Best Tent Camping near Nelson, WI

Looking for the best Nelson tent camping? Find the best tent camping sites near Nelson. From remote to easy-to-reach, these Nelson campsites are perfect for tent campers.

Best Tent Sites Near Nelson, WI (11)

    Camper-submitted photo from Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground

    1. Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground

    7 Reviews
    30 Photos
    48 Saves
    Lake City, Minnesota

    Tent only campground.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents

    $22 - $132 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Afton State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Afton State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Afton State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Afton State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Afton State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Afton State Park Campground

    2. Afton State Park Campground

    36 Reviews
    93 Photos
    199 Saves
    Denmark, Minnesota

    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.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Aefintyr
    Camper-submitted photo from Aefintyr
    Camper-submitted photo from Aefintyr
    Camper-submitted photo from Aefintyr
    Camper-submitted photo from Aefintyr
    Camper-submitted photo from Aefintyr

    3. Aefintyr

    4 Reviews
    43 Photos
    54 Saves
    Elba, Minnesota

    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

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Cabins

    $29 - $139 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Gooseberry Glen Cart-in Campground — Whitewater State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Gooseberry Glen Cart-in Campground — Whitewater State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Gooseberry Glen Cart-in Campground — Whitewater State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Gooseberry Glen Cart-in Campground — Whitewater State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Gooseberry Glen Cart-in Campground — Whitewater State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Gooseberry Glen Cart-in Campground — Whitewater State Park
    • No image available
      • No image available

        6. Pool 4, Riecks Lake Park

        Be the first to review!
        2 Saves
        Alma, Wisconsin

        This recreation area is part of Mississippi River - Pool 4

        • Tents
        • No image available
          • No image available
            • No image available

              9. Island Campground — Merrick State Park

              Be the first to review!
              Fountain City, Wisconsin

              There are five family walk-in tent campsites and a group tent site on an island, connected to the mainland by road. The island also has a log shelter, boat and canoe launches, picnic area, pit toilets and drinking water.

              • Fires
              • Reservable
              • Tents
              • Group
              • Trash
              • Picnic Table

              $15 - $40 / night

              • No image available

                10. Northend Campground

                1 Review
                1 Save
                Rushford, Minnesota
                • Pets
                • Electric Hookups
                • Phone Service
                • Tents
                • Standard (Tent/RV)
                • Trash
              Showing results 1-10 of 11 campgrounds

              Recent Tent Reviews in Nelson

              404 Reviews of 11 Nelson Campgrounds


              • kcki M.
                Camper-submitted photo from Col Larson County Park
                Nov. 15, 2024

                Col Larson County Park

                Easy Overnight Spot

                Small city park. Just a field for tent camping. A few RV spots. Easy on-and-off if you are looking for a quick overnight.

              • A
                Camper-submitted photo from Prairie Island City Campground
                Oct. 13, 2024

                Prairie Island City Campground

                Not my type of camping

                We went here as a last minute decision. We were placed in the middle of the seasonal crowd who were loud. Music was playing all day loud enough for half the campground to hear. When the music went up so did their conversations. I go for peace and quiet. If I wanted to be at a concert. I would have gone to a concert. Showers seemed ok but some areas to me seemed kinda junky.

              • J
                Camper-submitted photo from Highland Ridge
                Oct. 13, 2024

                Highland Ridge

                Beautiful in the fall

                This is a smaller Corps of Engineers park, lots of primitive sites and lots electric sites too. A smaller lake but no gas motors. Cell service with Verizon was ok.

              • FThe Dyrt PRO User
                Camper-submitted photo from Great River Bluffs State Park Campground
                Sep. 8, 2024

                Great River Bluffs State Park Campground

                Lovely Place

                The park is very easy to get to right off the highway. We were greeted by a beautiful meadow with a very well maintained gravel road, stopped by the info station and bought wood and a parking pass (pass is required and is 7$ for one day, easy online purchase). The sites are a bit of a ways into the park but with that maintained road it was very easy. The facilities are great. Very clean bathroom with nice showers (cold water then warmed up). The campground was quiet but there were still a good amount of people staying as well. We stayed just one night and were very happy with this area! Really pretty

              • Nanette M.
                Camper-submitted photo from Sleepy Hollow Campground
                Aug. 5, 2024

                Sleepy Hollow Campground

                Horrible service

                My husband made a reservation for our 25th wedding anniversary and he was rushed in the hospital for an emergency surgery. We notified you 3 days in advance and you refused to give us even a partial refund! We only had that money to celebrate. You didn't even offer another date for us! We are now not able to enjoy our 25th! That's terrible that you will do nothing in such an emergency situation. I will be making this public in every venue I can. Disgusting that you will probably get paid by another person to stay there. How disappointing that you would offer us nothing! Very bad business.

