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Best Tent Camping near Holdingford, MN

380 Reviews

Primitive tent camping is available within several parks and public lands surrounding Holdingford, Minnesota, with Lake Maria State Park offering the most developed tent-focused experiences. Mississippi River County Park provides watercraft-accessible tent sites for paddlers traveling the river corridor, while Steven Islands Campsite offers boat-in primitive camping for those seeking more remote experiences. Most tent sites in the region require either a short hike or boat access, making them more secluded than typical drive-up campgrounds.

Tent campsites at Lake Maria State Park feature level tent pads, fire rings, picnic tables, and food storage lockers. All sites require a hike of approximately one mile from the parking area on well-maintained but sometimes muddy trails. Each backcountry site has its own vault toilet nearby, though campers should bring their own toilet paper. According to one visitor, "The backpacking sites are very spread out, we could barely tell anyone else was at the park with us." Water is available only at the parking lot, so tent campers must carry in all water needed for their stay or bring filtration systems for nearby water sources.

The walk-in tent sites at Lake Maria provide a secluded camping experience unusually close to the Twin Cities metro area. Most sites are situated on small lakes or ponds, offering both scenic views and wildlife viewing opportunities. A camper noted that "BP1 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." The park's wetland ecosystem supports diverse wildlife including endangered Blanding's turtles, trumpeter swans, woodpeckers, and owls. Sites located farther from park boundaries provide the quietest overnight experiences. Bug pressure can be significant during summer months, especially after rain, so proper insect protection is essential for tent campers. Fall camping offers fewer insects and dramatic foliage displays, particularly around Little Mary Lake.

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Best Tent Sites Near Holdingford, Minnesota (27)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Holdingford, MN

21 Photos of 27 Holdingford Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Holdingford, MN

380 Reviews of 27 Holdingford Campgrounds

  • L
    Nov. 2, 2022

    Lake Carlos State Park Campground

    Beautiful and quiet

    End of October, Stopped for just one night, probably about a 20ish minute drive from 94. Was able to purchase firewood after closing, and the campsite were easy to find after (7$)entry to the park. Campsites are reserved through an online system. We found the top campsite completely empty and plenty of sites had good tree coverage for privacy/ way no protection. Nice level sites with soft ground. Each site had a fire ring and picnic table. The only bathroom in walking distance to the upper campsites was a vault toilet located amongst the cabins. Seems like a great place to stay any season.

  • LaMina H.
    May. 13, 2022

    Ann Lake

    My favorite spot in MN!!!

    Lake Ann Campground, located in the Sand Dunes State Forest north of Big Lake, MN is great for a weekend getaway with the family or a solo walk in trip. There are RV sites, tent sites, handicap accessible, walk in sites and group sites. Camping here is primitive with few amenities you get a fire ring and a picnic table, its great camping too be one with nature. There are several water spickets located around the campground along with outhouse type restrooms. There are no hookups or electric. Camping is on a first come first serve basis and you register at the kiosk located at the front of the campground acrid from the camp host site. There are several trails and Amaya something to do.

  • Alison O.
    Jun. 17, 2025

    Lake Maria State Park Campground

    Secluded Bliss at Site B6 – Lake Maria’s Backcountry Beauty at Its Best

    If you’re looking for a peaceful escape where the only sounds are rustling leaves, birdsong, and frogs singing at dusk — Site B6 at Lake Maria State Park is the one.

    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. 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.

    The site is private, quiet, and wonderfully shaded, with just enough open sky for stargazing by the fire. The tent pad is level, and there’s a solid fire ring and picnic table. Vault toilets and water access aren’t too far, especially by backcountry standards.

    What makes B6 stand out, though, is the vibe. It’s close enough to Lake Maria’s best hiking trails and just a short walk to the lake itself, where you can sit on a log and watch wood ducks paddle past and listen to the frogs in full chorus at night. We saw pileated woodpeckers, red squirrels, and a chorus of chorus frogs. Nature feels close here — in the best way.

    Pro tip: Pack light and bring permethrin-treated clothes during bug season. And don’t forget a headlamp — the darkness here is wild and beautiful.

    This site is perfect for anyone who wants a little solitude, a lot of nature, and a chance to slow down and breathe. We’ll absolutely be booking B6 again.

  • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 9, 2025

    Dower Lake Recreation Area

    Swimming!

    offers sites with no hookups and sites with electric (no water, but potable water station is provided to fill up prior to parking) bathrooms and showers in the campground. Fire ring and picnic table provide for each site. Firewood and sewage dump station also provided for free to registered campers. There is a dock, sand swimming beach, horseshoe pits, disc golf, basketball court, and softball field.

  • Amy G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 17, 2024

    Mille Lacs Kathio Petaga Campground — Mille Lacs Kathio State Park

    Winter camping- very quiet with the electric hookups

    This is one campground in Minnesota that offers a handful of electric hookups for winter camping. The beauty of this campground, is that while the campsites available are in a row, there's plenty of space between sites and some of them are even pulled through. Making it easy for RVs to pull in and hook up.

