Best Tent Camping near Hay Creek, MN
Looking for the best Hay Creek tent camping? The Dyrt helps you find campsites with tent camping near Hay Creek. You're sure to find the perfect tent campsite for your Minnesota camping adventure.
Best Tent Sites Near Hay Creek, Minnesota (17)
1. Afton State Park Campground
36 Reviews•93 Photos•204 SavesDenmark, MinnesotaLocated on the St. Croix River, just 20 miles east of Saint Paul, Afton State Park is great for those looking for camping near Minneapolis and is 1600 acres of rolling prairies, oak woodlands, and limestone river canyons amid an ancient glacial landscape. The land for the park was acquired in 1967, but it took almost 15 years of planning revisions and compromises with local residents before the park finally opened in 1982. Little development has gone into Afton State Park in an effort to maintain its natural characteristics, and former farmland atop the bluffs are continuously being restored to their original state. This makes Afton an ideal destination for campers looking to experience the outdoors in a wilder setting.
Load up your backpack with all you’ll need for your stay, as camping at Afton State Park requires a hearty, 0.75-mile hike in from the parking area. The year-round campground offers 27 rustic sites with picnic tables and fire pits, with options for pitching your tent in either open or wooded areas. There is drinking water, a vault toilet and firewood is supplied within the camp area. There is also three boat-in campsites, and two group campsites that can accommodate up to 60 people each. If you’d rather not rough it, the park also offers four camping cabins and two yurts, some of which are wheelchair accessible. There are also several picnic areas and restrooms within the park. Campsite rates range from $15–$23/night; cabins range from $55–$70/night, and yurts $50–$65/night.
When you’re ready to explore, start at the park’s Nature Store where you can pick up information about the park’s flora and fauna, or join a nature walk. Then choose from more than 20 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails, as well as a short barrier-free path. If you’re visiting in winter, many of these trails are open for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Bring your GPS and go on a geocaching treasure hunt, or bring your binoculars and go on safari for a variety of migratory birds, waterfowl, and wildlife, including deer, foxes and badgers. And little ones will love becoming Junior Park Naturalists and learning about bugs, birds, plants and other critters. If you’re looking for a real outdoor adventure, Afton State Park has what you’re looking for.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
2. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground
32 Reviews•90 Photos•134 SavesNerstrand, Minnesota- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
3. Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground
7 Reviews•30 Photos•49 SavesLake City, MinnesotaTent only campground.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
$22 - $132 / night
5. Aefintyr
4 Reviews•43 Photos•57 SavesElba, MinnesotaAefintyr campground is located in the scenic woods of the Whitewater River Valley in the Driftless Area of Southeastern Minnesota. We offer beautiful blufftop hike-in camping and glamping and cozy treehouse inspired camper cabins. The hike-in camp/glamp sites offer a backpacking like experience (1460 ft hike with a 230 ft elevation gain) and are great for people who like to get some exercise and want to immerse themselves in a woodland setting. Perfect relaxation destination or home base for your Whitewater Valley adventures. Aefintyr is a small operation that values peace, quiet and quality over quantity. Get away from crowds and get into the woods! Onsite, enjoy a campfire, stargazing, hiking and observing the amazing animals, plants and fungi.
Nearby recreation opportunities include:
Within 2 miles of Whitewater State Park, the Elba Fire Tower, Whitewater State Wildlife Management Area (hunting, trout fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing) and the Whitewater River State Water Trail (canoe/kayak/tube). There is a gas station (bait and fishing supplies, convenience store items), 2 bars and a restaurant within a mile in the town of Elba. Whitewater Wines Winery is also just a few miles up the road!
Shared amenities:
Bathhouse with individual rooms, with a hot shower, vanity and composting toilet
Outhouse with composting toilet on top of the bluff within 400 feet of each campsite
Community area (requires short hike) with tent shelters (2, each 10' x 20'), outdoor furniture, tables, chairs, propane grill w/ side burner, firepit w/ cooking grate/skillet.
Propane Gas Grill (at base of the hill by the bathhouse)
Stargazing area with reclining chairs
Cell service: AT&T typically works well, Verizon works intermittently, and T-mobile doesn't have a good signal.
