3 campgrounds with availability next weekend
State parks and wilderness areas surrounding Zumbrota, Minnesota offer diverse tent campsites within an hour's drive, ranging from developed walk-in sites to free primitive camping. Tent campers can choose from wooded walk-in sites at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, backpack-in sites at Afton State Park about a mile from the parking area, tent-only sites near Lake Pepin at Hok-Si-La City Park in Lake City, or free primitive tent campsites at Cannon River Wilderness Area with 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.
"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."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $24 - $34 / 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."
from $22 - $132 / night
"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."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $22 - $85 / night
"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."
"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."
from $74 - $169 / night
"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."
from $25 / night
from $50 / night
ScoutWe selected "best available" site and showed up two hours later to a disgusting mess. There was a pile of garbage in our site. There was a busy railroad track right next the the site not shown in the campground map. They offered other sites but they were not any better.
ScoutElectric back in site. No water. Well shaded adequate space
ScoutMy 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.
ScoutPretty much in the middle of nowhere surrounded by small towns.
ScoutGreat campsites. Have camped here 8 times this summer in 7 different sites and have loved every one of them. Bathrooms are good, showers are good, just very well kept.
TravelerFHU campground right on the edge of town. Nice level sites. Sprinklers come on every morning and soak the center area. If you come here don’t take a site in the center or you will get sprayed. Grass and weeds are over grown and mosquitos are bad.
ScoutAs 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....
ScoutI picked this site for the proximity to the golf course that I’m playing in the morning. A lot of people, a lot of noise being next to the highway but, I can’t sleep in my own house let alone being outside. When I came in and set up at the RV spot instead of the tent. Kurt was kind enough to help me relocate to the correct location. Kudos!
ScoutVery clean and level sites. Small park close to lovely historic towns. Sites feel very private . There is road noise and possibly a shooting range near by so it is not quiet in the day.
Tent camping near Zumbrota, Minnesota offers accessible options within a rural landscape dominated by rolling farmland at elevations between 800-1,200 feet. The area sits at the northern edge of the driftless region, characterized by steep bluffs and river valleys cut through limestone. Most campgrounds remain open from May through October, with seasonal closures due to Minnesota's harsh winters.
Trout fishing opportunities: The Whitewater River near Gooseberry Glen Cart-in Campground provides excellent fishing spots. "A lot of great trout fishing spots along the river. Very peaceful campground, great view of the stars on clear nights!" according to a reviewer who stayed at nearby Aefintyr.
Hiking varied terrain: The trail system at Afton State Park Campground offers significant elevation changes and diverse ecosystems. "Lots of trails with a wide variety of landscapes. Prairie, forest, river, it's got it all," writes Adam P. Another camper noted they "hiked 11 miles here and it was awesome!"
Winter activities: Several parks in the region maintain winter accessibility. At Afton State Park, a visitor reported: "Minnesota State Parks have just started to build Yurts for 3 campgrounds around the state; Afton, Cuyuna and Glendalough State Parks. These have some great amenities and are perfect for family camping, especially in Fall, Winter and Spring."
Secluded cart-in sites: Campers praise the cart-in sites at Gooseberry Glen for their privacy. "The sites were quiet, woodsy and secluded... We could see site 4 from our site, but all we could hear was the stream," writes Sarah D., who recommends "site 4 because it was the most private and right next to the water."
Nature viewing opportunities: Aefintyr campground provides excellent stargazing opportunities. A camper mentioned it's "a great place to view the stars. Each site has a bundle of firewood so you can roast your s'mores and cook your food." The location sits away from major light pollution sources.
Lake access: The beach at Roberds Lake Resort and Campground provides water recreation options. One visitor noted, "The sunsets were spectacular at the private beach, boat rental availability for a whole day, flexible and friendly."
Site accessibility varies: The cart-in sites at Gooseberry Glen require minimal effort. "Right when you park you see the push carts and it is a very short walk to the campsite," reports Molly Y. In contrast, Afton's sites demand more work: "The hike to the campground is short and grueling."
Seasonal considerations: Fall colors attract many visitors to the area. At Gooseberry Glen, a camper reported, "Several people recommended Whitewater State park for fall colors close to the twin cities, and I cannot thank all the people who recommended it enough!"
Firewood availability: Different parks handle firewood differently. At Hok-Si-La City Park, standard cut firewood is available for purchase. At Afton, "they do have firewood available however it is long slab wood, so you do need to cut it yourself. Hand hacksaws are provided, but we're not great quality which made cutting the wood difficult."
Look for tent-only campgrounds: Hok-Si-La offers a family-friendly environment with no vehicle traffic. "The security and family friendly atmosphere make it worth the extra cash," writes Emily H., adding that "It limits traffic driving through the campground, and is really nice to not have vehicles driving through at all hours."
Consider accessibility needs: When camping with children, factor in hiking distances. At Gooseberry Glen, "The cart in sites felt woodsy and secluded, but it was a fairly short walk back to the parking lot, bathrooms, and water," making it manageable for families with young children.
Book group sites when available: For larger family gatherings, Hok-Si-La 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," notes Beth W. Another camper adds, "G4 or G5 right on the lake for group sites" are recommended.
Limited RV options: Cannon River Wilderness Area technically allows RVs but has significant limitations. "Not sure about camping in the parking lot overnight. Love the park, just not for camping," cautions Tim B., who explains the campground is primarily designed for "hiking and winter snowshoeing and cross country skiing."
Hookup availability: At Roberds Lake Resort, electrical hookups are available, though "Hook ups a bit squished together," according to Jaime N. Water and sewer hookups are also available, making this one of the few full-service options for RVers in the area.
Site spacing considerations: Most RV-friendly campgrounds near Zumbrota have limited privacy between sites. As one camper at Roberds Lake Resort noted, the density of sites combined with humidity can create "a very thick smoky haze due to the density and humidity" on busy weekend nights.
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 38 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Zumbrota, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 tent camping locations near Zumbrota, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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