              • KThe Dyrt PRO User
                Camper-submitted photo from Perrot State Park Campground
                Jul. 24, 2024

                Perrot State Park Campground

                Private Sites Beautiful Park

                We spent 2 nights at this park and enjoyed our stay. The sites are well spaced and well separated by trees. The potable water has high nitrate levels so we had to buy drinking water as filters don’t remove nitrates.

              • JThe Dyrt PRO User
                Camper-submitted photo from Highland Ridge
                Jul. 20, 2024

                Highland Ridge

                Clean and relatively quiet

                Lots of RV campers, but none were obnoxious. T-mobile service is almost non-existent depending on location. The showers and bathrooms were spotless. Firewood is available at several roadside stands just outside the entrance.

              • Stacey N.
                Camper-submitted photo from Perrot State Park Campground
                Jun. 9, 2024

                Perrot State Park Campground

                Lovely!

                A newly paved road leads into the park with lots of gorgeous views along the way. Very friendly staff. Bathrooms buggy… to be expected… but clean. Shower has ample hot water. Some sites are close together but nicely wooded for privacy. Some sites have water views.

              • Jaime P.The Dyrt PRO User
                Camper-submitted photo from Hidden Meadows RV Park
                Jun. 3, 2024

                Hidden Meadows RV Park

                Staff friendly, but the park is not so great

                Campsites are very closely spaced together. I was thankful no one was placed near our campsite to give us more room. The permanent campsites are practically on top of one another. If you’re bringing the kids there is literally nothing to do there. They do have a play-set but that’s where it ends. I think this campground may be under new ownership and it may be nice to see what they do with it in a year or two. For now the picnic tables are run down. The parking pads are very unlevel. WiFi signal is weak at best. If you have Verizon don’t count on service. Antenna strength is weak. Also oddly spaced power hook up with sewer and water placements. Overall not a horrible experience but not a great one. Mostly like will not return.

              • Renee H.The Dyrt PRO User
                Camper-submitted photo from Sylvan City Park
                May. 23, 2024

                Sylvan City Park

                Small city park campground right in town

                Walking distance to downtown and easy access to Root River Trail. RV sites were close to each other with little privacy. Many tent sites around the perimeter. Short walk to bathhouse. Showers are not free, 4 quarters for 5 minutes. No laundry available. Campground is first come/first serve and doesn’t take reservations or online payment. Payment is made at adjacent city office.
                Sites are gravel, fairly level. Water and electric available at rv sites.
                Nice park nearby with stocked fishing pond. There is some noise due to the park being tucked into the city. Garbage and dump station free for campers. They ask for a donation for dumping if not camped there. Tight access at dump station might make it difficult for larger rigs. Strong Verizon signal.

              • Eugene O.
                Camper-submitted photo from Eagle Cliff Campground and Lodging
                May. 20, 2024

                Eagle Cliff Campground and Lodging

                Good campground, rude and unprofessional management

                If you want to experience very rude and unfair treatment where you will be mistreated and ripped off by the staff and ow era you must come to Eagle Cliff campground. Was double charged for the room without any options and negotiations and knees delivered to us after we already left the campground. Staff is very rude and unwilling to be reasonable, professional and understanding. Campground looks good but rules are ridiculous and staff and owners are very shady and make non sense decisions. Stay away if you want nice peaceful stay and don’t want to be ripped off.

              • E
                Camper-submitted photo from Eagle Cliff Campground and Lodging
                May. 20, 2024

                Eagle Cliff Campground and Lodging

                Management is beyond horrible. Very unprofessional.

                If you want to experience very rude and unfair treatment where you will be mistreated and ripped off by the staff and ow era you must come to Eagle Cliff campground. Was double charged for the room without any options and negotiations and knees delivered to us after we already left the campground. Staff is very rude and unwilling to be reasonable, professional and understanding. Campground looks good but rules are ridiculous and staff and owners are very shady and make non sense decisions. Stay away if you want nice peaceful stay and don’t want to be ripped off.

              • D
                Camper-submitted photo from Great River Bluffs State Park Campground
                May. 14, 2024

                Great River Bluffs State Park Campground

                Nice Weekend Get Away

                The cart in sites all have a fire pit with a grill, picnic table, and are a short walk from the primitive toilets. There is a water spigot in the parking area. They have 4-5 wheelbarrows to use as carts to get your stuff to the site. Each site could comfortably hold 3 to 4 tents. They are on a path for an out and back hike so expect some passers by. Cart in 1 and 2 are fairly close to the parking area and are less secluded from each other. 3 and 4 are more secluded. Site 3 offers more shade and 4 looks to have recently had some trees cut down and is fairly open air. Overall the trails are well maintained and accessible from the cart in area. They provide some nice views of the river and you can easily hike the area in a day. It’s by no means a secluded area if you’re looking to get away from road noise or other people. All in all it makes for a nice weekend getaway.

