The best camping near Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest

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% (5 reviews)

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

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Community favorites near Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest

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

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(281)

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.

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(160)

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!

93%

(43)

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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(30)

Aefintyr

17 sites · Lodging14 acres · Altura, MN

Aefintyr is a campground located on Whiskey Hill in the Whitewater River Valley near the town of Elba, MN. 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. Camps are spacious, secluded and designed to immerse guests in the surrounding woodland.

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(57)

Honeyberry Minnesota working farm

2 sites · RVs25 acres · 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. Walk up to our two-acre Haskap orchard.

98%

(72)

Golden Maple Camp, Trails & Biking

1 site · Lodging60 acres · Beldenville, WI

Our beautiful property has been farmed by our family for many years. We have enjoyed preserving the woods with our mountain biking trails turned snow shoe trails in the winter. The woods are full of golden maple trees which is where we got the name for our personal campground. Come visit to see for yourself! Learn more about En Gedi, your tent site: You'll be staying in a private safari tent overlooking a 100 year old maple tree above a secluded hollow in our woods. With access to over 2 miles of marked out mountain bike trails and hiking trails here on the property. Outhouse, picnic table, fire pit with 4 chairs and 4 cots are provided (2 extra large, 2 large), sheets are provided for the 2 extra large cots. Drinking water is provided (2 gallon jug). Firewood is available for purchase at the campsite ($5/ten pieces of wood). You can also use whatever has fallen in the woods. Located at the end of a well worn field road access you'll need to hike in if you have a low clearance vehicle. Its about .25 mile long hike with a 100' ascent. Access in 4x4 can be limited in wet and muddy weather. We also have access to a class A trout stream about 1 mile away to enjoy swimming, fishing and lounging. We are a short 10 minute drive to many great local activities like Whitetail mountain bike trail in River Falls or Kinnickinnick river kayaking. Fantastic local Forestville Winery is less then 2 miles away with great wine and food options. Add on an experience to your stay like mountain bike classes or feeding our baby cows! Get the full country experience while you're camping!

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(22)

Kickback’s Angler Shack

1 site · Lodging5 acres · Elk Mound, WI

This cabin is nestled on the banks of Elk Creek. The creek wraps around the entire property and is a Class 1 trout stream. The camp site is completely secluded and private. There is a tri-pod for cooking. The cabin comes equipped with 3 cots and a full futon. It sleeps up to 4 people. No linens or pillows are provided, so be sure to pack your sleeping bag. No running water or electricity as it is off grid. Site utilizes a composting toilet for sanitation purposes.

89%

(47)

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.

73%

(28)

Camp Crimson Turtle

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents8 acres · Hastings, MN

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.

97%

(48)

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.

98%

(21)

RadRo Farms at Hippie House

2 sites · RVsLakeville, MN

10 acre parcel with a 70’s split level house built by a former state representative. The land used to be a farm but is now mostly tall grasses and goldenrod. We have a large vegetable and berry garden and a large native flower garden. We have a chicken house and blankets of fireflies in the summer and beautiful sunsets that face the campsite. Sometimes it’s really quiet and sometimes you can hear the highway noise.

89%

(49)

Champion Valley

4 sites · RVs, Tents150 acres · Lakeville, MN

Champion Valley is a 150-acre outdoor adventure park in Lakeville, MN featuring ax-throwing, airsoft, paintball, escape rooms & archery tag. We are located 5 minutes off of Interstate 35W. It is situated on 150 acres of beautiful hills and waterways covered with thousands of trees.

The best camping near Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest 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.