Best Tent Camping near Minneapolis, MN
Looking for the best tent campgrounds near Minneapolis? The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. You're sure to find the perfect tent campsite for your Minnesota camping adventure.
Best Tent Sites Near Minneapolis, Minnesota (25)
1. Afton State Park Campground
36 Reviews•93 Photos•204 SavesDenmark, MinnesotaLocated on the St. Croix River, just 20 miles east of Saint Paul, Afton State Park is great for those looking for camping near Minneapolis and is 1600 acres of rolling prairies, oak woodlands, and limestone river canyons amid an ancient glacial landscape. The land for the park was acquired in 1967, but it took almost 15 years of planning revisions and compromises with local residents before the park finally opened in 1982. Little development has gone into Afton State Park in an effort to maintain its natural characteristics, and former farmland atop the bluffs are continuously being restored to their original state. This makes Afton an ideal destination for campers looking to experience the outdoors in a wilder setting.
Load up your backpack with all you’ll need for your stay, as camping at Afton State Park requires a hearty, 0.75-mile hike in from the parking area. The year-round campground offers 27 rustic sites with picnic tables and fire pits, with options for pitching your tent in either open or wooded areas. There is drinking water, a vault toilet and firewood is supplied within the camp area. There is also three boat-in campsites, and two group campsites that can accommodate up to 60 people each. If you’d rather not rough it, the park also offers four camping cabins and two yurts, some of which are wheelchair accessible. There are also several picnic areas and restrooms within the park. Campsite rates range from $15–$23/night; cabins range from $55–$70/night, and yurts $50–$65/night.
When you’re ready to explore, start at the park’s Nature Store where you can pick up information about the park’s flora and fauna, or join a nature walk. Then choose from more than 20 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails, as well as a short barrier-free path. If you’re visiting in winter, many of these trails are open for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Bring your GPS and go on a geocaching treasure hunt, or bring your binoculars and go on safari for a variety of migratory birds, waterfowl, and wildlife, including deer, foxes and badgers. And little ones will love becoming Junior Park Naturalists and learning about bugs, birds, plants and other critters. If you’re looking for a real outdoor adventure, Afton State Park has what you’re looking for.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
2. Lake Maria State Park Campground
32 Reviews•113 Photos•93 SavesSilver Creek, MinnesotaBackpack sites, located on remote lakes and ponds throughout the park, are one to two miles from the trailhead parking. New log camper cabins, located near lakes and ponds, provide bunk beds for six people and a table and benches for campers who want more of the creature comforts.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
3. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground
32 Reviews•90 Photos•134 SavesNerstrand, Minnesota- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
4. Tony’s Backyard
1 Review•4 Photos•3 SavesBloomington, MinnesotaThe space is in the backyard of my private property on Elliot Avenue in Bloomington, MN.
The yard is almost entirely fenced-in & has lots of folliage for general privacy.
Street parking is free.
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Trash
- WiFi
$45 - $60 / night
5. Crow Hassan Park Reserve
3 Reviews•22 Photos•38 SavesSt. Michael, Minnesota- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
$15 / night
6. Lake Rebecca Park Reserve
3 Reviews•8 Photos•34 SavesRockford, Minnesota- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
7. Camp Sacajawea Retreat Center
2 Reviews•1 Photo•3 SavesApple Valley, Minnesota- Pets
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Trash
- Picnic Table
$50 / night
8. Camp Spring Lake Retreat Center
1 Review•1 Photo•6 SavesRosemount, Minnesota- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
$50 / night
9. Mississippi Riverwood RV Park
2 Reviews•2 SavesElk River, Minnesota- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
10. Lily Springs Regenerative Farm
1 Review•14 Photos•6 SavesDresser, WisconsinFor the adventurers spending the weekend climbing at Interstate State Park, the cyclists on a bike tour, or anyone wanting to spend the night amidst the stars and owls, rent a campsite at Lily Springs Farm and pitch your tent on the lakeshore! Bring your tent or your hammock and set up a cozy nest on the lakeshore. Campsites have easy swimming access.
