Rock Lake, near Pillager, Minnesota, is a rustic campground that offers a laid-back atmosphere perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle. With sites nestled among trees and some right by the water, it’s a solid choice for tent campers and those with small RVs.

The campground features a swimming beach and a boat launch, making it easy to enjoy a day on the water. Visitors have noted that fishing is a popular activity, with plenty of sunfish and bass to catch. As one camper mentioned, “There are about 10 sites that are next to the water giving you access to fishing, swimming and docking a small watercraft.”

Amenities are basic but functional, with vault toilets and water stations available. Some campers appreciate the peaceful vibe, especially since it’s first-come, first-served, meaning you’ll want to arrive early to snag a good spot. One reviewer highlighted the campground's charm, saying it’s “well kept, quiet and peaceful,” making it ideal for a family weekend in the woods.

If you’re up for some exploration, the surrounding area offers beautiful nature trails and the chance to paddle around in a kayak. Plus, you’re just a short drive from the town of Pillager, where you can grab supplies or a bite to eat. Whether you’re fishing, swimming, or just soaking up the tranquility, Rock Lake is a great spot to unwind and connect with nature.

Rock Lake

Nisswa is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Nisswa, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Nisswa and user-submitted reviews.

Nisswa

The Best Camping Near Nisswa, Minnesota

This a rustic campground with no showers and vault toilets. some sites are open and next to each other. there are RV people who think that because it’s rustic that they can run their generators all day long. That sucks for us tenters who go camping for peace and quiet. some sites have lake access and there is a nice swimming beach with a boat launch.  no reservations. first come first served.

NOT for RV’s, great for tents!

This campground is really a hidden gem that i never knew about even though it is within an hour drive of my home. It is a rustic state forest campground with great campsites located in a gorgeous oak-birch-pine  forest and right on a pretty lake. Although the campsites are karge enough to accomodate RVs, there are no hookups and no amenities like a bath house, so the campground favors tent campers. Many of the sites are right on the lake, including oarking space, tent pad, fire ring and picnic table, and each of these have a small lake access for swimming or launching a canoe or kayak. There is also a day use area with beach and boat launch, plus a nice nature trail. You can enjoy a quiet family weekend in the deep woods here, but still pop into the town of Pillager which is only 10 miles away. Well kept, quiet and peaceful

Hidden gem for rustic camping!

I’ve stayed here twice. Nice variety of campsites. There are about 10 sites that are next to the water giving you access to fishing, swimming and docking a small watercraft. Most of the sites are surrounded by trees. Which is great for privacy. There are a few that are open with no trees between the sites. These are great for trailers and 5th wheels or a large group requiring multiple sites. There is a picnic/ day use area, swimming beach and boat launch. I caught a few bass and panfish both times I was there. There are water stations and vault toilets but no other amenities. Will definitely visit this place again. 

Great State Forest Camprground

If you had a water site you did good. However, you have to get here before 10 am on Friday to ensure that of happening. The hosts were great but they said it fills up really quick. It is a smaller lake and if you have little kids you can catch a million Sunnys but not much past that. It is a nice area as we took our kayaks and explored some of the other lakes and enjoyed the short weekend here. Vault toilets are spread out and the boat access is simple. There is a small beach and at 15 people its full.

Primitive and First Come First Serve

Nice campground on a small lake. Emergent vegetation appears late in year on lake. Which is a pain trying to navigate. Helps with fish populations. Get there early to find campsites. 

Photos of Rock Lake

Real photos from real campers