Best Tent Camping near Lino Lakes, MN
Lino Lakes offers multiple tent camping options with varying levels of amenities and wilderness experience. William O'Brien State Park provides established tent campsites in two distinct camping areas—Riverway and Savanna campgrounds. The Riverway area offers tent sites along the St. Croix River, while Savanna campground features more inland sites with prairie views. Other options include Crow Hassan Park Reserve and Afton State Park, both within reasonable driving distance and offering primitive tent camping experiences.
Tent sites at William O'Brien generally include a fire ring, picnic table, and access to drinking water and toilets. The campground surfaces are mostly level with a mix of grassy and wooded areas. Many tent sites in the Savanna campground (sites 117-125) offer more privacy, while Riverway sites provide better river access. A recent review noted, "Sites may be level, but the ones in Riverway can flood during wet seasons when the river overflows." Walk-in tent sites are available at several parks in the area, requiring campers to carry equipment short distances from parking areas.
The tent camping experience varies significantly between the two main campgrounds at William O'Brien. Riverway sites offer cooling breezes off the St. Croix River during summer months but can be chilly in spring. "The wind off the river was a bone-chilling constant," one camper mentioned about early season camping. Savanna campground provides more protection from the elements but less scenic water views. Weekday camping typically offers more solitude, as weekends often bring families and larger groups to the area. Many tent campers report hearing frogs and wildlife at night, particularly from sites near wetlands. Trail access directly from most tent sites allows for hiking along the river or through prairie landscapes without needing to drive to trailheads.
