Best Tent Camping near Champlin, MN
Tent campsites near Champlin, Minnesota provide access to a mix of wooded landscapes and prairie environments in the Twin Cities metro region. Established tent campgrounds include Elm Creek Horse Camp with hiking trails and archery ranges nearby, and Crow Hassan Park Reserve which offers group camping opportunities with walking distance to the Crow River. Lake Maria State Park, approximately 30 miles northwest of Champlin, features numerous secluded walk-in tent sites set around small lakes and ponds.
Most tent-only sites in the area feature level ground with fire rings and picnic tables, though privacy between campsites varies significantly. Walk-in tent sites at Lake Maria State Park require hikes ranging from 1/4 mile to over a mile from parking areas, with some routes involving hilly terrain that can be challenging when carrying gear. Vault toilets are typically available at established tent campgrounds, though water access varies by location. Elm Creek and Crow Hassan provide drinking water sources near the parking areas, while more remote tent sites may require campers to bring their own water supplies.
The tent camping experience in this region offers varying degrees of seclusion depending on the specific site. Lake Maria State Park's backcountry tent sites are particularly noted for their privacy and natural setting. Site BP6 provides views overlooking a small lake with "towering trees all around" according to one review. Many primitive tent campsites are situated beneath tree canopies, providing natural shade during summer months. Mosquitoes can be abundant, particularly at lower-lying tent sites near water. A camper at Lake Maria noted, "BP7 didn't have much dead wood around so we had to reserve the firewood we purchased." The proximity to the Twin Cities makes these tent campgrounds popular weekend destinations, with weekday visits typically offering quieter experiences and better site availability.
