Tent camping near Chaska, Minnesota offers a mix of prairie, woodland, and riverfront experiences across multiple Three Rivers Park District properties and state parks. The terrain ranges from flat open sites to partially wooded areas with elevation changes up to 300 feet in some parks. Summer nights typically remain above 55°F with daytime temperatures averaging 80-85°F, creating comfortable camping conditions from May through September.
What to do
Mountain biking access: Lake Rebecca Park Reserve features a newly developed 13.25-mile single track trail with varying skill level loops. One visitor noted, "The parking lot was full of mountain bikers. 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."
Water activities: Afton State Park Campground offers swimming and beach access, though vehicles can't drive directly to the shore. "Less than an hour drive from Minneapolis this is a good get away. Highlight of this location is beach which is nice for swim and sun bath. But beach isn't motor vehicle accessible so expect 5-10 min walk," reports one camper.
Wildlife observation: Crow Hassan Park Reserve provides excellent birdwatching opportunities along prairie trails and the Crow River. A regular visitor mentions, "I never tire walking the dog park circle along the crow river! Great for birding and tons of beautiful trails!"
What campers like
Secluded backcountry sites: Lake Maria State Park Campground offers remote tent sites with excellent water views. A recent visitor described, "Site B6 at Lake Maria State Park is the one. 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."
Family-friendly amenities: Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground provides clean facilities and hidden water features. One camper observed, "We went there last July just go hiking for the day. The trails were great and at the end of the trails there were beautiful falls. The falls weren't huge but there were pretty."
Open prairie camping: Campers appreciate the privacy created by natural terrain features at parks like Afton. A visitor commented, "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
Insect considerations: Summer camping comes with significant bug populations. One Lake Maria camper warned, "When we pulled up to the parking lot we knew we were in trouble. The black flies were dive bombing the car like a scene from Armageddon. First step onto the grassy trail exploded in a cloud of mosquitos."
Seasonal water limitations: William O'Brien State Park Campground has water access restrictions during construction periods. A recent visitor reported, "The east part of the park was all closed for construction. Everything on the east side of the highway was closed so we could not hike a lot of the trails or use the beach which was a challenge with kids. Constructing is scheduled to the end of 2025."
Fire regulations: Most parks provide fire rings and sell firewood, but availability and costs vary. At William O'Brien, "Wood was $8 bundle. This was steep in my opinion. They do not all any gathering of firewood."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly facilities: Lake Rebecca Park Reserve provides exceptional playground areas. One family noted, "This has an amazing beach. Great Trails. Sweet single track for mountain biking. The best kids park at any campground I've been to."
Beginner-friendly options: For first-time campers, consider the group camping areas. A visitor at Camp Sacajawea Retreat Center mentioned, "Great place to take kids, good 1st camping experience for bonfires and single night camping."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Several parks offer educational animal encounters. At William O'Brien, a camper shared, "This campground is lovely. You can hear frogs all night and we even saw a turtle laying eggs in a different campsite."
Tips for RVers
Site spacing considerations: Many campgrounds have closely positioned sites, especially for RVs. A Nerstrand camper noted, "The sites have quite a few trees separating them, but most of the sites on the C loop back up almost into the sites on the right side of the B loop, so we basically had the back of our neighbor's trailer hanging almost into our site."
Navigation challenges: Elm Creek Horse Camp and other parks have limited space for larger vehicles. A visitor mentioned, "There's not much privacy between sites...and 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."
Utility limitations: William O'Brien provides limited hookups, primarily electric. According to a camper, "The shower house needed a cleaning as well. There is no adjusting the shower temperature. Push the button and you get what you get."
