DIANNE T.
Guide
GuideHigh Island Creek Park
Quiet and creek is beautiful
Had a great time walking the river. W dog
Tent Camping near Long Lake, MN
5 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Several tent campgrounds near Long Lake, Minnesota offer varying primitive camping experiences within an hour's drive of the Twin Cities. Lake Maria State Park Campground provides tent sites with privacy and natural surroundings, featuring walk-in and hike-in access options. Crow Hassan Park Reserve also offers primitive tent camping opportunities with trails connecting to natural areas and riverside locations.
Tent sites at Lake Maria State Park range from easy quarter-mile hikes to more remote one-mile treks from parking areas. Most tent sites include a level tent pad, fire ring, and picnic table, with each backpacking site having its own private latrine. Water access is available but requires planning as it's not directly at tent sites. The park maintains 14 backpacking sites labeled BP1 through BP14, with sites 1-4 frequently cited as preferred options. According to reviews, "Sites are very spread out, we could barely tell anyone else was at the park with us."
Lake Maria's secluded tent sites provide excellent forest immersion with many positioned near small lakes or ponds. Sites BP5 and BP6 offer views over water bodies, while being tucked under mature oak and maple trees for shade. Winter camping is also available for experienced tent campers. A visitor noted that "BP6 was a hilly 1/4 mile hike one way but worth the view. We were right on the edge looking out over a small lake with towering trees all around us." Mosquitoes can be prevalent in summer months, particularly in August, so bringing appropriate repellent is advised. The park's primitive tent settings attract birders and wildlife watchers, with opportunities to spot trumpeter swans and various migratory birds.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Long Lake (19)
1. Lake Rebecca Park Reserve
"This newly developed trail is 13.25 miles long, so a nice option close to the city for those who are inclined to adventurous biking. Different loops are available for varying skill levels. "
"Great for birding and walking trails! One of my favorite places to go near home😁"
2 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $88 / night
2. Crow Hassan Park Reserve
"During these COVID times everyone wants to get out and about more, which means that the main parking lot for the park that used to be mostly designated for horse trailer parking is now overrun with family"
"Do a 180 on the trail and she is happy to trot away from the trailer."
2 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $109 - $120 / night
3. Lake Maria State Park Campground
"This hike-in site is about a half-mile walk from the parking area, and the journey in is half the magic: winding wooded trails, wildflowers, and glimpses of the lake through the trees."
"Campsite included: 2 tent pads, a few areas to hammock, fire ring w/large grill, small bench, picnic table, bear box and latrine. I don’t think I would change a thing about the campsite."
8 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $22 - $80 / night
4. Elm Creek Horse Camp
"Tucked away near the archery range(don’t worry—nobody’s aiming at your pup), this campsite offers a solid patch of peace where dogs can sniff, stretch, and settle in by the fire."
Check Availabilityfrom $18 / night
5. Tony’s Backyard
"Tony's Backyard is new to the Dyrt and looking to share a camping spot with others. Check them out and share your experience on the Dyrt!"
Check Availabilityfrom $45 - $60 / night
6. Afton State Park Campground
"Backpacking to the top hill sites has gotten easier as the park has curved the new wide groomed and wood chipped trail to spiral around the hill instead of a straight climb."
"We did the backpack site so you hike in almost a mile and you go up on the ridge that's open in the middle but each site is heavily forested and some overlook the river."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $22 - $85 / night
7. William O'Brien State Park Campground
"I camped here in April and got a camping spot on the edge of the River Campground facing the woods. I loved this spot and it was plenty big for parking two cars, tent, hammock, chairs, you name it!"
"Our site was a non-electric site on the outside ring, with just a thin slip of woods and a hiking trail between us and the St. Croix river."
6 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $25 - $90 / night
8. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground
"Though they were right next to each other, they felt very secluded. Site 4 felt a bit more private from the main road because the campsite slightly slopes downward."
"It's just a bit of a walk from the main campground and opposite of some very beautiful walk-in sites. The group campground has an open space to play games as well as wooded areas all around."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $24 - $34 / night
9. Camp Sacajawea Retreat Center
Check Availabilityfrom $50 / night
10. Dimmack Island Watercraft Campsite
Drive Time
- 15 min from Minneapolis, MN
- 50 min from St. Cloud, MN
- 1 hr 14 min from Mankato, MN
- 1 hr 32 min from Rochester, MN
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Long Lake, MN
54 Photos of 19 Long Lake Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Tent Camping Reviews near Long Lake, MN
603 Reviews of 19 Long Lake Campgrounds
- PPreston R.Guide
South of Sand Dunes State Forest
Got multiple spots to stop on the side of the road. Plenty of down wood to have a fire.
