Best Tent Camping near Bloomington, MN

Tent camping near Bloomington, Minnesota provides access to several backcountry and walk-in tent sites within an hour's drive. Afton State Park, located 30 minutes east of the Twin Cities along the St. Croix River, offers 26 hike-in tent sites with varying terrain and privacy levels. Lake Maria State Park, about 45 minutes northwest of Bloomington, features exclusively backcountry tent camping with sites ranging from 0.5 to 3 miles from parking areas. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, southeast of Bloomington, provides walk-in tent sites with wooded surroundings and access to hiking trails and a waterfall.

Most tent-only campgrounds in the region require reservations through the Minnesota State Parks reservation system. Walk-in tent sites at Afton State Park involve a moderately challenging one-mile hike with a steep incline near the end, making lightweight packing essential. Sites typically include level tent pads, fire rings with grates, and picnic tables. Vault toilets are available near clusters of sites, though campers should bring their own toilet paper. Water sources vary by location, with Afton providing a solar-powered well pump and Lake Maria offering water stations at parking areas. Summer months bring significant mosquito activity, particularly at Lake Maria's wetland-adjacent sites.

Primitive tent camping in this region offers a sense of seclusion without venturing far from the metropolitan area. According to reviews, Afton's backpacking sites provide "privacy and a sense of solitude without having to travel too far from the city." The sites are well-spaced, with some tucked into forested areas and others offering prairie or river valley views. One visitor noted that Lake Maria State Park is "a great place to adventure into backpacking" with sites that feel "isolated even though other sites were nearby." The Cannon River Wilderness Area provides free walk-in tent sites approximately 10 minutes from parking, with opportunities to set up near the river. Wildlife sightings are common, with deer frequently observed at Afton and various bird species active at Lake Maria.

Best Tent Sites Near Bloomington, Minnesota (19)

    1. Afton State Park Campground

    36 Reviews
    Denmark, MN
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 436-5391

    "Backpacking to the top hill sites has gotten easier as the park has curved the new wide groomed and wood chipped trail to spiral around the hill instead of a straight climb."

    "We did the backpack site so you hike in almost a mile and you go up on the ridge that's open in the middle but each site is heavily forested and some overlook the river."

    2. Tony’s Backyard

    2 Reviews
    Bloomington, MN
    2 miles
    +1 (612) 751-0908

    $45 - $60 / night

    "Tony's Backyard is new to the Dyrt and looking to share a camping spot with others.  Check them out and share your experience on the Dyrt!"

    3. Camp Sacajawea Retreat Center

    2 Reviews
    Apple Valley, MN
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (952) 891-7000

    $50 / night

    4. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Nerstrand, MN
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 333-4840

    "It's just a bit of a walk from the main campground and opposite of some very beautiful walk-in sites. The group campground has an open space to play games as well as wooded areas all around."

    "There are four “walk in” sites, and you can see one another from all of them. Sites 1 and 3 require a walk about three car lengths to the tent pad, and 4 is not much farther."

    6. Lake Maria State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Silver Creek, MN
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (763) 878-2325

    "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."

    "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."

    7. Lake Rebecca Park Reserve

    3 Reviews
    Rockford, MN
    28 miles
    Website

    "This newly developed trail is 13.25 miles long, so a nice option close to the city for those who are inclined to adventurous biking. Different loops are available for varying skill levels. "

    "Great for birding and walking trails! One of my favorite places to go near home😁"

    8. Crow Hassan Park Reserve

    3 Reviews
    St. Michael, MN
    30 miles
    Website

    $15 / night

    "During these COVID times everyone wants to get out and about more, which means that the main parking lot for the park that used to be mostly designated for horse trailer parking is now overrun with family"

    "Do a 180 on the trail and she is happy to trot away from the trailer."

    9. Elm Creek Horse Camp

    1 Review
    Dayton, MN
    26 miles
    Website

    $16 / night

    ".🌲🐶 Tucked away near the archery range(don’t worry—nobody’s aiming at your pup), this campsite offers a solid patch of peace where dogs can sniff, stretch, and settle in by the fire."

    10. Cannon River Wilderness Area

    2 Reviews
    Faribault, MN
    32 miles
    Website

    "We found a site tucked away from people which is what we like. We set up hammocks right next to the river."

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Showing results 1-10 of 19 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Bloomington, MN

672 Reviews of 19 Bloomington Campgrounds



Guide to Bloomington

Tent camping near Bloomington, Minnesota offers a variety of scenic locations and amenities for outdoor enthusiasts looking to escape the city.

Tips for tent camping near Bloomington

Some prices for tent camping range from $22 to $85

  • At Afton State Park Campground, sites are available for $22, with additional fees for reservations and firewood.
  • The Crow Hassan Park Reserve offers group camping for $70-$80 a night, accommodating large parties and horse trailers.
  • For a private experience, Tony’s Backyard is available for $85, featuring amenities like electric hookups and drinking water.

Tent campers should check out Camp Sacajawea Retreat Center

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Bloomington, MN is Afton State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 36 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 19 tent camping locations near Bloomington, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.