Camping in Frontenac State Park, MN

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Top-rated campgrounds near Frontenac State Park

The Double J

99%
(335)
6 sites · RVs, Tents · Zumbrota, MN
Welcome to the Double J! Of the 71 acres we own, about half is tillable and the other half is woods and pastures for our horses. Within that, there is a beautiful secluded 3-acre meadow nestled down along along a beautiful 1,200 foot stretch of the Zumbro River where we have 5 spacious tent/RV campsites. While the campsites are all adjacent to each other along the river, they are each very spacious (the smallest being 100' wide and 75' deep), with some mature trees scattered around. Each sites (except Site #1) is able to accommodate up to 8 people and more than one tent or RV. There is a small meadow above all the sites where campers can play catch or other games. We provide and maintain a centrally located outhouse and keep the entire area mowed throughout the year. All sites offer great shade trees (perfectly spaced for hanging up a hammock) and access to the river - great for those hot summer days! Water activities to be enjoyed include fishing, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding and tubing (equipment not included). Some campers will drop in upstream at the Covered Bridge Park and float down to their campsite. The Zumbro River, especially in the fishing hole, offers great fishing including Trout, Small-mouth, Red-horse, and an occasional Northern or Sauger. Campers are welcome to to meander out into our pastures to pet our two horses, Shiloh and Champ. Also, we are just over a mile from town where you can visit Covered Bridge Park which has a Frisbee golf course and a nice play area for younger kids. Reserving adjacent sites, or all of the sites, makes for the ideal setting for a large family or group camp-out. In order to prevent overcrowding, we do reserve the right to limit number of sites, or campers per site based on overall parties/campers in the camping area. We will notify you if there are any limits at the time of your booking. We enjoy being able to share our property with others, and it is our desire to promote a safe, peaceful, family-friendly environment, therefore, be sure to note, we do have a NO ALCOHOL policy. PLEASE NOTE: Be sure to read the "RV Details" on the site information page as the road to the camping area may limit the type or size of RV due to a couple dips, a sharper curve, and it's steeper slope. Also, keep in mind, we reserve the right to cancel any reservations due to heavy rains or floods that may require our sites some additional time to dry out sufficiently. For updates and notice of last minute cancellations be sure to follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/DoubleJCamping As is customary for most campgrounds, we ask that if you bring in your own firewood that it be kiln dried. Dry firewood can be purchased for $5.00/bundle. TIP - Being we do not reimburse campers in the event of rain (unless campground is flooded or too muddy), we highly recommend campers take advantage of Hipcamp’s Weather Guarantee option when booking. With Minnesota’s unpredictable weather it allows you to get reimbursed for any days it rains over a specified amount, even if you choose to stick out the rain! The cost is very reasonable making it almost a no-brainer! Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions! We look forward to being able to serve you!
Pets
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from 
$30
 / night

Aefintyr

97%
(58)
19 sites · Lodging · Altura, MN
Wilderness inspired campground specializing in hike-in rustic glamping, treehouse cabins and outfitting. Located on Whiskey Hill in the Whitewater River Valley near the town of Elba, MN. The cabins are easy to access with close parking. The hike-in rustic glamping sites offer a rugged backpacking like experience with spacious, secluded sites, creature comforts for a good night's sleep and no equipment required, all designed to immerse guests in the surrounding woodland. The land was used for personal recreation for several years. I've spent countless hours hiking and enjoying observing the seasons, plants, fungus and animals. The vision of a campground was inspired by many camping and backcountry spots throughout the United States, all of the amazing things in the woods, the beautiful blufftop valley views, proximity to a multitude of outdoor activities and adventures.
Pets
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from 
$43
 / night

