direction to help dump waste water easily. Also fresh water at the dumping station.

    Always Plenty of firewood in the shed next to the office.

  • Joel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Lake Byllesby Regional Park

    Very nice campground

    This is a good campground. Very well kept. Fishing from shore and there is a boat launch. Nice playground for kids. Sites are fairly close. Many have no privacy from others, but some do. No water at the sites and pit toilets are the biggest weaknesses. Nice paths for walking and biking.

  • Larry K.
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Willow River State Park Campground

    Never again

    Never again, $81 for an electric only site. Come on Wisconsin let's jab the out of .staters. Entry fee to parks, extra for out of staters. The site was secluded but not close to level. Not close to the facilities. I am going back to SD. They don't add fees because you are from out of town, they actually encourage out of state tourists. Last trip to a Wisconsin state park . And the showers were closed for the season, this is 10/9/25. But still full price and just an electric only site. No thanks Wisconsin

  • Maria D.
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Frontenac State Park Campground

    Cleanest Campground Bathrooms Ever!

    Frontenac State Park had some of the nicest campground bathrooms and showers I’ve ever seen—clean, and modern. The ranger station was small and charming, stocked with board games to rent, and it’s clear the staff cares about creating a positive camping experience. I also loved the little free library outside the bathrooms.

    The downsides are that the campsites run small, usually only fitting two tents at most, and there aren’t many trees for hammocking. It’s also a popular park, so it can get pretty loud at times.

    Favorite sites: 37 – Shady and on the edge with just one neighbor (though the main road is on the other side). Decent privacy and potential for hammocking.

    21 – Nice views, but likely best for just one tent/car.

    22 – Very private, though the ground looked a little uneven.

    Other solid tent sites: 36, 25, 48, 49, 51. Site 57 also looked spacious with no neighbors, but it does border the visitor parking lot.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Lebanon Hills Regional Park

    Not a bad stay

    Sites are a little close with little to no privacy in most. Fun little trails nearby for an afternoon walk. Reservation system is weird and the sites are much bigger than they say. All rv sites are the listed length plus 16’ for your tow vehicle, which you need to call to find out.

  • L
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Holden Park Campground

    Fall Ride in Ocotber

    Our group has been camping at the Holden County Park for 4 years now, this will be our 5th year.

     We are so happy that the shower/restrooms are finally done, its a great plus and we feel that more people will camp there now. 

    We love how quiet it is when we return from our daily rides, its like its our own place as there aren't many if any at all other campers there. This year may be different and if it is we won't mind at all, hopefully they don't either as we do stay up late by the fire but aren't wild crazy loud.

Guide to Zumbrota

Camping near Zumbrota, Minnesota, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With beautiful parks and campgrounds nearby, you can enjoy nature while making lasting memories with family and friends.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Willow River State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "Lovely trails, the beach is a large area with a nice park and picnic area." The park features various trails that cater to different skill levels.
  • Fishing: At Whitewater State Park, you can enjoy fishing in the river. A visitor shared, "We could hear the flow of the river as it tumbled along its course behind the campsite. It was very peaceful."
  • Biking: The trails at Sakatah Lake State Park are perfect for biking. One reviewer noted, "Great park if you’re not looking to drive too far to enjoy a bit of nature. Wonderful hiking paths and biking paths."

What campers like

  • Privacy: Campers appreciate the spacious sites at Lebanon Hills Regional Park. A visitor said, "We were very surprised at the privacy of our site."
  • Clean facilities: Many campers rave about the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. One camper at Frontenac State Park mentioned, "Bathrooms are VERY CLEAN. Trails are well maintained."
  • Family-friendly atmosphere: Afton State Park Campground is noted for being family-friendly. A reviewer stated, "Not overly crowded, clean showers and family friendly."

What you should know

  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Lake Elmo County Park Reserve, have limited facilities. A camper pointed out, "Only portapotties. I think the best camping opportunity I saw was the group campgrounds."
  • Cell service can be spotty: Be prepared for limited cell service in areas like Nerstrand Big Woods State Park. One visitor noted, "No cell/ very patchy cell signal."
  • Reservations are recommended: Popular spots like Lebanon Hills Regional Park fill up quickly. A camper advised, "Must reserve months in advance as usually full."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose spacious sites: Look for campgrounds with roomy sites, like Willow River State Park Campground. A camper mentioned, "The sites are secluded by sumac trees."
  • Plan for activities: Make sure to have a mix of activities for all ages. One family at Whitewater State Park enjoyed hiking and swimming, saying, "The falls are awesome!"
  • Pack snacks and drinks: Keep everyone happy with snacks while exploring. A visitor at Afton State Park Campground noted, "Good pricing, great trails for all different skill levels."

Tips from RVers

  • Check site accessibility: Make sure your RV can fit in the site. A camper at St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park mentioned, "Only tricky part is finding a level spot if you don't have leveling rams or jacks."
  • Utilize electric hookups: Many campgrounds, like Myre-Big Island State Park, offer electric hookups. A visitor shared, "Electric hookup for RV and easy dump station."
  • Be prepared for weather changes: Campers at Sakatah Lake State Park noted, "It was pouring on Saturday so most of the other campers checked out."

Camping near Zumbrota, Minnesota, has something for everyone. Whether you're hiking, fishing, or just enjoying the great outdoors, you'll find plenty to love about these campgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What activities and attractions are near the camping areas in Zumbrota, MN?

The Zumbrota area offers diverse outdoor recreation opportunities. At Cannon River Wilderness Area, you can enjoy riverside hammocking, hiking, and exploring secluded sites along the water. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground provides excellent walking trails and spectacular fall colors, making it perfect for leaf peeping adventures. The region's natural beauty includes river access, woodland hiking trails, and scenic overlooks. Nearby Lake Pepin offers swimming opportunities, while multiple state parks in the area feature well-maintained trail systems for hiking and wildlife observation. The historic covered bridge in Zumbrota itself is also a unique attraction worth visiting.

What amenities are available at Zumbrota Campground in Minnesota?

Zumbrota Covered Bridge Park offers potable water, toilets, and accommodations for big rigs. Nearby, Shades of Sherwood Campground provides more extensive facilities with reservable sites, toilets, and both drive-in and walk-in access options. Most campgrounds in the Zumbrota area maintain clean facilities, with many offering running water and flush toilets during the main camping season (typically May through October). Some sites may have water shut off during colder months, though bathroom facilities often remain operational into fall.

What are the rates and reservation requirements for camping in Zumbrota, Minnesota?

Camping rates in the Zumbrota area vary by location and amenities. At Hidden Meadows RV Park near Pine Island, reservations are recommended for their full-service sites with water hookups. Whitewater State Park requires reservations for their spacious campsites, especially during peak season, with sites filling quickly. Most campgrounds in the region operate on a reservation system, particularly for weekend stays during the summer months. Some locations offer first-come, first-served sites as well, but these are limited. State park campgrounds typically charge $15-30 per night depending on amenities, while private campgrounds with full hookups may range from $30-50 nightly.

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