We all love roasting marshmallows over a campfire—and you can often still do that while cabin camping in Nelson. Finding a place to cabin camp near Nelson is easier than ever. From secluded to easy-to-reach, these Wisconsin cabin rentals are perfect for any adventurer.
Schools of trout happily swim through the lazy Whitewater River and various spring fed creeks of Whitewater State Park. And while it’s known for its fantastic fishing opportunities, the park also boasts year-round interpretive programs, a modern Visitor Center, and an especially appreciated lack of mosquitos, unique for the region.
Whitewater is well seasoned, with a number of historical attractions within and nearby. In fact, 2019 marks the 100th anniversary of the park. To commemorate the occasion, local conservationists and naturalists have teamed up to release a special Oral History Project from stories of campers and those native to the region.
Explorers and adventurers will love this park’s diverse selection of attractions and oddities. Home of the park office and interpretive services, the Whitewater Valley Visitor Center should be your first stop. The friendly Park staff are ready to help you plan your visit and load you up on information, and even loaner equipment such as GPS units, fishing kits, discovery kits for kids, and birding kits. Don’t skip the Discovery Room, which showcases nature displays, exhibits and a spotting area to observe the local bluebirds, cardinals, hawks and bald eagles flying about.
The vast expanse of outdoor wilderness is really what you’ll want to check out. If you only have time for a quick visit, check out the Chimney Rock Trail for an awesome view of the Whitewater River. Those searching for a more accessible hike can take the Meadow Trail, which drops off right into a grassy valley, surrounded by dramatic Minnesota bluffs. During the hot and humid summers, go unwind at the beach for a refreshing dip in the cold, spring-fed water. Those more interested in history lovers should visit the famous Elba Fire Tower. Built in 1933, this sturdy tower offers cozy 360 degree views of the entire wetland region below. You’ll be especially grateful for the chance to unwind, thanks to the arduous 500-step climb required to ascend to the top.
Finally, firmly planted atop the land sits Inspiration Point; a beautiful limestone rock outcrop that overlooks the entirety of the Whitewater valley. Known as the most popular attraction within Whitewater State Park, visitors can still discover solace from their troubles. In fact, this is the only overlook in the entire park where there are no signs of civilization anywhere in sight. With just a little imagination, standing atop Inspiration Point on a clear, calm day can make you feel as if you could step down into a deep forested paradise, unspoiled and far from the reach of society.
Whitewater campground here is plentiful, with every site having full electric hookups and full-through capabilities. The campground features a full range of amenities including regularly placed shower houses with laundry facilities, and a number of group camping areas as well. Furthermore, there are 5 cabins available with various sleeping capabilities.
Tent only campground.
$22 - $132 / night
Located on the St. Croix River, just 20 miles east of Saint Paul, Afton State Park is great for those looking for camping near Minneapolis and is 1600 acres of rolling prairies, oak woodlands, and limestone river canyons amid an ancient glacial landscape. The land for the park was acquired in 1967, but it took almost 15 years of planning revisions and compromises with local residents before the park finally opened in 1982. Little development has gone into Afton State Park in an effort to maintain its natural characteristics, and former farmland atop the bluffs are continuously being restored to their original state. This makes Afton an ideal destination for campers looking to experience the outdoors in a wilder setting.
Load up your backpack with all you’ll need for your stay, as camping at Afton State Park requires a hearty, 0.75-mile hike in from the parking area. The year-round campground offers 27 rustic sites with picnic tables and fire pits, with options for pitching your tent in either open or wooded areas. There is drinking water, a vault toilet and firewood is supplied within the camp area. There is also three boat-in campsites, and two group campsites that can accommodate up to 60 people each. If you’d rather not rough it, the park also offers four camping cabins and two yurts, some of which are wheelchair accessible. There are also several picnic areas and restrooms within the park. Campsite rates range from $15–$23/night; cabins range from $55–$70/night, and yurts $50–$65/night.
When you’re ready to explore, start at the park’s Nature Store where you can pick up information about the park’s flora and fauna, or join a nature walk. Then choose from more than 20 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails, as well as a short barrier-free path. If you’re visiting in winter, many of these trails are open for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Bring your GPS and go on a geocaching treasure hunt, or bring your binoculars and go on safari for a variety of migratory birds, waterfowl, and wildlife, including deer, foxes and badgers. And little ones will love becoming Junior Park Naturalists and learning about bugs, birds, plants and other critters. If you’re looking for a real outdoor adventure, Afton State Park has what you’re looking for.
