Camping in Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest, MN

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest adventure.

100% (6 reviews)

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

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Stories from the community

Tracy

5 days ago

Weekend Trip to Whippletree Farm & Nature Trail

Such a unique place to get away for a day or 2. Love the farm and the animals. We had the opportunity to meet the property owners, they were super nice too. We had a unique request for this retreat and we were accommodated. Would definitely return and recommend.

Andrew

1 week ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Bluff Hollow Camp on the Root River

Highly recommend! A beautiful, secluded place! Owner is very responsive too!

Charlotte

1 week ago

Tent

2 nights at Whippletree Farm & Nature Trail

We had a great time at this site! They have a nice fire ring and picnic table set up. We also enjoyed our mornings beginning with the goats and the cat came to say hello as well. Very enjoyable and wished we had more time.

Dennis

2 weeks ago

20 ft travel trailer

2 nights at Whippletree Farm & Nature Trail

Everything was as we expected and the property is very conveniently located to the family we were visiting. We will be back. Thanks

Jeannie

2 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Bluff Hollow Camp on the Root River

5 STARS! Will stay again. Drove down the hill and camped at the river. It was perfect.

Bobby is taking his afternoon nap in the fresh air and sunshine🤓

Gloria

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Double J

It was clean, private, flat enough for two tents. It sits next to a flowing river and has a picnic table and nice fire pit. Jeff was responsive and cordial …I had plenty of wood. It was a very nice getaway and I have it listed as one of my favorites. The Peninsula has electric that Jeff runs down the hill for you.

The cabin overlooks the hillside you walk up while entering.

Scott

2 weeks ago

With pets

Weekend Trip to Twin Folk Farms

Really great little spot. We brought our new lab puppy and she loved the freedom and space to run. Made a few easy runs to Red Wing for hiking and shopping. This place is close to everything and yet has the feel of being a million miles from the rat race.

Stephanie

2 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Double J

Lovely spot, well marked and host very organized. Would absolutely stay there again.

Jeremy

2 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

3 nights at Two Bees & A Bud, Flower Farm Camp

We had a wonderful time camping here with our kids! Secluded, quiet, and great for stargazing when the sky’s clear. Our kids loved it, and having plenty of split firewood waiting for us was a nice treat!

Aubrey

2 weeks ago

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Wild Maple Off-Grid

We absolutely loved having The Lark. Our stay provided us with the peace of mind we had been seeking. The host was very accommodating and made the experience even more enjoyable.

Joni

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Prairie Creek Campground

Stephen was a great host. We made a scheduling error and he worked hard to accommodate us. Peaceful beautiful property, nearby amazing nature parks and quaint town of Northfield. It was just the solitude and time away we needed.

Brent

2 weeks ago

12 ft travel trailer

With pets

2 nights at Bluff Hollow Camp on the Root River

Terrific location, quiet and set away from any neighbors. Gentle slope ensures even recent rains drain off reasonably well. Beautiful fall colors, short hike down to the river & bluffs with great wading for our visit. Even the toilet facilities were clean, well kept, and better than expected (though bring a lantern to keep in there as it gets a bit dark).

Julia

2 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Rustic Log Cabin with Stunning View

The view of rolling hills, fields and forest was indeed lovely, especially with the Autumn colors. We loved the dark night sky, and could see all kinds of stars, milky way, meteors, satellites. The cabin is cozy and comfy and the beds were too! We enjoyed cooking over the fire outside, and using the propane griddle. Hosts are super warm, friendly and positive. Thank you for a lovely stay!

Debbie

2 weeks ago

21 ft travel trailer

With pets

1 night at Honeyberry Minnesota working farm

Very nice host. Property is very clean and the site was perfect. Close to St Paul and local shops. Would highly recommend this place.

Jen

2 weeks ago

With kids

1 night at Aefintyr

This was a fun experience! My kids loved the hike up, the tent, and our own area for games and a fire. They also enjoyed the community area and the fantastic views. Chelsi was such an excellent and accommodating host. We will be back!

Rachel

3 weeks ago

Tent

3 nights at Prairie Creek Campground

Place was beautiful. Site was private and the stars were beautiful. Stephen is as friendly and accommodating. Weather didn't cooperate, so I look forward to coming back and exploring the area more

Peter

3 weeks ago

Tent

2 nights at Bluff Hollow Camp on the Root River

We loved our camping trip at Eric’s Bluff Hollow Camp. The site is a tranquil GEM nestled underneath scenic bluffs at a sharp turn of the Root River. Everything is clean and well-maintained, and Eric is a responsive and affable host. I have been scouting for private campsites near trout streams and this IS the place! We are looking forward to returning next spring!

Rebecca

3 weeks ago

With kids

Weekend Trip to Wild Maple Off-Grid

This little spot is very sweet and easy for newbie campers. The vintage trailer is truly a vintage gem, and you can see so many stars at night out in the countryside. I would recommend renting the RV versus tent camping mainly because there is a lot of car noise from being in such a flat area and sound traveling.

