Tent camping near Hastings, Minnesota offers primitive wilderness experiences within a 30-mile radius of the city. The area sits at the confluence of the St. Croix and Mississippi Rivers, creating diverse ecosystems from river bluffs to prairie landscapes. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during peak camping season, with mosquitoes typically most active from June through August.
What to do
Hiking diverse terrain: William O'Brien State Park Campground features multiple landscape types within a single park. As one camper notes, "This park has all the various landscapes of the St. Croix River Valley. There are miles of walking and hiking trails throughout the park." Another visitor mentions, "We loved the trails. It was easy to take hikes of varying lengths. There were so many different kinds of birds, and the wildflowers were blooming and ferns were unfurling."
River access: Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground provides excellent water recreation opportunities. According to a visitor, "The lake is incredible. There is great lake access for swimming." Another camper shared, "We stayed right on the edge of the lake and absolutely loved it. So serene!"
Wildlife viewing: Observe local fauna at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground where campers report consistent wildlife encounters. One review mentions, "The variety of old growth trees was spectacular." Another camper appreciates the natural setting: "The hike to the hidden falls did not disappoint."
What campers like
Walk-in site privacy: Many tent campers near Hastings appreciate the seclusion of walk-in sites. At Afton State Park Campground, a camper observed, "The terrain is just hilly enough - and in August - the grass long enough to give the sites a sense of privacy and seclusion." Another noted, "A few of the sites are in wooded areas, but we stayed in one of the prairie sites."
Prairie camping experience: Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground offers unique prairie camping environments. One visitor mentioned, "The sites have quite a few trees separating them," while another appreciated that "Sites were great but a little wet. Some of the south trails are closed because its too wet."
Tent-only environments: Several campgrounds limit or prohibit RVs, creating quiet tent camping atmospheres. A visitor to Hok-Si-La noted, "This campground is a tent only campground with a couple cabins as well, which adds to its secluded feel." Another camper appreciated that "the security and family friendly atmosphere make it worth the extra cash."
What you should know
Water availability limitations: Water access varies significantly between campgrounds. At Cannon River Wilderness Area, campers must pack in all water needs. As one camper explains, "The 2 camp sites are a good little hike in and you have to backpack everything you need in." At Afton State Park, a visitor warned, "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."
Pack weight considerations: Most tent sites require some hiking from parking areas. One Afton State Park visitor advised, "Would strongly discourage big coolers or lots of weight," while another mentioned, "The hike to the campground is short and grueling."
Seasonal limitations: Most tent campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Nerstrand Big Woods operates from "April 1 to October 23," while Cannon River Wilderness Area is only available "May through October."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Choose campsites carefully based on family needs. A camper at Nerstrand Big Woods noted, "Though sites 2 and 4 were right next to each other, they felt very secluded. Site 4 felt a bit more private from the main road because the campsite slightly slopes downward." Another visitor mentioned, "The bathrooms were updated and clean."
Wildlife education opportunities: Use wildlife encounters as learning moments. At William O'Brien, campers report, "You can hear frogs all night and we even saw a turtle laying eggs in a different campsite." Another visitor added, "There were lots of people, but it was easy to take a walk and get some space and some nature."
Vehicle restrictions: Be aware of parking regulations when tent camping with children. At Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground, "You cannot leave any cars near your campsite, you can drive in to drop off or pick up your gear but otherwise vehicles are parked in the main parking lot outside of the gate." Another camper notes this "limits traffic driving through the campground, and is really nice to not have vehicles driving through at all hours."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most primitive tent camping areas near Hastings have few or no RV accommodations. At Cannon River Wilderness Area, a camper noted, "Not sure about camping in the parking lot overnight. Love the park, just not for camping." However, some campgrounds like William O'Brien State Park do accommodate RVs with the visitor commenting, "Some sites can handle bigger RV's. Some Electric sites. Nice dump station."
