Best Tent Camping near Hopkins, MN
Tent campsites near Hopkins, Minnesota include several established campgrounds with varying amenities and access requirements. Afton State Park Campground, located about 35 miles east of Hopkins, offers walk-in tent sites that provide privacy and natural surroundings. William O'Brien State Park Campground, situated northeast of Hopkins near Scandia, features tent camping options with both drive-in and walk-in access, making it suitable for tent campers seeking different experiences.
Most tent-only sites in the area require at least some walking to reach the campsite from the parking area. At Afton State Park, campers should be prepared for a one-mile hike to reach the tent camping area, with a steep incline toward the end. A camper noted, "The hike to the campground is short and grueling... The terrain is just hilly enough to give the sites a sense of privacy and seclusion." Sites typically include fire rings and access to water pumps, though amenities vary by location. Lake Rebecca Park Reserve and Crow Hassan Park Reserve offer more primitive tent camping experiences with fewer facilities but greater seclusion.
Tent campers in the Hopkins area often benefit from the walk-in nature of many sites, which creates quieter camping environments away from RVs and vehicles. Areas farther from the city provide deeper seclusion and darker night skies. The walk-in tent sites at Afton State Park are particularly noted for their privacy despite being relatively close to each other. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "The campsite has a vault toilet, firewood (you have to saw yourself - but it adds to the experience), and clean drinking water available." Most tent campgrounds in the region are accessible from spring through fall, with some parks like William O'Brien remaining open year-round for winter tent camping enthusiasts. Firewood is typically available for purchase at established campgrounds, though primitive sites may require bringing your own supplies.
