Best Tent Camping near Maple Grove, MN

State parks and nature reserves within 40 minutes of Maple Grove, Minnesota offer several backcountry tent camping options with varying levels of accessibility. Lake Maria State Park, located northwest of Maple Grove near Monticello, features exclusively walk-in tent sites ranging from a quarter-mile to over a mile from parking areas. Afton State Park, though slightly farther at about an hour's drive, provides tent-only backcountry sites with views of the St. Croix River. Crow Hassan Park Reserve and Elm Creek Horse Camp also accommodate tent campers with more accessible sites closer to Maple Grove.

Most tent campsites in the area feature level dirt or gravel tent pads with basic amenities. Lake Maria's backcountry sites include fire rings, picnic tables, and food lockers, with vault toilets distributed throughout the camping areas. Campers should bring their own toilet paper, as this is not always provided. Water access varies significantly between parks - Lake Maria offers water pumps in parking areas but not at individual sites. At Afton State Park, a solar-powered well provides year-round water access near the campground. Summer brings significant mosquito activity, particularly on trails leading to backcountry sites, so insect protection is essential from late spring through early fall.

According to one Lake Maria visitor, "The sites are about a mile hike in on wide trails without much elevation change," making them accessible for beginners to backcountry camping. Another camper noted that Site B6 at Lake Maria features "a level tent pad, solid fire ring, and picnic table with vault toilets and water access not too far by backcountry standards." At Afton State Park, the walk-in sites require more effort, with one camper reporting, "The hike is mostly uphill and includes a couple of switchbacks, so packing light is a good idea." Fall brings particularly pleasant camping conditions with reduced bugs, cooler temperatures, and colorful foliage, especially at Lake Maria where October showcases vibrant yellow leaves around the lakes.

Best Tent Sites Near Maple Grove, Minnesota (24)

    1. Crow Hassan Park Reserve

    3 Reviews
    St. Michael, MN
    9 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."

    2. Lake Maria State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Silver Creek, MN
    27 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."

    "This is one of my favorite parks to spend a night in when I don’t have time for an extended trip farther from home, living in Maple Grove this is only a 40 minute drive but you feel like you have really"

    3. Elm Creek Horse Camp

    1 Review
    Dayton, MN
    6 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."

    4. Lake Rebecca Park Reserve

    3 Reviews
    Rockford, MN
    15 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😁"

    5. Mississippi Riverwood RV Park

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

    6. William O'Brien State Park Campground

    39 Reviews
    Marine on St. Croix, MN
    35 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."

    7. Afton State Park Campground

    36 Reviews
    Denmark, MN
    38 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."

    8. Tony’s Backyard

    2 Reviews
    Bloomington, MN
    21 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!"

    10. Camp Sacajawea Retreat Center

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

    $50 / night

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Tent Camping Reviews near Maple Grove, MN

681 Reviews of 24 Maple Grove 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.

  • Katherine T.
    Oct. 11, 2024

    Wild River State Park Campground

    Solid option with star gazing

    This is a solid state park offering. The sites are decently spaced with good tree cover. Noise seemed to travel between sites, I had some loud neighbors during the day but they settled down before quiet hours. The grass was easy to get tent stakes into. Bathrooms were your basic state park situation. Clean with warm showers so no complaints from me. The star gazing area was great! Intermittently had 1-2 bars of T-Mobile with LTE Internet. Wi-Fi is available at the park entrance.

  • Bri M.
    Aug. 15, 2018

    Lake Maria State Park Campground

    The perfect getaway not too far from home!

    This is one of my favorite parks to spend a night in when I don’t have time for an extended trip farther from home, living in Maple Grove this is only a 40 minute drive but you feel like you have really gotten away! I’ve found it’s also easier to snag a campsite at the last minute unlike most of the other parks around this area of the state, and especially during the week when you will likely have the park to yourself.

    The hikes to the campsites are easy, wide trails without much up and down and most are about a mile hike in. The spots that I have stayed at have good places to set up a hammock, and all sites have a fire ring, picnic table and food locker.

    Walking in on the trails can be a little buggy in late summer but clears up around the campsite, just make sure to bring some bug spray. The variety of birds in the park are fun to observe, the owls were hooting loudly all through the evening and there were a few woodpeckers hanging around our site. These sites in specific also had an outhouse really close, just remember to bring your own toilet paper. Sites 1 and 3 are on a little lake, but the water is more swampy so don’t plan on swimming and it’s probably not ideal for cooking or being purified for drinking water. There is a water pump in the parking lot where you can restock. You also shouldn’t have any trouble finding downed wood for fire around either of these sites. It’s secluded and you don’t see any other campers here but easy enough to get to! The view of the water from site 1 is beautiful and the sunset over the lake in October with the fall colors is a must see.