Wi-fi: Available at the bathhouse and parking area, data speeds up to 25 Mbps.
**Parking: **On site, 2 vehicle limit, no vehicles larger than a full-size truck, no trailers.
**Host accessibility: **Available 24/7/365 via phone and email/messaging, frequently on site.
**Security: **Campground community areas are under video surveillance.
Setting: Aefintyr campground is located in the hilly, wooded, blufflands of the Whitewater River Valley just north of the tiny town of Elba, MN. Views are primarily of the woods and valleys. The campground is off of a 2 lane county highway so there is some intermittent road noise. It is otherwise very peaceful and filled with the sounds of nature, including lots of birds and other wildlife.
Aefintyr is a peaceful place with chill vibes and we like to keep it that way! It is not a place for parties or rowdy groups. We like to listen to nature, not loud music or rowdy people blabbering into the night. Please see our rules/polices to know what to expect.
20240824
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Cabins
$29 - $139 / night
7. Cannon River Wilderness Area
2 Reviews•2 Photos•32 SavesFaribault, Minnesota- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Equestrian
- Standard (Tent/RV)
8. Camp Spring Lake Retreat Center
1 Review•1 Photo•6 SavesRosemount, Minnesota- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
$50 / night
9. Belle Creek Bluff
Be the first to review!•3 SavesWelch, MinnesotaBelle Creek Bluff is on 28 acres of prime land in Welch. Belle Creek runs through the middle of the property. Walk, swim, paddle, fish and explore the this beautiful spring fed trout stream. There are a number of hiking trails on the property. Bordering state lands to the east of the property provide endless exploration and hiking adventures. Hike to the top of the bluff for a spectacular view of Welch valley and the ski hill. Hiking NE along Belle Creek can you spot the old model A truck along the banks? There are eagles, falcons, finches, and many colorful birds to see.
- Reservable
- Tents
- Cabins
10. Camp Sacajawea Retreat Center
2 Reviews•1 Photo•3 SavesApple Valley, Minnesota- Pets
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Trash
- Picnic Table
$50 / night
Recent Tent Reviews near Hay Creek, Minnesota
475 Reviews of 17 Hay Creek Campgrounds
- BBlair
Guide
Lebanon Hills Regional Park
Secluded in the Minneapolis Suburbs
Lebanon Hills is a great park and has a lot of trails for hiking and mountain biking. Our family selected this camp ground to test out some gear -- if we had problems or if we forgot something it was a short drive home. Turns out this is a wonderful camp ground and offers a lot of seclusion.
Tent camp sites are far enough from each other that neighbors can't be seen, and we didn't hear them either.
The bathroom facility near the ranger station was very well maintained and cleaned several times a day.
The only criticisms we have are that you can hear road noise -- and depending on your site you'll hear the alarm of one of the access gates for the Minnesota Zoo.
We went here as an experiment, but will definitely be coming back throughout the year. Reserve early online, most weekends were already reserved by mid May.
- LLexi E.
Scout
Rice Lake Campground — Rice Lake State Park
Lame
All RV and ridiculously expensive for tent camping
- JJoanna M.Scout
Willow River State Park Campground
The trails were fun, though the hill was a bit grueling!
We experienced wonderful customer service, tent camping, nature center and waterfalls.
Cheryl L.Scout
Lake Byllesby Regional Park
Plenty of Ammenities
This campground is clean and well maintained. It has a boat landing; indoor and outdoor bathroom facilities; playground and large tent sites.
- Rico R.
RangerLebanon Hills Regional Park
Great place
The office was open till 9pm very friendly. A little pricey for tent camping. The sites are private. Great biking and hiking trails. Great amenities. Close to the zoo as well as the city.
Stephanie K.RangerLebanon Hills Regional Park
Amazing campground close to the city
Definitely check this place out great campsites for tent camping right next door to the MN Zoo campsites nicely wooded spread out nicer than some state park campgrounds. Definitely going to check it out again.
GoWhereYouAreDraw N.
LegendIsland Campground and Marina
Water access
Great location, near Red Wing Minnesota. However, it's your typical Mississippi river camping -- you're there for river access and not much more. If noise bothers you then this is not the place for you. It is situated directly under the highway 63 bridge.