Kathy

3 weeks ago

With pets

4 nights at The Edge

Third time at The Edge charming rustic cabin since earlier this summer. It was wonderful to see the seasonal differences of the surrounding corn and soy bean fields over the months. Other than the host Edward stopping by on the day of arrival to show me the ropes of the wood stove, my dog and I had complete solitude for four nights. Like my last two visits, I hit the weather jackpot with sunny breezy days near 65-70 degrees and mild nights. Hard to imagine tiring of this sweet place. Edward has been timely in responding to all my questions and for those who aren't familiar with the general area, everything you can imagine for your camping/cabin/food needs are about 10 minutes away (Fleet Farm, Menards, various fast and slow food restaurants, etc.).

mark

3 weeks ago

1 night at Aefintyr

If you’re looking for the perfect blend of comfort and adventure, this is it. We’ll definitely be coming back!

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Stay at a public campground in Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest

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Reno Horse Campground

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Isinours Management Unit

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Zumbro Bottoms Horse Campground - West

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Zumbro Bottoms Horse Campground - Central

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Top-rated campgrounds near Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest

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!

The Edge

96%

(305)

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents · Rochester, MN

This 160 acre farm used to be a sod farm, and then a Christmas tree farm. Camping provided is in the remnants of the uncut Christmas tree forest which is about 6 acres. Small little get away from Rochester. Airport traffic, but it is enjoyable. 10 minutes to downtown Rochester. PLEASE KEEP DOGS OFF OF THE BEDS IN THE CABIN.

Whippletree Farm & Nature Trail

100%

(180)

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents · Lake Elmo, MN

Welcome to Whippletree! This is our sixth-generation family farm, and while it's more of a hobby farm now, it has been in continuous agricultural production since 1869! Besides tillable farm land, we are stewards of native prairie, small wooded areas, a remnant of an oak savanna and wetlands, with trails throughout. We consider this our sanctuary and enjoying sharing it with others looking for a place of retreat to connect with the natural world. Stop by for a visit!

Bending River Cove Tiny Homes

86%

(7)

6 sites · Lodging · Lake City, MN

Unique tiny homes, using local reclaimed materials overlooking Lake Pepin/Mississippi River with stunning views. The tiny homes have decks and patios with fire pits, perfectly situated to watch all lake activity and beautiful sunrises or sunsets. We are in the MN River Valley and close to many state parks for hiking, wineries and restaurants, antique, boutique or thrifting shops, National Eagle Center, sailboat cruises, kayak/paddle board rental, motocross track and the list goes on and on. Homes are suited for mostly couples and have capability to sleep 4. We are also dog friendly up to 2 pups. So much to see and do!

Belle Creek Bluff

99%

(446)

4 sites · Lodging, Tents · Welch, MN

Belle Creek Bluff is on 28 acres of prime land in Welch. Belle Creek runs through the middle of the property. Walk, swim, paddle, fish and explore the this beautiful spring fed trout stream. There are a number of hiking trails on the property. Bordering state lands to the east of the property provide endless exploration and hiking adventures. Hike to the top of the bluff for a spectacular view of Welch valley and the ski hill. Hiking NE along Belle Creek can you spot the old model A truck along the banks? There are eagles, falcons, finches, and many colorful birds to see.

Honeyberry Minnesota working farm

99%

(92)

2 sites · RVs · Stillwater, MN

Small working farm of 25 acres with roughly 1/3 wooded. Bring cash if you want to buy fresh produce. Half-way between Hudson WI and Stillwater MN. Tons of activities to do, including the St Croix River. Mowed trails on the property, campfire wood provided. Site 1A has electric. Walk up to our two-acre Haskap orchard.

field view campsite

94%

(62)

3 sites · RVs, Tents · Northfield, MN

Learn more about this land: You"ll camp right next to the pasture and on our field drive with wonderful views and sunsets. The field is surrounded on three sides by Rice County Wilderness Park so it is very private and quiet.if you have a tent or small vehicle park down next to fire ring. If you have an RV park on the field drive next to the site

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.

Wild Maple Off-Grid

100%

(8)

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents · Roberts, WI

Come take a break on our beautiful farm acreage. Located within an hour of the twin cities, 15 minutes from historic downtown Hudson and the St. Croix River, 10 minutes from the famous Willow River Waterfalls and in the heart of rural, smalltown Wisconsin. We'd love to share the peaceful country nights with you. There are two sites available. The first is capable of hosting tents, small campers and RV's. You'll enjoy being tucked in between an old calf barn and a cozy row of pines. You'll get peaks of the gorgeous sunsets and a sky full of stars. We've even been lucky enough to see some stunning northern lights when the conditions are just right. Our second site is perfect for a more rugged/off-road setup. Just on the other side of the pines you'll get even more privacy and stunning views of the sunset, stars and this fall we had hundreds of migrating Sandhill Cranes serenading us.

