Frontenac State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Frontenac State Park is the state park that almost wasn't. The State of Minnesota scoped out the area in 1935 but decided that it wasn't a great spot for a state park. Minnesota citizens formed an association in 1954 with the aim of establishing a park there. Unfortunately, the state legislature denied funding, so it took two more years to get the project under way. Finally, a private concern expressed interest in developing the land, and the association raised enough money to buy it. Seeing the commitment of the local people, the legislature approved the creation of Frontenac State Park with a campground and hiking trails.
Spring 38–70 F
Summer 79–85 F
Fall 45–73 F
Winter 8–30 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Frontenac State Park
The Frontenac State Park Campground has 58 RV campsites, 19 of which have electric hookups. The campsites are spacious and can fit all RVs up to 53 feet long. In season, the campground has showers and restrooms, but during the off-season, there are just vault toilets plus a single restroom in the on-site ranger station. In addition, there is communal potable water in the camp. The one spigot behind the ranger station is available all year. There are fire rings and a picnic table at every campsite, and you can buy firewood at the camp office all year. You can also buy ice during the season. Near the office, you can see a collection of interpretive exhibits.
What to Do at
Frontenac State Park
Enjoy hiking along the major trails in the area, and drop a line into the Mississippi River. The bird-watching is famous, too, so if you're an amateur ornithologist, then you'll have a great time.
Hiking
The seven major hiking trails in Frontenac State Park add up to a total of 13 miles of easy and moderately difficult hiking. Almost all of them are great for birding, The longest and toughest trail is the Pleasant Valley Lakelet Prairie Trail, which is 6.6 miles long and climbs about 900 feet.
Stargazing
On the Bortle Scale, Frontenac State Park is Class 4. That means that the light domes over distant cities will turn the sky from black to gray and hide the faintest objects. Still, with the right settings and filters, you can even see most of those objects. Remember that moonless nights are the best times for stargazing.
Flora and Fauna
Deer and coyote roam in and near the park throughout the year. During the summer, you can see small animals like the 13-lined and fox species of squirrel. If you're a budding lepidopterist, then you can see and appreciate giant swallowtail butterflies and sphinx moths flying near the shore. River otters populate both the Mississippi River and Lake Pepin. Cardinal flowers, wild bergamot, and trillium are among the wildflowers you can photograph in Frontenac State Park.
Fishing
Walleye and northern pike move through Lake Pepin all the time, so if you don't catch anything one day, then it pays to try again the next. Both Lake Pepin and the Mississippi River teem with a truly astounding number of species, and these also include saugers, four kinds of bass, two kinds of catfish, shiners, carp, three kinds of suckers, shad, paddlefish, bullheads, and even colossal sturgeon.
Swimming
There are no lifeguards at the ponds within Frontenac State Park, but there are several sandy beaches along them. Exercise caution, especially during the spring when the water is colder than normal. Never swim alone or beyond your ability. There's the Florence Township Beach right on Lake Pepin just about 600 yards from the park, but it is also unguarded.
Boating
There is no boat launch in Frontenac State Park, but there is one at the Florence Township Beach. Nonmotorized boats are the most popular, as motorboats are generally prohibited because of their effect on shoreline erosion in this section of Lake Pepin. When they are allowed, they are almost always on "no-wake" restrictions.
Climbing
Between Frontenac State Park and the small city of Red Wing, you can enjoy great climbing for advanced and expert climbers. There is a combination of about three dozen traditional and sport vertical climbs rated from 5.8 up to 5.13c, the latter being only for top experts in peak physical condition.
How to Get to
Frontenac State Park
Proceed to St. Paul. From there, take Route 10 south to the junction with Route 61. Take Route 61 east until you reach Hill Avenue. Take Hill Avenue east-northeast all the way to Frontenac State Park.
Entering Frontenac State Park
There's no place to leave your RV outside of the park, so it's best to enter in your vehicle. Most of the park is accessible, and they even have a tracked wheelchair for rent. You can use the tracked wheelchair to traverse hiking trails that wouldn't otherwise be accessible to a standard wheelchair. The park is open from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. daily.
Frontenac State Park Entry Fee : $7.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Frontenac State Park
Spring is the best time to visit because the weather is mild, and the many, many species of fish are active at all depths of the lake up to its maximum of 60 feet.
In addition to the 260 species of birds that either roost in the park or fly through it at different times throughout the year, deer, coyotes, and river otters are three of the interesting animals you'll see in Frontenac State Park.
Yes, there are 58 RV-specific campsites in the park.
Yes, you need reservations. The campsite fees range from $20 to $25, and having the electric hookup is an additional $10 per night.
Your pets are welcome. They must be either in your vehicle, in their own tent, crated, or on a leash that is no more than 6 feet long. You must also clean up after your pets.