Best Tent Camping near Garfield, MN
Tent campsites near Garfield, Minnesota provide diverse options for outdoor enthusiasts seeking lakeside or wooded experiences. Glendalough State Park Campground offers tent-specific sites with cart-in access, creating a quieter atmosphere than typical drive-in campgrounds. Other options include Beers Hike-In Site, a backcountry tent camping area accessible via Maplewood church road, and several lake-adjacent tent camping areas including Swan Lake Resort & Campground and Elk Lake Campground.
Most tent camping areas feature basic amenities for primitive camping experiences. Cart-in sites at Glendalough require campers to transport gear from designated parking areas to their campsite using provided carts. Many tent-specific sites include fire rings and picnic tables, with varying levels of access to toilets. Beers Hike-In Site provides vault toilets while maintaining a backcountry feel. A camper noted, "There is a nice fire pit and good area for fishing right at the site," highlighting the balanced primitive experience. Water access varies significantly between campgrounds, with some offering drinking water while others require campers to bring their own supplies.
Areas farther from developed campgrounds provide deeper seclusion for tent campers seeking quiet experiences. Glendalough State Park features non-motorized lakes ideal for paddling and fishing directly from tent sites. According to one visitor, "The tent sites are all cart in, making the scenery the main focus. You don't have to stare at vehicles while you are enjoying a fire." Walk-in tent sites generally offer more privacy than drive-in options, with several campgrounds spacing tent areas among hardwood trees for natural shade and separation. The region's lakes provide excellent opportunities for water activities, with some tent sites positioned for lake views and direct water access. Several primitive tent campgrounds maintain seasonal operations, typically offering optimal conditions from late spring through early fall.