Best Tent Camping near Beaver, MN

Several tent campgrounds provide a range of primitive camping experiences near Beaver, Minnesota. The region offers access to established tent sites at Whitewater State Park's Gooseberry Glen Cart-in Campground, where walk-in tent sites provide a more secluded camping experience. Aefintyr, located about 20 miles from Beaver, features hike-in tent campsites with fire pits and access to hiking trails in the Whitewater area.

Tent sites throughout the region typically include picnic tables and fire rings with many providing access to drinking water and toilets. The cart-in sites at Gooseberry Glen require a short walk from the parking area, with push carts available to transport gear. Most tent campgrounds restrict vehicle access to designated parking areas, limiting traffic and noise near the campsites. Hok-Si-La City Park Campground maintains a tent-only policy with no vehicles allowed at individual sites, though loading and unloading is permitted. Seasonal access varies, with some campgrounds open from May through October.

Geographic isolation creates ideal conditions for stargazing at many tent sites in the region. One camper noted that "the campground was very quiet that weekend but the group sites are spacious and well spaced out, you definitely don't feel like you are on top of each other." Tent campers at Whitewater State Park can access hiking trails directly from their sites, with the 4-mile loop trail offering scenic views and varied terrain. Houston Nature Center provides tent-only walk-in sites at the trailhead for the Root River State Bike Trail, making it popular with cycling enthusiasts. According to a recent review, the Houston Nature Center features "spacious, level, well kept, quiet" tent sites with "spotless showers and bathrooms," making it particularly appealing for tent campers seeking basic amenities after a day of outdoor activities.

Best Tent Sites Near Beaver, Minnesota (14)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Beaver, MN

474 Reviews of 14 Beaver Campgrounds


  • Kelly S.
    May. 2, 2018

    Frontenac State Park Campground

    Early Season Experience

    We spent a single night here at site 37. The site was great, the privacy was okay, and the campground itself was slightly above average.

    Our site was huge. It could have easily accommodated an RV and a tent. There was a campfire ring and picnic table there like each site, but ours also had a tent pad and a very long parking spot. We were tent camping. This was the first tent pad I have ever been able to stake down without bending or breaking stakes and needing a mallet. The site was also close to a few of the trailheads. See pictures. Would recommend site 37 any day.

    The privacy was nonexistent because there were no leaves on the trees yet. In the summer, that might change. There are trees between sites.

    The campground itself was okay. The ranger and lady in the office when we stopped in were a little strange, but helpful. They were out of wood, but there is a DNR certified seller not a mile down the road- you can get more wood for cheaper there anyway. In MN, you need to get your firewood from the state park you are at or a certified seller in the same county to prevent the spread of tree pests and disease. The ranger can and will stop at your site and ask to see your seller card from the wood. The rest of the campground was nice. Many water spigots were still frozen, but there isn't much to be done about that. Overall, I would definitely recommend this campground!

  • Crystal B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 29, 2025

    Kruger Unit - RJD Memorial Hardwood State Forest

    Great area with a lot of activities in the area.

    This is a nice basic campground near Wabasha/Kellogg area. Mississippi is within a few miles. Lark Toys nearby also. The Zumbro River is at the bottom of the campground on opposite side of the road where you can put kayaks/canoes in. (Or swim or fish). Sites are nice size with some having more privacy than others. Campground is on top of/up the hill. Vault toilets. No showers. Fire rings and picnic tables present.

  • Crystal B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 29, 2025

    Zumbro Bottoms Central — R.J.D. Memorial Hardwood State Forest

    Nice small horse camping

    The campground is down a minimum maintenance road, but the road is pretty good though. Just one circle with 17 sites. There are many miles of horse and hiking trails in the area. 2 Vault toilets. No showers. Some picnic tables/fire rings/tie outs for horses.

  • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 31, 2024

    Minneiska Campground — Whitewater State Park

    Nice state park

    Stayed here for a couple nights on a mini state park road trip. Nice place, like most of the MN state parks. Spotty cell service. Hiked a trail with lots of steps. Fire ring and picnic table are provided at each site. Restroom with showers also available in campground. Site was large and easy to back into and offered some tree cover for shade during certain times of the day. Was unable to hang hammock in specific site we stayed at, but some of the sites looked like they would be suitable.

  • Mary S.
    Aug. 16, 2018

    Frontenac State Park Campground

    Shady, quiet campground in the woods with short hiking opportunities

    Campground Design

    I like that it's split into 4 small loops (1-11, 12-28, 29-38 and 39-59). There shouldn't be much traffic in any one loop. It's a very shady campground - lots of trees so it's quite dark at night with no stargazing from your site.

    Our site #42 was right next to #40 and there's not much privacy between the 2 sites. There's a lot more distance and privacy between #42 and #44. In general, sites are fairly close together but there are some trees in between.

    I thought we might be closer to the Mississippi River, but the campground is located above the river (called Pepin Lake at this wide point). You can hike down to the river; the steep descent makes the short hike more interesting. There are Lower and Upper Bluff trails as well as other short, connected trails throughout the park. (See photo of trail map.)

    Tent Campers

    There are 6 'cart in' sites, but they are about 1/2 mile away from the main campground and on the other side of the road. Park, put your gear in a cart, and walk about 1/4 mile to your site (C1 through C6). 