Prairie Creek Campground

99%

(850)

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.

Hazel hills

95%

(21)

2 sites · Lodging, Tents · Somerset, WI

Enjoy our back lot for a private campsite which borders a prairie preserve. Watch the deer come in the morning and evening and listen to our friendly, happy hens cluck away, not to mention all the beautiful song birds. We are happy to share our golf clubs and balls to hit a few into the field. Our kids love it! Tree coverage along with an open field. We cut the field to offer a walking trail to the prairie preserve. There is a tree surronded, very private tent site for tenters, but if you have a camper you can find a spot that works best for you! (The tent site is very private and a camper would not fit.) We are a short 10 min drive to Stillwater but there is so much to do in Somerset! Take a walk around the prairie preserve and kayak down the apple river, but don’t forget the local brewery and boutique shop. There is some great fishing on local lakes in the area as well. We offer a 30 amp electric hook up and our hose for water. We also have a shower tent with a camping porta potty.

Lake Tommy Homestead

95%

(28)

2 sites · RVs, Tents · Clear Lake, WI

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.

Camping in Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest, MN guide

Overview

About

Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest. Phew, that’s a mouthful! Albeit not nearly the mouthful that is the list of available outdoor activities to do here. With five major rivers within the forest boundaries, what do you expect? Water trails abound, as do a wide variety of birds, making this one of the state’s premiere bird-watching areas.

As you walk through the forest, you’re almost guaranteed to see a few members of the local wildlife. You’ll also see interesting plants, and even more interesting fungi. The puffball mushroom couldn’t be more appropriately named. With a diameter measured in feet instead of inches, it looks like a giant marshmallow growing out of the ground! If not for anything else, make a trip to the forest just to lay your eyes on one of these bad boys. However, you’d be missing out big time if you called it quits there, because RJDMHSF (even the abbreviation is a mouthful!) has so much more to offer than just fluffy white mushrooms. So we won’t keep you any longer—it’s high time you started loading up the car!

Notable campgrounds

Walter Stark Horse Campground – A haven for equestrian lovers with trails winding through lush hardwoods.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early to secure your spot at the popular Walter Stark Horse Campground.
Visit during weekdays for better availability and a quieter experience.
Check for cancellations regularly as plans change and spots may open up.
Explore nearby camping options for alternative accommodations when the campground is full.

When to go

The forest is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is from late spring to early fall when the weather is mild and the trails are most accessible. Winter brings a quiet beauty, though some areas may be less accessible due to snow.

Know before you go

Check the forest's website for the latest updates on road and campsite improvements.
Heavy machinery may be operating in certain areas; heed all safety signs.
Ensure you have a valid vehicle permit for park entry.
Be prepared for varying weather conditions and dress accordingly.
Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve the forest's natural beauty.

100%

6 ratings · 6 reviews

Recommends

· June 2025

Travel trailer ·

Kruger Campground and Management Unit

We loved our stay in Penny! It was extremely convenient to have the trailer dropped off and picked up at the location of our choosing. It was also stocked with evening we could need. We would absolutely stay again!

Sara M.

3 reviews

Recommends

· August 2019

Zumbro Bottoms Horse Campground - West

Trails are easy and challenging in some places. Grandson is 5 and has ridden all the trails on a horse by himself. Weather has not been good to the trails but all are passable. The Zumbro Bottoms Back Country Horseman just had a clean up day and trails are now cleared of down trees. Plenty of scenic riding there with cell phone coverage in some areas.

Bruce K.

6 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2017

Isinours Management Unit

The further walk-in site is nearly hidden behind a wall of bushed and trees, so this one is best to locate during daylight hours. It's worth the hike!

Casey W.

2 reviews

Recommends

· September 2017

Money Creek & Vinegar Ridge

If you are arriving by use of the Root River Trail, it is much easier to find the trail during daylight. The trail is an unmarked, minimally maintained horse trail. It took some keen navigation skills to find.

Casey W.

2 reviews

August 2017

Isinours Management Unit

Also! Pets are allowed in the state forest! They' just need to be on a 6 ft leash! :)

Meg L.

8 years on Hipcamp

August 2017

Isinours Management Unit

So this was my first time here! I was looking for free camping and solitude. I got both! The first site near the bottom of the trail has a nice view and is nestled among pines. You can see the site from the trail. There are maps at each intersection to help you. The second site is where I stayed. (Fist site I could hear some cows And farm equipment near by, not terrible just not as peaceful) I actually walked right by the second site and had to turn around. The sites are not marked. Just look closely through the trees and you should see a cabin structure. It's awesome! I put my tent in the cabin (which basically has 3 walls) as there was rain one day. Water is only avail near parking lot so fill up well!!! Happy camping!

Meg L.

8 years on Hipcamp