Big River Resort, is located in historic Wabasha, MN two hours south of the Twin Cities on the beautiful Mississippi River, surrounded by the Mississippi River Valley bluffs.This is the home of the National Eagle Center, and the community about which the “Grumpy Old Men’ movies were written. Wabasha is a quiet little rivertown, but never boring. Check out our website to learn more about Big River Resort, and the Wabasha area. Make arrangements to come and stay with us – you’ll be so glad you did!
Our full service RV Park offers guests a quiet, peaceful place to stay as they explore the many attractions of Wabasha and the surrounding area. All of our sites have 30 & 50 amp electric, city water & sewer, on site wifi, a concrete patio, a picnic table, and a fire pit.
Big River Resort has room rates that are especially appealing to those who want some extra cash to order that special bottle of wine with dinner, or those who just want a quiet, cozy place to catch some zzz’s without costly added frills. Our Cabin and Downtown Flats give guests the option of staying in a more stylish, contemporary setting with kitchens to do their own cooking.
$68 / night
Aefintyr campground is located in the scenic woods of the Whitewater River Valley in the Driftless Area of Southeastern Minnesota. We offer beautiful blufftop hike-in camping and glamping and cozy treehouse inspired camper cabins. The hike-in camp/glamp sites offer a backpacking like experience (1460 ft hike with a 230 ft elevation gain) and are great for people who like to get some exercise and want to immerse themselves in a woodland setting. Perfect relaxation destination or home base for your Whitewater Valley adventures. Aefintyr is a small operation that values peace, quiet and quality over quantity. Get away from crowds and get into the woods! Onsite, enjoy a campfire, stargazing, hiking and observing the amazing animals, plants and fungi.
Nearby recreation opportunities include:
Within 2 miles of Whitewater State Park, the Elba Fire Tower, Whitewater State Wildlife Management Area (hunting, trout fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing) and the Whitewater River State Water Trail (canoe/kayak/tube). There is a gas station (bait and fishing supplies, convenience store items), 2 bars and a restaurant within a mile in the town of Elba. Whitewater Wines Winery is also just a few miles up the road!
Shared amenities:
Bathhouse with individual rooms, with a hot shower, vanity and composting toilet
Outhouse with composting toilet on top of the bluff within 400 feet of each campsite
Community area (requires short hike) with tent shelters (2, each 10' x 20'), outdoor furniture, tables, chairs, propane grill w/ side burner, firepit w/ cooking grate/skillet.
Propane Gas Grill (at base of the hill by the bathhouse)
Stargazing area with reclining chairs
Cell service: AT&T typically works well, Verizon works intermittently, and T-mobile doesn't have a good signal.
Wi-fi: Available at the bathhouse and parking area, data speeds up to 25 Mbps.
**Parking: **On site, 2 vehicle limit, no vehicles larger than a full-size truck, no trailers.
**Host accessibility: **Available 24/7/365 via phone and email/messaging, frequently on site.
**Security: **Campground community areas are under video surveillance.
Setting: Aefintyr campground is located in the hilly, wooded, blufflands of the Whitewater River Valley just north of the tiny town of Elba, MN. Views are primarily of the woods and valleys. The campground is off of a 2 lane county highway so there is some intermittent road noise. It is otherwise very peaceful and filled with the sounds of nature, including lots of birds and other wildlife.
Aefintyr is a peaceful place with chill vibes and we like to keep it that way! It is not a place for parties or rowdy groups. We like to listen to nature, not loud music or rowdy people blabbering into the night. Please see our rules/polices to know what to expect.
20240824
$29 - $139 / night
Located just three miles east of Lanesboro, Minnesota, Eagle Cliff Campground & Lodging offers something for everyone. Accommodations include riverfront tent sites, electric-only sites, water-electric sites and full hookup sites and a five-room motel on site. Eagle Cliff offers group camping, a picnic area, private canoe launch and wonderfully-clean central restrooms.
