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Richard J. Dorer State Forest- Kruger Campground
Public Campground

Richard J. Dorer State Forest- Kruger Campground

Nelson, Minnesota
4.2 (63 reviews)

Photos shown are stock images and may not represent the actual campground.

About Richard J. Dorer State Forest- Kruger Campground

Campground in Minnesota.

Nestled in the heart of southeastern Minnesota's beautiful landscape, Kruger Campground offers RV travelers an authentic escape into nature's tranquility. This public campground, situated within the Richard J. Dorer State Forest, provides an ideal base for exploring one of Minnesota's most scenic regions. With nineteen carefully positioned sites, the campground maintains an intimate atmosphere that appeals to those seeking a genuine outdoor experience away from the hustle and bustle of larger commercial parks.

The Richard J. Dorer State Forest encompasses thousands of acres of pristine woodland, featuring rolling hills, meandering streams, and diverse wildlife habitats. The forest was named after a pioneering Minnesota forester and represents a commitment to sustainable forestry and conservation. Visitors to Kruger Campground find themselves surrounded by towering trees and natural beauty that changes dramatically with each season, from vibrant spring wildflowers to brilliant autumn foliage.

This southeastern Minnesota location places you perfectly for exploring one of the state's most distinctive regions. The area is renowned for its outdoor recreation opportunities, including excellent hiking trails, fishing in pristine streams and rivers, and wildlife viewing. Birdwatchers particularly appreciate the diverse species found throughout the forest. The landscape here reflects the state's famous geological features, with bluffs, valleys, and waterways that have shaped Minnesota's character for millennia.

Families enjoy the campground's peaceful setting and the abundance of nature-based activities within easy reach. Whether you're interested in photography, nature walks, or simply enjoying quiet evenings surrounded by forest sounds, this location delivers. The smaller size of the campground means you'll experience a more personal camping atmosphere where peaceful contemplation is encouraged over crowded activities.

The surrounding region offers charming small towns, local restaurants, and shops that provide supplies and authentic Minnesota hospitality. This makes Kruger Campground an excellent choice for RV travelers seeking a balance between genuine wilderness camping and convenient access to services and regional attractions.
19

Total Sites

4.2

Rating

63

Reviews

Park Details

Total Sites 19

Tips & Tricks

Book Early

Nelson is popular during peak season. Reserve 2-4 weeks in advance for weekends and holidays.

Check-in Time

Most parks have check-in after 1:00 PM and check-out by 11:00 AM. Call ahead if you'll arrive late.

Local Weather

Minnesota weather can change quickly. Pack layers and check the forecast for Nelson.

Explore the Area

Don't miss local attractions near Nelson. Ask the camp host for hidden gems and trails.

Richard J. Dorer State Forest- Kruger Campground Reviews

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Katie Rooks

Mar 18, 2026

3.0

Google Review by Katie Rooks

I was expecting to find a gravel, or paved, well developed trail after parking at the campground. However, the pavement soon ends and the trail becomes an unmaintained logging road bed. I was wearing 3/4 pants and did not feel like getting covered in poison ivy so I turned around less than a mile in. Trail is not well defined and old sign boards are missing or broken. Campground had several visito... I was expecting to find a gravel, or paved, well developed trail after parking at the campground. However, the pavement soon ends and the trail becomes an unmaintained logging road bed. I was wearing 3/4 pants and did not feel like getting covered in poison ivy so I turned around less than a mile in. Trail is not well defined and old sign boards are missing or broken. Campground had several visitors and seemed nice and secluded. Mosquitos were pretty bad each time I stopped.

G
Katie Rooks

Mar 18, 2026

3.0

Google Review by Katie Rooks

I was expecting to find a gravel, or paved, well developed trail after parking at the campground. However, the pavement soon ends and the trail becomes an unmaintained logging road bed. I was wearing 3/4 pants and did not feel like getting covered in poison ivy so I turned around less than a mile in. Trail is not well defined and old sign boards are missing or broken. Campground had several visito... I was expecting to find a gravel, or paved, well developed trail after parking at the campground. However, the pavement soon ends and the trail becomes an unmaintained logging road bed. I was wearing 3/4 pants and did not feel like getting covered in poison ivy so I turned around less than a mile in. Trail is not well defined and old sign boards are missing or broken. Campground had several visitors and seemed nice and secluded. Mosquitos were pretty bad each time I stopped.

