Best Tent Camping near Albany, MN

Tent campsites near Albany, Minnesota offer a mix of established campgrounds and more secluded backcountry options. Lake Maria State Park, located about 45 minutes southeast of Albany, provides backpacking-style tent sites that offer privacy and natural surroundings. Cozy Corners campground provides tent camping with amenities like an indoor pool and access to Long Lake, part of the Horseshoe Chain of Lakes popular with anglers. Mississippi River County Park offers primitive tent camping specifically for canoe travelers and bicycle tourists passing through the area.

Most tent sites in the Lake Maria State Park require a hike of approximately one mile from parking areas, with sites like BP6 situated on small ponds or lakes. Sites typically include a fire ring and picnic table, with most offering a dedicated latrine nearby. The terrain is primarily wooded with dirt or leaf-covered tent pads. Several tent campgrounds in the region provide drinking water and toilet facilities, though amenities vary significantly between established and primitive sites. Seasonal considerations are important, as mosquitoes can be problematic during summer months while fall and spring offer more comfortable camping conditions. Water access is available at many locations, but primitive sites often require campers to bring their own supplies.

Walk-in tent sites at Lake Maria provide seclusion that drive-up campgrounds cannot match. The backcountry experience includes opportunities to observe wildlife such as Blanding's turtles (an endangered species), pileated woodpeckers, and numerous bird species. Sites BP1-4 are particularly noted for their lakeside locations and privacy, while maintaining reasonable hiking distances from parking areas. The forested setting creates natural boundaries between campsites, enhancing the wilderness experience. A visitor remarked, "Even though I could hear cars going down the road and it was a short jaunt to it through the woods, it was not distracting from the scenery." For paddlers, Steven Islands Campsite and other boat-in locations offer tent camping accessible only by water, providing additional isolation for those seeking a more remote experience.

Best Tent Sites Near Albany, Minnesota (21)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Albany, MN

358 Reviews of 21 Albany Campgrounds


  • L
    Nov. 2, 2022

    Lake Carlos State Park Campground

    Beautiful and quiet

    End of October, Stopped for just one night, probably about a 20ish minute drive from 94. Was able to purchase firewood after closing, and the campsite were easy to find after (7$)entry to the park. Campsites are reserved through an online system. We found the top campsite completely empty and plenty of sites had good tree coverage for privacy/ way no protection. Nice level sites with soft ground. Each site had a fire ring and picnic table. The only bathroom in walking distance to the upper campsites was a vault toilet located amongst the cabins. Seems like a great place to stay any season.

  • LaMina H.
    May. 13, 2022

    Ann Lake

    My favorite spot in MN!!!

    Lake Ann Campground, located in the Sand Dunes State Forest north of Big Lake, MN is great for a weekend getaway with the family or a solo walk in trip. There are RV sites, tent sites, handicap accessible, walk in sites and group sites. Camping here is primitive with few amenities you get a fire ring and a picnic table, its great camping too be one with nature. There are several water spickets located around the campground along with outhouse type restrooms. There are no hookups or electric. Camping is on a first come first serve basis and you register at the kiosk located at the front of the campground acrid from the camp host site. There are several trails and Amaya something to do.

  • Alison O.
    Jun. 17, 2025

    Lake Maria State Park Campground

    Secluded Bliss at Site B6 – Lake Maria’s Backcountry Beauty at Its Best

    If you’re looking for a peaceful escape where the only sounds are rustling leaves, birdsong, and frogs singing at dusk — Site B6 at Lake Maria State Park is the one.

    This hike-in site is about a half-mile walk from the parking area, and the journey in is half the magic: winding wooded trails, wildflowers, and glimpses of the lake through the trees. Once you arrive, B6 feels like a secret woodland sanctuary — set up on a slight rise, tucked beneath a cathedral of towering oaks and maples.

    The site is private, quiet, and wonderfully shaded, with just enough open sky for stargazing by the fire. The tent pad is level, and there’s a solid fire ring and picnic table. Vault toilets and water access aren’t too far, especially by backcountry standards.

    What makes B6 stand out, though, is the vibe. It’s close enough to Lake Maria’s best hiking trails and just a short walk to the lake itself, where you can sit on a log and watch wood ducks paddle past and listen to the frogs in full chorus at night. We saw pileated woodpeckers, red squirrels, and a chorus of chorus frogs. Nature feels close here — in the best way.