$30 - $46 / night
Scout
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. The campsites are wooded and have enough distance between them that noise is minimal. I especially love the view of Lake Pepin and the nice little swimming beach. On our last stay, we were able to watch eagles from our campsite, which was amazing. They have recently added 3 small cabins to rent which would be a nice alternative to tent camping. If you do plan a camping trip to Hok-Si-La and you're driving in from the Twin Cities, be sure to take Wisconsin Highway 35 through Maiden Rock, Stockholm, Pepin, and other small towns. You can loop back into Minnesota through Wabasha. This adds about an extra half hour to your drive but it is definitely worth it!
Guide
Camper Cabin (Eastern Bluebird)🏡🐦
Perfect little cabin nestled in the southern half of the park! Screened in porch, heated with electricity, and two double bunk beds!
Scout
Aefintyr has it all!
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. The space was perfect for us.
I also brought my own gear and camped up on the bluff. It was so fun to socialize in the shared space around the fire and play games.
If you are up in the bluff, be sure to wear good shoes for the hike up.
I love that each site has it's own fire pit with fire wood.
The Whitewater area is so beautiful, I enjoy hiking in the area.
Looking forward to going back!
Ranger
We were visiting our daughter in nearby Winona, MN. This place is also close to La Crosse WI. We stayed here three nights. We had very loose plans and called for a tent spot six months before our reservations. I was impressed Sandy, from front office, remembered me and our conversation. We upgraded to a cabin because rain and cold nights were expected. The cabin was the one for 4 people. The bed was really comfortable! There was a queen and a set of bunk beds. The cabin is small. Besides the bed there was one chair, a table, and a heater. No bathroom. The heater didn't work and it was replaced promptly. Cute little porch with a swing seat. It was all we needed so it was fine. The bathrooms were exceptionally clean. Hubby and son had a good hot shower, mine took awhile to heat up and stay heated. Laundry room was clean. There was a rec room with a pool table and pinball machines. There's a pool there but it was empty when we got there. Too cold to swim anyway. A large shelter area has a gas grill we were able to use. The two 4-person cabins are right by the entry way. You are far enough from the highway that traffic noise is not a problem. The main tent/RV area is behind the office. The sites are close together. The bigger cabin has a half bath and is in this area but a bit secluded.There's a playground for kids near the tent area. There is a creek that runs through the campground and you have the great Mississippi river on the other side of the highway. I really can't say enough though about the customer service of this place. Sandy was very accommodating to our changing needs. Even let us use the dump station a day early. I would stay here again. There aren't a lot of options in Winona and this was the least expensive and friendly!
Guide
Nice park for everyone’s type from tents, cabins and all size RV’s. Electric only at the camp sites but have water and dump station on site. Clean bathrooms and showers. Best value I’ve seen for fire wood. Has many walking trails that you can take your dog on and just a couple that you can’t.
Traveler
I enjoy this park year round whether it be staying in the group cabins during the colder months (an incredibly fun stay with snow), or day hiking in the meadows or up the ridge in the summer. Never camped in the campground but I've heard good things. My father and I go flyfishing here in the summer and he has a great time. He thinks they have some of the best spots near Minneapolis.
Guide
This is a really nice campground. The camper cabins are really nice. They have two rooms, a sleeping room and a front room. The sleeping room has 2 bunk beds (4 beds.) The front room has a mini fridge, coffeemaker, toaster, microwave, and a futon. The firepits are well taken care of. It is usually empty when you arrive. There is no.swim beach. The trails and playgrounds are really nice. The bathrooms are heated. The showers are pay showers.
GuideSuch a quaint town and park!
We spent one night here and booked it for our wedding venue as well! 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. We were looking for an outdoor space surrounded by tall trees for our 2020 ceremony and this site hit the sweet spot! There are a number of grassy campsites as well as dirt sites. Bunk cabins are available as well! We stayed right on the edge of the lake and absolutely loved it. So serene!🙌🏾May is the perfect time to go if you’re looking for some peace and quiet away from other campers. This campsite also doesn’t allow cars or generators on any of the camping spots, so be sure to keep that in mind!
Can’t wait to go back!
Guide
Great spot in the Root River Valley. They offer lots of extras including tube rental and transport, bike rentals, bingo and live music. Our site was right long the river where we saw turtles, bald eagles and lots of other wildlife. Facilities were clean and well-maintained. Not a lot of trees between sites but still far enough apart for privacy.
