Beach Camping Near Tainter Lake, Wisconsin, US: 12 Best Beach Campsites 2026

At Tainter Lake, you’ll find over 870 campsites right on or near the beach, making it easy to wake up to the sound of water lapping at the shore. The average stay runs about $20 a night, with options dipping as low as $12 if you know where to look. Campfires are allowed at most sites, and you can bring your pet along. Showers aren’t hard to find. Wildlife-watching, swimming, and hiking top the list of things to do—expect to spot herons and turtles in the quieter coves, or take a sunset swim. Top picks include Stone Creek Farm (182 reviews), Maggies Merry Mirror (121 reviews), and Harbor Bar (50 reviews). You’ll find plenty of sites where you can toast marshmallows after a swim and fall asleep under the stars.

87% (290)

Top-rated campgrounds near Tainter Lake

At Tainter Lake, you’ll find over 870 campsites right on or near the beach, making it easy to wake up to the sound of water lapping at the shore. The average stay runs about $20 a night, with options dipping as low as $12 if you know where to look. Campfires are allowed at most sites, and you can bring your pet along. Showers aren’t hard to find. Wildlife-watching, swimming, and hiking top the list of things to do—expect to spot herons and turtles in the quieter coves, or take a sunset swim. Top picks include Stone Creek Farm (182 reviews), Maggies Merry Mirror (121 reviews), and Harbor Bar (50 reviews). You’ll find plenty of sites where you can toast marshmallows after a swim and fall asleep under the stars.

87% (290)

Top-rated campgrounds near Tainter Lake

1. Stone Creek Farm

99%

(244)

50mi from Tainter Lake · 6 sites · Tents, Lodging

Situated on 36 acres, this working farm is 2 miles West of Taylors Falls. Dan bought this property with the intention of growing stone fruits (plums, peaches, apricots and cherries) using sustainable and organic practices because health and wellness matter to them! They are still in the process of improving their property. Many of the building on the property were in poor condition, including the old barn foundation which is now one of Dan and Danielle favorite places to keep cool in the summer. After they had excavated all the debris (which took years) they were able to transform it with gardens and fire pit for all to enjoy. They love sharing what they have been blessed with! They hope you enjoy their place as much as they do! Feel free to ask them to show you around or even get your hands dirty with them as they plant or harvest.

2. Harbor Bar

83%

(130)

45mi from Tainter Lake · 12 sites · Tents, RVs

Located at Harbor Bar across from Red Wing MN. said to be on one of the prettiest spots on the Mississippi river. Fish from shore in one of the best fisheries in the country. Full restaurant & bar with live music on weekends. Learn more about this land: Pitch your tent along the banks of the mighty Mississippi river. bar, restaurant, outdoor music festivals, fishing. View pretty Red Wing from across the river. Located on one of the prettiest spots on the Mississippi river.

3. Lake Tommy Homestead

95%

(28)

20mi from Tainter Lake · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

Tranquil and quiet sanctuary on 40 acres of gorgeous mixed terrain, open for your enjoyment and recreation! A 12 acre lake with amazing wildlife/birdwatching, 20 acres of wooded trails for hiking or mtn biking, a 6 acre meadow, gorgeous sunsets and night skies, and whatever else you make of it. All this just an hour from the Twin Cities and directly off a county road for simple access. Our sites prioritize privacy and coziness with the aesthetic of the natural environment in its pure state for your enjoyment. They come with a free bundle of firewood, and kayaks are available to rent for a modest fee. Note in planning your trip: we are blessed to be immersed in all aspects of Wisconsin culture, and that includes an occassional gun shoot! The nearby Amery Sportsmans Club has regular skeet shooting hours just twice per week, Sundays 11-2pm, and Tuesdays 5-8 pm. It can be quite noisy for an otherwise blissful environment! Tuesday bookings are therefore 1/2 off, and please keep this in mind should you want to extend your stay into Sunday afternoons during the warm seasons.

4. Eau Galle Recreation Area

100%

(1)

57 sites · Spring Valley, Wisconsin

Discover Eau Galle Recreation Area's serene trails and year-round fishing.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

5. Lake Wissota State Park

100%

(2)

118 sites · Lake Wissota, Wisconsin

Discover Lake Wissota State Park's serene beauty and outdoor fun.