    Special rule for these sites: You have to pay $2 to use the showers at the main campground! Your camping rate is $15 instead of $23 for a non-electric site. If a cart in site doesn't appeal to you, the regular sites are good for tents; many have tent pads. There are also a couple backpacker sites.

    Amenities

    • Picnic table and fire ring on each site. Some sites have a tent pad. The 'rule of 3' says you can have 3 'units' on a site - 2 tents + vehicle, RV + rent +vehicle,... - One restroom with flush toilets, sinks and showers (old but no temperature control) located near the road in front of the loop with sites 12-28. We were in the last loop on site 42, and there was a pit toilet that smelled okay but had lots of flies.

    • Some electric sites ($31) in the first 2 loops; the map (see photo) has an 'e' next to the site number and so does the post at the site.

    • Dump station that includes a potable water filling station. There are water spigots in the camping areas.

    • Trash dumpsters and recycle bins.

    Extra fees

    • There's a $7 reservation fee for online or phone reservations, and the site posts indicate you need to 'reserve' the site before you set up camp.  You avoid that fee by showing up without a reservation when the office is open, but I wouldn't do that on a Friday or Saturday in the summer. You can always get a sense of whether showing up without a reservation is feasible by checking availability online. It also looks like you avoid the fee if you reserve online on the day you stay.

    • $7 entry fee per day is standard in MN parks. A $35 pass is good for 12 months.

  • GoWhereYouAreDraw N.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 23, 2019

    Prairie Island City Campground

    Great introductory campground

    Prairie Island has all of you basic amenities without being too far from town. This campground isn’t for everybody -- if you’re looking for extreme adventure and wilderness, this is not the place for you. If you’re interested in getting into camping and not investing the money into all the gear or having direct river access, this is the place for you! They seriously rent it all. Paddleboards, kayaks, canoes, tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and dutch ovens. The camp store sells all of the basics and fishing supplies. The shower house has flush toilets and pit toilets are located throughout the campground.

    Personally, this campground is not the type that I like to stay at but it is really great for the type that wants to get into camping or the camper trailer type. Unfortunately, not enough activities to do besides boating on the river.

  • ERolf P.
    Aug. 29, 2016

    Perrot State Park Campground

    Group Camping, Hiking, and Water Sports

    Wonderful time in Perrot State Park. Camped in the group campground, site A. Plenty of room for many tents, and nice level ground to pitch tents on. Huge fire ring for large group fires, and both a large grill on the fire ring, and freestanding charcoal grill. Lots of options for hiking and walking in the park with more than 13 miles of trails. We did a 5 mile hike up and over two of the more popular bluffs. We also did a two-three hour canoe/kayak trip and had a blast.

    There is not a swimming beach at the park, so if you're into that, you'll have to leave the park, but there is more than enough to do at Perrot State Park.

  • K
    Sep. 5, 2020

    Hidden Meadows RV Park

    Hidden Gem

    This is very convenient if you have Mayo Clinic appointments. The campground was nice with grassy sites along with electric and water hook ups, there was a dump station also. Portable toilets spaced around and a centralized bath house by the office. There are seasonal guests and everyone was friendly. We saw deer by the primitive camp areas and had nightly campfires in our fire ring. We will return the next time we are up in MN.

  • R
    Aug. 30, 2019

    Merrick State Park Campground

    Nice Walk-In site but bring your bug spray!

    Very nice walk-in site right on the river. LOTS of bugs to the point it was uncomfortable so make sure to bring bug spray. Tent pad, fire ring and picnic table available. Trees available that are good for those who hammock.


Guide to Beaver

Tent camping near Beaver, Minnesota offers a variety of scenic spots and amenities for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature.

Tent campers should check out Aefintyr

  • Aefintyr features cozy cabins and hike-in glamping options, making it a versatile choice for different camping styles. Aefintyr is known for its beautiful bluff views and social atmosphere around the fire pits.
  • Each site at Aefintyr comes with its own fire pit and firewood, perfect for roasting marshmallows and enjoying evenings under the stars.
  • The campground is located near the stunning Whitewater area, offering ample hiking opportunities and breathtaking scenery.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Explore the trails at Whitewater State Park, just a short drive from the Gooseberry Glen Cart-in Campground, where you can enjoy the fall colors and peaceful surroundings. Gooseberry Glen Cart-in Campground — Whitewater State Park provides easy access to hiking and nature walks.
  • Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the trout fishing spots along the river near Aefintyr, making it a great spot for a relaxing day by the water.
  • The serene environment at Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground allows for peaceful evenings and opportunities to spot local wildlife, enhancing your camping experience. Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground is just an hour and a half from the Twin Cities.

Some prices for tent camping range from $20 to $40

  • At Aefintyr, tent camping sites are available for around $30, providing a great value for the amenities offered.
  • The Gooseberry Glen Cart-in Campground offers a unique camping experience with prices starting at approximately $25, making it an affordable option for families and groups.
  • For a more rustic experience, Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground has tent sites priced around $20, perfect for those looking to enjoy nature without breaking the bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Beaver, MN is Aefintyr with a 5-star rating from 4 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 14 tent camping locations near Beaver, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.