ScoutThis campground has it all. Situated right along the Root River next to the bike trail. They offer kayak, canoe and tube rentals and shuttles. They also have bike rentals.
This facility is clean and very well kept. Even the shower rooms are very nice and sanitary.
This is by far my favorite camping spot. I would recommend this place to any and everyone. Family orientated and pet friendly.
Scout
We enjoyed our stay at Champions as a getaway weekend. The food from the bar was amazing as an option, the kids stuff was busy at all times (showing us with older children) how happy the kids were. Our teenagers were still engaged in the activity of camping. We brought their bikes along which was fun to hit the bike trails at midway. We did find out the campground charters a canoe trip so if we had planned better we will do that next time. Great family time to get away. Very down to earth community business.
GuideWe stayed on one of the group sites, G6 on the Tour De Pepin weekend. 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 you are on top of each other or another group. Near the group sites there is also a set of vault toilets.
The campground is very green and luscious, full of beautiful trees, plants and wildlife, we heard bullfrogs, owls, woodpeckers and more (there are also train tracks near by so a couple trains too). This campground is a tent only campground with a couple cabins as well, which adds to it's secluded feel.
There is great lake access for swimming and a shower houses (bring your quarters though, showers cost 50 cents for 3 minutes). The only down side is that you cannot leave any cars near your campsite, you can drive in to drop off or pick up your gear but otherwise vehicles are parked in the main parking lot outside of the gate, which is not a big deal but from the group sites it is a trek to the lot and to the beach.
I would definitely stay here again, the lake is incredible.
Guideexcellent place to escape and explore the Root River. Had almost entire campground to ourselves. Long weekend of camping. biking and kayaking along the scenic Root River. Wonderful camp store and kayak rentals with shuttle.
TravelerLess than an hour drive from Minneapolis this is a good get away. As expected it has many walk trails. Highlight of this location is beach which is nice for swim and sun bath. But beach isn't motor vehicle accessible so expect 5-10 min walk. Campgrounds are nearby beach and require further walk.
GuideThis is an amazing campground. The Root River goes right alongside most of the campsites which creates a really peaceful space. The grounds are super clean including the showers and porta-potties that are available for campers. Best of all, the staff are AMAZING and so friendly and helpful. There’s a great bike trail that weaves in and out of cute small towns and the campgrounds also offer canoe, kayak, and tubing rentals to go down the river.
GuideMost of the campground is permanent campers. Many have added porches and landscaping to sites. Most of the permanent people are friendly and welcoming to overnight visitors. The feel of the campground is it centralized around the bar and the kids entertainment was just to babysit. The pool was overrun by kids so adults weren’t swimming. The campground hires immigrants to run all of the activities so because of the COVID-19 they were short staffed. Laser tag, zip line and the crafts were all closed. The zip line area and beach were not taken care of at all! Very over grown with weeds. We tried hiking around the river shore to find the beach but never found it. That area probably hasn’t been cared for in 5-10 years. The mosquitos were bad, they would come out in huge waves and sometimes we couldn’t stand being out of the camper. The roads were very dusty and since they rent out golf carts there is always traffic. It would’ve been nice for them to wet down roads occasionally to limit dust in the air. Many of the staff was friendly and frequently drove thru asking how the weekend was going which was nice. However one morning the owner drove thru and was very rude and strict. She threatened to take away our rented golf cart because our licensed 17 year old driver looked to young to drive. She was listed as a driver on all of the rental paperwork.
Overall it wasn’t a horrible weekend. The kids had fun swimming, we got out as a family to enjoy a weekend away from home. It just won’t be a campground that we return to.
Legend2/22/20-2/23/20. BP11
Less than an hour from the cities, this is a perfect little camping getaway. If you are looking for a nice backpacking experience, Afton has this and more. We pulled a sled and hiked 1.4 miles to our campsite. The hike was very challenging and uphill. The campsites are nicely spaced and diverse. Some are more wooded and others in the open prairie. We selected campsite 11 as it had some nice trees and was down a ridge, very private. There is a vault toilet, solar well water (year-round) and a wood pile available right at the campground (pay later) - these amenities were closest to campsite 10 and 11.
The state park is gorgeous. There are rolling hills throughout and some of the hikes can be deemed as “difficult”. We opted to get off the beaten trail and snowshoed in the woods, following deer tracks. This is one nice thing about winter hikes as you are allowed to leave the trail. We went up and down ravines and got in a beautiful hike and workout. They offer xcountry skiing, snowshoeing and hiking in the winter. We hiked 19 miles in 2 days.
