Best Tent Camping near Long Lake, MN

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 Sites Near Long Lake, Minnesota (21)

    1. Lake Rebecca Park Reserve

    3 Reviews
    Rockford, MN
    11 miles
    Website

    "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. Lake Maria State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Silver Creek, MN
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (763) 878-2325

    "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."

    3. Crow Hassan Park Reserve

    3 Reviews
    St. Michael, MN
    14 miles
    Website

    $15 / night

    "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."

    4. Tony’s Backyard

    2 Reviews
    Bloomington, MN
    18 miles
    +1 (612) 751-0908

    $45 - $60 / night

    "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!"

    5. Elm Creek Horse Camp

    1 Review
    Dayton, MN
    15 miles
    Website

    $16 / night

    ".🌲🐶 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."

    6. Afton State Park Campground

    36 Reviews
    Denmark, MN
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 436-5391

    "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."

    7. Mississippi Riverwood RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Elk River, MN
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (612) 281-5021

    8. William O'Brien State Park Campground

    39 Reviews
    Marine on St. Croix, MN
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 539-4980

    $16 - $250 / night

    "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."

    9. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground

    35 Reviews
    Nerstrand, MN
    50 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 333-4840

    "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."

    "There are four “walk in” sites, and you can see one another from all of them. Sites 1 and 3 require a walk about three car lengths to the tent pad, and 4 is not much farther."

    10. Camp Sacajawea Retreat Center

    2 Reviews
    Apple Valley, MN
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (952) 891-7000

    $50 / night

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Tent Camping Reviews near Long Lake, MN

607 Reviews of 21 Long Lake Campgrounds


  • LaMina H.
    May. 13, 2022

    Ann Lake

    My favorite spot in MN!!!

    Lake Ann Campground, located in the Sand Dunes State Forest north of Big Lake, MN is great for a weekend getaway with the family or a solo walk in trip. There are RV sites, tent sites, handicap accessible, walk in sites and group sites. Camping here is primitive with few amenities you get a fire ring and a picnic table, its great camping too be one with nature. There are several water spickets located around the campground along with outhouse type restrooms. There are no hookups or electric. Camping is on a first come first serve basis and you register at the kiosk located at the front of the campground acrid from the camp host site. There are several trails and Amaya something to do.

  • Alison O.
    Jun. 17, 2025

    Lake Maria State Park Campground

    Secluded Bliss at Site B6 – Lake Maria’s Backcountry Beauty at Its Best

    If you’re looking for a peaceful escape where the only sounds are rustling leaves, birdsong, and frogs singing at dusk — Site B6 at Lake Maria State Park is the one.

    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. Once you arrive, B6 feels like a secret woodland sanctuary — set up on a slight rise, tucked beneath a cathedral of towering oaks and maples.

    The site is private, quiet, and wonderfully shaded, with just enough open sky for stargazing by the fire. The tent pad is level, and there’s a solid fire ring and picnic table. Vault toilets and water access aren’t too far, especially by backcountry standards.

    What makes B6 stand out, though, is the vibe. It’s close enough to Lake Maria’s best hiking trails and just a short walk to the lake itself, where you can sit on a log and watch wood ducks paddle past and listen to the frogs in full chorus at night. We saw pileated woodpeckers, red squirrels, and a chorus of chorus frogs. Nature feels close here — in the best way.

    Pro tip: Pack light and bring permethrin-treated clothes during bug season. And don’t forget a headlamp — the darkness here is wild and beautiful.

    This site is perfect for anyone who wants a little solitude, a lot of nature, and a chance to slow down and breathe. We’ll absolutely be booking B6 again.

  • Amy G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2021

    Rice Creek Campgrounds

    Spaced out nicely and they have a tent only loop!

    I booked this on a whim since we needed an overnight close to the State Fair.  I loved the look of the "TENT ONLY" loop - you don't see this often - so it was a good fit.  Seemed that the whole campground was booked up and I assumed, for a similar reason.  The State Fair.

    Booking was fairly easy through their website, and you can "hover" over the sites to see a photo of it.  I chose the one I wanted and hoped it would be what we wanted it to be.

    You DO need a park pass to stay at the campground.

    We arrived after dark, but in the dark you could still tell it was lovely.  I couldn't see any neighbor on the one side where there was a campsite (the other was a field...which is why I chose it). So we set up a tent, enjoyed the last of the evening and crawled into our bags.

    In the morning, when I could see everything, I was thoroughly impressed by the space, the maintenance of the property, the size of the campsites.  All of them were impressive and big!  A few were only separated by swathes of grass, but most had enough trees you couldn't see your neighbor.  And the fact that this loop (F LOOP) was "tent only" meant no generators! It was very quiet!   There were port-o-potties (cleaned about every 3 days) and a centrally located water source (potable) that was in the middle of everything for easy access by everyone. The spaces seemed fairly level, lots of mature trees, fire rings at all of them (with cooking grates that flipped out of the way) and picnic tables at most (resin tables, not wood).

    I took a quick look at the other loops.  The tent/small trailer loop didn't appear to have electric either.  And the RV loops obviously did.  All were very nice!  And there is a shower house (didn't go in) that was for all to use if you had a site.

    We'd stay here again in a heartbeat.

