Best Campgrounds near Afton, MN
Campgrounds near Afton, Minnesota range from state parks to regional facilities along the St. Croix River valley. Afton State Park Campground offers backpacking sites, yurts, and boat-in camping options with a 4.5/5 rating from visitors. Other notable options include St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park with cabin accommodations and William O'Brien State Park Campground to the north, which provides tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. Lake Elmo County Park Reserve offers both drive-in and hike-in camping areas with tent and RV sites available from April through October.
Many campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with peak availability from May through September, though some facilities like Afton State Park remain open year-round. The terrain varies significantly, with some campgrounds requiring strenuous hikes to reach sites. At Afton State Park, campers must hike approximately one mile with significant elevation gain to reach the backpacking campground. Water access is available at most established sites, though some primitive areas have limited facilities. Cell service can be spotty throughout the river valley, particularly in more remote camping areas. A review noted, "The hike to the campground is short and grueling. A few of the sites are in wooded areas, but we stayed in one of the prairie sites."
Campers consistently praise the region's natural beauty and proximity to the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Several visitors highlighted Afton State Park as an ideal introduction to backpacking, with one camper describing it as "a perfect backpacking experience" less than an hour from Minneapolis-St. Paul. The St. Croix River provides swimming and boating opportunities at multiple campgrounds, with beach access available at several parks. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with deer sightings common throughout the area. While some campgrounds can become crowded during summer weekends, the variety of camping options means solitude can still be found, particularly at more remote backpacking sites or during weekdays. Winter camping is available at select locations, offering a completely different experience with significantly fewer visitors.
