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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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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(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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(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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(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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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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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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(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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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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(17)

Walker's Ranch

1 site · Tent9 acres · Lakeville, MN

Learn more about this land: Come stay and make memories on the Walker ranch, you can't beat the scenery and location. Explore the Walker trail that leads to the creek and lounge in the woods in the hammock. Possibilities are endless!

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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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(8)

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.

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.

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.