Tent campsites near Lino Lakes, Minnesota offer camping experiences at elevations ranging from 850 to 1,100 feet above sea level in the St. Croix River Valley. The area experiences humid continental climate with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F during peak camping months. Campgrounds in this region feature varied terrain including hardwood forests, restored prairie, and riverfront locations.
What to do
Trail running and hiking: William O'Brien State Park offers multiple trail options for runners and hikers. "It is a great place. We bike from St. Paul to William O. It is a nice 40 mile ride mostly on paved or limestone trails," notes one camper. The park features interconnected trails through prairie and riverside ecosystems.
Bird watching and wildlife viewing: The restored prairie at Crow Hassan Park Reserve provides excellent bird watching opportunities. "I never tire walking the dog park circle along the crow river! Great for birding and tons of beautiful trails!" During spring and summer months, look for sandhill cranes, bobolinks and eastern meadowlarks in the prairie sections.
Swimming and water activities: Several campgrounds offer water access for swimming during summer months. At Afton State Park, the beach requires planning as it's not directly accessible by vehicle. "Less than an hour drive from Minneapolis this is a good get away. 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," mentions one visitor.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the layout and spacing at Afton State Park. "The terrain is just hilly enough - and in August - the grass long enough to give the sites a sense of privacy and seclusion," notes one camper about the prairie sites. The walk-in sites require a short hike but reward with more secluded camping spots.
Natural surroundings: The diverse ecosystems provide opportunities to observe local wildlife. "This campground is lovely. You can hear frogs all night and we even saw a turtle laying eggs in a different campsite," shares a visitor about William O'Brien State Park. Most campgrounds in the area maintain natural vegetation between sites.
Accessibility from the Twin Cities: The proximity to metropolitan areas makes these campgrounds convenient weekend destinations. "Lake Maria State Park feels like a secret woodland sanctuary — set up on a slight rise, tucked beneath a cathedral of towering oaks and maples," reports a camper about site B6, noting the park's convenient location yet natural feel.
What you should know
Limited availability on weekends: Securing reservations requires advance planning, especially for summer months. "Weekends have been packed and reservations scarce for months at state parks in Minnesota. Arriving on a Sunday afternoon was a dream—very few people in the campground loop," shares one William O'Brien visitor.
Variable water access: Water sources differ between campgrounds. "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 before trekking around the park's beautiful hiking trails!" warns one visitor about potential seasonal issues.
Insects can be intense: Bug populations vary by season and location. At Elm Creek Horse Camp, "there's not much privacy between sites, so if your dog's a talker, your neighbors might get a serenade." The campsite is near the archery range and offers flat terrain but visitors should be prepared for seasonal insects.
Tips for camping with families
Choose campsites with shorter hiking distances: For families with young children, some walk-in sites require significant carrying of gear. At Afton State Park, "The hike to the campground is short and grueling. A few of the sites are in wooded areas, but we stayed in one of the prairie sites." Consider this when selecting sites with children.
Look for sites away from high-traffic areas: Some campgrounds have loops or sections better suited for families. "If I stayed again, I might try site 121 or 123 since they have more privacy. Sites 98, 110, 111, 112, 113, and 114 are right on the road into the campground with some tree coverage and prairie behind. These do not feel very private at all," notes a William O'Brien visitor.
Consider cabin options for beginners: Lake Maria State Park offers cabins that provide a good introduction to outdoor experiences. "The cabin we stayed in felt very welcoming. Unknown at the time I booked it, the cabin offered Wi-Fi access that ended up not working for us anyway, so that at least allowed for a bit more of a rustic experience in the end," shares one visitor.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup availability: Select sites at William O'Brien State Park provide electrical hookups, though availability varies by campground section. "We planned this weekend with friends to camp in our matching teardrop trailers. We loved the trails. It was easy to takes hikes of varying lengths," reports one RVer about the Savanna Campground.
Maneuverability considerations: Access roads and site dimensions vary between campgrounds. Most parks in the region have limitations for larger rigs. The more secluded sites at William O'Brien may require navigation through narrower campground roads.
Weather impact on site conditions: Seasonal changes affect ground conditions. "The east part of the park was all closed for construction. Everything on the east side of the highway was closed so we could not hike a lot of the trails or use the beach which was a challenge with kids," notes a visitor about temporary conditions at William O'Brien that impacted their camping experience.
