Tent campsites near Lindstrom, Minnesota range from secluded sites along the St. Croix River to more accessible options with basic amenities. Most camping areas sit at elevations between 800-900 feet above sea level, creating natural drainage during spring rains. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-85°F, with higher humidity levels from June through August making bug protection essential for overnight stays.
What to do
Trail exploration: William O'Brien State Park offers diverse hiking options through multiple ecosystems. A camper noted, "We loved the trails. It was easy to takes hikes of varying lengths. There were so many different kinds of birds, and the wildflowers were blooming and ferns were unfurling -so many shades of green!"
Wildlife observation: The Savanna Campground area provides excellent opportunities for nature viewing. One visitor shared, "This campground is lovely. You can hear frogs all night and we even saw a turtle laying eggs in a different campsite."
Water activities: Afton State Park Campground features a beach for swimming during summer months. A camper mentions, "Highlight of this location is beach which is nice for swim and sun bath. But beach isn't motor vehicle accessible so expect 5-10 min walk."
Prairie hiking: For those interested in open landscape exploration, the prairie sites at Afton provide a different experience. A visitor commented, "The terrain is just hilly enough - and in August - the grass long enough to give the sites a sense of privacy and seclusion."
What campers like
Natural soundscapes: Many campers specifically mention the night sounds at William O'Brien State Park Campground. A reviewer noted, "You can hear frogs all night and we even saw a turtle laying eggs in a different campsite," highlighting the wetland ecosystem activity.
Proximity to Twin Cities: Located within easy driving distance from Minneapolis/St. Paul, these campgrounds make quick getaways possible. One camper shared, "I have long overlooked William O'Brien because I thought you had to drive a long way to get away. I was wrong!"
Site privacy: At Trade River Equestrian Camp, the camping experience offers isolation. A reviewer mentioned, "Just a nice quiet campground and the sites are fairly private. Lots of hiking and close to the river for some kayaking etc."
Diverse landscapes: Camping areas offer varied terrain within short distances. At Afton State Park, a camper observed, "Lots of trails with a wide variety of landscapes. Prairie, forest, river, it's got it all."
What you should know
Seasonal flooding: Spring thaws can affect campsite conditions, particularly at lower elevations near waterways. Sites away from rivers provide more consistent ground conditions through early summer.
Limited cell coverage: Network connectivity varies significantly across campgrounds. A camper at William O'Brien State Park noted, "Cell reception for T-Mobile was minimal to non-existent. Wifi is available in the visitor center parking lot."
Weekend crowds: The more accessible campgrounds fill quickly during summer weekends. One visitor recommended, "Arriving on a Sunday afternoon was a dream—very few people in the campground loop (especially the non-electric ones), but still able to take advantage of a weekend day."
Wildlife encounters: Prepare for local wildlife interactions at night. A camper warned, "Raccoons will visit your site at night. We had everything secured but they still tried and plenty of racket until we chased them away."
Tips for camping with families
Shorter walks: Choose sites with minimal distance from parking. A visitor to William O'Brien suggested, "If I stayed again, I might try site 121 or 123 since they have more privacy" and are closer to facilities.
Bug preparation: Insect protection is essential, especially in warmer months. A camper reported, "We had a battle with mosquitoes. We went through a lot of bug spray and coils. Deer flies were thick around the water filling station."
Water safety: When camping with children at Spring Creek, be aware that water sources may be limited. The primitive nature of these sites means bringing adequate water supplies.
Educational opportunities: Some campgrounds offer learning experiences for children. At Lily Springs Regenerative Farm, a visitor noted, "Once normal life resumes I would love to participate in some of their educational opportunities!"
Tips from RVers
Site sizing: Many campgrounds have limited space for larger vehicles. At William O'Brien, a camper observed, "Although we did not stay in the main campground the sites are very close in there and were small."
Electrical hookups: For those requiring power, check availability before booking. William O'Brien offers electric sites primarily in the Riverway campground section.
Water access: Not all campsites provide direct water hookups. A camper at Afton State Park warned, "None of the water faucets or water pumps on the trails at Afton State Park are working. The good news is you can fill up on cold drinking water at the visitor center."
Road access: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. A tip for the area: "Do yourself a favor and arrive in Marine on St. Croix via Broadway Street / Maple Street. The tree canopy, winding roads, and tunnel are worth it."
