Nerstrand Big Woods State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Nerstrand Big Woods State Park showcases a living time capsule about 40 miles south of Minneapolis. Unlike most of the state's old-grown forests, the land here has never been clear-cut, and it's been largely preserved in the same state as colonists would've found it hundreds of years ago. This outdoor recreation area shelters endangered species, offers rare views, and has a hidden waterfall. It has been a favored spot for camping, hiking, and nature watching since 1945.
Spring 67-25 F
Summer 81-60 F
Fall 73-29 F
Winter 28-7 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Nerstrand Big Woods State Park
Nerstrand Campground offers 51 RV-friendly back-in sites with a max length of 60 feet. Twenty-seven camping spots have electric hookups, and many have trees for privacy. In addition, they have fire rings and picnic tables. Other amenities include showers, a restroom, and a dump station, which are open from May 6th through mid-October.
What to Do at
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park
A haven for tree lovers, Nerstrand Big Woods State Park gets guests back into nature with miles of hiking trails and hidden delights. Paths lead to bridges, a waterfall, and scenic overlooks. Interpretive programs, including guided nature walks, add insight and engagement during the warmer months. When things get chilly, the park is open for winter sports, and you can rent snowshoes at the park office.
Geocaching
You can use a GPS device or smartphone to find a geocache in the park. They are often close to the hiking trails, and when you find one, you can sign the logbook and take a souvenir. However, don't forget to bring an item to leave in the container for the next geocaching enthusiast.
Nature Watching
The park encourages nature watching of all kinds, including birding. There are binoculars and regional birding lists available at the office. Popular birds to watch for include scarlet tanagers, red-headed woodpeckers, and indigo buntings. Several bridges offer places to watch wildlife move around the creek, and a designated Listening Bench on Hidden Falls Trails gives visitors a place to sit and soak in the sounds of nature. Additionally, it's a photographer's wonderland with many old trees, rare species, and scenic views.
Stargazing
The view of the night sky is so good in the park that they hold official stargazing events. Although the sky is beautiful year-round, most stargazing programs are held in the summer. However, the faintest stars and planets are most apparent in winter when there's less water vapor in the air.
Flora and Fauna
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park is aptly named. The park features some of the last of Minnesota's pre-colonized forests. Guests can find old maple, beech, ironwood, bitternut, basswood, and elm trees shading miles of winding paths. Wildflowers bloom along the trails in spring, including Dutchman's breeches, bloodroot, and hepatica. The forest has lots of mushrooms and lichen species, too. Animals include deer, foxes, raccoons, and bats. While exploring near Prairie Creek, you may spot frogs, small fish, and crawdads.
Hiking
Nerstrand Big Woods has 11 miles of trails through floodplains, hills, and forests. The Hidden Falls Trail is one of the most popular, leading to a short limestone waterfall along a 1-mile loop. Interpretive signs educate guests about their surroundings, and the waterfall is a popular place for nature watching. The Nerstrand Beaver Loop is another easy trail roughly 2.5 miles long that crosses the creek.
How to Get to
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park
From Minneapolis, take Interstate 35 South for about 39 miles. Take Exit 66 for Millersburg Blvd. and turn left. Continue onto West Ave., turn left on Railway St. South, and then right on Hester St. Turn left on County Rd. Continue until you reach the traffic circle, and take the second exit for 110th St. After roughly a mile, take a right on MN-246 E. After about five miles, turn right to stay on MN-246 E. After another four miles, turn onto 170th St. East. The park entrance will be on your right after 200 ft.
Entering Nerstrand Big Woods State Park
Follow the road from the main entrance off 170th St. as it curves to the left to find the main parking lot. The visitor's center is on the right, just before the main parking area. The park is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Entry Fee (daily) : $7.0
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Entry Fee (annual) : $35.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Nerstrand Big Woods State Park
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park's campground offers limited service in the winter, and temperatures often reach single digits, but the park does offer snowshoe and snowmobile paths that still draw guests. Most guests, however, enjoy late spring, summer, or early autumn. Spring is an especially great time to visit if you love wildflowers, and summer visits showcase the woods' thick green foliage at its finest. Fall offers stunning autumn colors.
The woods are full of animals like deer, foxes, and raccoons. Birders can look forward to seeing lots of songbirds and raptors.
The park's campground offers more than 51 drive-in sites suited for RVs up to 60 feet long. Each site has a fire ring, nearby restrooms, and a picnic table.
If you are planning to arrive during milder weather, reserving a spot six months or more in advance is a good idea. Sites with electricity cost $34 per night, and sites without electricity cost $24.
Your pets are welcome at this state park, and they are allowed on the hiking trails and in the campground. However, they must be on a leash when outside your vehicle or tent, and you are responsible for cleaning up after your four-legged companions.