    **I've seen the other reviews here which seem to be based on the bugs.  I know that bugs are part of camping, so I don't review based on that, but I'll add details, if needed.  This one didn't have many, but it was raining, so I'm sure that factored in.  When I camp, I come prepared and I try to focus on reviewing the campsite itself, not the bugs, which I can not control.  I can, however, come prepared for them**

  • Jennifer H.
    Sep. 21, 2020

    Afton State Park Campground

    New groomed backpack trails

    Site 27. This is a river landscape. Spiders and snakes..oh my. The parking lot is paved and has a dumpster. This is also where the nature center is. There are often music festivals and family events here. It is also next to Afton Ski resort. This park has a lot of beautiful prairie landscape with some temperate forest features. Wildflowers, shrubs, fungi, evergreens, and deciduous trees. 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. There is a solar panel generated drinking water pump at the top and a honor system fire wood station. There is a bathroom, but not super close to this site. This site has a fire pit with grate and table but no bear box. This site does have a clear view to the trail and the site next to it, but it is set back a little bit. I can hear the joggers along the trail that wraps around the site. The sites are mapped out on a wide open prairie ground with some sites tucked back in the trees along the trail. There is not a water front view, but there is plenty of wildlife. The dear and flowers are beautiful. There is partial tree covering but we did bring a tarp for the rain.

  • K
    Jul. 12, 2018

    Lake Maria State Park Campground

    Beautiful and Relaxing

    Really enjoyed the short hike to our campsite, BP7. There is a bathroom and water station before you head out which is awesome! The campsite was secluded and absolutely beautiful. Definitely will be going back again!

    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.

  • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 28, 2025

    Lake Maria State Park Campground

    Backpacker's Haven

    Backpack sites only. Love this park as it offers many backpacking sites with some being very short hikes in and some being longer hikes. Some are lake front and some are more woodsy sites. I really enjoy sites 1, 2, and 3 as they are a little more secluded from other sites, however 1 is fairly close to the county road so you will hear some vehicle noise overnight. Site comes with a fire ring, picnic table, and bear locker. Site 1 is my favorite despite the road noise due to the location of the tent pad and being on almost a peninsula offering lots of lake views.

  • Steph H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 17, 2017

    Afton State Park Campground

    Great spot close to but away from the cities

    Love love love this park! 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. During the late spring, summer and early fall months you can't really see the river but if you do it after the leaves drop or before they come in then you'll have a great view of the river. Our site is off of the main trail so you have a nice little hike in and it feels very secluded and you have a nice even gravel tent pad that's raised up as well as a fire pit and picnic table. There is not a lot of room to play at your campsite but if you just take your trail up to the main trail then it opens up. Off the main trail you will also find vault toilets and firewood that you just have to saw yourself with the saw that is provided. You are surrounded by excellent hiking trails including some great single track as well as a great beach on the St. Croix River that is also very clean. The raccoons are not messing around so make sure to secure your food inside your tent or in a well fortified cooler otherwise you'll be listening to them ravage your site as you try to sleep at night.

  • Alison O.
    Jul. 1, 2025

    Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve

    Campsite C14: Close to perfect, but bring your hiking boots… for the fire pit. 😅

    Loved this site! Super peaceful vibes, nice tree cover, flat tent pad, and plenty of space to spread out. 🌳⛺️ It’s tucked just enough off the path to feel private, but not so far that you feel isolated. Clean facilities, water nearby, and the kind of birdsong that makes you forget your emails exist. 🐦📵

    Now… the only reason this isn’t a full 5-star banger is the fire ring placement. 🔥 That thing is doing its own thing like 30 feet from the tent pad—felt like I needed a shuttle to roast a marshmallow. 😂 Bring extra lanterns, chairs, and a good sense of humor if you want to hang by the fire after dark.

    Still—would camp again in a heartbeat. Great site for anyone who likes a little distance between their tent and their s’mores. 🍫🔥

    #TheDyrt #CampsiteC14 #CampLife #FirePitTooFar #GlampLikeYouMeanIt #MNCamping #SmoreDistanceRequired #NatureTherapy #AlmostPerfect

  • Stephanie L.
    Aug. 9, 2018

    Ann Lake

    Rustic & Family Friendly

    This is a great little rustic campground within an hour's drive of the Twin Cities! It has several potable water sources throughout the campground, but no running water for toilets or showers. There are several vault toilets. Each campsite has a picnic table and a fire ring. You can buy firewood & ice at the Sand Dunes Stop gas station, just a 10 minutes drive away.

    This is a first-come, first-served campground, so no reservations required. This does mean that there is a chance you won't be able to get a site, but I've only had that happen one time when I got there at 6pm on a Saturday. There are usually sites available.

    I love going to this campground - it's family friendly, and there is a swimming beach a quick 3 minute drive away! The hiking trails aren't half bad, either! I love coming here to relax for a weekend, spend some time at the beach, and just enjoy nature. If you go in the early to mid summer, you'll also hear local whip-poor-wills serenade you to sleep.

    Overall, 4 stars. The only downsides are no running water and no ice & firewood at the campground itself.


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?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Long Lake, MN is Lake Rebecca Park Reserve with a 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Long Lake, MN?

TheDyrt.com has all 21 tent camping locations near Long Lake, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.