Toilets

Campfires

Showers

6. Camp Crimson Turtle

72%

(34)

49mi from Tainter Lake · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Established by naturalists in the 1920's this parcel features a waterfront cabin (currently being restored), a two acre spring fed pond that is stocked with fish, a small stream and great privacy. We have had this as our family paradise and now we are sharing it with you! We now offer a bohemian wagon if you would prefer to get up off the ground! Available at site 1. Learn more about this land: 8 acres of wooded privacy. Spring fed 2 acre pond, fishing, swimming, boating. Clothing optional if total site is rented. Extremely private. Electric available upon request for site number 2, other sites are quite far from electric hook up. New toilet facilities available!! We now have a flush toilet and exterior shower available for use onsite.

7. Hok-Si-La Municipal Park

42mi from Tainter Lake · 4 sites

Hok-Si-La Park stands out as a remarkable 252-acre municipally owned park on the scenic Minnesota side of Lake Pepin, offering breathtaking views of the Mississippi River and the surrounding bluffs. This park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, providing a perfect blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Visitors can immerse themselves in the joys of tent camping, launch their boats from the public ramp, or unwind on the sandy beach. A mile-long stretch of Mississippi River shoreline invites exploration, while the interpretive center offers educational insights into the local ecosystem. Families can enjoy the playground, engage in volleyball or basketball games, and savor picnics in picturesque settings, including a charming chapel. Open from mid-April to mid-October, the park features various facilities, including a dining hall and screened shelters, making it an ideal venue for gatherings such as family reunions, birthday celebrations, and corporate picnics. Throughout the year, Hok-Si-La Park remains accessible for hiking, bird watching, and leisurely beach strolls. In winter, visitors can take advantage of groomed cross-country ski trails, ensuring that this park is a year-round destination for outdoor fun and relaxation.

8. Pine Point County Park

38mi from Tainter Lake · 721 sites

Pine Point Campground and Day Park stands out as a hidden gem nestled along the stunning Holcombe Flowage, offering visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities. With over 3,000 acres of pristine water surface, Lake Holcombe and the Flowage provide an ideal setting for fishing, boating, and swimming, making it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Conveniently located just 2.5 miles west of the intersection of County Highway M and Highway 27, this campground is easily accessible while still providing a sense of seclusion. Guests can enjoy a variety of amenities, including picnic areas and trails that wind through the picturesque landscape, allowing for peaceful exploration and relaxation. In addition to its beautiful surroundings, Pine Point Campground is close to local attractions, including charming restaurants and shops that enhance the overall experience. Whether you're looking to unwind by the water or embark on an adventure, this campground offers a perfect retreat for families and nature lovers alike.

9. Brunet Island State Park

52 sites · Cornell, Wisconsin

Discover Brunet Island State Park's serene waterways and trails.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

10. Frontenac State Park

100%

(10)

86 sites · Frontenac, Minnesota

Enjoy superb birdwatching, limestone bluffs, and sandy beaches at Frontenac State Park.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

11. Willow River State Park

92%

(13)

154 sites · Hudson, Wisconsin

Wooded gorges and cascading waterfalls provide a scenic backdrop.

Toilets

Campfires

Showers

12. Afton State Park

100%

(18)

31 sites · Afton, Minnesota

Give Afton State Park's four-stage geocache a run with free GPS units you can checkout at the park.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

13. Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest

100%

(6)

174 sites · Frontenac, Minnesota

Discover the natural splendor of Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

14. William O'Brien State Park

94%

(9)

120 sites · Marine On St Croix, Minnesota

Discover the natural splendor of William O'Brien State Park.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

15. Interstate State Park

100%

(4)

84 sites · Wisconsin

Discover the scenic beauty of Interstate State Park and its outdoor adventures.

Toilets

Campfires

Showers

Public campgrounds near Tainter Lake

100%

(1)

Highland Ridge Campground

21mi from Tainter Lake · 57 sites · Tents, RVs · in Eau Galle Recreation Area

100%

(2)

Lake Wissota Campground

27mi from Tainter Lake · 118 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lake Wissota State Park

Brunet Island Campground

36mi from Tainter Lake · 52 sites · Tents, RVs · in Brunet Island State Park

100%

(10)

Frontenac Campground

40mi from Tainter Lake · 86 sites · Tents, RVs · in Frontenac State Park

A quick snapshot my awesome friend, Kyle took of me admiring the scenery and waterfall.

