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Best Tent Camping near Aitkin, MN

331 Reviews

Watercraft-accessible tent campsites dominate the camping options around Aitkin, Minnesota, with multiple sites positioned along the Mississippi River and Pine River water trails. The Ogechie Campground at Mille Lacs Kathio State Park offers established tent sites with fire rings and picnic tables, while numerous boat-in tent locations like Half Moon Watercraft Campsite and Mosquito Ridge Watercraft Campsite provide more remote experiences for paddlers seeking seclusion.

Most tent campsites in this region require specific access methods, with boat-in sites being particularly common. Watercraft campsites typically feature basic amenities such as fire rings and cleared tent pads, though facilities vary considerably. Baxter Canoe Camp includes trash collection, vault toilets, and picnic tables, while more primitive sites may have only a fire ring. A camper wrote that South Bend Watercraft Site "has a fire ring with grate, picnic table available, and a rustic latrine just off behind the site." Water access is limited at most locations, requiring campers to filter river water or pack in their own supply.

The tent camping experience around Aitkin often revolves around water recreation and wildlife viewing. Sites positioned along rivers provide excellent paddling opportunities and swimming spots, with sandy river bottoms at some locations. Many campsites sit on elevated terrain offering views of the surrounding waterways. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "Since it's up on the hill, the view is really great," regarding the South Bend Watercraft Site. Wildlife sightings are common, with bears occasionally visiting campsites after dark. While mosquitoes can be intense during summer months, particularly at waterside locations, fall camping offers more comfortable conditions. Walk-in tent locations within state parks provide more amenities than dispersed sites but maintain the rustic, natural setting tent campers seek when exploring north-central Minnesota's forests and waterways.

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Best Tent Sites Near Aitkin, Minnesota (29)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Aitkin, MN

13 Photos of 29 Aitkin Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Aitkin, MN

331 Reviews of 29 Aitkin Campgrounds

  • Amy G.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 8, 2018

    Father Hennepin State Park Campground

    Ranger Review of Alki Twilight Thermal Mattress Topper at Father Hennepin State Park, MN

    I've been to campgrounds in MN and other places that were nicer, but there isn't anything wrong with this campground at all. And at this time of year, the ice on the lake was breaking up, so it made for a beautiful sunset! Since it is still that time of year when it's warm during the day and cool at night, it was the perfect chance to test out the Twilight Thermal Mattress Topper by Alki while staying at Father Hennepin State Park in MN.

    CAMPGROUND REVIEW:

    We've been to this campground before, but not during this season or time of year. The campground is nice, but not terribly fancy. What it does have going for it is that it's a decent bit off the road, so there isn't much road noise. And although all the sites are fairly close together, there are tons of trees that (if it were summer) offer a buffer between them. It's possible to car camp at these sites or tent camp. They also have RV sites. Unfortunately, the RV sites are pretty close to the others, so if there are parties going on or radios playing, everyone can hear them, but that is to be expected at a campground where sites are close together. It wasn't terribly bothersome, though, and the scenery outweighed the mild disturbance.

    They do have showers and flush toilets (during warmer seasons) and vault toilets the rest of the time. There is also a dump station for RVs.

    Many of the sites are lakeside, for no additional cost. Benches dot the lakeside, and you get a gorgeous site of the sunset from here. There is also a paved path that runs near the water, so it's a pretty stroll late in the eve. This leads to a floating dock (not floating this time of year, though, because of the ice). Pretty space to chill and take in the breeze.

    PRODUCT REVIEW:

    As a Ranger for They Dyrt, I have the amazing opportunity to review incredible products in exchange for an honest review. This time, I received a Twilight Thermal Mattress Topper by Alki in a queen size. This is the first time I've ever tried something like this, so when I found it on Kickstarter, I was intrigued. The idea of a thermal layer built into a quilt-like blanket (think about the silver reflective stuff that everyone who camps talks about). But this isn't your typical mylar-type foil sheet. It's quiet. It's soft. It makes absolutely no noise at all. Now, this isn't something you are going to put in a backpack because it's big and it's not going to fit the bill of the ultralight hiker, but that's not what it's meant for. I emailed with the owners of the company and they intended it to be an addition to a car camping excursion or used on a bed as extra insurance from the night air. So I was intrigued. We are getting a teardrop trailer soon and I thought it might be a great way to stay warm without adding a heater to the mix.

