Tent camping options near Columbia Heights, Minnesota include a range of hike-in, walk-in, and drive-in sites within a 45-minute drive. Located in the northern Twin Cities suburbs, this area sits at approximately 860 feet above sea level in the Mississippi River watershed. Summer humidity levels typically reach 70-80% in July and August, making mosquito protection essential for overnight stays.
What to do
Trail exploration at William O'Brien State Park: The park features diverse hiking options ranging from quick loops to extended routes through various ecosystems. A camper noted, "We loved the trails. It was easy to takes hikes of varying lengths. There were so many different kinds of birds, and the wildflowers were blooming and ferns were unfurling - so many shades of green!"
Birding opportunities at Lake Rebecca Park Reserve: This large park offers excellent bird watching along its trail system. A visitor mentioned it's "Great for birding and walking trails! One of my favorite places to go near home."
Water activities at Nerstrand Big Woods: Though not suitable for swimming, the park offers opportunities to cool off. According to one camper, there's a "Little area to get wet but not swimming" and the park features "beautiful falls" that aren't huge but make for great photography subjects.
What campers like
Secluded walk-in sites at Lake Maria State Park: Many sites offer remarkable privacy and natural settings. One reviewer shared, "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."
Camping cabins for seasonal flexibility: Several parks offer cabin options for tent campers seeking more protection. A visitor to Lake Maria wrote, "To be fair I'd like to preface this review with a word of caution. We went in the middle of Summer. High bug season... Maybe they'll have a similar experience, maybe not."
Prairie camping experiences at Afton State Park: The park's open landscape provides a different camping atmosphere than wooded sites. A camper observed, "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 the grass long enough to give the sites a sense of privacy and seclusion."
What you should know
Bug preparation is crucial: Insect activity varies dramatically by season. At Lake Maria, one camper reported, "The black flies were dive bombing the car like a scene from Armageddon. We prepared the kiddos for a quick grab and run and jumped out of the car."
Firewood regulations at William O'Brien State Park: The park maintains specific firewood policies and pricing. A visitor noted, "Firewood is $6/bundle. Self-pay available at site 74e if the ranger station is closed. Bring exact change since you'll be paying by envelope."
Terrain challenges: Many sites involve uphill hiking with gear. A visitor to Afton State Park warned, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many parks offer excellent animal sightings for children. At William O'Brien's Savanna Campground, a camper mentioned, "This campground is lovely. You can hear frogs all night and we even saw a turtle laying eggs in a different campsite."
Weekend crowding considerations: For a better experience with children, consider timing. At William O'Brien, a visitor advised, "Good location for peace and quiet if you avoid the weekends... Weekends have been packed and reservations scarce for months at state parks in Minnesota."
Playground access at Crow Hassan Park Reserve: For families with active children, one reviewer highlighted it as "The best kids park at any campground I've been to" with "an amazing beach. Great Trails. Sweet single track for mountain biking."
Tips from RVers
Site layout awareness at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park: RV campers should research site positions carefully. One visitor observed, "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."
Parking constraints at multiple parks: Many of the best tent camping near Columbia Heights, Minnesota requires walking from parking areas. A Lake Maria visitor advised, "Our campsite was about a mile from the car so we started at a quick walk onto the trail."
Electrical hookup availability: Some parks offer limited electrical options. A visitor to Nerstrand Big Woods noted the campground has "Some Electric sites. Nice dump station" making it suitable for smaller RVs seeking a weekend getaway.
