The best camping near Frontenac State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Frontenac State Park adventure.

100% (9 reviews)

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

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near 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

Top-rated campgrounds near Frontenac State Park

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(281)

The Edge

7 sites · Lodging, 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!

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(31)

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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(381)

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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(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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(58)

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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(49)

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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(78)

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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(24)

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.

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(4)

Cozy Lofted Barn Retreat

1 site · Lodging5 acres · Eau Claire, WI

Welcome to Winter Willow Barn & Breakfast! Nestled in the heart of our family hobby farm, Winter Willow offers a cozy retreat with a home cooked breakfast and nature experiences available a la carte. Wake to farm-fresh eggs, local breads, homemade jam and hot herbal tea. The property features wooded walking trails, swings, and a secluded fire pit for your enjoyment. Enjoy your stay in our private and spacious (30X40) two-level historic barn and loft. Accessible by a modern staircase, your loft retreat features a queen bed with premium bedding, a trundle with two twin beds, inviting sofa, a pellet stove and cozy blankets, recycled floors, an antique wash stand and basin complete with soap, refrigerator, coffee corner with coffee maker (filters) and coffees/teas, and a children's corner featuring books and toys. Full electric as well. Downstairs features a small kitchen area with sink and propane stove/griddle and an indoor bathroom with a portable/flushing toilet. Plates, bowls and cutlery are provided along with cooking utensils and a handful of pots, pans, and bowls. Salt, sugar, and cooking oil also provided. We provide filtered water and cream in the refrigerator upon your arrival, and for families with young children we have a gate to block the staircase and outlet caps for added security. We have twelve chickens who are a part of our family, and you are welcome to feed the chickens clover or fresh flowers, and help us plant flowers or pick apples depending on the season! We also have two farm dogs and two farm cats who might want to say hello.

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(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.

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(7)

Two Bees & A Bud, Flower Farm Camp

1 site · Tent40 acres · New Richmond, WI

Welcome to Campsite in Wonderland Woods at Two Bees & A Bud, Flower Farm! Discover the perfect getaway at our private campsite - Wonderland Woods. Nestled in the trees on the bank of a secluded waterfowl preserve, Wonderland Woods Campsite is a nature lovers paradise! Explore our 40 acre property, including 8,000 sqft of You-Pick flowers, kayak the 466 acre spring-fed pond, walk the paths through the woods, visit the bees and chickens or relax in the hammock as you close your eyes and listen for all the nature sounds. Our Flower Farm has unique experiences you may enjoy during your stay including You-Pick Flowers, workshops and events (additional fees to be paid through Two Bees & A Bud website). We also sell our honey, maple syrup and eggs. Check out our website for all the details and ticket purchases. www.twobeesandabud.com There is a short walk from the parking area to the camping area. This walk takes roughly 8 minutes and we will provide a wagon for you to transport your things. Just a 20 minute drive from Hudson, WI or Stillwater, MN, our campsite is the perfect getaway to escape the hustle of the city.

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.