Tent campsites near Champlin, Minnesota offer camping options within the Upper Mississippi River Valley, where elevations range from 830 to 950 feet above sea level. The region experiences hot summers with temperatures averaging 83°F in July and moderate rainfall of 4-5 inches per month during camping season. Most campgrounds in this area are situated within a 30-mile radius of Champlin, making them convenient weekend destinations for Twin Cities residents.
What to do
Bird watching opportunities: Lake Rebecca Park Reserve provides excellent bird watching along its extensive trail system. As one camper noted, "Big park! Great for birding and walking trails! One of my favorite places to go near home."
Mountain biking excursions: Lake Rebecca Park Reserve offers 13.25 miles of single-track mountain biking trails. According to a visitor, "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."
Horseback riding access: For equestrian enthusiasts, Crow Hassan Park Reserve offers dedicated horse trails. A regular visitor explains, "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."
Water activities: At William O'Brien State Park, campers can enjoy the St. Croix River. One visitor shares, "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."
What campers like
Seclusion from urban areas: Lake Maria State Park offers backcountry tent sites that provide genuine wilderness feel. A recent visitor reported, "Site B6 at Lake Maria State Park is private, quiet, and wonderfully shaded, with just enough open sky for stargazing by the fire."
Variety of camping styles: Afton State Park offers multiple accommodation types beyond standard tent camping. One camper described, "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!"
Wildlife viewing: Camping at Lake Maria provides ample wildlife watching opportunities. According to a visitor, "We saw pileated woodpeckers, red squirrels, and a chorus of chorus frogs. Nature feels close here — in the best way."
Prairie landscapes: Afton State Park offers unique prairie camping experiences. A camper noted, "The hike to the campground is short and grueling. A few of the sites are in wooded areas, but we stayed in one of the prairie sites. The terrain is just hilly enough - and in August - the grass long enough to give the sites a sense of privacy and seclusion."
What you should know
Bug preparations essential: Minnesota's summer months bring significant insect activity to these camping areas. A Lake Maria camper warned, "Pack light and bring permethrin-treated clothes during bug season."
Wood availability varies: At some tent camping sites near Champlin, firewood can be difficult to find. One camper at Elm Creek Horse Camp mentioned, "While $16 a night is totally reasonable, the $7.50 reservation fee nips at the budget a bit—especially if you're staying more than a couple nights."
Carry-in site challenges: Campsites requiring hiking to access can present logistics challenges. A visitor to William O'Brien State Park advised, "Would strongly discourage big coolers or lots of weight."
Water access information: Water availability varies significantly at camping areas near Champlin. At Oak Island Watercraft Campsite, accessible only by boat, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Beach access for children: Family-friendly beach facilities make some parks more suitable for children. A reviewer of Lake Rebecca Park Reserve stated, "This has an amazing beach. Great Trails. Sweet single track for mountain biking. The best kids park at any campground I've been to."
Camping without hiking: For families with young children, choosing drive-up sites reduces stress. At Elm Creek Horse Camp, a camper observed the site offers "a solid patch of peace where dogs can sniff, stretch, and settle in by the fire. The ground is mostly level—perfect for a tent."
Cabin alternatives: When tent camping with kids might be challenging, consider alternatives. William O'Brien State Park features cabins that one visitor described: "The cabin we stayed in felt very welcoming. Unknown at the time I booked it, the cabin offered Wi-Fi access that ended up not working for us anyway, so that at least allowed for a bit more of a rustic experience in the end."
Wildlife education opportunities: Use camping trips as nature education for children. A visitor to Lake Maria State Park mentioned, "We could see one other camper in a different site, but it still felt like you were in the wilderness."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV accommodations: Most tent campsites near Champlin have restrictions for larger vehicles. The Mississippi Riverwood RV Park caters specifically to RV owners with longer stays in mind, as one owner stated, "This hidden gem is a PRIVATE RV Park where each lot is individually owned and most owners live South in the winter."
Seasonal considerations: RV camping in this region works best during specific seasons. At William O'Brien, a visitor mentioned, "Do yourself a favor and arrive in Marine on St. Croix via Broadway Street / Maple Street. The tree canopy, winding roads, and tunnel are worth it."