    The owners, Saul and Carolyn, have created this super soft blanket-type mattress topper that can be used several ways. You can put it on the mattress directly and sleep on top of it. You can use it as a blanket, you could wrap up in it and make a mock sleeping bag. It's a microsuede type of fabric on top and feels amazing, but has a brushed polyester bottom that helps to keep it from slipping off your pad. I'm a cold sleeper, so I really wanted to give it a good test. Normally, I use a sleeping pad with an R Value of 4.4 or better so that I don't chill out in the night. This time, I decided to use a pad with an R Value of 1.9 (thank you to my husband for sacrificing his pad). Normally, I'd be frozen from the backside, even in temps that are in the 40's. So I put down my pad in the van, laid the topper over the pad, and then my bag on top of that. And then I was off to la-la land.

    The verdict…a toasty back side. It was truly wonderful to sleep in cooler weather without the typical CBS (cold butt syndrome) that campers talk about. Normally, with a pad that was only 1.9, I'd be frozen from the pad side. And that means tossing and turning all night to figure out how to stay warm. But I didn't have any cold spots from the pad side while sleeping on this topper. I just wish I'd thought to wrap it over my bag as well to insulate from the top as well. Then, I would have had the perfect night of sleep! It reflects back your own body heat to help keep you toasty.

    PROS:

    1. Super soft fabric! It has a great feel against your skin.
    2. No noise! Even though it has similar thermal properties as the crinkly mylar-type blankets, this is absolutely not the same. It feels just like a blanket.
    3. It works! Coming from me (a cold sleeper), I feel like this would be a great addition to your camping arsenal so that you can have a better night of sleep without needing a ton of expensive gear to stay warm.
    4. Machine washable!

    There really isn't anything negative to say about this blanket. Now, it does weigh more than a regular thermal blanket (queen is 4.5 pounds, and twin is 3 pounds), but they don't advertise it as ultra light or for backpacking. Carolyn said that it was designed with car camping in mind, as mentioned before. That said, it works beautifully for that purpose! It would be lovely if they'd consider making a skinny version that would fit in a hammock or under a sleeping bag/pad. As a cold sleeper, I'd seriously consider adding it to my cold weather backpack supplies, even if it meant an extra pound of weight.

    Bottom line, if you want to enjoy a good night sleep in the chilly night air while car camping with your family or friends, take this topper for a spin. It's perfect under a sleeping bag, over a sleeping bag or to snuggle while watching the autumn sunset.

  • Annie V.
    Sep. 30, 2020

    Moose Lake State Park Campground

    Nice Stop Along the Way

    I came out of the BWCA near Grand Marais late in the day and so wanted to stop somewhere to camp as I headed south before dark. There were plenty of spots available online at this little park. It was clean and the campsites were fine—could see my neighbors without much tree cover though.

    If the weather had been better when I woke up I would have hiked some trails or paddled the lake. Next time!

  • Amy G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 17, 2024

    Mille Lacs Kathio Petaga Campground — Mille Lacs Kathio State Park

    Winter camping- very quiet with the electric hookups

    This is one campground in Minnesota that offers a handful of electric hookups for winter camping. The beauty of this campground, is that while the campsites available are in a row, there's plenty of space between sites and some of them are even pulled through. Making it easy for RVs to pull in and hook up.

    The vault toilet is not easy to find from where the electric openings are in the winter. While these spaces are right next door to a shower house with toilets, this is closed in the winter. The vault toilet is several rows over and down, making it hard to find if you don't already know where it is. But it was clean, and it was available.

    The campfire rings seemed clean, and each had a picnic table as well. We loved the pull-through site because then we were a little more protected from the road, although it's not busy this time of year at all. So it was very quiet except for our neighbors, and they didn't make much noise at all.

    There are trails nearby that are easily accessible on foot from the campground, and you can make loops that come back to the campground as well.

    There are two campgrounds at this park, but this is the one that has availability in the winter time. Ironically, they also have a couple of walk-in spots that are also open this time of year. If you're willing to brave the temps without an electric hookup. Not hard to find, not hard to access, but no electric hookups at these sites.

  • HollyRose M.
    Dec. 14, 2020

    Overlook Park Canoe Campsite

    Watercraft Site on the Mississippi - Spacious & Maintained!

    This hidden gem is on the Mississippi water trail around mile 996. It is called "Overlook Park" and owned/maintained by the city of Baxter, but is part of the DNR's state water trail. There is even signage for those on the river to inform them about their whereabouts on the trail when they pass this park. 