  • 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**

  • D
    Sep. 19, 2020

    Wild River State Park Campground

    Great spot for first time camping

    This was my first time camping EVER, and I wanted a balance of car camping ease with quiet wilderness. I stayed in the E loop. No electric sites, which cut down the number of big rig RVs, but there were plenty of small campers and trailers. To me, this means louder guests than tent campers. That said, people tended to quiet down by 9-10p. There was occasional noise during the day from crop dusters and motorized boat traffic on the St. Croix.

    Site 87 had nice privacy — less between sites 87 and 89 and much more between 87 and 85 (see photos). Site 89 is a double site, so be prepared for a little more activity if someone books there. If I went again, I'd try to snag site 85. Large trees and vegetation between sites, especially on the outside loop. Plenty of space for hammocks. The site itself was level and very spacious. We had a five person tent and could have put up a bug house easily. The fire pit was clean and had a grate on top. Pit toilets were clean and had plenty of toilet paper, especially for the end of a holiday weekend. Bugs were minimal, but could have been because the weather was on the cooler side (50s-60s).

    A couple random notes:

    • Firewood is $6/bundle. Self-pay available if the ranger station is closed. Bring exact change since you'll be paying by envelope.

    • The ranger station was open for window service, and they sold fire starters, soda, t-shirts, etc. Not sure when hours are exactly. They were open when I went around 3-4p Sunday and Monday to buy wood.

    • Cell reception for T-Mobile was minimal to non-existent.

  • amber  N.
    Sep. 1, 2019

    Wild River State Park Campground

    Secluded, River Front Buck Hill Site

    Backpack site Buck Hill is right on the river, beautiful view to the east. Circled by flowers (goldenrod in the late summer), brush and trees. End of the path so zero foot traffic / passersby. Fine size for us but if you had two tents maybe tight. Fire ring and picnic table of course. No drinking water (we brought a bladder). It’s a great place to star gaze. There’s a teeny somewhat treacherous path to the river- no beach or anything (water was super low when we went) - Just can get your feet wet.

    Down the path a little bit is an unenclosed toilet - not the best. The other direction down the path (only about 20 ft) is a smallish bear box.

    You can harvest your own wood (at this time) and that was really great - bring a backpacking saw!

    Only downside to the site— you can hear cars on both sides (river and opposite side of forest).

    It was a 2.37 mile walk from the parking lot, mostly shaded.

    Side note: we checked out Deer Creek site which is much closer to the car. It is a hike in / canoe site. It’s wayyy more spacious, and even has two separate clearings. Also has cool stairs down the to water, and a much more expansive view of the river. We will be staying there next time! We want to take a few days to canoe the whole length of the park, camping along the different sites. Next year! :)

  • 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.


Guide to Maple Grove

Tent campsites near Maple Grove, Minnesota range from primitive riverside spots to more developed areas within 30-45 minutes of the city. Most camping in this region sits at an elevation between 800-1,000 feet, with summer highs typically reaching 80-85°F and frequent evening thunderstorms. The Mississippi River creates a natural corridor through this region, influencing both the camping landscape and available water recreation activities.

What to do

Hiking prairie-to-forest trails: At William O'Brien State Park Campground, trails showcase diverse ecosystems within a single hike. "This is a great place to see all the various landscapes of the St. Croix River Valley. The surroundings were stunning, and really unexpected for a park so close to the Twin Cities," notes Jason S. The park offers 12 miles of maintained hiking trails through prairie, woodlands, and river bluffs.

Mountain biking on single track: Lake Rebecca Park Reserve offers newly developed mountain biking trails spanning 13.25 miles. "This has an amazing beach. Great Trails. Sweet single track for mountain biking," reports Daniel R. The trails feature loops for different skill levels, with technical sections for more advanced riders and wider, smoother tracks for beginners.

Horseback riding: Crow Hassan Park Reserve provides extensive equestrian trails through sandy prairie. "This is my all-time favorite park to bring my horse to, and it's her favorite trail too," shares Krista T. The reserve maintains over 20 miles of dedicated horse trails and offers multiple camping options for those bringing horses.