    The vault toilet is not easy to find from where the electric openings are in the winter. While these spaces are right next door to a shower house with toilets, this is closed in the winter. The vault toilet is several rows over and down, making it hard to find if you don't already know where it is. But it was clean, and it was available.

    The campfire rings seemed clean, and each had a picnic table as well. We loved the pull-through site because then we were a little more protected from the road, although it's not busy this time of year at all. So it was very quiet except for our neighbors, and they didn't make much noise at all.

    There are trails nearby that are easily accessible on foot from the campground, and you can make loops that come back to the campground as well.

    There are two campgrounds at this park, but this is the one that has availability in the winter time. Ironically, they also have a couple of walk-in spots that are also open this time of year. If you're willing to brave the temps without an electric hookup. Not hard to find, not hard to access, but no electric hookups at these sites.

  • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 28, 2025

    Lake Maria State Park Campground

    Backpacker's Haven

    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. 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. Site comes with a fire ring, picnic table, and bear locker. 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.

  • K
    Jul. 12, 2018

    Lake Maria State Park Campground

    Beautiful and Relaxing

    Really enjoyed the short hike to our campsite, BP7. There is a bathroom and water station before you head out which is awesome! The campsite was secluded and absolutely beautiful. Definitely will be going back again!

    Campsite included: 2 tent pads, a few areas to hammock, fire ring w/large grill, small bench, picnic table, bear box and latrine.

    I don’t think I would change a thing about the campsite.

  • ERolf P.
    Sep. 23, 2016

    Charles A. Lindbergh State Park Campground

    Canoe Camp

    This is one of the most beautiful campsites we have stayed at in the midwest. The canoe campsite (also accessible through cart-in) is located on a small creek just off of the Mississippi river. There is a fire ring, picnic table, and ample tent space. There is about a 500yd walk to the restrooms, and you have to go another 500yds to the main campground to find the showers. We camped in mid-September, and the water to the main campground had already been turned off for the winter, so no shower review. The bathrooms near the cart-in sites were well maintained and clean, flush toilets. There was drinking water access near the old WPA water tower (but the water came from the city, not the well and water tower). We had some rain, but the sandy soil mean things drained quickly and were nearly dry in the morning. Lots of neat hiking trails within this small park, and a Minnesota Historical Society Site across the road at the Charles A. Lindbergh historic site (his boyhood home).

  • HollyRose M.
    Dec. 14, 2020

    Overlook Park Canoe Campsite

    Watercraft Site on the Mississippi - Spacious & Maintained!

    This hidden gem is on the Mississippi water trail around mile 996. It is called "Overlook Park" and owned/maintained by the city of Baxter, but is part of the DNR's state water trail. There is even signage for those on the river to inform them about their whereabouts on the trail when they pass this park. 

    So although this is a little private city park, there is a specific spot RIGHT on the river with a picnic table, fire ring, and nice high ground soft space for a tent. But really you could tent it anywhere in the park, but this space is set aside a bit from the rest, as it is a city park although very little traffic. There is garbage and a vaulted toilet. There are three picnic tables throughout including the tent site, and two fire rings. There is a nice canoe landing area with a few stairs to help give access up and down from the river bank. Very pretty spot on the river! The opposite land bordering this city park is part of Crow Wing State Park, so even though it's close to town, it does feel fairly remote. 

    Such a well maintained park! Pretty views and some rugged trails along the river for some hiking as well.

Guide to Holdingford

Tent camping near Holdingford, Minnesota offers a chance to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying various amenities and activities tailored for outdoor enthusiasts.

Tips for tent camping near Holdingford

  • Cozy Corners provides a friendly atmosphere with essential amenities like drinking water and electric hookups, making it a convenient choice for tent campers.
  • A J Acres Campground features mature trees that offer shade, perfect for those warm summer days while also providing a beach area for relaxation.
  • Fletcher’s Creek Landing & Campsite, although currently closed, is a reminder to check campground availability before planning your trip.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • At Cozy Corners, you can enjoy the freedom of campfires and the convenience of water hookups, enhancing your camping experience.
  • A J Acres Campground offers a modest store and fishing pier, catering to both your camping needs and recreational activities.
  • Morning Star Resort & Campground Inc provides a private setting for tent camping, ideal for those seeking a quieter getaway.

Local activities for outdoor enthusiasts

  • Cozy Corners is located near Long Lake, perfect for fishing and enjoying water activities on the Horseshoe Chain.
  • A J Acres Campground allows for easy access to boat rentals, kayaks, and paddleboards, making it a great spot for water sports.
  • The Mississippi River County Park offers a scenic backdrop for tent camping, with opportunities for hiking and exploring the natural beauty of the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Holdingford, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Holdingford, MN is Mississippi River County Park with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Holdingford, MN?

TheDyrt.com has all 27 tent camping locations near Holdingford, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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