    So although this is a little private city park, there is a specific spot RIGHT on the river with a picnic table, fire ring, and nice high ground soft space for a tent. But really you could tent it anywhere in the park, but this space is set aside a bit from the rest, as it is a city park although very little traffic. There is garbage and a vaulted toilet. There are three picnic tables throughout including the tent site, and two fire rings. There is a nice canoe landing area with a few stairs to help give access up and down from the river bank. Very pretty spot on the river! The opposite land bordering this city park is part of Crow Wing State Park, so even though it's close to town, it does feel fairly remote. 

    Such a well maintained park! Pretty views and some rugged trails along the river for some hiking as well.

  • Makayla B.
    Oct. 7, 2020

    True North Basecamp

    Lake cabins and tent sites

    I've stayed in both the cabins and the camping area. The cabins are my favorite because of the lake views, proximity to the bathhouse, and heat/AC units. Cabin #5 has the best unobstructed views of the lake. Cabins have WiFi. The campground is nice but only has a primitive toilet adjacent to the campsites. There are no electric or sewer hookups, but there are a couple of tent sites than can accommodate small campers. I camped in site #18 and it either isn't very level or I just did a poor job of setting up my tent because we were slanted all night. Great stargazing at both the cabins and the tent sites. 

    Check-in information is shared via email (key codes for the bathhouse and the cabin locks). The emails are very informative and the owners have been prompt to reply when I had questions. They even offer up the option to have firewood delivered to your site (either cabin or tent site) before you arrive.

    This is my favorite place to stay in Crosby because it's so close to both the Rally Center Trailhead and Crosby. My favorite places in town are Red Raven (great coffee shop with good breakfast and lunch food options), Crosby Pub (wide variety of food - burgers, salads, appetizers), Rafferty's Pizza (pizza and beer plus a couple of arcade games in the back), and Iron Range Eatery (a little fancier than Crosby Pub (but not by much) and offers great food as well). All of these restaurants offer outdoor seating.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2023

    Mabel Lake Campground

    Nice standard USFS campground

    Nice basic standard USFS campground in the Chippewa NF.

    $14/night, self pay, no reservations, no host. There’s a vault toilet on site and a pump-handle water faucet. No trash service here, please pack out. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. 

    Mosquitos were brutal here! 

    Surprised to have ok (not great) verizon and ATT service here. 

    A little ways from the campground is the day use picnic area and boat ramp. You can walk along the main road or take a little connecting trail to it, but just a heads up that the mosquitoes are lying in wait in this trail. We decided to go for it and try out the trail (instead of walking back out to the main road), quickly regretting it and almost running through the whole thing to come out the other side (entrance to trail is near campsite 21). 

    Campsites were decent, not very private, and some were oddly shaped where you just pull onto the grass, with no clear driveway or parking area. But they were fine.

  • Amy G.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 18, 2019

    Father Hennepin State Park Campground

    Ranger Review of OOFOS shoes at Father Hennepin State Park in MN

    While I have seen parks and campsites with more privacy, there are so many trees (and many sites with a lake view) that it's worth a stay at Father Hennepin State Park in MN. Especially if you are rocking out with a pair of OOFOS flipflops!

    CAMPGROUND REVIEW:

    We've stayed at this campground a few times before, and it should seem obvious that since we keep coming back, it's not too shabby. Yes, I've seen campgrounds that have more privacy between spaces, but I don't think this place is every terribly crowded (at least not when we visit, in May). The leaves are just beginning to bud on the trees, so there is less coverage from your neighbors than in the heat of the summer, but since there are less campers, you can spread out a little bit. My only complaint, and this is the same of previous years here, is that the electric sites are so close to the tent sites that you can generally hear the generators and/or those that think that the wilderness is for loud music dance parties. Fortunately, this time, we were in our new teardrop camper and could shut out the tunes!

    We were at site 7, which was the last one in this campground that sits and faces the lake. And while we've been to this site before, it's the first time we've been in our Teardrop Trailer at this park. Lucky for us, the ice was gone and the wind was pretty calm, so the icy chill wasn't too bad. Each site has a fire ring with a grate that swings back and forth, depending on if you want to chill by the flames, or grill off some burgers. The site we had was fairly level. and provided ample space to park our teardrop and our car without hanging out into the road. A picnic table rounded out the scene to provide a full on camping experience. And lovely night sounds of frogs that sang us to sleep!

