Best Tent Camping near Zumbrota, MN

State parks and wilderness areas surrounding Zumbrota, Minnesota provide diverse tent camping options within an hour's drive. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park offers walk-in tent sites with pea gravel pads and wooded surroundings, while Afton State Park features backpack-in tent sites about a mile from the parking area. Hok-Si-La City Park in Lake City provides tent-only camping with spacious sites near Lake Pepin. For primitive tent camping, Cannon River Wilderness Area offers free sites with minimal amenities and a short 10-minute walk from parking.

Tent sites at these campgrounds vary in terrain and accessibility. Nerstrand's walk-in sites require minimal hiking, with some sites just "three car lengths" from parking areas according to campers. The tent pads are well-maintained with pea gravel surfaces that drain well, though some sites can flood after heavy rain. Afton's backpacking sites require more effort, with a challenging uphill hike that includes switchbacks. Most tent sites include fire rings with grates and picnic tables. Vault toilets are available at all locations, with shower facilities at some parks. Firewood is available for purchase, though at Afton campers must cut their own logs using provided saws.

The tent camping experience varies significantly between locations. At Afton State Park, campers report excellent site spacing that creates genuine privacy. One visitor noted that "everyone is super spread out, so we could feel like we had very good privacy" even with children. Nerstrand Big Woods offers unique natural features, with sites surrounded by deciduous forest and access to Hidden Falls. Campers frequently mention abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, with deer sightings common at most parks. Hok-Si-La's tent-only policy creates a more secluded atmosphere without vehicle traffic, as cars must remain in the main parking lot. The Cannon River sites appeal to tent campers seeking solitude, with one visitor reporting they "found a site tucked away from people" where they could set up hammocks by the river.

Best Tent Sites Near Zumbrota, Minnesota (16)

    1. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground

    35 Reviews
    Nerstrand, MN
    22 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."

    2. Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground

    7 Reviews
    Lake City, MN
    22 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."

    3. Oronoco City Park

    1 Review
    Pine Island, MN
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 367-4526

    4. Afton State Park Campground

    36 Reviews
    Denmark, MN
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 436-5391

    "Backpacking to the top hill sites has gotten easier as the park has curved the new wide groomed and wood chipped trail to spiral around the hill instead of a straight climb."

    "We did the backpack site so you hike in almost a mile and you go up on the ridge that's open in the middle but each site is heavily forested and some overlook the river."

    5. Hidden Valley Campground

    1 Review
    Welch, MN
    18 miles
    +1 (651) 258-4550

    7. Cannon River Wilderness Area

    2 Reviews
    Faribault, MN
    28 miles
    Website

    "We found a site tucked away from people which is what we like. We set up hammocks right next to the river."

    8. Aefintyr

    4 Reviews
    Elba, MN
    35 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."

    9. Roberds Lake Resort and Campground

    1 Review
    Faribault, MN
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 332-8978

    10. Gooseberry Glen Cart-in Campground — Whitewater State Park

    2 Reviews
    Elba, MN
    35 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."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 16 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Zumbrota, MN

531 Reviews of 16 Zumbrota Campgrounds



Guide to Zumbrota

Tent camping near Zumbrota, Minnesota, offers a variety of scenic locations and amenities for outdoor enthusiasts looking to escape into nature.

Tips for tent camping near Zumbrota

  • For a peaceful experience, consider the wooded sites at Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground, where you can enjoy privacy and beautiful views of Lake Pepin.
  • Bring your own firewood to Aefintyr, which provides a cozy atmosphere with shared fire pits for socializing.
  • If you're looking for upgraded tent pads, check out Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground, where the friends association has improved the camping experience with pea gravel pads.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

Some prices for tent camping range from $20 to $40

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Zumbrota, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Zumbrota, MN is Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 35 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Zumbrota, MN?

TheDyrt.com has all 16 tent camping locations near Zumbrota, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.