120 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Southeastern Minnesota's camping landscape around Zumbrota features a mix of state parks, county facilities, and private campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. Campgrounds near Zumbrota range from tent and RV sites at Zumbrota Covered Bridge Park directly in town to family-oriented camping with cabin options at Shades of Sherwood Campground 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."
"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."
"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."
from $24 - $34 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $24 - $75 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $38 - $45 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $20 - $35 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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!!"
from $25 - $30 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"Close to the Twin Cities yet out in the country. Mostly grass sites. Beautiful pool. Susan and Brad are wonderful hosts and very accommodating. We took our grandkids and they had a blast!"
"Nearby are bike trails, a winery, and a brewery."
GuideI've stayed here twice now. I love that it's close to home. The park has a cute little waterfall that's fairly close to the main campground. They also have a whole different section of the park with hike in and cart in sites.
GuideIt's definitely not my favorite campground because it doesn't feel like you are in the woods. But I like it because it's close to the cities and I love the regional park for hiking, swimming, boating, etc.
There are three sections... First is the main rv section. The sites are very close together, like a lot of rv parks. Then there is the primitive camping loop which is where I stay. The sites are further apart and separated by trees and bushes. I don't love that recently they added a ton of mulch to each site, basically like a playground. It just doesn't fit the camping vibe.
There's another loop that's for both tents and rvs that also has a little more space and a playground in the center.
The staff is generally very friendly but they do have a lot of rules so beware.
TravelerThe owners where very accommodating and it shows they take pride in there campground. Site where level Lawn was manicured and the bathrooms where phenomenal
ScoutI camp site is beautiful but they do not have any USPS delivery so you must get delivered to the post office
GuideWe are in site 17 and it is mostly level. Many of the sites are for tents and not enough room for a small camper or the gravel area is not level, so try to view sites and comments before reserving. Nice hiking trails along the river. Vault toilets er clean. Very quiet campground. Large grassy area by river with picnic tables and grills for large group gatherings. Wish it had a dump station though- will have to consider going to Whitewater state park down the road to dump.
ScoutThis was our first camping experience and it was a great one! I would highly recommend this for anyone’s first or fifth camping adventure!
TravelerWe camped with tents on 2 sites next to each other! Wonderful family camping trip ever! The water activities were awesome 👌. Child activities are super fun. 4th of July weekend! Two thumbs up 👍👌
RangerBeautiful setting along the Mississippi River. A few campsites right on the river edge. Also sites with Electric.
Across the railroad tracks is the nice little village of Stockholm which is famous for the PIE Shop. The village also has a wonderful bakery and other small shops and cafes.
A very nice Nature Center outside of town with great prairie trails and views overlooking the Mississippi River up high in the bluffs.
The campground does NOT have showers.
Campground does not have sewage dumping station.
The campground is located close to the railroad tracks but the trains go through fast and were not as bad as we expected.
GuideClean level campsites, many overlooking Lake Pepin. Sites are short but there are separate areas to park your vehicle if needed. Not many electric sites. Many sites have tent pads and there are frequent pit toilets and well as a new restroom and shower building. Quiet except for the low rumble of frequent trains from both the Wi and MN sides. Lots of great trails! Of varying difficulties.
Camping spots near Zumbrota, Minnesota sit within a network of waterways including the Zumbro River, with elevations ranging from 970 to 1200 feet across rolling woodland and prairie landscapes. The region experiences significant seasonal changes with hot, humid summers reaching 80-90°F and potential for severe thunderstorms from June through August. Most camping areas in Goodhue County remain open from April through October with limited winter access.
Hidden Falls hike: 1.5-mile loop trail at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park leads to one of the region's scenic water features. "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," notes Halie B. The path is well-maintained but can become muddy after rainfall.
Cannon Valley Trail access: 20-mile paved route near Lake Byllesby Regional Park connects Cannon Falls to Red Wing. "Great bike path," reports Daryl L., who appreciated the "paved RV pads" at the campground that provide easy access to "excellent bike path." The trail follows an old railroad route through diverse terrain.
Zumbro River tubing: Gentle current for summer floating from several access points. A visitor to Bluff Valley Campground shares that "the draw from this camp ground for us is sitting in the river and relaxing watching the tubers go by." Water levels vary throughout season, with optimal conditions from late June through August.
Clean, modern facilities: Several campgrounds maintain high-standard amenities. At Frontenac State Park, visitors report finding "some of the nicest campground bathrooms and showers I've ever seen—clean, and modern." Another camper appreciated the "ranger station was small and charming, stocked with board games to rent."
Fall color viewing: Late September through mid-October transforms the landscape. A visitor to Nerstrand Big Woods State Park confirms it's "a great campground for Fall camping. The color's are amazing. Nice hiking trails." The hardwood forest features sugar maples, basswood, and oak trees.
Wildlife observation opportunities: Early mornings and dusk offer the best viewing times. "We saw deer by the primitive camp areas," reports Karen S. about her stay at Hidden Meadows RV Park. Oxbow County Park provides additional wildlife viewing with one visitor noting the "Zoo and nature center are great. Animals are all rescued and given a home. Bison herd and elk and deer too."
Seasonal site conditions: Spring camping may encounter saturation issues. At Nerstrand, one camper reported "Sites were great but a little wet. Some of the south trails are closed because its too wet." Similar conditions affect other areas, particularly low-lying riverside sites after heavy rainfall.
Variable cell service: Coverage differs substantially between campgrounds. At Frontenac State Park Campground, a camper found "Cell reception for T-Mobile was good," while another visitor to a different campground noted "No cell service but able to text." Several campgrounds offer WiFi near office buildings.
Railroad noise proximity: Train tracks pass near several camping areas. One visitor to Frontenac State Park warned, "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."
Zoo access: Under 1 mile from campsites at Oxbow County Park provides family entertainment. "The zoo being on grounds is a great perk," reports one visitor. Another adds that the "zoo is just 500 yards away, but you would never know it is there. It's a donation only entry."
Dedicated play areas: Several campgrounds feature child-friendly zones. One visitor to Oxbow County Park mentions "There is an awesome park near the sites for children." Another camper at Lake Byllesby notes "The playground is a short walk to the tent area, which was a big hit with our kids."
Recreational variety: Activities for different age groups available seasonally. At Shades of Sherwood Campground, families find "lots of activities for children and adults tubing down the river, man-made lake with blowups, scooters, swimming pool and jumping pillow."
Site selection challenges: Some campgrounds have awkward utility placement. A visitor to Hay Creek Campground and Saloon noted "Our site was rather odd as the electric and water post was on the opposite side of our camper. Our standard water hose and electrical cord wouldn't reach." Check site maps before arrival.
Uneven parking pads: Leveling equipment recommended at many locations. "The parking pads are very unlevel," reported one RVer about their experience. Some campgrounds require additional blocks or leveling systems for comfortable setup.
Seasonal access limitations: Water hookups typically unavailable in shoulder seasons. As one camper at Frontenac State Park noted, "There's a dump station that includes a potable water filling station. There are water spigots in the camping areas" but these may be turned off during colder months.
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.
Keep Exploring