    Pro tip: Pack light and bring permethrin-treated clothes during bug season. And don’t forget a headlamp — the darkness here is wild and beautiful.

    This site is perfect for anyone who wants a little solitude, a lot of nature, and a chance to slow down and breathe. We’ll absolutely be booking B6 again.

  • K
    Jul. 12, 2018

    Lake Maria State Park Campground

    Beautiful and Relaxing

    Really enjoyed the short hike to our campsite, BP7. There is a bathroom and water station before you head out which is awesome! The campsite was secluded and absolutely beautiful. Definitely will be going back again!

    Campsite included: 2 tent pads, a few areas to hammock, fire ring w/large grill, small bench, picnic table, bear box and latrine.

    I don’t think I would change a thing about the campsite.

  • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 28, 2025

    Lake Maria State Park Campground

    Backpacker's Haven

    Backpack sites only. Love this park as it offers many backpacking sites with some being very short hikes in and some being longer hikes. Some are lake front and some are more woodsy sites. I really enjoy sites 1, 2, and 3 as they are a little more secluded from other sites, however 1 is fairly close to the county road so you will hear some vehicle noise overnight. Site comes with a fire ring, picnic table, and bear locker. Site 1 is my favorite despite the road noise due to the location of the tent pad and being on almost a peninsula offering lots of lake views.

  • ERolf P.
    Sep. 23, 2016

    Charles A. Lindbergh State Park Campground

    Canoe Camp

    This is one of the most beautiful campsites we have stayed at in the midwest. The canoe campsite (also accessible through cart-in) is located on a small creek just off of the Mississippi river. There is a fire ring, picnic table, and ample tent space. There is about a 500yd walk to the restrooms, and you have to go another 500yds to the main campground to find the showers. We camped in mid-September, and the water to the main campground had already been turned off for the winter, so no shower review. The bathrooms near the cart-in sites were well maintained and clean, flush toilets. There was drinking water access near the old WPA water tower (but the water came from the city, not the well and water tower). We had some rain, but the sandy soil mean things drained quickly and were nearly dry in the morning. Lots of neat hiking trails within this small park, and a Minnesota Historical Society Site across the road at the Charles A. Lindbergh historic site (his boyhood home).

  • 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.

  • Joanna B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 1, 2020

    Lake Carlos State Park Campground

    Beautiful camper cabin

    Leap Day 2/29/20-3/1/20 Frog Pond

    We headed to Lake Carlos for their candlelight ski, this was our first visit to this state park. Tent camping wasn’t available and we were able to reserve a camper cabin - Frog Pond. It was a nice change and a warmer option, the cabin is gorgeous! Frog Pond sleeps 6 with heat and electricity. There are 4 cabins that share 2 vault toilets.

    It was a beautiful 38 degree Leap Day and we took advantage of it. They offer a large number of ski trails so we xcountry skied before dark. The trails were icy, but still enjoyable. At dark we headed to the candlelight event. It was very busy and a huge turnout. We hiked 1.2 miles and then snowshoed 2.4 miles. There are ponds and bogs that they create snowshoe trails on, so there are even more trails to explore in the winter. It was a beautiful night and we enjoyed the wooded trails and starry skies. We had a fire and enjoyed a normal outdoor cookout before bed.

    We did more skiing on Sunday and checked out the 2 campgrounds as they were on the ski route. One campground is on Lake Carlos and very open. Sites have beautiful lake views. You can apparently drive your boat right into a sandy shore and dock it. They also have a swimming beach. The other campground is a bit more wooded and more suited for tents. This campground is near the camper cabins. The trails are very wooded and pretty. We enjoyed skiing the hiking club trail and ended up hitting almost every trail in our stay. I assume this park would be equally beautiful in the summer. What a beautiful state park!

  • Stephanie L.
    Aug. 9, 2018

    Ann Lake

    Rustic & Family Friendly

    This is a great little rustic campground within an hour's drive of the Twin Cities! It has several potable water sources throughout the campground, but no running water for toilets or showers. There are several vault toilets. Each campsite has a picnic table and a fire ring. You can buy firewood & ice at the Sand Dunes Stop gas station, just a 10 minutes drive away.

    This is a first-come, first-served campground, so no reservations required. This does mean that there is a chance you won't be able to get a site, but I've only had that happen one time when I got there at 6pm on a Saturday. There are usually sites available.

