Best Tent Camping near Crystal, MN
Several tent camping options surround Crystal, Minnesota, with Afton State Park Campground offering established tent-friendly sites about 30 miles east. This park provides backpacking-style tent sites requiring a one-mile hike from the parking area, making it popular for campers seeking a more secluded experience. Crow Hassan Park Reserve also accommodates tent campers with sites nestled in both wooded and prairie settings within a reasonable drive from Crystal.
Most tent sites at Afton State Park feature level terrain suitable for pitching tents, with a mix of wooded and prairie locations providing varying levels of shade and privacy. Walk-in access is required for all tent sites, with the final quarter-mile including a steep uphill section that can be challenging when carrying full packs. A review mentioned that "the hike to the campground is short and grueling," but noted the terrain provides "a sense of privacy and seclusion." Basic amenities include vault toilets, drinking water from a solar-powered well pump, and access to firewood that campers must cut themselves using provided tools.
Tent campers at these locations benefit from the separation from RV areas, creating a quieter experience with fewer generator noises and artificial lights. The tent-only areas at Afton State Park provide access to numerous hiking trails with varying difficulty levels across river valley terrain. As one camper wrote, "The park has good trails, beautiful views and provides a sense of solitude without having to travel too far from the city." Summer months offer swimming opportunities in the St. Croix River at Afton, while Crow Hassan features extensive trail networks ideal for tent campers interested in hiking and wildlife observation. Fall camping provides cooler temperatures and typically fewer crowds at both locations, making it an ideal season for tent camping near Crystal.
