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

Cart-In Campsites 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 Campsites?

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

Can I have a campfire at Cart-In Campsites?

Fire policies at Cart-In Campsites: Light fires only within fire rings or charcoal grills; use approved or local firewood; do not leave fires unattended and fully extinguish before leaving.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Are dogs allowed at Cart-In Campsites?

Pets are not allowed at Cart-In Campsites. 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 Campsites?

Popular activities at Cart-In Campsites include Hiking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Cart-In Campsites

4 reviews

Cart-In Campsites

Top 13% in MNSpring

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds Minnesota

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Book on Minnesota State Parks (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources)Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Book on Minnesota State Parks (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources)Official Website

Get Directions

Cart-In Campsites

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Reservations are required for all campsites. A non-refundable reservation fee is charged for each advance reservation ($10 by phone, $8 online)....

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Minnesota State Parks

Provider

888-646-6367, 651-296-6157

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Cart-In Campsites

44.3424, -93.1127

Weather at Cart-In Campsites

Best Time to Camp at Cart-In Campsites

Plan your visit between late May and August for classic summer camping weather, though the park's shoulder seasons offer their own rewards—spring brings wildflower blooms and rushing waterfalls, while fall transforms the Big Woods canopy into a spectacular display of gold and crimson. Opening and closing dates shift slightly each year, so check ParkFinder before planning your trip. Cooler months mean fewer crowds and a more intimate experience with the forest.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Top 13% in MN

Spring brings wildflower blooms and rushing waterfalls—highlighted in overview.

Planning Tips

About Cart-In Campsites

Escape into the quiet beauty of Minnesota's Big Woods with a cart-in camping adventure at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park. These secluded tent sites put you steps away from towering hardwoods, scenic trails, and the park's famous Hidden Falls, all while offering the convenience of evening naturalist programs. Advanced reservations are required to secure your woodland retreat.

Named on record as Cart‑In Campsites. The provided sources do not explicitly state which campsite types (tent, RV, primitive, group, cabin/other lodging) are available for these sites.

Weather and SeasonsPlan your visit between late May and August for classic summer camping weather, though the park's shoulder seasons offer their own rewards—spring brings wildflower blooms and rushing waterfalls, while fall transforms the Big Woods canopy into a spectacular display of gold and crimson. Opening and closing dates shift slightly each year, so check ParkFinder before planning your trip. Cooler months mean fewer crowds and a more intimate experience with the forest.

Natural Features and SceneryYour campsite sits nestled within one of southern Minnesota's last remaining stands of Big Woods—a cathedral-like forest where sugar maples, basswood, and oak trees tower overhead, their canopy filtering sunlight into a peaceful, dappled glow. Prairie Creek meanders through the landscape, and a short hike brings you to Hidden Falls, a stunning cascade that's especially dramatic after spring rains. This rare pocket of mature forest feels worlds away from the surrounding farmland, offering shade, birdsong, and a sense of discovery that's increasingly hard to find in southern Minnesota.

Geological RegionBig Woods (southern Minnesota hardwood forest region)

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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 PlatformsState Parks reservation system (online reservations up to 120 days in advance) and call center (866-857-2757).

Cancellation PolicyA non-refundable reservation fee is charged for advance reservations; see the reservation site for full cancellation/refund rules.

Best CampsitesCart‑in sites with direct access to the park's well‑maintained trails are frequently noted as highlights.

Need help booking Cart-In Campsites?

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. Contact/ reservation phone numbers listed by the DNR: 888-646-6367 and 651-296-6157. The DNR site also references purchasing a vehicle permit and general camping rules; specific site-level amenities for these cart-in sites are not stated in the provided sources.

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Cart-in campsites provide direct access to the park's well‑maintained trails through the Nerstrand Big Woods; the DNR camping page also highlights evening naturalist activities and moonlit walks as park programming.

Hiking

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsFollow fire restrictions and only use approved or local firewood to prevent spread of forest pests. Light fires only within fire rings or charcoal grills, never leave fires unattended and extinguish completely before leaving. Park and trail conditions can vary seasonally.

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

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

0.0

4 reviews

Limited Reviews

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

Limited public reviews available. Overall sentiment is positive, with reviewers praising trail access and maintenance; one reviewer noted the nightly price as high (~$24).

Review Summaries

Based on 4 reviews

What Campers Love

Well‑maintained trails directly accessible from cart‑in sites; generally positive reviewer impressions.

Based on 4 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reservations are required — make reservations through the DNR reservation system or by calling the provided numbers. Check current fees and availability before arrival.

Based on 4 reviews

Camper Quotes

Great I was going to take away 2 stars because I think that $24/a night for one of these spots is simply too much but I added a star back because the trails accessible from these spots are so well...

Based on 4 reviews

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Cart-In Campsites

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Reservations are required for all campsites. A non-refundable reservation fee is charged for each advance reservation ($10 by phone, $8 online)....

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Minnesota State Parks

Provider

888-646-6367, 651-296-6157

Go if

Tent campers who want old-growth hardwood forest without a car camper crowd. Trails to Hidden Falls and Prairie Creek start right from the sites, and summer and fall both score well. The cart-in format keeps things genuinely quiet.

Skip if

No showers, no flush toilets, no water, no fire rings, no hookups of any kind. At roughly $24 a night plus a non-refundable reservation fee, that's a real ask for a bare site. Pets aren't allowed either.

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