G
chris kemper

Mar 18, 2026

3.0

Google Review by chris kemper

Took a quick drive through to see if it would be someplace we would want to camp in the future. We didn't hike any of the trails. No time. It looked very rustic with pit toilets. Some of the trails looked overgrowen or not groomed too well. Look like they had some black top ones also. May change my rating if we come back and camp. Did not see any maps of the area. The drive areas are also very n... Took a quick drive through to see if it would be someplace we would want to camp in the future. We didn't hike any of the trails. No time. It looked very rustic with pit toilets. Some of the trails looked overgrowen or not groomed too well. Look like they had some black top ones also. May change my rating if we come back and camp. Did not see any maps of the area. The drive areas are also very narrow. Probly not a good area for a motor home.

G
chris kemper

Mar 18, 2026

3.0

Google Review by chris kemper

Took a quick drive through to see if it would be someplace we would want to camp in the future. We didn't hike any of the trails. No time. It looked very rustic with pit toilets. Some of the trails looked overgrowen or not groomed too well. Look like they had some black top ones also. May change my rating if we come back and camp. Did not see any maps of the area. The drive areas are also very n... Took a quick drive through to see if it would be someplace we would want to camp in the future. We didn't hike any of the trails. No time. It looked very rustic with pit toilets. Some of the trails looked overgrowen or not groomed too well. Look like they had some black top ones also. May change my rating if we come back and camp. Did not see any maps of the area. The drive areas are also very narrow. Probly not a good area for a motor home.

G
Wyatt Crane

Mar 18, 2026

4.0

Google Review by Wyatt Crane

Found this campground after finding Frontenac State Park (always full). I rolled in at dusk and set up in no time. The campgrounds are relatively free from outside noise. Apparently the bugs are pretty bad in wet years but in early September, they were not bad at all. Make sure you check both loops for open sites. Pick one away from the main outhouses, though. Bring cash or check. $14 at the time... Found this campground after finding Frontenac State Park (always full). I rolled in at dusk and set up in no time. The campgrounds are relatively free from outside noise. Apparently the bugs are pretty bad in wet years but in early September, they were not bad at all. Make sure you check both loops for open sites. Pick one away from the main outhouses, though. Bring cash or check. $14 at the time of my stay. Each site has a fire ring and table. No other amenities.

G
Wyatt Crane

Mar 18, 2026

4.0

Google Review by Wyatt Crane

Found this campground after finding Frontenac State Park (always full). I rolled in at dusk and set up in no time. The campgrounds are relatively free from outside noise. Apparently the bugs are pretty bad in wet years but in early September, they were not bad at all. Make sure you check both loops for open sites. Pick one away from the main outhouses, though. Bring cash or check. $14 at the time... Found this campground after finding Frontenac State Park (always full). I rolled in at dusk and set up in no time. The campgrounds are relatively free from outside noise. Apparently the bugs are pretty bad in wet years but in early September, they were not bad at all. Make sure you check both loops for open sites. Pick one away from the main outhouses, though. Bring cash or check. $14 at the time of my stay. Each site has a fire ring and table. No other amenities.

G
Wyatt Crane

Mar 18, 2026

4.0

Google Review by Wyatt Crane

Found this campground after finding Frontenac State Park (always full). I rolled in at dusk and set up in no time. The campgrounds are relatively free from outside noise. Apparently the bugs are pretty bad in wet years but in early September, they were not bad at all. Make sure you check both loops for open sites. Pick one away from the main outhouses, though. Bring cash or check. $14 at the time... Found this campground after finding Frontenac State Park (always full). I rolled in at dusk and set up in no time. The campgrounds are relatively free from outside noise. Apparently the bugs are pretty bad in wet years but in early September, they were not bad at all. Make sure you check both loops for open sites. Pick one away from the main outhouses, though. Bring cash or check. $14 at the time of my stay. Each site has a fire ring and table. No other amenities.

G
Makayla Gusa

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Makayla Gusa

Great hiking and great views of Zumbro valley

G
Makayla Gusa

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Makayla Gusa

Great hiking and great views of Zumbro valley

G
Grif.R

Mar 18, 2026

3.0

Google Review by Grif.R

Kruger campground is decently maintained and the trails are pretty rugged. It is also pretty buggy

G
Grif.R

Mar 18, 2026

3.0

Google Review by Grif.R

Kruger campground is decently maintained and the trails are pretty rugged. It is also pretty buggy

G
Grif.R

Mar 18, 2026

3.0

Google Review by Grif.R

Kruger campground is decently maintained and the trails are pretty rugged. It is also pretty buggy

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