92%

(13)

Willow River Campground

41mi from Tainter Lake · 154 sites · Tents, RVs · in Willow River State Park

100%

(18)

Afton Campground

46mi from Tainter Lake · 31 sites · Tents, RVs · in Afton State Park

100%

(1)

Kruger Campground and Management Unit

46mi from Tainter Lake · 18 sites · Tents, RVs · in Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest

94%

(9)

Savanna and Riverway Campground

47mi from Tainter Lake · 120 sites · Tents, RVs · in William O'Brien State Park

Zumbro Bottoms Horse Campground - North

48mi from Tainter Lake · 5 sites · in Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest

100%

(1)

Zumbro Bottoms Horse Campground - West

49mi from Tainter Lake · 100 sites · in Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest

100%

(4)

Interstate Campground

49mi from Tainter Lake · 84 sites · Tents, RVs · in Interstate State Park

Zumbro Bottoms Horse Campground - Central

49mi from Tainter Lake · 20 sites · in Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

J

October 2025

With kids

2 nights at Stone Creek Farm

I loved camping in Dan's yurt campsite! The walk from the car is perfect, just long enough to feel like you are really out there camping! The views walking to the bathroom in the fall were just gorgeous! Speaking of the bathroom don't be scared off by the composting toilet. Dan provides plenty of woodchips/sawdust to cover everything up and there is no odor! The bbq grill and bonfire ring are great to have options. The picnic table seats plenty of people. It rained a bit while we were there and everything in the tent stayed dry thanks to the extra plastic Dan has placed over the top of the yurt. Dan is so kind and generous and feels like going over to a friend's house to camp. Can't wait to return next year!

P

Peggy

October 2025

13 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Lake Tommy Homestead

Such a great retreat from the city! I used the provided kayak for a sunset paddle and the firewood was at site as well. Gorgeous sunset and even better sunrise! Quiet, private, and the view was stunning. I took a bunch of photos to make oil paintings. Bob Ross! Haha The host was so great helping me back out on my tear drop’s maiden voyage. Nice guy! Thanks Adam! Only an hour from TC and plenty of places to stock up for needs along the way. Loved it.

G

Gary

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Lake Tommy Homestead

A private and cozy. Was wonderful watching 2 swans on the lake.

L

Leslie

September 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Stone Creek Farm

Dan is a wonderful host and owns some absolutely gorgeous land. I will be back! Be prepared for a small but beautiful hike out to your camp site. Bathrooms are as good as it gets, tents are huge and the bonus of not needing to setup is amazing, and the access to one of the most beautiful state parks is uncanny. If you have the legs for it I would absolutely recommend touring this area on bike. The descent into Taylor’s falls is one of the best in the state, the climb out of the city will have your legs woken up, and the nearby Swedish Immigrant Trail is beautiful especially in the Fall.

Amy

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Stone Creek Farm

This is our second summer having a camping adventure at Stone Creek. Dan’s hospitality is incredible and the site is perfect. It made a fun and relaxing long weekend!

David

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Camp Crimson Turtle

Great little hidden gem. Not a lot of amenities but the rustic privacy was just what we were looking for. Enjoy!

W

Wendy

August 2025

With kids

2 nights at Stone Creek Farm

This is more than just camping! Dan is a wonderful host and my 10 year old loved talking with him and learning about the orchard. This was a mother/son trip and I loved having the yurt already set up. It is a little walk to the site, but I appreciated God's beauty in the early morning and at dusk to fetch our food that we left in the car. Being at Stone Creek Farm was so much more than we expected. Looking forward to visiting again! Highly recommended!

A

Andrew

August 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Stone Creek Farm

I really like this campsite. Very close to Taylor's Falls, state parks, lakes etc. Site are nice and kept up. Owner is there to help. Will be there again next year.

