Tent camping near Golden Valley, Minnesota ranges from walk-in sites at Lake Maria State Park to backpacking options at several park reserves within a 45-minute drive. Summer temperatures typically range from 65°F to 85°F, with frequent evening thunderstorms in July and August. The area sits at an elevation of approximately 900 feet above sea level, with hiking trails offering terrain changes of 100-200 feet.
What to do
Trail exploration at Lake Maria State Park: The park features multiple hiking trails through mature forests with numerous mushroom varieties. A camper reports, "I hiked 11 miles here and it was awesome!" The trails connect various backpacking sites, with some positioned near lakes.
Beach visits near Afton State Park Campground: The park has a swimming beach that requires a 5-10 minute walk from parking areas. One visitor shared, "Less than an hour drive from Minneapolis this is a good get away. As expected it has many walk trails. Highlight of this location is beach which is nice for swim and sun bath."
Wildlife observation: Early mornings offer opportunities to spot pileated woodpeckers, red squirrels, white-tailed deer, and various bird species. A hiker encountered unexpected wildlife: "We went to Afton for a day trip filled with hiking, picnicking and scoping out future camping sites. Then I saw the snake."
What campers like
Secluded backcountry sites: Many tent campers appreciate the privacy of Lake Maria State Park Campground backpacking sites. A reviewer noted, "Once you arrive, B6 feels like a secret woodland sanctuary — set up on a slight rise, tucked beneath a cathedral of towering oaks and maples."
Varied terrain for all skill levels: The region offers flat, accessible camping for beginners and more challenging options for experienced hikers. One camper shared, "I really enjoy sites 1, 2, and 3 as they are a little more secluded from other sites, however 1 is fairly close to the county road so you will hear some vehicle noise overnight."
Seasonal camping options: Unlike many Minnesota camping areas, several parks near Golden Valley remain open year-round. A visitor at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground shared, "This is a great campground for Fall camping. The color's are amazing. Nice hiking trails."
What you should know
Bug preparation is essential: Many campsites report significant insect activity, particularly in wooded areas during summer months. A visitor to Lake Maria noted, "First step onto the grassy trail exploded in a cloud of mosquitos. Walking along the kids all looked like Pig-Pen from Peanuts."
Water availability varies by location: Not all parks maintain functioning water sources throughout the season. One camper warned about William O'Brien State Park Campground: "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."
Firewood policies: Some parks sell firewood on-site while others require you bring your own. At Afton State Park, "They do have firewood available however it is long slab wood, so you do need to cut it yourself. Hand hacksaws are provided, but we're not great quality which made cutting the wood difficult."
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with reasonable access: When camping with children, consider walk-in distance and terrain difficulty. At Crow Hassan Park Reserve, "The Riverbend group equestrian campground is now the parking lot for day visitors through at least August... In normal times you can rent this group campsite for $70-$80 a night, which is ridiculously cheap."
Look for shower facilities: After hiking or swimming, shower access can be important for families. Nerstrand Big Woods offers "new and clean" bathroom/shower buildings that are "clean and well lit" according to campers.
Consider camper cabins: Several parks offer cabin options for families wanting a camping experience without tents. A visitor shared, "Camper Cabin (Eastern Bluebird) - Perfect little cabin nestled in the southern half of the park! Screened in porch, heated with electricity, and two double bunk beds!"
Tips for RVers
Prepare for tight maneuvering: Some campgrounds have limited space for larger vehicles. At Nerstrand Big Woods, "there's some sites that are tricky to back a trailer into, which would have been helped by some maintenance - there were LOTS of branches that needed to be trimmed back."
Check electrical hookup availability: Several Lake Rebecca Park Reserve group sites offer limited electrical options. Plan accordingly with battery power or generators where allowed.
Research dump station locations: Not all parks offer on-site dumping facilities. William O'Brien State Park Campground has a dump station that receives positive reviews: "Nice dump station" according to a recent visitor.