    I love going to this campground - it's family friendly, and there is a swimming beach a quick 3 minute drive away! The hiking trails aren't half bad, either! I love coming here to relax for a weekend, spend some time at the beach, and just enjoy nature. If you go in the early to mid summer, you'll also hear local whip-poor-wills serenade you to sleep.

    Overall, 4 stars. The only downsides are no running water and no ice & firewood at the campground itself.


Guide to Albany

Tent campsites near Albany, Minnesota range from primitive water-access sites to more developed locations with modern amenities. The area sits within the Mississippi flyway, making it a notable spot for seasonal bird migrations during spring and fall. Winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that can drop below zero, while summer brings high humidity and temperatures averaging 75-85°F.

What to do

Fishing access: Cozy Corners provides campers direct entry to Long Lake on the horseshoe chain, popular with anglers. "There is a park, baseball field, lodge, fish cleaning building, indoor pool, bathhouses, and laundry center. Located on long lake on the horseshoe chain if you like to fish!" notes visitor Tori K.

Hiking trails: The trail system at Lake Maria State Park offers varied terrain for day hiking from campsites. One camper observed, "Backpack sites only. Love this park as it offers many backpacking sites with some being very short hikes in and some being longer hikes. Some are lake front and some are more woodsy sites."

Water recreation: Steven Islands Campsite provides boat-in tent sites exclusively accessible by water, requiring paddlers to bring all necessary supplies. The island setting creates natural boundaries between campers and mainland activities.

What campers like

Natural seclusion: Lake Osakis camping offers waterfront sites with minimal neighbor noise. According to a visitor: "Amenities I remember when we had a seasonal spot here: cabins with beautiful lake view, boathouse lodge and game room, sunbathing dock on the water, large picnic grounds, sand-filled playground, paddleboard &kayak rentals."

Wildlife viewing: Many campsites feature opportunities to observe local fauna in natural settings. "This site was nearly surrounded by a lake which lended to a lot of bugs, but was absolutely gorgeous! We could see one other camper in a different site, but it still felt like you were in the wilderness," reports Lydia N.

Star visibility: Rural campgrounds provide dark sky viewing with minimal light pollution. "The site is private, quiet, and wonderfully shaded, with just enough open sky for stargazing by the fire," notes one Lake Maria visitor describing Site B6.

What you should know

Bug preparation: Summer months bring significant insect activity at most sites. A camper at Lake Maria warns: "When we pulled up to the parking lot we knew we were in trouble. The black flies were dive bombing the car like a scene from Armageddon."

Site access challenges: Mississippi River County Park offers specialized camping: "Canoe campsite: The canoe campsite is accessible from the river. Camping is allowed for those traveling by canoe and limited to one night of camping with no overnight vehicle. First come-first serve; Register onsite."

Water availability: Many primitive sites require bringing water or filtering from lakes. "First: my only complaint... The pump for the water was very slow," notes Brian C. about a Lake Maria site. Plan accordingly when packing supplies.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: A J Acres Campground provides family-friendly amenities. "The beach area is nice, but the only problem is that boaters and kayaks are in the same general area so you have to be careful so you don't get hit. There is a dock for fishing as well. You can also rent boats, kayaks and paddleboards for a small fee," reports Joe S.

Cabin alternatives: Several sites offer cabin options for families not ready for tent camping. "Its a nice quiet park and so are the campgrounds!!! They also have little cabins to stay in that id like to try out!" mentions Jordan L.

Transportation planning: Pack efficiently for walk-in sites or bring assistance. "BP7 didn't have much dead wood around so we had to reserve the firewood we purchased. Carrying firewood, food, water, gear, on a hilly trail through the woods can become real tough real fast for anyone that isn't physically active," cautions a visitor.

Tips from RVers

Tree navigation: Sites with mature trees require careful positioning. "Navigating around trees was not so fun with our 5th wheel. We got the slideouts to fit in between the trees," explains Nettie W. from A J Acres.

Seasonal site dominance: Many local campgrounds prioritize seasonal residents. "Limited availability to sewer hookups, only about 5 true pull thrus, taken by seasonal. We camped midweek, so there was no activity happening," notes one RVer.

Boat launch services: Some campgrounds offer launching assistance. "Boat ramp and launching service, boat & pontoon rental, boatlifts, gas, oil, tackle and live bait" are available at certain resorts, particularly useful for RVers with watercraft.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Albany, MN is Cozy Corners with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 21 tent camping locations near Albany, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.