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)
100% (5 reviews)
Discover the natural splendor of Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest.
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Top-rated campgrounds near Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest
99%
(745)
Prairie Creek Forest Campground
7 sites · Tents60 acres · Nerstrand, MN
Pitch your tent at one of our Walk-in campsites on 60 acres of forest or hilltop prairie along Prairie Creek in Rice County, MN. Explore the creeks, trails, forest, our enormous granite "split rock", a 60 acre county park featuring a waterfall and more trails, including a single track mountain bike course. 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.
Vehicles: Our main parking area by sites 1, 2, & 3 is easily accessible.
The road to the secondary parking area beside site 4 is up a steep hill.
Kids under 16 camping with their parents do not count in pricing.
Sites are priced for one tent, please let us know if you need to have more than one tent.
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.
Site 1 is near the creek. Approximately 200 feet from main parking area. Steel fire ring and grill grate, picnic table.
Site 2 is in the pines. Approximately 200 feet from main parking area. Steel fire ring and grill grate, picnic table, this site has good hammock trees.
Site 3 is by the creek. Approximately 300 feet from main parking area. Steel fire ring, steel grill ring, picnic table, this site has good hammock trees.
Site 4 is on the hilltop. Site 4 has parking for 2 vehicles at the site. Steel fire ring with grill grate, stone fire ring, picnic table, this site has good hammock trees. There is NOT room to park a trailer.
This campground is managed by Stephen and Molly on land owned by them and their father Ted.
In 1961, Ted's parents bought this farm. Over the years, the arable land has been sold but we retained the wooded area which is crossed twice by a stream. About 20 years ago, a 60 acre county park was created to the south and west. The property is bordered on two sides by this county park.
When Ted was in high school, the family sold the dairy cows and started a bare bones horseback riding ranch using trails in these woods as riding trails. We are very excited to host campers as a way to preserve and share this beautiful property.
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$22.50
/ night
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(27)
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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$41.65
/ night
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(214)
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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$30
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96%
(276)
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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$15
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98%
(66)
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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$72.25
/ night
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(54)
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.
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$35
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99%
(372)
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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$36
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100%
(43)
Red Cedar Glamping
2 sites · Lodging15 acres · Menomonie, WI
Just over an hour from the Twin Cities and 30 minutes from Eau Claire, Red Cedar Glamping is western Wisconsin’s premier glamping experience. Nestled privately in the forest behind a historic farmhouse, you simply won’t find more scenic views than our bluffs, sitting 50 feet above the Red Cedar River
As you arrive, you’ll leave the blacktop behind in favor of a private mowed-grass road leading you behind a historic Amish-built barn and silo that are nearly 100 years old. Dedicated parking spaces for each site give you a reliable and safe place to leave your vehicle while you load up the provided off-road wagon to help haul your gear a short distance along marked trails to your tent site.
Wildlife and wildflowers abound as you approach, where you’re greeted by a private cedar porch with two chairs. Inside your tent you’ll find an ultra-comfortable queen bed with down comforter, night stands, luggage rack, and a small console table with necessary amenities. Our sites are entirely off-grid, including solar lights and stocked with several gallons of fresh drinking water. Outside, a private fire ring with cooking grate is included at each site.
Clean portable toilet facilities are located near the parking area, along with firewood for purchase. Once you’re settled, explore our marked trails leading to multiple fire pit sites situated on unbelievable lookouts high above the Red Cedar River. If you’re interested in splashing around the river, just ask and we’ll suggest the best route to access for your preferred activity.
Spend your days exploring all the nature that our unique location has to offer, or check out one of the many excellent bars, restaurants, breweries, and coffee shops just 1 mile south in Downsville or 7 miles north in Menomonie. Bring your bikes for the Red Cedar Bike Trail. The possibilities are endless at Red Cedar Glamping!
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$84.15
/ night
92%
(6)
Lake Tommy Homestead
2 sites · RVs, Tents37 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.
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$24
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(44)
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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$39
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(35)
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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$31.20
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(75)
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.
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$35
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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.
Top parks near Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest
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- Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest
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