Tent camping options near Edina, Minnesota range from shoreline spots to prairie settings, with most locations within a 30-45 minute drive from the city. Campsites experience temperature ranges from 50-80°F in summer months, with higher humidity levels in July and August. The region's oak, maple, and prairie landscapes provide varied camping environments across parks maintained by both state and county systems.
What to do
Hiking to hidden waterfalls: Nerstrand Big Woods State Park features unique woodland trails that lead to water features not mentioned on most maps. "The trails were great and at the end of the trails there were beautiful falls. The falls weren't huge but there were pretty. A lot of things to photograph," reports one visitor who appreciates the park's natural attractions.
Beach activities: Swim at beaches near tent camping areas for a refreshing break. At William O'Brien State Park, one camper noted, "Tons of hiking, fishing, and great picnic area next to the river!" The swimming areas provide a cool escape during hot summer camping trips.
Birdwatching: Early morning birding opportunities abound in the diverse habitats. One frequent visitor to Crow Hassan Park Reserve mentions it's "Great for birding and tons of beautiful trails!" The mix of prairie and woodland areas attracts varied bird species throughout camping seasons.
What campers like
Private tent pads: Many campers value the separation between sites. "The tent pad was level, and there's a solid fire ring and picnic table," reports a visitor to Lake Maria State Park. The leveled spaces make setting up easier after hiking in with gear.
Wildlife encounters: Tent sites offer opportunities to observe local animals in natural settings. A camper at Afton State Park recounted, "A Snake gave us great memories. We went to Afton for a day trip filled with hiking, picnicking and scoping out future camping sites." These unplanned wildlife sightings create memorable camping experiences.
Wooded shelter: Tree cover provides natural temperature regulation at many sites. "This lovely spot is a one mile hike from the parking lot," explains a Lake Maria camper who appreciated the forested setting. "You could see the occasional car from the site, which is surrounded by a small pond. You could hear voices, but not see anyone."
What you should know
Seasonal water issues: Water access varies by season and location. "This may be an ongoing issue but none of the water faucets or water pumps on the trails at Afton State Park are working. The good news is you can fill up on cold drinking water at the visitor center before trekking around the park's beautiful hiking trails!" warns a visitor who experienced water shortages during peak summer.
Bug intensity: Insect populations peak in early summer. "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," shares a candid Lake Maria visitor. Bug protection is essential, especially for hike-in sites where quick escapes aren't possible.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly between camping areas. "Cell reception for T-Mobile was minimal to non-existent. Wifi is available in the visitor center parking lot," notes a camper staying near William O'Brien. This information helps campers plan communication needs accordingly.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access planning: Verify walking distances from tent sites to swimming areas. One visitor to William O'Brien State Park mentioned, "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." Always check current conditions before promising water activities to children.
Playgrounds near camping: Some parks offer play equipment near tent camping areas. An enthusiastic camper at Lake Rebecca Park Reserve declares it the "Best kids park. This has an amazing beach. Great Trails. Sweet single track for mountain biking. The best kids park at any campground I've been to."
Shorter hiking options: Look for tent sites with minimal walking distances for younger children. "The walk in site was great - close to parking with plenty of tree shade," writes a Nerstrand Big Woods visitor, highlighting how important proximity can be when camping with kids who tire easily.
Tips from RVers
Tent-only vs. mixed camping: Several parks have separate areas for tents and RVs. "This campground is lovely. You can hear frogs all night and we even saw a turtle laying eggs in a different campsite," shares a William O'Brien camper staying in the Savanna area, which offers more natural surroundings than mixed-use campgrounds.
Bathroom facilities: Shower access varies significantly between locations. "The shower house needed a cleaning as well. There is no adjusting the shower temperature. Push the button and you get what you get," explains a William O'Brien visitor, providing practical information about facility conditions that affect both tent campers and RVers.
Site spacing considerations: Privacy levels differ dramatically between best tent camping near Edina. "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," notes a Nerstrand Big Woods camper, giving context about what "private" really means at this location.