Full hookups and tent camping available. Bathrooms are pretty clean. There are also train tracks along the MN side of the river with several trains running during the day and at night. The perks for the campground are the water access and you can walk to the Harbor Bar for some good food.
- SScott G.Guide
Rice Lake Campground — Rice Lake State Park
A nice small park but nothing special
A nice small park but nothing special. Sites are good sized and nicely spaced. Facilities are primitive. Nice walking trail around the property about 2.5 miles. The trail does cross some of the tent sites. Maybe once the lockdown is over things will be better there.
- MMelissa R.
Traveler
Shades of Sherwood Campground
Family Fun
Great tent sites some along river lots of activities for children and adults tubing down the river, man-made lake with blowups, scooters, swimming poolAnd jumping pillow. Mini mart has many items from camping necessities, rain gear as well as groceries and ice cream. Bathrooms with showers are very clean.
- Stephanie M.Scout
Lazy D’s Campground
Good Family Campground
Tent camping - Fun things to do with kids - jumping pillow, petting zoo, kids train ride, playground, pool, sandpit, volleyball, peddle bikes, river with tubing, horse rides, close to white water with hiking and beach. Seasonal people were friendly and staff was great. Low bugs and a good size camping space. Only negative was the pedestrian bridge is a little old and could use some repairs.
- NNanci D.Scout
Lebanon Hills Regional Park
County park close in to Minneapolis/ St Paul area
In demand park close in to cities. RV portion has full hook ups. No hook up sites for up to 24ft RVs also available. Non hook up sites are wooded and well spaced. RV sites similar to private campgrounds. Must reserve months in advance as usually full. Have secluded tent sites too.
Katherine T.Guide
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground
Nice weekend get away
Nice distance from the twin cities for a weekend away with some nice hiking trails. The tent pads have been upgraded to pea gravel by the friends association (which seems to be quite active based on signage around park improvements). Showers and bathrooms were clean. Wi-Fi near the park entrance and spotty T-Mobile service throughout. The outside of the loop is good for tent camping but could be a little noisy if the campground had been fully booked.
Jaime N.RangerWillow River State Park Campground
A nice getaway off season
Three campgrounds, first come first serve. $10/day entry $40/daily for electric hook up (non-resident); no full hook-ups, no water, only 1 vault toilet open per campground. Year round availability, however- tough to find! Very hard to get a cellular connection (T-mobile). Beautiful views of the river, right along the edge if you tent camp. Multiple playgrounds, hiking trails and loads of nature, large beach and waterfalls.
Brady J.Guide
Minneiska Campground — Whitewater State Park
Perfect weekend
We are new to tent camping and are fortunate to live a short drive away from Whitewater State Park. We have heard from our friends who go camping that this is a highly sought after destination and I can see why. Beautiful lookouts on trails, quiet camp sites (non electric sites are much more peaceful), and very nice amenities. The main shower/restroom area looks brand new and is very nice.
Emily.Michael B.GuideLebanon Hills Regional Park
In-City Surprise
What a wonderful park for being surrounded by the cities! We had previously come for walking and kayaking, but this was our first overnight here. The site and restroom/shower are well kept and there are enough trees/plants between the (tent) sites to make it feel private. It's always fun seeing deer, turtles, fish, gardner snakes here.
Jennifer H.GuideTresure Island RV Park
Crowded park, nice people
We were here for a night to see a concert at the amphitheater and everyone was super friendly. It was easy to check in, and we were able to do laundry and shower which was great. It’s mostly gravel but they have some tent sites on the grass. They are dog friendly and have some grassy areas to walk your pets which was great.
- Jillian S.Guide
Minneiska Campground — Whitewater State Park
Nice for a state park
Most sites are for car camping or RV's. Tent site was nice and clean and a good size. Could have set up 2 tents with no problem. Not a ton of privacy from other campers. Showers/bathrooms available. Lots of hiking trails. Camp store was never open when I checked. Swimming beach was available, but there were geese (and their poop) everywhere. This state park is nice because there are NO mosquitoes. But beware, there are bears.
Anne T.Scout
Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground
Perfect Camping Getaway!