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Cabins
$70 / night
Recent Tent Reviews near Minneapolis, MN
675 Reviews of 25 Minneapolis Campgrounds
Zach H.
Ranger
Minneapolis Northwest KOA
Large sites and large bugs
We tent camped here for a night while passing through. It’s a basic KOA with a few amenities. The lots were really big and we had no one near us, so it was nice and private. Most of the lots near the front were occupied but the back was almost empty, which is where the more wooded lots are. Only 1 bath house and it’s not close to most of the tent sites.
Staff was nice and helpful. It has a small pool and game room but not much else for kids. The bugs are aggressive here, especially near the tent sites which are located near a swampy area. Definitely more of a place to stay as you are passing through, not really a destination campground.
- CConor P.
Guide
Wild River State Park Campground
Great quiet campground
I have stayed here twice once in one of the rental cabins, and second tent camping. The campground is very quiet and never seems to be to busy. The tent sites are a little to exposed for me (I prefer to be in the woods) but they were all clean along with the facilities too. The beach is wonderful along with the section of river and hiking areas. Definitely worth a trip
- BBlairGuide
Lebanon Hills Regional Park
Secluded in the Minneapolis Suburbs
Lebanon Hills is a great park and has a lot of trails for hiking and mountain biking. Our family selected this camp ground to test out some gear -- if we had problems or if we forgot something it was a short drive home. Turns out this is a wonderful camp ground and offers a lot of seclusion.
Tent camp sites are far enough from each other that neighbors can't be seen, and we didn't hear them either.
The bathroom facility near the ranger station was very well maintained and cleaned several times a day.
The only criticisms we have are that you can hear road noise -- and depending on your site you'll hear the alarm of one of the access gates for the Minnesota Zoo.
We went here as an experiment, but will definitely be coming back throughout the year. Reserve early online, most weekends were already reserved by mid May.
- JJeremiah S.
Scout
Lake Maria State Park Campground
BP11 with kiddos
Site was great. Good shade cover, room for 4 hammocks and a small tent. Closer to other sites than I was hoping but overall a great oasis less than an hour from Minneapolis.
Seth K.Guide
Willow River State Park Campground
Cute and close to waterfall
This campsite was nice. A quick trip from Minneapolis will get you there in a half hour. There are a bunch of hiking trails around the campground.
- AAlyssaScout
Interstate State Park — Interstate State Park
Great location!
This was a great spot for our first time camping with our kids! We camped in a tent so booked a site on the river side (no hookups) but it was very spacious and was perfect for our group! Bathrooms seemed fairly decent. They weren’t too far away. I would definitely stay here again!
- AAlison
Traveler
Afton State Park Campground
Wonderful beach!
Less than an hour drive from Minneapolis this is a good get away. As expected it has many walk trails. Highlight of this location is beach which is nice for swim and sun bath. But beach isn't motor vehicle accessible so expect 5-10 min walk. Campgrounds are nearby beach and require further walk.
- Jessica M.Traveler
Minneapolis Southwest KOA
Definitely caters to rvs
A couple weeks ago we spent some time at the Northwest koa...that one had private tent sites surrounded on 3 sides by trees, quiet spaces etc. Looking at the Southwest koa website they advertise as the tent sites back into the woods. So imagine our surprise when we were shown our site. It did indeed back up into the woods however the woods were 20ish feet behind a rope and we were told all set up had to be done in front of the rope. Our tent was inches from the road and wide out in the open. Other then the tent site itself this koa is wonderful...the staff were very friendly, the pool was clean and heated, the grounds were kept clean etc
- JJoanna M.Scout
Willow River State Park Campground
The trails were fun, though the hill was a bit grueling!
We experienced wonderful customer service, tent camping, nature center and waterfalls.