    There are well over a hundred sites, about 100 of them tent pads (no electric), and about 50 with electric. A few group campsites as well as 4 handicapped sites.There are 2 shower houses, 2 flush toilet buildings, vault toilets scattered around and water (in season, when it's turned on).

    In Minnesota, reservations are required. We've found that if you make them in advance, and then decide to cancel the day of the reservation, there are cancellation fees and first night fees and blah blah blah. If, however, you decide to take your chances and book it the "day of", there are no online reservation fees and you can cancel without penalty if you decide to go elsewhere.

    Drive in sites are approximately $23/night. Electric are about $34/night.

    PRODUCT REVIEW:

    Now, I have to admit, I'm an OOFOS junkie. Ever since I won a pair in my very firsts campground contest. That said, I'll never pass up the chance to review another pair! This time, I had the OOFOS Women's OOriginal Sandal. The last pair I had was a light color, and I loved the shoes, but they got dirty so quickly. Since these shoes are a type of foam, they scuff and dirty a little easier than other shoes, but the comfiness of them is off the chart, so they are totally worth having in other colors! This time, I chose black, to combat and dirt issues I might have while camping. If you can't see the dirt, it's not there, right?

    OOFOS are recovery shoes, and I didn't know what that meant at first, but just wait until you put them on at the end of a hard day on your feet (long work day, long hike, etc). They literally massage the sole of your foot. I'm not joking. I can't believe how my feet feel when I change shoes. If I listen veeeeeery carefully, I can hear my feet smiling! They are sort of spongy and squishy, but not in a strange way. Like walking on marshmallows! (but not sticky). Seriously, they cushioning, higher arch and wide fashion of the shoe (yes, it's a little chunkier, not a huge fashion statement) make it stable and comfy. They hug your feet and don't slip off the way some other "slippy" flipflops can. And so lightweight! The price is a little more than I normally pay for shoes, but I'd absolutely invest in another pair if this one wears out. The bottom has some fun grippy texture that looks as if it might channel away water if you stepped in a puddle.

    Quite frankly, as long as I have my OOFOS, I don't care what campground I'm staying at, but this one is good enough that I enjoy staying a little while, to look at the lake and enjoy the singing frogs!

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2018

    Rock Lake

    Hidden gem for rustic camping!

    This campground is really a hidden gem that i never knew about even though it is within an hour drive of my home. It is a rustic state forest campground with great campsites located in a gorgeous oak-birch-pine forest and right on a pretty lake. Although the campsites are karge enough to accomodate RVs, there are no hookups and no amenities like a bath house, so the campground favors tent campers. Many of the sites are right on the lake, including oarking space, tent pad, fire ring and picnic table, and each of these have a small lake access for swimming or launching a canoe or kayak. There is also a day use area with beach and boat launch, plus a nice nature trail. You can enjoy a quiet family weekend in the deep woods here, but still pop into the town of Pillager which is only 10 miles away. Well kept, quiet and peaceful

  • Russell S.
    Sep. 13, 2021

    Crow Wing State Park Campground

    Family fun!!

    We introduced our youngest to camping at this campground. It’s a crazy story. In summary you couldn’t ask for a better first time family campground as far as my sons first camping experience lol well I’m surprised he doesn’t deeply hate camping. Everything that could of went wrong did including rain on a clear forecast and we didn’t equip the rain fly.

Guide to Aitkin

Tent camping options around Aitkin, Minnesota offer varied terrain across pine forest ecosystems and riverfront settings. The region experiences significant seasonal temperature swings, with summer highs reaching 80°F and winter lows regularly dropping below freezing. Fall camping is particularly popular when temperatures moderate to 45-65°F and mosquito populations diminish, creating more comfortable conditions for exploring the extensive water trails.

What to do

Climb the observation tower: At Ogechie Campground in Mille Lacs Kathio State Park, a fire tower provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. "We had a blast and took them up to observation tower as well! Well two who would go!" reports Jordan L. about a camping trip with younger siblings.

Paddle the Mississippi River Trail: Water trails offer designated camping spots along routes between access points. The South Bend Watercraft Site sits "about an hour and a half - two hours downstream from the Pine River Damn access" according to HollyRose M., who adds "We saw so much wildlife on this kayak trip, and enjoyed a great swim in the river."