We camped here 2 years ago in the spring and really enjoyed campsite 1 and 2. They are wooded and private. Campsite 2 has a few great hammock spots. We snowshoed around and really enjoyed campsite 18 as well, as it overlooks the river. They also have a beach and swimming in the summer on the St Croix. Afton really has it all. I HIGHLY recommend this state park.
Scout
Very large, very level sights. Excellent, clean, roomy restroom/shower. Friendly check in. Lots to do in the area. Short drive to Stockholm and Pepin Wisconsin.
Guidewe had so much fun playing on the river and exploring the park! Everything is right there and the river is so pretty! Despite the rain we had a great time! Because of the rain we went to the eagle center near Wisconsin. A must see if your looking for something indoors!
Guide
Tons of activities at this campground! They have inflatable rafts, a game room, a pool, boat dock, permanent and non sites, sand pit for kids, pounce pad, basketball court and playground; it has more than enough to keep everyone busy!
This place is priced around the same as other places you might camp around Wisconsin and I believe is privately owned. The facilities are kept clean...there are always staff running around picking up or cleaning. WiFi was not free.
Guide
A great location along the St. Croix River, easily accessible from the Twin Cities or from West-Central Wisconsin. The sites offer some privacy with most being laid out to benefit RV's and only a few tent-only sites.
This is a great park if you have a boat of any kind as you can launch from within the park in order to enjoy time on the St. Croix River. We spent time both on the river and on the hiking trails within the park.
Many families come here for day trips as well since it was once a corporate retreat and, as such has open (lightly tree-covered grassland) with picnic tables. Once the day-use people leave, it is a pretty quiet campground with most of the campers having younger children. You might encounter some groups who come to spend a day on the water before returning to the campground later at night, but most campers are respectful of others and it's rarely very noisy.
ScoutRestrooms, showers, the areal is so clean! We felt very welcome. Elaine is very friendly and helpful!
TravelerWe had a fabulous experience at BJ's this weekend. Mark, Sheri and the staff are good people who work hard to make sure you have a great time. The food is excellent and comes out SO FAST; bravo to the kitchen staff! Bartenders are very attentive; Tasha took excellent care of us! The campsites are well kept and spacious. There are no picnic tables in the sites, but we got along just fine without. We can't wait to go back!
TravelerThis campground is a bit more spendy than state parks and regional campgrounds, but the security and family friendly atmosphere make it worth the extra cash. Stay in the N sites, they are a little more private, and a few offer great views of Lake Pepin. N1 is a prime site. If you’re staying with friends or have a large family, the group sites G0 and G2 offer views and lots of space for multiple tents. We’ve stayed here with a group of about 20 people with plenty of room.
The sites are semi-walk-in sites, where your car stays in the main parking lot, but they do allow for drive-up loading and unloading, so don’t feel like you need to pack extra light. It limits traffic driving through the campground, and is really nice to not have vehicles driving through at all hours.
Overall, I highly recommend.
TravelerThis is my favorite place. Been going here since I was single and wild, and now married and boring. It is great to have a fun time with or without kids. The group sites are spacious and the cleanest outhouses I have ever seen.
TravelerGreat group campsites that allow you to have privacy and a great time.
Close to Minneapolis and beautiful scenery of Lake Peppin.
LegendThis is a great site a few hours outside of Minneapolis where 2 of my closest friends hosted their wedding. The campsite is really beautiful with lots of great walking paths and a beach area where you can swim in the river. Make sure to reserve one of the large campsites along the water as you will get a spectacular sunset view and there are some great trees for hammocks. The sites have benches and fire pits and are large enough for a good sized group. There is also plenty of parking at each of the sites and they are fairly private.
If you are looking for a place to host a wedding I also highly recommend this location as it is so magical and already has a chapel space.
Nestled near Nelson, Wisconsin, cabin camping offers a perfect blend of nature and comfort, making it an ideal getaway for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Nelson, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Nelson, WI is Minneiska Campground — Whitewater State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 47 reviews.
What is the best site to find cabin camping near Nelson, WI?
TheDyrt.com has all 26 cabin camping locations near Nelson, WI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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