Tent campsites near Fridley, Minnesota range from walk-in sites to backcountry camping experiences with varying levels of accessibility. Located in the Upper Mississippi River basin at around 860 feet above sea level, the area experiences hot, humid summers with frequent thunderstorms and cold winters where temperatures can drop below 0°F. Most camping options open in mid-April and close by late October, though some offer winter camping with snowshoe access.
What to do
Horseback riding opportunities: Crow Hassan Park Reserve offers equestrian camping in two locations and extensive trails for riders. "This is my all-time favorite park to bring my horse to, and it's her favorite trail too. Seriously, when we head back to our trailer she will stop and refuse to proceed," shares one visitor.
Hiking varied terrain: Explore extensive trail systems across different landscapes within an hour of Fridley. One camper at Lake Maria State Park describes the experience: "The journey in is half the magic: winding wooded trails, wildflowers, and glimpses of the lake through the trees."
Wildlife viewing: The parks around Fridley host diverse ecosystems supporting varied wildlife. "We saw pileated woodpeckers, red squirrels, and a chorus of chorus frogs. Nature feels close here — in the best way," notes a Lake Maria visitor about the park's Site B6.
Dog-friendly outings: Several parks welcome four-legged companions. "I never tire walking the dog park circle along the crow river! Great for birding and tons of beautiful trails!" mentions a Crow Hassan visitor.
What campers like
Secluded camping close to the city: William O'Brien State Park offers a natural escape despite its proximity to the metro area. As one camper notes, "I have long overlooked William O'Brien because I thought you had to drive a long way to get away. I was wrong! We loved the trails. It was easy to takes hikes of varying lengths."
Varied camping landscapes: The region offers diverse settings from prairie to forest. A visitor to Afton State Park shared: "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."
Quality tent pads and amenities: Many backcountry sites feature well-maintained basics. "The site is private, quiet, and wonderfully shaded, with just enough open sky for stargazing by the fire. The tent pad is level, and there's a solid fire ring and picnic table," reports a Lake Maria camper.
Weekday solitude: To avoid crowds, plan mid-week trips. "Arriving on a Sunday afternoon was a dream—very few people in the campground loop (especially the non-electric ones), but still able to take advantage of a weekend day," notes a William O'Brien visitor.
What you should know
Bug preparation is crucial: Mosquitoes and ticks are significant concerns, especially in wooded areas. "Pack light and bring permethrin-treated clothes during bug season," advises a Lake Maria visitor. Another camper vividly describes: "The black flies were dive bombing the car like a scene from Armageddon."
Water access varies by location: Some parks have limited water facilities. At Lake Rebecca Park Reserve, water pumps are available but not at all sites. Remember to check if the water stations are functioning before your trip—a visitor to Afton State Park warned: "None of the water faucets or water pumps on the trails at Afton State Park are working."
Campsite privacy considerations: Site spacing varies considerably across parks. At William O'Brien, a camper noted: "Compared to Wild River State Park, the sites at Savannah are pretty cramped with inconsistent vegetation between sites. I wouldn't want to stay here when the loop is fully reserved."
Terrain challenges: Many sites require hiking on challenging terrain. "The hike to the campground is short and grueling," reports an Afton State Park visitor, highlighting the need for appropriate footwear and efficient packing.
Tips for camping with families
Starter camping experiences: Look for sites with moderate access challenges. Elm Creek Horse Camp offers a more accessible experience: "Campsite 2 hits all the right notes: trails close by, fire ring ready, and enough space for a tent, a camp chair, and a dog who thinks every stick is a gift from heaven."
Nature education opportunities: The diverse ecosystems provide learning experiences. At William O'Brien, a camper observed, "There were so many different kinds of birds, and the wildflowers were blooming and ferns were unfurling -so many shades of green!"
Wildlife encounters: Many parks offer chances to observe animals safely. "We had a few run ins with white tail deer further in the brush," shares a William O'Brien winter visitor. Another camper at the park mentioned, "You can hear frogs all night and we even saw a turtle laying eggs in a different campsite."
Weather preparedness: Minnesota's changeable weather requires planning. A camper at Lake Maria advises, "Don't forget a headlamp — the darkness here is wild and beautiful," highlighting how proper gear enhances the experience for children.
Tips from RVers
Campsite selection for trailers: Choose sites carefully as not all accommodate larger rigs. A William O'Brien visitor notes they "planned this weekend with friends to camp in our matching teardrop trailers," finding the park suitable for smaller trailers.
Electric hookup availability: William O'Brien provides electric hookups, but they're limited. "The pit toilets were cleaned and stocked with TP and sanitizer. The shower house needs some paint, but had been cleaned," mentions a visitor, indicating the mixed quality of facilities.
Dump station considerations: Most sites offer basic services only. Plan ahead for waste management, as full hookup sites are rare in state parks near Fridley. Remember to check seasonal availability as some facilities close during colder months.