Watch wildlife: Early morning and dusk provide prime viewing opportunities. Annie V. noted at Ogechie Campground that while the setting is beautiful, campers should be prepared for encounters: "Mice, mice, & more mice!!! I camped here in a 2006 Toyota Tacoma and mice essentially had their way with every part of my vehicle in one night!!!"

Explore historical sites: Several camping areas provide access to local history. At Canoe Landing Campsite, Janet R. explains you can "visit and learn about the historic townsite and the Red River Oxcart Trail that went through in the 1800's, and visit scenic overlooks around the park, including the confluence of the Crow Wing and Mississippi Rivers."

What campers like

Secluded river camping: Watercraft-accessible sites offer true seclusion. HollyRose M. describes Overlook Park Canoe Campsite: "Although this is a little private city park... the opposite land bordering this city park is part of Crow Wing State Park, so even though it's close to town, it does feel fairly remote."

Swimming opportunities: The region's rivers provide natural swimming areas during warmer months. HollyRose M. noted at South Bend Watercraft Site: "It's never super deep or too strong a current, and in front of this site it's sandy and great swimming!"

Convenient canoe landings: Many water trail sites feature landings specifically designed for paddlers. At Baxter Canoe Camp, Amy G. explains: "There are two spots off the water where you can get out of a canoe and hit dry land. The first has some stairs, but they are VERY steep... I discovered a landing about 20 yards farther down shore that was a better spot for docking."

Varied accommodations: Non-watercraft sites offer different experiences. Jordan L. described their Ogechie Campground stay: "We chose one of the dispersed sites so had to walk aways but worth it! We had a pretty nice spot on bottom of hill away from everyone. It was nice and secluded."

What you should know

Water trail logistics: Plan your journey carefully considering paddling time between sites. Janet R. explains: "This is a canoe campsite that is part of the Mississippi River Headwaters Water Trail, one stop on the paddle trail which allows canoers and kayakers to paddle from Lake Itasca to the north, all the way to the Iowa border."

Wildlife encounters: Beyond mosquitoes, campers regularly report other wildlife. Amy G. notes at Baxter Canoe Camp: "We did have a nighttime visitor in the form of something big and black and furry. We didn't see him (her?), but heard the sounds of a bear... It never approached the tent, we never had to yell, and it never threatened."

Seasonal considerations: Weather significantly impacts camping conditions. Stephanie L. described Ogechie Campground as a "very scenic park along Mille Lacs Lake. Very quiet campground, rustic (no running-water toilets or showers, but you can go to the campground over to use those if you want to)."

Cell service availability: Remote doesn't always mean disconnected. HollyRose M. noted at South Bend Watercraft Site: "We did have cell phone service out there, but definitely remote!"

Tips for camping with families

Secure food properly: Wildlife interactions require proper food storage. Amy G. advises: "Fortunately, we had properly hung our food in a tree and left all the Snickers in the bear bag."

Consider fall timing: Insect populations make timing crucial for the best tent camping near Aitkin, Minnesota. Jen H. states: "Beautiful state park, but WAY too many mosquitos in the summer. We had at least 100 bites after our trip... Definitely recommend, but in the spring or fall months."

Bring alternative activities: Weather and conditions can change plans. Brittany from Crow Wing State Park suggests being prepared: "We were bike riding the Paul Bunyon Trail and rode into Crow Wing in the dark. I self registered because the office was closed."

Pack appropriate watercraft gear: Secure your water equipment carefully. HollyRose M. cautions: "Make sure to pull your watercraft ALL the way up the hill or secure it tightly! One of our Kayaks slide back down the hill into the river, got caught in a branch so we were lucky!"

Tips from RVers

Consider hybrid camping options: RV campers seeking tent experiences have options. MARY K. explains her experience at Ogechie Campground: "We camped in the older Ochegie campground (site #1) near the historic native village site and trail. There were few people camping so it was quiet... We never used the showers or restrooms as our camper is self-contained."

Check access restrictions: Many watercraft sites can't accommodate RVs, but some parks offer multiple camping types. Janet R. notes at Crow Wing State Park that "you can not reserve the canoe campsite online the way you can for campsites in the main state park campground," indicating different regulations for different camping areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Aitkin, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Aitkin, MN is Ogechie Campground — Mille Lacs Kathio State Park with a 4.4-star rating from 7 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Aitkin, MN?

TheDyrt.com has all 29 tent camping locations near Aitkin, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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