Tent camping options near Buffalo, Minnesota include primitive sites in forested settings and by waterways. Most sites sit within 20-30 miles of Buffalo, providing access to deciduous woodlands common to central Minnesota. Summer temperatures average 70-85°F with high humidity, while spring and fall camping periods offer cooler temperatures with nighttime lows that can dip into the 40s.
What to do
Hiking trails: Lake Maria State Park offers varying trail difficulties with some areas requiring proper footwear for hilly terrain. One visitor noted, "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 activities: Oak Island Watercraft Campsite provides a stopping point for river travelers. A camper mentioned, "This island on the Mississippi has a picnic table and a very primitive toilet. It's a great spot to take a rest while cavorting the Mississippi."
Mountain biking: Lake Rebecca Park Reserve features 13.25 miles of single-track trails for different skill levels. A reviewer commented, "Sweet single track for mountain biking. The best kids park at any campground I've been to."
Wildlife viewing: Natural areas around Buffalo support diverse bird populations. A visitor to Crow Hassan Park Reserve shared, "Great for birding and tons of beautiful trails!"
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Lake Maria State Park campsites provide seclusion from neighboring campers. According to a reviewer, "Site B6 feels like a secret woodland sanctuary — set up on a slight rise, tucked beneath a cathedral of towering oaks and maples."
Lakefront access: Several backpacking sites offer water views. A camper noted about Lake Maria, "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."
Natural landscape: The region preserves native Minnesota ecosystems. One visitor at Lake Maria State Park commented, "We saw pileated woodpeckers, red squirrels, and a chorus of chorus frogs. Nature feels close here — in the best way."
Swimming beaches: Certain campgrounds provide designated swimming areas. A Lake Rebecca visitor noted, "This has an amazing beach. Great Trails."
What you should know
Bug preparation: The area experiences heavy insect activity during summer months. A camper at Lake Maria advised, "Pack light and bring permethrin-treated clothes during bug season."
Physical demands: Crow Hassan Park Reserve and other backcountry sites require physical fitness. One Lake Maria camper warned, "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. I easily was carrying 100lbs and had to take a couple breaks on the way."
Water availability: Hand pumps for water are typically located at trailheads rather than individual sites. A Lake Maria visitor mentioned, "The pump for the water was very slow."
Limited camping options: Several parks have restrictions on camping availability. A visitor to Mississippi Riverwood noted, "This is only a place to live and pay month to month."
Tips for camping with families
Choose accessible sites: Some campgrounds offer more family-friendly options than others. A camper at Elm Creek Horse Camp shared, "Tucked away near the archery range, this campsite offers a solid patch of peace where dogs can sniff, stretch, and settle in by the fire."
Playground access: Several parks feature playground equipment for children. A visitor to Lake Rebecca Park Reserve stated, "The best kids park at any campground I've been to."
Consider seasonal timing: For the best tent camping near Buffalo, Minnesota with families, avoid peak bug season. A Lake Maria camper advised, "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."
Pack entertainment: Limited amenities means bringing your own activities. A visitor to Lake Maria noted, "We spent a bit of time outside and then played in the tent the rest of the night."
Tips from RVers
Space limitations: A J Acres Campground and similar sites may present challenges for larger vehicles. A camper reported, "Navigating around trees was not so fun with our 5th wheel. We got the slideouts to fit in between the trees."
Seasonal occupancy: Many RV sites are occupied by long-term campers. A visitor to A J Acres observed, "A drive around showed many seasonal, if not permanent, trailers and campers. A golf cart would be best for getting around."
Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. According to an A J Acres camper, "Limited availability to sewer hookups, only about 5 true pull thrus, taken by seasonal."
Site spacing: RV sites may lack privacy compared to tent-only areas. One camper noted about A J Acres, "The campsites are a little bit on top of each other. There aren't many campsites that you're able to reserve."
