w
william 
Traveler
TravelerBig River Resort
Very clean well taken care of campground
The owners where very accommodating and it shows they take pride in there campground. Site where level Lawn was manicured and the bathrooms where phenomenal
Best Campgrounds near Nelson, WI
Nelson, Wisconsin sits along the Mississippi River, providing campers with scenic riverside accommodation options. Campgrounds include Nelson's Landing RV Park, which offers RV and tent sites with full hookups for seasonal camping from May through October. Several campgrounds in neighboring Minnesota, such as Kruger Campground in Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest, provide more rustic experiences. The region includes developed RV parks, primitive forest service sites, and cabin rentals within short drives of Nelson, creating diverse camping options for visitors exploring the Upper Mississippi River Valley.
The camping season generally runs from April through October, with some sites closing earlier due to weather conditions. Most campgrounds in the area require reservations, particularly during summer weekends when sites fill quickly. Nelson's Landing RV Park offers online reservations with site assignments prior to arrival, which campers appreciate for planning purposes. Winter camping is limited, with most facilities closing after the fall season. Sites in the state forests tend to be more affordable but offer fewer amenities than the private RV parks. A visitor noted, "The dispersed camping near Zumbro Bottoms is awesome but very hard to find. Also the mosquitoes when we went were everywhere."
Campers consistently mention the natural beauty of the Mississippi River bluffs and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly eagle watching. Nelson's Landing RV Park receives positive reviews for its cleanliness and new facilities, with one camper highlighting "brand new fire rings/pits" and "beautiful view of the bluffs." Many campgrounds in the area provide access to hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and proximity to charming river towns. Kruger Campground in the state forest is described as having "private feeling sites" with good walking trails nearby. Noise from passing trains is mentioned in several reviews of riverfront campgrounds, though most visitors find this a minor inconvenience compared to the scenic beauty. The area's campgrounds balance access to nature with proximity to small-town amenities, making them suitable for various camping preferences.
Best Camping Sites Near Nelson, Wisconsin (126)
1. Frontenac State Park Campground
34 ReviewsFrontenac, MN19 milesWebsite+1 (651) 345-3401$24 - $75 / night
"to drive through the same area."
"Quiet, pretty hiking trails, nice people, close to home but tucked away enough to be away from everything"
2. Minneiska Campground — Whitewater State Park
51 ReviewsElba, MN25 milesWebsite+1 (507) 932-3007$25 - $250 / night
"Easy access to hiking trails. My site was close in distance to adjacent ones, but was on the edge by the creek, so it was pretty quiet."
"Keep watch on the ground to not accidentally step on a snake. They do have Timber Rattlesnake but they are so rare I didn't see one."
3. Big River Resort
4 ReviewsNelson, WI3 milesWebsite+1 (651) 565-9932$68 / night
"Short drive to Stockholm and Pepin Wisconsin."
4. Nelson's Landing RV Park
5 ReviewsNelson, WI0 milesWebsite+1 (507) 951-2842$10 - $40 / night
"There was a large open grassy area behind us that our two dogs enjoyed. Brand new fire rings/pits. Beautiful view of the bluffs. Walking distance to several restaurants."
"Walking distance to local restaurants and shops. Just pay online. No worries about checking in."
5. Kruger Campground and Management Unit
4 ReviewsKellogg, MN6 milesWebsite+1 (651) 345-3401$14 / night
"Nice and tucked away. Sites are very private. Has beautiful trails. Next to the river great for exploring and fishing."
"Lovely walking trails. Near Lake Pepin. One negative was orange/rusty water from hand pump well. $14 a night!!! We plan to camp there again."
6. Kruger Unit - RJD Memorial Hardwood State Forest
3 ReviewsKellogg, MN6 milesWebsite+1 (651) 299-3000$17 - $50 / night
"This is a nice basic campground near Wabasha/Kellogg area. Mississippi is within a few miles. Lark Toys nearby also."
"Hiking trails and the Zumbro river are available for outdoor adventures. Primitive camp ground. Pit toilets and a well, though we brought our own water supply."
7. Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground
7 ReviewsLake City, MN14 milesWebsite+1 (651) 345-3855$22 - $132 / night
"It is only 1 1/2 hours away from the TwinCities which makes it an ideal getaway. The campsites are wooded and have enough distance between them that noise is minimal."
"The lake view was spectacular and the park manager, Joanne was so humble! Joanne lives on the grounds so it made for easy access to any answers we needed while camping."
8. Reicks Lake Park
2 ReviewsAlma, WI6 milesWebsite+1 (608) 685-3330$20 / night
"Rieck’s Lake is located 3 miles northwest of Alma, Wisconsin. For $15 a night you will enjoy paved camping pad, fire pit, picnic table, coin-operated shower, and restroom."
