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, MN (17)
1. Afton State Park Campground
Denmark, Minnesota36 Reviews•93 Photos•199 SavesLocated 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
Nerstrand, Minnesota32 Reviews•90 Photos•131 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
3. Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground
Lake City, Minnesota7 Reviews•30 Photos•48 SavesTent only campground.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
$22 - $132 / night
5. Aefintyr
Elba, Minnesota4 Reviews•43 Photos•54 SavesAefintyr 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
Faribault, Minnesota2 Reviews•2 Photos•32 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Equestrian
- Standard (Tent/RV)
8. Camp Spring Lake Retreat Center
Rosemount, Minnesota1 Review•1 Photo•6 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
$50 / night
9. Camp Sacajawea Retreat Center
Apple Valley, Minnesota2 Reviews•1 Photo•2 Saves- Pets
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Trash
- Picnic Table
$50 / night
10. Gooseberry Glen Cart-in Campground — Whitewater State Park
Elba, Minnesota1 Review•20 Photos•6 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
Showing results 1-10 of 17 campgrounds
Recent Tent Reviews in Hay Creek
473 Reviews of 17 Hay Creek Campgrounds
Equity
Scout
Highland Ridge
15% Profit Share in the Challenge Stage https://instantfundingnow.com/#
15% Profit Share in the Challenge Stage https://instantfundingnow.com/#
- JJeff F.
TravelerHighland Ridge
Beautiful in the fall
This is a smaller Corps of Engineers park, lots of primitive sites and lots electric sites too. A smaller lake but no gas motors. Cell service with Verizon was ok.
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.
Stina M.ScoutFloat-Rite Park
This park is closed permanently
This campground is closed permanently
Kim R.Scout
River View Campground
Great family campground
Lots of activities for kids and teens. Teen social on Fridays to help them meet friends. Nice pool. The campground is on a hill if you have mobility issues. Many spots along the river.
Nanette M.Scout
Sleepy Hollow Campground
Horrible service
My husband made a reservation for our 25th wedding anniversary and he was rushed in the hospital for an emergency surgery. We notified you 3 days in advance and you refused to give us even a partial refund! We only had that money to celebrate. You didn't even offer another date for us! We are now not able to enjoy our 25th! That's terrible that you will do nothing in such an emergency situation. I will be making this public in every venue I can. Disgusting that you will probably get paid by another person to stay there. How disappointing that you would offer us nothing! Very bad business.
Molly M.Guide
Willow River State Park Campground
Very nice camping
Lovely trails, the beach is a large area with a nice park and picnic area. The water itself is ok, lots of geese and algae. The falls are wonderful though. The bathrooms are fine. I could not find a garbage bin to save my life, not near the bathrooms or anywhere in campground 200 or by the park ranger post. If there were garbage cans dispersed throughout the campground, I would have given 5 stars. Especially along the trail to the waterfalls because there was garbage all along the trail unfortunately. Not the camps fault, but maybe people would be more responsible if garbage bins were placed along the route.
Leslie P.Scout
Lebanon Hills Regional Park
Jewel near the cit
Stayed here while visit our son. Picked it because it was close. We were very surprised at the privacy of our site. We were in the east loop with just electric.
- ppeter V.Scout
Lake Elmo County Park Reserve
Great camping
This was a great experience overall. The sites are spacious and far enough away from others to feel like there was enough privacy.
The one negative thing was that some neighbors watched a movie each night — starting just after quiet hours. We could hear their movie from across a road and through some trees (and tents).
But overall it was great. Good hiking and geocaching.
We would go back to this campground.
- JJohn B.Traveler
Highland Ridge
Clean and relatively quiet
Lots of RV campers, but none were obnoxious. T-mobile service is almost non-existent depending on location. The showers and bathrooms were spotless. Firewood is available at several roadside stands just outside the entrance.
- Jarrett G.Traveler
Willow River State Park Campground
Awesome park!
Plenty of sites and hiking to do. Very cool area. The falls are awesome!
- PPad F.Scout
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground
Peaceful weekend camping
Stayed on non electric site which looking at the whole campground are the better sites. Sites are wooded so you don’t have neighbor issues. All have large pea gravel tent pads - very nice. Good fire rings with lots of room for lounging. Many trails to hike but due to prior heavy rain the only trail open was down to Hidden Falls - they were roaring. No cell/ very patchy cell signal and could only get WiFi signal when standing next to Ranger station. Would definitely visit again, maybe in the fall as I’m told the colors are wonderful.
Jaime P.Traveler
Hidden Meadows RV Park
Staff friendly, but the park is not so great
Campsites are very closely spaced together. I was thankful no one was placed near our campsite to give us more room. The permanent campsites are practically on top of one another. If you’re bringing the kids there is literally nothing to do there. They do have a play-set but that’s where it ends. I think this campground may be under new ownership and it may be nice to see what they do with it in a year or two. For now the picnic tables are run down. The parking pads are very unlevel. WiFi signal is weak at best. If you have Verizon don’t count on service. Antenna strength is weak. Also oddly spaced power hook up with sewer and water placements. Overall not a horrible experience but not a great one. Mostly like will not return.
