Best Camping in and near Frontenac State Park

100% (9 reviews)

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

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Frontenac State Park

100%

(9)

Frontenac Campground

86 sites · RVs, Tents In Frontenac State Park

from

$15

/ night

Top-rated campgrounds near Frontenac State Park

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(184)

The Double J

5 sites · RVs, Tents71 acres · 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!

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(270)

The Edge

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents160 acres · 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.

100%

(343)

Belle Creek Bluff

3 sites · Lodging, Tents28 acres · 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.

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Whippletree Farm & Nature Trail

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · 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!

88%

(33)

Willow River Farm

2 sites · RVs, Tents17 acres · North Hudson, WI

17 acres very close to Willow River State Park, with private trails for hiking and dog walking, consisting of mature pine forest and beautiful pasture. Goats and chickens. You can do Goat Yoga! Four-wheeler and dirtbike available for rent, firewood available for purchase. Full RV hook-ups (power, pump-out, and water) at RV site. Located only ten minutes from beautiful Stillwater and Hudson, and only a mile or so from the St. Croix River. 35 minute drive from downtown Minneapolis.

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(41)

field view campsite

3 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Northfield, MN

Learn more about this land:You"ll camp right next to the Horse 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.

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(68)

Twin Folk Farms

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents120 acres · Hager City, WI

Previously a 100 acre century farm, this fertile land was tended to by generations of old time farmers. Their dairy cows pastured in areas which we now graze sheep. The restored quarry provided gravel for the nearby highway restoration and local projects.The property is currently a mix of hay ground, cropland, pasture, forest, and quarry. Twin sisters, Darla and Kayla, and their families live across the road from each other and own the surrounding 140 acres. They keep busy planting/tending trees, making hay, moving fence for grazing animals, operating a farm business called Twin Folk Farms (pastured meat, camps, etc), and raising their families.Learn more about this land:- This site is at the edge of a restored quarry, sheep pasture, and wooded hillside.- The site is tucked down a flat mowed path, so it feels very private and protected. - You can hike up a path to the sheep pasture. Sometimes sheep are there, sometimes elsewhere on the farm. You can hike the other direction and check out the restored quarry. We have paths all around the property, so feel free to respectfully explore.- You can't see the highway from this site, but you can hear it. It's super handy to be able to hop out of your campsite haven and onto the hwy, but be aware that you will hear vehicles.- There's a Mississippi river boat launch a few miles down the road, so feel free to park your boat at the bottom of the quarry driveway.- The Hay Creek riding trails are 25 minutes away, so contact us if you want to set up a place in the quarry to park your horses and trailer for the night. - We are certified to sell meat straight off of the farm (Twin Folk Farms), so contact us if you want to purchase your meat and have it delivered to your campsite. You can also set up a time to come up to the farm and purchase meat. - The beautiful, historic town of Red Wing is 10 minutes from our farm. You'll find a mix of modern amenities and historic shops to suit your fancy.

86%

(21)

Lionheart

3 sites · RVs, Tents36 acres · Millville, MN

Our land is a unique find with a little bit of everything. With river access, you can enjoy swimming/water activities and wind down with the wildlife sounds and campfire crackle. We have a few standup paddle boards, and river tubes available to rent and farm fresh eggs to purchase and enjoy with your morning campfire breakfast. The best on the Zumbro! Come experience life outdoors on the river :). *Please Note: there is an active shooting range to the north of the sites which you may hear 9:00am - 6:30pm. The shots are loud and echo in the valley. **While our property and our campsites are private, the river is not. Please expect tubers, kayakers and water lovers of all ages to be on the river at anytime.

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Sassy Fox Acres

3 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Beldenville, WI

Nestled amongst the rolling hills of the Northern most part of the Driftless region, you can find yourself enjoying wildlife and a sky full of stars. Whether camping by tent or car, lying in a hammock or in the comforts of your camper, Sassy Fox Acres is a relaxing stay. You will see the native plants blowing in the breeze, bees buzzing, and birds chirping. Minutes from a fishing stream, lake access for kayaking, or a short distance away to some great bikes trails. Just 10 minutes from freeway access makes it a convenient stop for a quick overnight stay or weekend trip to explore the area. There is plenty to do in the area- So many yummy wineries, breweries, and restaurants. Fire wood, eggs, produce, and more is available for purchase on site. Along with renting a hammock during your stay. I give campers as much privacy as possible. I check in with you through Hipcamp when you book and then again after you arrive to ensure your needs are being met. If you would like to meet in person and share some of your favorite places to stay across the country, I would welcome that. I love to camp too! If you want the place to yourself, have a unique request, or have questions- please reach out! I like to say yes if I can. I have 3 rustic sites located on my 6 acre property. Each site is private, but you may see in the distance or hear others. Each site has its own firepit and picnic table, along with posts for hanging a hammock.

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(20)

Marsh Mellow Meadow

1 site · RV, Tent75 acres · Baldwin, WI

This ecologically diverse property in the "Prairie Pothole" region of Wisconsin offers hiking trails around 10+ acres of meadow and wooded habitat with lots of wildlife to enjoy (sandhill cranes, deer, pheasants, turkeys, songbirds and more). Enjoy a beautiful 360-degree view of rolling hills and vibrant sunrises and sunsets right from the fire ring. You'll see hundreds of planted trees around the property -- one sign of our efforts to increase wildlife habitat and the diversity of tree species present. The 300 ft gravel driveway makes access easy for cars, trucks, campers, bikes and RVs. Located just off of Interstate 94 between the Twin Cities and Eau Claire, WI, this camping site will surely please all campers who want a sense of wilderness with convenient city access. Pine Lake Rec Area is only 2.5 miles away (bring your boat or canoe/kayaks). There are three golf courses located within 11 miles of the campsite -- two 9-hole courses and one 18-hole course. The location is perfect for travelers looking for a cheap and simple place to stay just off Interstate 94 and Hwy 63. Campfire wood is provided. 🪵🔥

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(128)

Harbor Bar

12 sites · RVs, TentsHager City, WI

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.

Booked 2 times

Lake Tommy Homestead

1 site · RV, Tent37 acres · Clear Lake, WI

Tranquil sanctuary on 37 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 small meadow, gorgeous sunsets and night skies, and whatever else you make of it. Less than an hour from the Twin Cities, and 10 minutes from thriving Amery, a community with plenty to offer and charm for days.

The best camping near Frontenac State Park 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.