              • Jordan D.
                Camper-submitted photo from Afton State Park Campground
                May. 11, 2024

                Afton State Park Campground

                Sites with privacy and great trails near!

                Good pricing, great trails for all different skill levels and nice staff. Our site was mighty large and for the most part secluded from those near and on the path. $22 for the site, $8 for reservation. $8 for wood (all you can chop) and $7 for the overnight and next day parking pass for one car. Beautiful surroundings and clean bathrooms and grills one mile mostly uphill hike from parking lot but not to difficult and some paved parts. Definitely coming back.

              • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
                Camper-submitted photo from Minneiska Campground — Whitewater State Park
                Mar. 31, 2024

                Minneiska Campground — Whitewater State Park

                Nice state park

                Stayed here for a couple nights on a mini state park road trip. Nice place, like most of the MN state parks. Spotty cell service. Hiked a trail with lots of steps. Fire ring and picnic table are provided at each site. Restroom with showers also available in campground. Site was large and easy to back into and offered some tree cover for shade during certain times of the day. Was unable to hang hammock in specific site we stayed at, but some of the sites looked like they would be suitable.

              • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
                Camper-submitted photo from Great River Bluffs State Park Campground
                Mar. 31, 2024

                Great River Bluffs State Park Campground

                Fall camping

                Stayed here in the fall. Had a site right next to the bathroom big enough for 2 tents and 2 vehicles. Hikes here offer great views of the river and bluffs and the fall colors are gorgeous!!! site came with a fire pit with grate and a picnic table. I did not use the grate for cooking as I camp with a blackstone as grates tend to be dirty. When I do use the fire for cooking, I always use a cast iron pan rather than cooking directly on the grate. pictures are from before my friend arrived with their vehicle and tent. They parked directly in front of my car and put their tent near the parking barricade close to the bathroom. My dog enjoyed all the room he had at this site!

              • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
                Camper-submitted photo from Tresure Island RV Park
                Oct. 26, 2023

                Tresure Island RV Park

                Crowded park, nice people

                We were here for a night to see a concert at the amphitheater and everyone was super friendly. It was easy to check in, and we were able to do laundry and shower which was great. It’s mostly gravel but they have some tent sites on the grass. They are dog friendly and have some grassy areas to walk your pets which was great.

              • Heather N.
                Camper-submitted photo from Cannon Falls Campground
                Oct. 12, 2023

                Cannon Falls Campground

                Love this place!

                We started coming here in 2020 and got on the seasonal list right away. We have now been seasonals 2 years and absolutely love it!! The owners and family are amazing. They have tons of things to do for the kids! We have two boys 12 and 5 and they love it here! We can't say enough good things about Cannon Falls Campground!

              • Angie A.The Dyrt PRO User
                Camper-submitted photo from Mondovi Town Park
                Oct. 2, 2023

                Mondovi Town Park

                Tucked away treasure

                Great find! Small yet only us and one tent couple camping. Toilets clean. Water and electric … so score! Close to restaurants and taverns. Recommend for a quick getaway!

              • Stacey N.
                Camper-submitted photo from South Campground — Merrick State Park
                Aug. 27, 2023

                South Campground — Merrick State Park

                Back again

                Our second time camping here.. this time at the South campground. Definitely bring everything to repel the bugs… thermacells are a must. Waterview sites are amazing. Very little park staff presence that I could see. Showers and flush toilets at the north campground which is a quick drive or a very long walk. They were clean, but showers could use a refresh. Pro tip: there are wheelbarrows full of firewood for sale across from the entrance of the park. Only 5 dollars buys a generous amount that burns well.

              • Andrew D.The Dyrt PRO User
                Camper-submitted photo from Great River Bluffs State Park Campground
                Aug. 16, 2023

                Great River Bluffs State Park Campground

                Nice quite park

                Stayed here one night on way to YNP.  Very nice and quite.  Clean flush toilets.  There are no hook ups.

                The road in is long gravel road, but smooth.  The sites are short and tree branches low.  We have 10 foot high 19 foot travel trailer and it was fine for us.  I think for any unit more than 30 feet will have trouble.

                We liked it as overnight stop.

              • Molly Y.
                Camper-submitted photo from Gooseberry Glen Cart-in Campground — Whitewater State Park
                Aug. 11, 2023

                Gooseberry Glen Cart-in Campground — Whitewater State Park

                Cart-In Campsite with Short Walk

                We stayed in one of the cart-in sites. 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. We hiked all the trails in the park and the Fall colors were beautiful but not yet at full peak.



              Frequently Asked Questions

              • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Nelson, WI?

                According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Nelson, WI is Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 7 reviews.

              • What is the best site to find tent camping near Nelson, WI?

                TheDyrt.com has all 11 tent camping locations near Nelson, WI, with real photos and reviews from campers.