Tent camping near Hanover, Minnesota offers both backpacking and drive-in options within a 20-mile radius. The area sits at the transition between the Big Woods and prairie ecosystems, with most campgrounds situated between 900-950 feet elevation. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F, with occasional thunderstorms during peak camping season in July and August.
What to do
Wildlife watching at dawn: Visit Lake Maria State Park where backpackers can spot a variety of animals. "We could see one other camper in a different site, but it still felt like you were in the wilderness. This site was nearly surrounded by a lake which lended to a lot of bugs, but was absolutely gorgeous!" according to Lydia N.
Mushroom identification: Several woodland campsites feature diverse fungi varieties. "We spent a bit of time outside and then played in the tent the rest of the night. We were all entertained by the plethora of mushroom varieties that surrounded the camp," notes Steph H. from Lake Maria State Park.
Paddling opportunities: Access the Mississippi River from Oak Island Watercraft Campsite. "This island on the Mississippi has a picnic table and a very primitive toilet. It's a great spot to take a rest while cavorting the Mississippi," says LaMina H. The site requires boat access and is primitive but offers a unique camping experience.
What campers like
Secluded backcountry sites: Lake Maria State Park offers exceptional privacy at backcountry sites. "Backpack sites only. Love this park as it offers many backpacking sites with some being very short hikes in and some being longer hikes. Some are lake front and some are more woodsy sites," explains Tori K.
Peninsula camping: Several campsites sit on peninsulas offering water views on multiple sides. "Site 1 is my favorite despite the road noise due to the location of the tent pad and being on almost a peninsula offering lots of lake views," says Tori K. about Lake Maria State Park.
Seasonal flexibility: William O'Brien State Park provides camping options year-round, including winter camping. "I visited William O'Brien in the middle of February with two college roommates. As you can imagine, this meant snow was everywhere in the heart of winter in Minnesota," notes David K.
What you should know
Bug preparation: Summer brings high mosquito and black fly populations. "The black flies were dive bombing the car like a scene from Armageddon. We prepared the kiddos for a quick grab and run and jumped out of the car. First step onto the grassy trail exploded in a cloud of mosquitos," reports Steph H. from Lake Maria State Park.
Firewood considerations: Pack firewood or purchase on-site. "BP7 didn't have much dead wood around so we had to reserve the firewood we purchased," says cheeming Y. When tent camping 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 were not great quality which made cutting the wood difficult," according to Adam P.
Terrain challenges: Sites often require hiking with gear. "If your vehicle permit is not properly displayed, you will receive a notice on your windshield and have to talk with the office," warns Tim at William O'Brien State Park, where raccoons also regularly visit campsites.
Tips for camping with families
Start with shorter backpacking routes: Beginners should choose sites with shorter access trails. "We stayed at site B6 at Lake Maria State Park... This hike-in site is about a half-mile walk from the parking area, and the journey in is half the magic: winding wooded trails, wildflowers, and glimpses of the lake through the trees," shares Alison O.
Pack smart for multi-trip hikes: Plan carefully if you need multiple trips from your vehicle. "Buddy and I parked at the southeast parking lot so the hike was about a mile and also hilly... Carrying firewood, food, water, gear, on a hilly trail through the woods can become real tough real fast for anyone that isn't physically active," warns cheeming Y.
Playground amenities: Lake Rebecca Park Reserve offers exceptional facilities for children. "This has an amazing beach. Great Trails. Sweet single track for mountain biking. The best kids park at any campground I've been to," says Daniel R., making it ideal for families wanting both tent camping and recreational amenities.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most campgrounds near Hanover cater to tent campers rather than RVs. Even at Crow Hassan Park Reserve, "During these COVID times everyone wants to get out and about more, which means that the main parking lot for the park that used to be mostly designated for horse trailer parking is now overrun with family vehicles," notes Krista T.
Site selection challenges: When RV camping is available, sites can be tight. "Navigating around trees was not so fun with our 5th wheel. We got the slideouts to fit in between the trees," shares Nettie W. about A J Acres Campground, where "limited availability to sewer hookups, only about 5 true pull thrus, taken by seasonal."
Access considerations: For RVers, William O'Brien State Park provides some big-rig friendly sites, but campers note the sites "are very close in there and were small."