Matt C.Guide
William O'Brien State Park Campground
Beautiful park - cramped campground
The park has two separate areas, that offer two unique experiences. The riverway campground/area is the more popular part along the St. Croix river. We booked a last-minute site at the Savanna Campground, which is more inland, although hikable to the river. This campground is pretty crowded and we dealt with some rowdy neighbors. The Park Rangers monitored the park frequently, so this is definitely not a peaceful, off-the-grid campground. But it's less than an hour from Minneapolis, and offers lots of great (and well-groomed) hiking trails.
- Rico R.Ranger
Lebanon Hills Regional Park
Great place
The office was open till 9pm very friendly. A little pricey for tent camping. The sites are private. Great biking and hiking trails. Great amenities. Close to the zoo as well as the city.
Cheryl L.Scout
Lake Byllesby Regional Park
Plenty of Ammenities
This campground is clean and well maintained. It has a boat landing; indoor and outdoor bathroom facilities; playground and large tent sites.
Stephanie K.RangerLebanon Hills Regional Park
Amazing campground close to the city
Definitely check this place out great campsites for tent camping right next door to the MN Zoo campsites nicely wooded spread out nicer than some state park campgrounds. Definitely going to check it out again.
Andrew K.Guide
High Island Creek Park
Very close
Very close to other campers, but no one bothered anyone. Dog didn’t go nuts, got a good spot. Would recommend. Tent camping on the way to Alaska and filled all needs. Has a Porta-shitter and trash. Decent spot, windy.
- TTom D.Traveler
Country Camping RV Park
This one is a gem.
Love this place.
Close to the Twin Cities, right on the Rum River.
Great tent sites right on the river.
Tubing! They have a bus that takes you into town float back to the campground, love it.
- AAdam H.Scout
Interstate State Park — Interstate State Park
Rolling prairies along the river
Some nice hiking and beautiful landscapes of wildflowers, grasses, and the river Typical state campground set up, not a ton of privacy but enough. Stayed 3 nights, tent camping. Biy certified firewood outside the park if you plan on using a lot. A nice weekend getaway close to the metro!
- Carol H.Traveler
Country Camping RV Park
Fun Fun Fun
We’ve stayed at Country Camping for years! Great variety of things to do for everyone. Group sites, tent sites, covered wagon sites! Floating on the Rum River, swimming pool with splash pad, little camp store, Golf cart rentals! Our grandkids love it too!
Tori K.
Legend
Wildwood RV Park & Campground
Close to Taylors falls and stillwater
Be sure to check out Franconia sculpture garden if you're staying here and have the time! It's such a fun and quirky place. Some of us stayed at an RV site and some of us stayed at a tent site this trip 😁
GoWhereYouAreDraw N.LegendIsland Campground and Marina
Water access
Great location, near Red Wing Minnesota. However, it's your typical Mississippi river camping -- you're there for river access and not much more. If noise bothers you then this is not the place for you. It is situated directly under the highway 63 bridge.
Full hookups and tent camping available. Bathrooms are pretty clean. There are also train tracks along the MN side of the river with several trains running during the day and at night. The perks for the campground are the water access and you can walk to the Harbor Bar for some good food.
- Stacy S.Scout
Wildwood RV Park & Campground
All around nice.
We tent camped for two nights in site CC, which had a small quiet creek beside it. These primitive sites are down a small dirt road away from the main RV camping area and are nicely wooded, but you can still see neighboring sites. The staff were friendly and kind, the facilities were clean, and it was a convenient location.
- NNanci D.Scout
Lebanon Hills Regional Park
County park close in to Minneapolis/ St Paul area
In demand park close in to cities. RV portion has full hook ups. No hook up sites for up to 24ft RVs also available. Non hook up sites are wooded and well spaced. RV sites similar to private campgrounds. Must reserve months in advance as usually full. Have secluded tent sites too.
