Tent camping options around Anoka, Minnesota center primarily on county and state parkland within the regional watershed areas. The region sits at the confluence of the Rum and Mississippi Rivers with an average summer temperature range of 60-85°F and an elevation around 860 feet. Mosquito activity peaks from June through August, requiring preparation for overnight stays in most woodland settings.
What to do
Birding excursions: Lake Rebecca Park Reserve provides excellent bird watching opportunities on its extensive trail system. "Big park! Great for birding and walking trails! One of my favorite places to go near home," notes a regular visitor to Lake Rebecca Park Reserve.
Horse trail rides: Crow Hassan Park Reserve caters to equestrians with dedicated camping facilities. "This is my all-time favorite park to bring my horse to, and it's her favorite trail too. Seriously, when we head back to our trailer she will stop and refuse to proceed," shares one rider at Crow Hassan Park Reserve.
Prairie hiking: The terrain at Afton State Park offers unique prairie landscapes not commonly found at other campgrounds. "The terrain is just hilly enough - and in August - the grass long enough to give the sites a sense of privacy and seclusion," according to one camper who appreciated the prairie camping experience.
What campers like
Wilderness immersion: Lake Maria State Park's backpacking sites provide true seclusion. "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," writes one reviewer at Lake Maria State Park.
Off-season quiet: William O'Brien State Park offers quality camping even in shoulder seasons. "My first time solo camping was at William O'Brien State Park on a Sunday evening. Weekends have been packed and reservations scarce for months at state parks in Minnesota. Arriving on a Sunday afternoon was a dream—very few people in the campground loop," shares a camper who found solitude at William O'Brien State Park.
Varied landscapes: The best tent camping near Anoka, Minnesota often includes access to multiple ecosystems. "This is a great place to see all the various landscapes of the St. Croix River Valley. The surroundings were stunning, and really unexpected for a park so close to the Twin Cities," notes a William O'Brien visitor.
What you should know
Bug intensity varies: Insect populations fluctuate by season and location. "To be fair I'd like to preface this review with a word of caution. We went in the middle of Summer. High bug season. Take a look at other reviews as they come in and see what time of year they visited," warns a summer camper at Lake Maria.
Bathroom facilities: Campground bathrooms range from vault toilets to full shower houses. "The pit toilets were cleaned and stocked with TP and sanitizer. The shower house needs some paint, but had been cleaned," notes a William O'Brien camper detailing the facilities.
Reservation timing: For tent camping near Anoka, Minnesota, advance planning is essential. "Weekends have been packed and reservations scarce for months at state parks in Minnesota," cautions a William O'Brien visitor, reflecting the general demand for campsites in the region.
Tips for camping with families
Accessible beginner sites: Some backpacking locations offer shorter trails for first-timers. "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," warns a Lake Maria camper, highlighting considerations for families.
Weekend crowds: For quieter family camping experiences, consider weekday visits. "We loved the trails. It was easy to takes hikes of varying lengths. There were so many different kinds of birds, and the wildflowers were blooming and ferns were unfurling. This was the first really nice spring weather, and the Savanna Campground was quite full," reports a visitor to William O'Brien.
Beach access: Afton State Park provides swimming opportunities with some walking required. "Highlight of this location is beach which is nice for swim and sun bath. But beach isn't motor vehicle accessible so expect 5-10 min walk. Campgrounds are nearby beach and require further walk," explains an Afton State Park visitor.
Tips for RVers
Limited hookups: Most best tent camping areas near Anoka offer minimal RV amenities. "Camper Cabin (Eastern Bluebird) - Perfect little cabin nestled in the southern half of the park! Screened in porch, heated with electricity, and two double bunk beds!" shares an Afton State Park visitor who opted for a cabin rather than RV camping.
Seasonal accessibility: Road conditions vary throughout the year at most campgrounds. "I visited William O'Brien in the middle of February with two college roommates. As you can imagine, this meant snow was everywhere in the heart of winter in Minnesota," recalls a winter visitor who accessed the park during off-season.
Horse trailer parking: Dedicated equestrian facilities available at specific locations. "In normal times you can rent this group campsite for $70-$80 a night, which is ridiculously cheap considering that you can fit quite a bit of horse trailers on here," notes a Crow Hassan Park Reserve visitor regarding the equestrian camping options.