9. Stockholm Park Campground
5 ReviewsStockholm, WI13 milesWebsite"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 town of Stockholm is an easy walk with restaurants, baker, gift shops, and art gallery. The campground is first come, first serve."
10. Pioneer Campsite Resort
1 ReviewAlma, WI7 milesWebsite+1 (651) 565-2242
Recent Camping Photos near Nelson, WI
177 Photos of 126 Nelson Campgrounds
Crystal B.
Pioneer Campsite Resort
ERolf P.
Zumbro Bottoms Horse Campground - West
Asher K.
Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground
Clarke N.
Village Park
Lee D.
Frontenac State Park Campground
Christopher B.
North Campground — Merrick State Park
Mike L.
Aefintyr
Beth D.
Island Campground — Merrick State Park
Matt C.
Carley State Park Campground
Krista T.
South Campground — Merrick State Park
holly
Bluff Valley Campground
Deanna J.
Minneiska Campground — Whitewater State Park
Recent Reviews near Nelson, WI
542 Reviews of 126 Nelson Campgrounds
- TTonya L.
ScoutZumbro Bottoms Central — R.J.D. Memorial Hardwood State Forest
No USPS
I camp site is beautiful but they do not have any USPS delivery so you must get delivered to the post office
- P
Pad F.
GuideCarley State Park Campground
Quiet Small
We 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.
- Tony Y.Scout
Cannon Falls Campground
Great for Kids!!
This was our first camping experience and it was a great one! I would highly recommend this for anyone’s first or fifth camping adventure!
Denise B.TravelerSleepy Hollow Campground
Sleepy hollow campground
We 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 👍👌
- GGarrett M.Scout
Stoney Creek RV Resort
Mothers Day Weekend
Great RV park! First time RV’ers and we choose this location for Mother’s Day weekend. They had a market for small businesses and live music as well! A lot for the kids to do on this property!!
- TTom
RangerStockholm Park Campground
Nice site on Mississippi River
Beautiful 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.
- PPad F.Guide
Frontenac State Park Campground
Bluffs overlooking Lake Pepin
Clean 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.
Gina B.ScoutRochester-Marion KOA
Good location
Clean and large bathrooms. Very safe and family friendly. It is a bit on the smaller side.
Guide to Nelson
Camping options around Nelson, Wisconsin center on a mix of established RV parks and rustic state forest sites along the Mississippi River valley. Nelson's Landing RV Park offers water and electric hookups with gravel pads in the town of Nelson, while nearby state parks and forests in Minnesota like Richard J. Dorer State Forest provide more primitive camping experiences. The area features both developed campgrounds with modern amenities and secluded forest sites for a more traditional outdoor experience. Visitors can choose from locations directly on the Mississippi River or tucked into the surrounding bluff country, with accommodations ranging from tent-only sites to full-service RV hookups.
Seasonal considerations shape camping experiences in this region. Most developed campgrounds operate from May through October, with Nelson's Landing RV Park specifically open May 1 to October 31. Winter camping options are limited, though some nearby Minnesota state parks remain open year-round. Water access points along the Mississippi River are subject to seasonal flooding in spring. The area experiences typical Midwest seasonal patterns with hot, humid summers and cold winters. Several campgrounds require reservations, particularly on summer weekends. A camper noted, "There is a main campground and a bonus sites section. Sites tend to be very long and could accommodate even large-size Class A rigs, though the 'driveways' are a mix of grass and gravel and were not very well defined."
The Mississippi River and surrounding bluffs create a distinctive camping backdrop in this region. Campers frequently mention wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly bald eagles along the river corridor. Reviews indicate the Richard J. Dorer State Forest sites offer more privacy and natural surroundings, with one visitor describing it as "a beautiful, secluded, affordable" option that is "nice and tucked away with very private sites." Train noise is mentioned in multiple reviews of riverfront campgrounds, with railroad tracks running along the Mississippi. Campgrounds in Nelson provide walking access to local restaurants and shops, including the Nelson Creamery, which receives positive mentions from several reviewers. Sites along Lake Pepin, a naturally occurring lake on the Mississippi River, provide water recreation opportunities during summer months.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Nelson, WI?
What camping is available near Nelson, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, Nelson, WI offers a wide range of camping options, with 126 campgrounds and RV parks near Nelson, WI and 3 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Nelson, WI?
Which is the most popular campground near Nelson, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Nelson, WI is Frontenac State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 34 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Nelson, WI?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Nelson, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Nelson, WI.
Keep Exploring