This is one of my favorite campgrounds in Southern Minnesota! It is only 1 1/2 hours away from the TwinCities which makes it an ideal getaway. The campsites are wooded and have enough distance between them that noise is minimal. I especially love the view of Lake Pepin and the nice little swimming beach. On our last stay, we were able to watch eagles from our campsite, which was amazing. They have recently added 3 small cabins to rent which would be a nice alternative to tent camping. If you do plan a camping trip to Hok-Si-La and you're driving in from the Twin Cities, be sure to take Wisconsin Highway 35 through Maiden Rock, Stockholm, Pepin, and other small towns. You can loop back into Minnesota through Wabasha. This adds about an extra half hour to your drive but it is definitely worth it!
- Sam R.Scout
Lebanon Hills Regional Park
One of the few places you can camp in the cities
This is one of the few places that you can camp in twin cities metro. Both car and RV camping is allowed. Some of the tent sites do have power as well. Bathrooms and Showers are centrally located. Firewood is available for purchase. The camp grounds are located near the Lebanon Hills mountain biking area and miles of day hiking trails. Camping is only permitted in this area and it's not open in the winter.
Mike L.Traveler
Aefintyr
Beautiful campsite with a lot of amenities.
Its nice to have a place this nice only 35 minutes from Rochester. Beautiful campground with great amenities available. The hike to the site is steep but worth it once you get up there. I stayed at the Talia bell tent site so I didn't have to bring much so it made the hike a lot easier. Short drive to White Water State Park. A lot of great trout fishing spots along the river. Very peaceful campground, great view of the stars on clear nights! Will definitely be back.
- hhollyTraveler
Bluff Valley Campground
Awesome place
I have stayed here a couple times before memorial day and after. I tent camped by the river. #67 is extra large and perfect. Electric and water was $35/night for electric and water for a weekday. Bathrooms near by need updated. But brand new showers by main entrance. Very clean, nice staff. They have a little restaurant that I saw but didn't eat or see open.
This is the prettiest campground I've been to so far in this area. But there is a lot of construction so watch your maps. 1 mile was 15 miles bc of an important road closure. Get everything you need before you settle. A gas station alone is a trip.
Mandee L.GuideLebanon Hills Regional Park
Tucked away in the middle of the Cities
I love this park and use it frequently for our "test runs". We have a new puppy and a new teardrop, so this was the perfect place for us to have our maiden voyage within 20min of our home. But besides just being close, it's also a really nice campground. It's very wooded and feels private. The RV section has sites that are a bit close together and open, but the tent sites (where we stayed) are much more secluded. The facilities are clean and well-kept.
The park itself is also really nice. There are lots of hiking trails, mountain biking, lake access for kayaking/paddle boarding... In the winter we love coming here for day trips to take advantage of the cross country skiing and snow shoe rentals.
- Krista T.Legend
Lake Elmo County Park Reserve
Eagle point lane section- Nice metro park for RVs/camper trailers or groups
We went on a day trip to the eagle point section of the Lake Elmo park district. This is set in a lush rolling prairie with lots of hiking trails in addition to other attractions like an archery range and swimming pond.
The modern campground is built for non-tent campers, which is kind of a bummer because it is so much nicer than the “rustic” tent campground. Could you set up a tent there? Sure, but most of the site is devoted to a gravel parking pad.
The rustic campground is an offshoot of the horse trailer parking lot. The sites for the most part are not spacious or private. Only portapotties. I think the best camping opportunity I saw was the group campgrounds, which had more modern outhouses. This will continue to be a great day trip location for us.
Emily G.GuideLebanon Hills Regional Park
Family fun and Camping hidden gem
Lebanon Hills is a great campsite for families, first time campers, or anyone having a "staycation" while keeping hotel costs down. The East loop is perfect for tent camping with large, wooded, private sites close to the amazingly clean bathrooms and showers. (Seriously, the bathrooms were so clean.) There is a well kept playground and many walking trails all around the park. The RV section was not as shaded or private, but there are a few RV spots that could be private if they're open. What we like is that Lebanon and the area has so much to do. If you can hop in the car, there is a free beach 5 minutes away with rental costs for a SUP, canoe, or kayak, lots of paved trails, unpaved trails, a Visitor Center with free programs, and a really well maintained mountain bike park. The MN zoo, Apple Valley Aquatic Center, Cascade Bay, Outlet Mall, and MOA are a quick 5-10 minute drive away. Yes, I prefer to stay outdoors, but if you have a group or someone who "needs" something to do you will not run out of options.