Swimming at designated beaches: Multiple parks in the area feature swimming beaches, though they typically don't have lifeguards. "Lake Rebecca has an amazing beach," according to one camper, while William O'Brien offers river swimming access. Most beaches require a short walk from parking areas.

What campers like

Privacy at backcountry sites: Lake Maria State Park Campground offers true backcountry camping experience within an hour of Maple Grove. "We saw pileated woodpeckers, red squirrels, and a chorus of chorus frogs. Nature feels close here — in the best way," writes Alison O. The backcountry sites provide solid separation from neighboring campers.

Fall camping conditions: October brings improved camping with reduced insects and colorful foliage. "Appreciated the camper cabin and the clean sites. Most if not all sites are in the woods from what I could tell so there is a lot of leaves. Good trails and a fun experience," notes Brian K. about Lake Maria State Park.

Accessibility of primitive camping: Several parks offer tent sites that require minimal hiking but still provide a remote feel. "Only about a mile from the parking lot. This site was nearly surrounded by a lake which lended to a lot of bugs, but was absolutely gorgeous!" reports Lydia N. about Lake Maria State Park. Most walk-in sites are accessible via maintained trails without significant elevation changes.

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Afton State Park Campground offers diverse habitats supporting varied wildlife. "We went to Afton for a day trip filled with hiking, picnicking and scoping out future camping sites. Then I saw the snake," writes Emily G. The park's ecosystem supports deer, turkeys, raptors, and smaller wildlife frequently spotted from trails and campsites.

What you should know

Seasonal bug conditions: Late spring through mid-summer brings significant insect activity. "When we pulled up to the parking lot we knew we were in trouble. The black flies were dive bombing the car like a scene from Armageddon," shares Steph H. about Lake Maria. Many campers recommend permethrin-treated clothing and bringing multiple insect repellent options.

Limited water access at backcountry sites: Most walk-in sites require carrying in your water supply from central pumps. "The pump for the water was very slow," notes Brian C. about Lake Maria. Plan to transport 1-2 gallons per person per day for cooking and drinking.

Trail conditions after rain: Many hiking trails become muddy after precipitation. "A few of the sites are in wooded areas, but we stayed in one of the prairie sites. The terrain is just hilly enough - and in August - the grass long enough to give the sites a sense of privacy and seclusion," explains Andrew C. about Afton State Park.

Availability challenges: Weekend camping near Maple Grove requires advance booking. "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," notes Dani K. about William O'Brien State Park.

Tips for camping with families

Beginner-friendly backpacking options: Lake Maria provides an ideal introduction to backcountry camping. "Backpack sites only. Love this park as it offers many backpacking sites with some being very short hikes in and some being longer hikes," explains Tori K. Sites #1-3 offer shorter hikes but still provide the backcountry experience.

Playground access: Multiple parks feature designated play areas. "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. about Lake Rebecca Park Reserve. Most playgrounds are located near main beach or day-use areas.

Camper cabins for easier family camping: Several parks offer cabins requiring minimal equipment. "Camper Cabin (Eastern Bluebird) - Perfect little cabin nestled in the southern half of the park! Screened in porch, heated with electricity, and two double bunk beds!" reports Alison O. about Afton State Park. These cabins typically require advance reservation.

Low-traffic weekday camping: For families with young children, weekday camping offers quieter experiences. "My first time solo camping was at William O'Brien State Park on a Sunday evening. Weekends have been packed and reservations scarce for months at state parks in Minnesota. Arriving on a Sunday afternoon was a dream," reports Dani K.

Tips from RVers

Limited full-hookup options: Most campgrounds near Maple Grove offer electric hookups only. "The shower house needed a cleaning as well. There is no adjusting the shower temperature. Push the button and you get what you get," notes Tim about William O'Brien State Park. Most campgrounds require use of on-site dump stations.

Size restrictions at Maple Grove area campgrounds: Elm Creek Horse Camp accommodates smaller RVs but has limited amenities. "The site is private, quiet, and wonderfully shaded, with just enough open sky for stargazing by the fire," notes one camper about nearby sites. Most RV sites in the area have 30-foot length restrictions.

Electric site availability: Electric sites book fastest at area campgrounds. "Very pleasant and quick," reports Nicole B. about William O'Brien State Park. Advance reservations recommended, especially for summer weekends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Maple Grove, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Maple Grove, MN is Crow Hassan Park Reserve with a 4.3-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Maple Grove, MN?

TheDyrt.com has all 24 tent camping locations near Maple Grove, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.