Stephanie

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Lake Tommy Homestead

Absolutely amazing. At first we weren’t sure about the unoccupied camper sharing the site with us, but we used the porch for staging various things and the kids enjoyed putting a “play” on for us. The kayaks were an amazing experience and definitely worth the add on. This was our 3 kids’ first camp experience: 4, 8, and 11. These kids are diehard iPad kids and they didn’t even ask about their devices even once. They had so much fun exploring, kayaking, swimming, finding bugs, and sharing in the camp chores. The site was large enough for us to have a camp kitchen, a bigger and a smaller tent, plus a sanitary tent (bucket toilet and shower). The added amenities of the electricity and water were indispensable for our large and inexperienced crew. We can’t thank Adam enough for the incredible experience his land offered us!

N

Nicole

August 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Lake Tommy Homestead

Very quiet, and tranquil. My dog and I loved it and enjoyed the serenity. Beautiful sunset and pond.

Melissa

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Lake Tommy Homestead

Wonderful site on the water! Great and helpful host who provided first bundle of firewood! Definitely a saved site to make a return trip!

A

Amalee

July 2025

26 ft Class A

With pets

2 nights at Lake Tommy Homestead

This was the perfect weekend getaway just an hour and a half out of the Twin Cities! I decided to hit the road last minute and Adam answered me right away to let me know which spot would be the best fit for my 26 foot Skoolie. Everything was clean and there was even complementary firewood there for me. I was hoping to get out for a long run in the morning and Adam took time out of his day to explain the best routes for me to run. I never got out on the water, but that looked perfect too! Definitely will visit again.

D

Daniel

July 2025

25 ft travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at Lake Tommy Homestead

Was a very nice area and a private site. Great for a small camper or tenting. Nice little private lake with good view.

J

Jason

July 2025

16 ft pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Camp Crimson Turtle

There were some truly magical moments here—the sunset over the pond was stunning, and the nighttime sounds of nature were beautifully undisturbed. I found two perfect trees for my hammock in the shade, and the outdoor shower was a refreshing touch. Communication with the host was fantastic—super responsive both before and during my stay, which made things much easier. I appreciated being able to order firewood ahead of time. Most of the wood by the fire pit was damp, but the dry bundle that was included burned hot enough to get the rest going. A few things did take away from the natural vibe: the pond was too algae-filled to swim comfortably, and the plastic jugs, random porch clutter, and a rusted table and chair disrupted the wild aesthetic. Highway noise was noticeable at times, and it took a minute to figure out which gate to use. Still, if you’re looking for a peaceful getaway with some real beauty and don’t mind a little rustic imperfection, this spot delivers.

A

Amber

July 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Harbor Bar

It is very much a party campground, but it has some nice secluded sites that I would love to use again. The staff inside the bar were super friendly and it was very easy to get checked in. Highly recommend!!

Cindy

July 2025

20 ft travel trailer

With pets

2 nights at Lake Tommy Homestead

Great view of the lake and nice to have the kayak to explore it. Adam was quick to get back to me in answering my questions. There is a nice lower level deck (without railings) to put your chairs on and to set up the Blackstone for grilling. Site is very private as well. We really enjoyed our stay!

G

Greg

June 2025

Weekend Trip to Camp Crimson Turtle

It was an awesome overnight! Everything went great! Hopefully going to get back soon! Theresa was responsive and very accommodating! I couldn't ask for anymore!

Emma

June 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Stone Creek Farm

Camping on this property was an excellent experience (despite the rain). Dan was very helpful both before and when we arrived. The campsite is lovely, and he's made sure the yurt does not let in a drop. Loved seeing his chickens, and an easy walk to the site. Would absolutely recommend.

A

Allison

June 2025

20 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Lake Tommy Homestead

Beautiful lake view. Easy to get to. The host was friendly and checked in with us to see how our stay was going. In case accessibility is a concern, the path to access the lake is on the steep side. Swans, frogs and turtles all came by for a visit, it was a lovely weekend.

R

Robin

June 2025

15 ft campervan

With pets

1 night at Lake Tommy Homestead

Adam was a great host, knowledgeable, kind and welcoming. As a single woman I felt safe there and slept really well. I was a last minute guest on a random weeknight while driving through the state and Adam was able to get everything ready for me within a few hours. Would absolutely stay here again and highly recommend. Level ground for my van, private and had shade. The kayak was an awesome bonus.