Best Tent Camping near Lent, MN
The St. Croix River Valley provides a variety of tent camping options near Lent, Minnesota, with established sites available at William O'Brien State Park and Trade River Equestrian Camp in Governor Knowles State Forest. William O'Brien offers two distinct tent camping areas—Riverway campground along the St. Croix River and Savanna campground with prairie views. Several sites accommodate tent campers seeking a more natural experience with minimal development and good access to hiking trails.
Tent sites at William O'Brien State Park feature fire rings, picnic tables, and relatively level ground, though privacy between sites varies considerably. The Riverway campground provides river breezes but can be windier and cooler than inland sites. Many tent sites are accessible via short walks from parking areas, with some walk-in options available for those seeking greater seclusion. Potable water and toilet facilities are available at most established campgrounds, though primitive sites in Governor Knowles State Forest offer minimal amenities. During peak summer months, reservations are strongly recommended for weekend stays.
Tent campers at William O'Brien can access miles of hiking trails directly from their campsites, with the Riverside Trail providing scenic views of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. Sites in the Savanna campground back up to wetlands, offering unique wildlife viewing opportunities including beaver activity and diverse bird species. The proximity to the St. Croix River provides opportunities for paddling and fishing during warmer months. Weekday camping typically offers more solitude and fewer neighbors. As one camper noted, "The sites at Savanna are pretty cramped with inconsistent vegetation between sites. I wouldn't want to stay here when the loop is fully reserved. On a Sunday evening with only one other site reserved, it felt like I had the place to myself."
