Is Cart-In Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Cart-In Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Are there showers at Cart-In Campground?

Cart-In Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Cart-In Campground?

Fire policies at Cart-In Campground: Purchase firewood at the ranger station when open or pay using Yodel; gathering firewood is against park rules. Burn only approved/local firewood.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Cart-In Campground have?

Cart-In Campground has 6 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Cart-In Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Cart-In Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What activities can I do at Cart-In Campground?

Popular activities at Cart-In Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Cart-In Campground

5 reviews

29223 County 28 Boulevard, Frontenac, MN 55026

Top 25% in MNFall

Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietSummer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

WiFi

Book on Minnesota DNR - State Parks Official Website

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

WiFi

Book on Minnesota DNR - State Parks Official Website

Cart-In Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

All campsites are reservable. A non-refundable reservation fee is charged for each advance reservation ($10 for call center / $8 for web). Purchase a...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Minnesota State Parks

Provider

651-299-3000 (park). Reservations: 866-857-2757

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Cart-In Campground

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Campground Map

29223 County 28 Boulevard, Frontenac, MN 55026

No map location available

Weather at Cart-In Campground

Best Time to Camp at Cart-In Campground

Summer brings mid-70s to mid-80s F highs and mid-50s to mid-60s F nights, ideal for swimming, boating on Lake Pepin, and hiking the bluff trails with long daylight hours. The tradeoff: mosquitoes are rampant enough to make walks miserable without serious bug protection. Early spring and fall offer relief from the bugs and excellent birding during migration, though water activities are limited. Winter opens the trails for skiing.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 2% in MN

Outstanding spring bird migration (260+ species) and pleasant hiking conditions.

Planning Tips

About Cart-In Campground

Cart-In Campground sits on the Mississippi River bluffland overlooking Lake Pepin in Frontenac State Park. The six cart-in sites occupy terrain that mixes wooded areas, prairie, and floodplain forest. Reservations are required for all sites, and mosquitoes are a serious consideration during summer visits.

At the park level there are 58 drive-in campsites (19 with electric), six cart-in sites, two backpack sites, and a group camp. All campsites are reservable.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings mid-70s to mid-80s F highs and mid-50s to mid-60s F nights, ideal for swimming, boating on Lake Pepin, and hiking the bluff trails with long daylight hours. The tradeoff: mosquitoes are rampant enough to make walks miserable without serious bug protection. Early spring and fall offer relief from the bugs and excellent birding during migration, though water activities are limited. Winter opens the trails for skiing.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies Mississippi River bluffland that rises above Lake Pepin, where bluff prairie meets floodplain forest and upland hardwoods. Over 260 bird species have been recorded in the park, making it a significant spot for spring and fall migration. Trails wind through restored prairies and hardwood forest to overlooks above the river. The diverse habitat attracts large numbers of migrants and resident species, though the same conditions that support birdlife also produce heavy mosquito populations in summer.

Geological RegionMississippi River / Lake Pepin bluffland: bluffland, prairie, floodplain forest and upland hardwood forest

Scenic ViewsSpectacular river and Lake Pepin views from bluff overlooks (e.g., Eagle Point and the main river overlook) and wooded river valley panoramas.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsMinnesota State Parks reservation system: online reservations via state parks website and by phone at 866-857-2757

Cancellation PolicyA non-refundable reservation fee is charged for advance reservations; see Reservations policy and FAQ for full cancellation and refund terms.

Total Campsites6 campsites

Best CampsitesThe six cart-in sites sit very close together with minimal privacy between them. Reviews don't specify which cart-in sites work best, though the campground's separate electric sites are described as wooded and semi-private.

Need help booking Cart-In Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Minnesota State Parks Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Reservations are required for all campsites. Wi‑Fi is available at the ranger station (no password required). Firewood can be purchased at the ranger station or paid for using Yodel. Vehicle permits may be purchased for park entry.

WiFi

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Frontenac State Park is known for excellent bird watching and offers a variety of outdoor recreation including hiking and skiing on trails that overlook Lake Pepin; fishing, swimming and boat tours are available nearby.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsGathering firewood is prohibited to prevent spread of tree‑killing insects; use approved or local firewood only. Check park alerts and notices for any current hazards or closures before visiting.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground. Expect vault or pit toilets only.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

0.0

5 reviews

Limited Reviews

Cart-In Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

Park page lists a TripAdvisor Traveler Rating with 82 reviews (rating value not provided on page).

Review Summaries

Based on 5 reviews

What Campers Love

Outstanding bird watching (over 260 species recorded), scenic bluff and river overlooks, and a variety of trails for hiking and skiing; park offers reservable campsites.

Based on 5 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Birders and hikers who can cart their gear in and don't need hookups or flush toilets will find spring and fall migration here genuinely rewarding, with over 260 recorded species and bluff overlooks above the river.

Skip if

Sites are close together with little privacy, pads get muddy after rain, and there are no showers, vault toilets, or potable water on-site, so campers who need basic comfort infrastructure should book elsewhere.

Campgrounds

Frontenac State Park

Cart-In Campground

About Enders Reservoir

Context for the broader area surrounding Cart-In Campground, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

<A HREF="http://www.usbr.gov/projects/Facility.jsp?fac_Name=Enders+Dam">Enders Dam</a> and reservoir, <A HREF="http://www.usbr.gov/projects/Project.jsp?proj_Name=Frenchman-Cambridge Division Project">Frenchman Cambridge Division, PSMBP</a>, is managed for the Bureau of Reclamation by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. The reservoir is open 24 hours. Good access roads. Fishing season is year-round. Available species include walleye, crappie, white bass, channel catfish, and wipers. Irrigation supply reservoir experiencing minor fluctuations. The reservoir has 1,707 water surface acres, 3,933 land acres and 26 miles of shoreline. A portion of the area is dedicated as a wildlife refuge in the fall and winter. Large flocks of mallards and geese winter on the open waters of the refuge.Public hunting on about 1,500 acres is allowed in some areas for deer, waterfowl, and upland game. <A HREF="http://www.usbr.gov/gp-bin/arcweb_edne.pl">Current Reservoir Levels</a>

Directions

Site is located 2 miles east of Enders, Nebraska near U.S. 6.