Prairie Creek Campground

99%
(851)
7 sites · Tents · Nerstrand, MN
Thank you for a great 2025 Camping Season! This was our best year yet! We hosted more Hipcamers than any year before and are excited to have been honored again with a Best in Minnesota award. Thank you and we look forward to 2026. Pitch your tent at one of our Walk-In forest campsites on 60 acres along Prairie Creek in Rice County, MN. Explore the creeks, trails, forest, our enormous granite "split rock" erratic, a 60 acre county park featuring waterfalls and trails, including a single track mountain bike trail. That's 120 acres of exploring outside your tent; this campground truly offers a large amount of remote forest for recreation right on site. Big Woods State Park is less than 2 miles away. Faribault is 8 miles and Northfield is 9 miles from our driveway; they offer dining, boutiques, and all other amenities. Nerstrand is 4.5 miles east and has a gas station and a fantastic meat market. Numerous Cannon River put-ins are within 10 miles. We do not have firewood available at the campground; please plan ahead to bring firewood with you. A map of the land is in the photos and shows locations of sites, parking and more. All Sites are Walk-In! We have a cart you may use to haul gear in. Vehicles: Our main parking area by sites 1, 2, & 3 is easily accessible. The road to the secondary parking area beside our hilltop site 4 is up an adventurous gravel road (but is very accessible). Kids under 16 camping with their parents do not count in pricing. This campground is managed by Stephen and Molly on land owned by them and their father Ted. In 1961, Stephen's grandparents bought this farm. In addition to farming they also operated a trail riding stable here. Over the years, the arable land has been sold, but we retained the wooded areas which are twice crossed by creeks. About 30 years ago, a 60 acre county park bordering the south and west sides of our land was created. We are very excited to host campers as a way to preserve and share this beautiful property.
Pets
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from 
$27
 / night

Rustic Log Cabin with Stunning View

100%
(2)
1 site · Lodging · Ellsworth, WI
Rustic Log Cabin Getaway with Trails and Scenic Views Escape to this hand-built log cabin retreat — perfect for those who love the outdoors and a touch of old-fashioned living. The cabin features a cozy front porch, a wood stove for warmth, and charming seasonal touches to make you feel right at home. In the evenings, string lights and a fire pit set the stage for unforgettable nights under the stars with family or friends. You’ll also find plenty to explore right outside your door — walking paths, UTV trails, and sweeping scenic views that let you fully immerse yourself in nature. Whether you’re up for a peaceful hike, a ride through the countryside, or simply soaking in the landscape, this cabin is the ideal base. Please note: this is a true rustic experience. The cabin does not have indoor plumbing — you’ll be using a clean, well-kept outhouse. If you’re a camper type who enjoys nature, simplicity, and unplugging, this is the perfect spot for you. Whether you’re sipping coffee on the porch in the morning sun, watching wildlife, or gathering around the fire at night, this cabin offers peace, connection, and a return to the basics.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$125
 / night

Other options near Frontenac State Park

Camping in Frontenac State Park, MN guide

Overview

About

Perched on a limestone bluff overlooking the Mississippi River’s Lake Pepin, Frontenac State Park is regarded as one of the nation’s premier birding sites. Some 260 species of local and migratory birds have been spotted here, and the forest’s treehouse-like Wildlife Observation Blind lets visitors observe them from a true bird’s-eye view. The Frontenac Campground is set on the bluff rim with panoramic views of the river below, while 13 miles of trails lead to scenic viewpoints, prominent points, and the banks of Lake Pepin, where swimming and fishing are popular summer pastimes. At just 75 minutes away from Minneapolis and Saint Paul, this Minnesota park is a great option for a quick getaway from the Twin Cities.

Notable campgrounds

  • Best for epic views: Frontenac Campground
  • Best for peace and solitude: The park’s six cart-in campsites
  • Best for immersion: The park’s two backcountry campsites

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • All Frontenac State Park campsites are reservable 120 days in advance. 
  • Reservations can be made online or by calling (866) 857-2757.
  • Book well in advance for the summer season or weekends, as the park's proximity to the Twin Cities makes it a popular destination.

When to go

Long days and warm temperatures make Memorial Day to Labor Day a busy time at Frontenac State Park. Peak birding season runs in both spring and fall, when migrating birds pour into the vicinity. While spring visitors may also spot blooming wildflowers, fall campers are likely to see fall foliage color changes in the trees. Come winter, the park grooms seven miles of trails for cross-country skiing and prepares a popular sliding hill. Winter visitors should come prepared for cold weather camping.

Know before you go

  • Recognized as an Important Birding Area by the Audubon Society, Lake Pepin hosts thousands of migratory birds each spring and fall as they travel the Mississippi Flyway. Oft-sighted species include eagles, kingfishers, warblers, cuckoos, titmice, larks, nightjars, gnatcatchers, thrashers, and creepers. 
  • Visitors to Frontenac State Park can also explore two adjacent parks: Hok-Si-La Park, also on the riverbank with a campground and boat launch, and the Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest, home to 10 campgrounds.
  • The Frontenac office is a great resource where campers can check out birding kits, GPS units, fishing kits, canoes, kid’s discovery kits, and board games.
100%
10 ratings · 1 review
  1. Frontenac State Park