Tiffany K.GuideWillow River State Park Campground
Nice state park close to the twin cities
Stayed here for our first camping of the season. It's a great park that has hiking, mountain bike trails, water features and good mix of electric and non electric sites.
Jordan D.Traveler
Afton State Park Campground
Sites with privacy and great trails near!
Good pricing, great trails for all different skill levels and nice staff. Our site was mighty large and for the most part secluded from those near and on the path. $22 for the site, $8 for reservation. $8 for wood (all you can chop) and $7 for the overnight and next day parking pass for one car. Beautiful surroundings and clean bathrooms and grills one mile mostly uphill hike from parking lot but not to difficult and some paved parts. Definitely coming back.
KenScoutWillow River State Park Campground
Great park for quick city getaway
It’s a great park conveniently located near the twin cities making it a great spot for a quick getaway.
Tori K.
Legend
Minneiska Campground — Whitewater State Park
Nice state park
Stayed here for a couple nights on a mini state park road trip. Nice place, like most of the MN state parks. Spotty cell service. Hiked a trail with lots of steps. Fire ring and picnic table are provided at each site. Restroom with showers also available in campground. Site was large and easy to back into and offered some tree cover for shade during certain times of the day. Was unable to hang hammock in specific site we stayed at, but some of the sites looked like they would be suitable.
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.
- Abi H.Scout
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground
Spacious camp sites
Stayed at the cart in sites for the first time and am super impressed! Larger and more private than most state parks, especially so close to the cities. Trails are also nice and well kept. The only downside I might add is that there is only water/toilets at the campground or picnic area so if you plan on doing a full day of hiking just be aware of that. Carts are provided and parking is very close by.
Heather N.Traveler
Cannon Falls Campground
Love this place!
We started coming here in 2020 and got on the seasonal list right away. We have now been seasonals 2 years and absolutely love it!! The owners and family are amazing. They have tons of things to do for the kids! We have two boys 12 and 5 and they love it here! We can't say enough good things about Cannon Falls Campground!
- Angie A.
Ranger
Mondovi Town Park
Tucked away treasure
Great find! Small yet only us and one tent couple camping. Toilets clean. Water and electric … so score! Close to restaurants and taverns. Recommend for a quick getaway!
- NNiki und Uwe S.Scout
Big River Resort
So clean and welcoming
Restrooms, showers, the areal is so clean! We felt very welcome. Elaine is very friendly and helpful!
Tonya B.Guide
Rice County McCullough Park
Quiet Campground on Nice Lake
Sites were long enough for our 40ft fifth wheel camper plus the truck and we had a large yard. Sites have crushed asphalt base and are decently level. Grounds are well maintained. Two boat/fishing docks, playground, pavilion, and hiking trails for things to do. Price is very reasonable for water and electric hookup. Just be prepared for the bugs!
Stacey N.Ranger
South Campground — Merrick State Park
Back again
Our second time camping here.. this time at the South campground. Definitely bring everything to repel the bugs… thermacells are a must. Waterview sites are amazing. Very little park staff presence that I could see. Showers and flush toilets at the north campground which is a quick drive or a very long walk. They were clean, but showers could use a refresh. Pro tip: there are wheelbarrows full of firewood for sale across from the entrance of the park. Only 5 dollars buys a generous amount that burns well.
- JJames W.Scout
Willow River State Park Campground
Good camping at Willow River State Park
Stayed in the 100 loop. The sites are secluded by sumac trees. Sites are level, electric power and fire ring. The back side of the 100 loop where we stayed was a ways from the bathhouse. Bathroom and showers were clean and fresh. Very few bugs. Because we were there during the week, the loop was probably 70% full.
T-mobile reception was good. No reception in the other two loops as they are down the hill farther.
Molly Y.Legend
Gooseberry Glen Cart-in Campground — Whitewater State Park
Cart-In Campsite with Short Walk
We stayed in one of the cart-in sites. Right when you park you see the push carts and it is a very short walk to the campsite. You are able to slightly see 1 cart-in site neighbor, but besides that it was very private and quiet. We hiked all the trails in the park and the Fall colors were beautiful but not yet at full peak.
Roger W.LegendHighland Ridge
Wow Spacious Sites and Peaceful
Highland Ridge, WI - COE east of Minneapolis. (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good (70 yr olds in 17’ trailer) Overall Rating: 4.5 Price 2023: $12/ night w senior pass Usage during visit: 60 - 70% during weekdays Site Privacy: GOOD - not a fence forest, but tremendous spacing makes up for it.
Site Spacing: VERY GOOD Site surface: Gravel and level Reservations: Yes. Can reserve on line at the cg Campground Noise: None Road Noise: None Through Traffic in campground: None Electric Hookup: Yes Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: Yes Potable Water Available: Yes, at the bathrooms. Generators: Not needed. Bathroom: kept VERY clean. Shutdown for cleaning every morning at about 6 AM. Showers: Yes. Clean Pull Throughs: I think all are back ins. Cell Service (AT&T): Good Setting: Forest with no understory Weather: 80s Bugs: Not too bad.
Solar: Forest canopy would interfere , but not needed. Host: Yes. They are around and offer free beach passes. They are super. Rig size: Large RVs. Sites: All sites are very nice in loop 1 -24. I understand that Loop 28+ is less private.
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.