- DDawn
ScoutPeaceful Valley Campground
Hope you like your neighbor
We initially chose this location due to its proximity to Belle Plain and its reasonable pricing. The RV sites are relatively small and positioned quite close to one another. While they are long enough to accommodate a large camper, the proximity is such that one could nearly reach out and touch the neighboring vehicle, creating a sense of overcrowding. It appears that the capacity of the park is prioritized for revenue. Although we were informed about the suboptimal cell and WiFi service upon check-in, I believe the quality of service could be improved significantly by installing WiFi extenders to ensure reliable coverage throughout the area. Currently, even a passing truck or camper can disrupt the signal, forcing me to repeatedly reconnect in order to load pages or send messages. The bathrooms are satisfactory, and the shower was pleasant, providing consistent hot water for an enjoyable experience.
- AAnders H.Scout
Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve
First time
We stayed at Baker as a family for our first camping trip, and it was great. Fire pit with swivel grate for cooking, bathrooms, and plenty to explore.
Tori K.
LegendLake Rebecca Park Reserve
Great Trails!
Great trails and close to home! Always a good spot for a last-minute trip for me or a place to test out new gear since it is so close to home!
Brett G.ScoutMinneapolis Southwest KOA
Basic KOA
Nice quiet campground. It's a very basic KOA. Not a whole lot of amenities. Large playground is quite good for children. Our site is right across from the campground.
Campsite is in the middle of nature. Lots of trees cover. Not much of a breeze but well protected.
Water is clean, electrical boxes are in good condition.
Gail G.GuideRiver Terrace Park
love the river views and shade
Needs alot of updates, old facility with no amenities. Shower water, barely warm, sign on mens bathroom says, bring your own toilet paper. For most part the park is quiet, shady, but again could use some improvements. There are 3 long pull-thru sites for overnight stops
Ryan M.ScoutNerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground
Great place to visit
My two boys and I camped here for one night on a weekday in late August. It was a great place to relax and spend time together. We chose the cart in campsite and we had the area all to ourselves. The vault toilets near the campsite were clean, and the main bathrooms and showers in the main campground were also very nice and clean. We enjoyed a great hike around the park and had a successful birding outing. The trails closer to the water had more mosquitoes, although their numbers decreased the closer we got to our campsite. From our campsite, we saw five new bird species without even having to get out of our chairs. All in all, I would definitely come back.
FrosTWorX P.ScoutWillow River State Park Campground
Now this camping
Pretty much in the middle of nowhere surrounded by small towns.
Guide to Long Lake
Tent campsites near Long Lake, Minnesota offer diverse terrain experiences within a 40-mile radius of the Twin Cities metro area. The region features hardwood forests interspersed with prairie remnants and small glacial lakes at elevations ranging from 700-1,100 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F with evening lows around 55-65°F, while spring and fall camping requires preparation for nighttime temperatures that can drop below 40°F.
What to do
Beach activities at Rebecca Lake: Walk-in tent campers at Lake Rebecca Park Reserve can access the swimming beach, which reviewers praise for families. "This has an amazing beach. Great Trails. Sweet single track for mountain biking. The best kids park at any campground I've been to," notes Daniel R.
Bird watching opportunities: Several campgrounds feature excellent bird habitat for spring and fall migration. "Big park! Great for birding and walking trails! One of my favorite places to go near home," reports Alison O. about Crow Hassan Park Reserve. Waterfowl species include wood ducks and trumpeter swans.
River exploration: Tent camping near Long Lake provides access to both lake and river environments. The St. Croix River at William O'Brien State Park Campground offers fishing and paddling opportunities. "Tons of hiking, fishing, and great picnic area next to the river!" explains Michelle S.
What campers like
Privacy between campsites: Many tent campers appreciate separation between sites. At Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground, "The sites have quite a few trees separating them," according to Deb M., though she notes some sites in loops B and C back up close to each other.
Variety of hiking difficulty levels: Trails range from easy walking paths to more challenging terrain. "Lots of elevation," Timothy S. mentions about Afton State Park Campground, which offers prairie, forest and river landscapes within a single park system.
Well-maintained facilities: Campers consistently mention clean bathrooms and shower facilities. "The bathroom/shower building was new and clean, the camp host was friendly and helpful," reports Deb M. about Nerstrand Big Woods, while Hannah Y. notes, "The bathrooms and showers were clean and well lit."
What you should know
Bug pressure varies significantly: The mosquito and black fly situation can be intense, particularly in wooded areas during summer months. Steph H. shares a vivid account at Lake Maria State Park Campground: "First step onto the grassy trail exploded in a cloud of mosquitos... Even though we'd sprayed everyone down the bugs must have felt safety in numbers because we were covered in welts in no time flat."
Water access limitations: Some campgrounds have inconsistent water availability on trails. Warren H. warns about Afton State Park: "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!"
Cell service considerations: Coverage can be spotty in campgrounds near Long Lake. "Cell reception for T-Mobile was minimal to non-existent. Wifi is available in the visitor center parking lot," reports Dani K. about William O'Brien State Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Long Lake, MN?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Long Lake, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Long Lake, MN is Lake Rebecca Park Reserve with a 4.8-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
Long Lake, MN?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Long Lake, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 19 tent camping locations near Long Lake, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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