The best camping near Frontenac State Park

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.

• 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

• 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.

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.

• 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.