Best Tent Camping near Medina, MN
Tent campsites near Medina, Minnesota include backcountry options and developed walk-in tent sites within several nearby parks. Lake Maria State Park, located approximately 25 miles northwest of Medina, offers secluded backpacking tent sites accessible via trails ranging from a quarter-mile to over a mile from parking areas. Crow Hassan Park Reserve and Lake Rebecca Park Reserve provide additional tent camping options within a short drive from Medina, with Lake Rebecca featuring two group tent sites that can accommodate larger parties.
Most walk-in tent sites in the area require carrying gear moderate distances from parking areas, with trails ranging from flat to moderately hilly terrain. At Lake Maria State Park, backpacking campsites numbered BP1 through BP14 include designated tent pads, fire rings, and picnic tables, with most sites featuring private vault toilets nearby. Drinking water is available at central locations but not at individual sites. Firewood can be purchased at park offices, though availability may be seasonal. Reservations are required for all tent sites, with fees typically ranging from $16-20 per night plus reservation charges.
The walk-in tent experience offers significantly more privacy than typical campgrounds. Many sites, particularly at Lake Maria, are situated on small lakes or ponds with minimal visibility between neighboring campsites. Tree cover provides ample shade at most locations, with oak and maple forests dominating the landscape. Hiking trails connect directly to tent sites, allowing for extended day hikes without relocating vehicles. Winter camping is available at several locations for those prepared for cold-weather conditions. A visitor to Lake Maria State Park described their backpacking site as "set on the cliff of a pond" with "very private" surroundings and "nice hiking trails right out of the campsite." Mosquitoes can be prevalent during summer months, particularly at sites near water bodies.