Sites for camping: East 71, 82, 84 and North 61,65
Nicole L.GuideMinneiska Campground — Whitewater State Park
Beautiful park
Campsites are beautiful, each one seems to have unique qualities. We stayed in site 42, it didn’t seem to have very much privacy. I was also hoping for a view of the river but I couldn’t see it from the site. We found a dream catcher in the trees, so we made another one to leave. The tent sites along the river are amazing! Each one has a path down to the river. Site 69 has a private beach and it’s deep enough to swim in. For being a stocked river, we didn’t get a single bite all weekend. I only saw 1 person actually catch a single fish. We did a couple trails while we were there. It says Chimney Rock has “over 100 step” I think it’s 199 each way! We tried using the campground’s GPS units but couldn’t figure them out. Others said the same thing. We drove through the newer campground Minneiska, the pictures online made it look bare, but it was beautiful! It was a prairie full of wild flowers! The trees were newer but old enough to still create shade. There was an abundance of staff always driving around yet there was a bathhouse that had clogged up toilets all weekend long. There is also ZERO cell phone reception. Whether that is a plus or a minus, that’s up to you.
- JJesse M.Traveler
Sleepy Hollow Campground
looking for a quiet place to recharge this is the place for you
We ran across a little camp ground called Sleepy Hollow Campground W922 Lower Eagle Valley Road, Fountain City, WI. 54629(609) 687-8351 This is one of the nicest places we have found. It is not marked on RV Trip Wizard or any others that we could find. I found it by accident through Google Maps. It looked like what a campground would look like from the air and by querying the address I found the name of the campground called Sleepy Hollow. They do not advertise and it is a small camp with little amnesties. It has a shower house with restrooms and a laundry. They are clean and well maintained. They have 13 pull through sites 80” in length and very wide with full hook-ups, eight back in sites with just water and Electric. And tent sites as well. It is on a quiet road called Lower Eagle Valley Rd. It is set in a valley with 3 to 4 hundred foot hills full of trails on a working farm. About a mile from the Mississippi just north of lock and dam no. 5A if you are looking for a quiet place to recharge this is the place for you. This is a camping site where there are adults, not designed for kids.
- C Torey S.Traveler
Lebanon Hills Regional Park
Hiking, biking, camping & more
Lebanon hills has everything for the family. Schultz Beach for summer fun. Professional built mtn bike trails for adventure. Camping in Minnesota suburbs. Miles of hiking, horseback riding, cross country ski trails. . perfect for my family's weekend Stay-cation
Guide to Hay Creek
Nestled near Hay Creek, Minnesota, tent camping offers a serene escape into nature, with several well-reviewed campgrounds providing a variety of amenities and activities for outdoor enthusiasts.
Tent campers like these nearby activities
- Enjoy the stunning lake views and peaceful atmosphere at Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground, perfect for a romantic getaway or a family retreat.
- Experience the thrill of hiking and wildlife watching at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground, where trails wind through lush forests.
- Take a leisurely swim and relax on the beach at Afton State Park Campground, known for its beautiful surroundings and well-maintained facilities.
Tips for tent camping near Hay Creek
- Pack light and prepare for a walk-in experience at Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground, as vehicles are not allowed near the campsites.
- Bring quarters for showers at Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground, where facilities include clean restrooms and picnic tables.
- Consider visiting during the off-peak season for a quieter experience, especially in May when the park is less crowded at Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground.
Some prices for tent camping range from $22 to $30
- At Afton State Park Campground, expect to pay around $22 for a tent site, plus additional fees for reservations and firewood.
- Camping at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground offers a great value, with prices typically starting at $25 for tent sites.
- For a unique experience, check out Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground, where rates can vary but generally fall within the $25 to $30 range.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Hay Creek, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Hay Creek, MN is Afton State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 36 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Hay Creek, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 17 tent camping locations near Hay Creek, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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