Emily.Michael B.GuideLebanon Hills Regional Park
In-City Surprise
What a wonderful park for being surrounded by the cities! We had previously come for walking and kayaking, but this was our first overnight here. The site and restroom/shower are well kept and there are enough trees/plants between the (tent) sites to make it feel private. It's always fun seeing deer, turtles, fish, gardner snakes here.
Jaime N.RangerWillow River State Park Campground
A nice getaway off season
Three campgrounds, first come first serve. $10/day entry $40/daily for electric hook up (non-resident); no full hook-ups, no water, only 1 vault toilet open per campground. Year round availability, however- tough to find! Very hard to get a cellular connection (T-mobile). Beautiful views of the river, right along the edge if you tent camp. Multiple playgrounds, hiking trails and loads of nature, large beach and waterfalls.
- Emily H.Traveler
Lake Maria State Park Campground
Hike in sites and cabins. Beautiful hiking trails.
Lake Maria State Park has great hiking trails for the whole family, the camper cabins are spread throughout and are hike in only. Each cabin is pretty secluded and on a body of water. The cabins themselves are very basic, but the setting is awesome.
I haven’t stayed in the backpack tent sites, but I bet they’re fantastic.
Katherine T.Guide
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground
Nice weekend get away
Nice distance from the twin cities for a weekend away with some nice hiking trails. The tent pads have been upgraded to pea gravel by the friends association (which seems to be quite active based on signage around park improvements). Showers and bathrooms were clean. Wi-Fi near the park entrance and spotty T-Mobile service throughout. The outside of the loop is good for tent camping but could be a little noisy if the campground had been fully booked.
- NNicole R.Traveler
William O'Brien State Park Campground
Homey, Picturesque, Fresh Air
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! It appears that most tent camping is on the outer edges and RV camping is in the middle. No one was noisy, wasn't a "party" campground which was great for peace and quiet. It was great being so close to the river trail. Great views and fresh air!
Ramona A.GuideWild River State Park Campground
Beautiful river valley area
Have stayed here many times in all seasons. Not an over crowded park with lots of room to roam. Horses are welcome here with their own special campground area and miles of trails to ride. Hiking trails cover open grasslands, hardwood forest and valley waterways. Lots of wildlife and a great place for birders. Paved bike trails trailer and tent camping as well as camper cabins. Especially beautiful in autumn with the colorful leaves.
Guide to Minneapolis
Tent camping near Minneapolis, Minnesota offers a variety of scenic locations and amenities for outdoor enthusiasts looking to escape the city. With options ranging from secluded sites to family-friendly parks, there's something for everyone.
Some prices for tent camping range from $22 to $85
- Enjoy a budget-friendly stay at Afton State Park Campground, where sites start at just $22, making it an excellent choice for families.
- For a unique experience, Prairie Woods Farm Vineyard Camp offers a picturesque setting with tent sites available, perfect for a vineyard getaway.
- If you're looking for a group camping experience, Lake Rebecca Park Reserve has group sites that accommodate up to 80 people for $85 on weekends.
Tent campers should check out Afton State Park Campground
- Afton State Park Campground features spacious sites with plenty of privacy, making it ideal for those seeking a peaceful retreat.
- The trails at Crow Hassan Park Reserve offer a variety of landscapes, perfect for hiking and exploring nature.
- Minnesota Valley Rec Area is a great spot for snowmobiling, hiking, and biking, providing diverse outdoor activities for campers.
Tips for tent camping near Minneapolis
- Bring your own firewood to Afton State Park Campground, as they offer wood for purchase but require you to chop it yourself.
- If you're camping at Camp Sacajawea Retreat Center, be aware that it functions more as a retreat center, so plan accordingly for amenities.
- For a family-friendly environment, Lake Rebecca Park Reserve boasts an amazing beach and playground, making it a perfect choice for kids.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Minneapolis, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Minneapolis, MN is Afton State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 36 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Minneapolis, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 25 tent camping locations near Minneapolis, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring