Best Tent Camping near Minneapolis, MN
Tent campsites in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul region offer a mix of primitive hike-in experiences and established campgrounds within a short drive from the urban center. Afton State Park Campground, located about 30 miles east of downtown Minneapolis, provides backpacker-style tent sites that require a 1-mile hike with a steep incline near the end. William O'Brien State Park Campground, situated along the St. Croix River north of the metro area, features walk-in tent sites surrounded by natural woodland habitat, providing campers with greater privacy than standard drive-in options.
Most tent campgrounds near Minneapolis maintain well-marked paths to walk-in sites, with distances varying from 100 yards to over a mile at locations like Afton State Park. Campers should plan accordingly when packing gear, as sites like those at Afton require carrying all equipment uphill. Firewood is typically available for purchase at established campgrounds, with Afton offering a self-service system where campers cut wood themselves using provided saws. Vault toilets are standard at most primitive sites, while water access varies significantly between parks. The camping season generally runs from April through October, though some parks like William O'Brien remain open year-round for winter camping opportunities.
Tent campers at Afton State Park enjoy relatively secluded sites with good spacing between neighbors, providing a sense of privacy despite proximity to the metropolitan area. The terrain at most sites accommodates standard tent setups with flat tent pads available at established campgrounds. Trail networks connect directly to campsites, allowing for day hiking without needing to drive elsewhere. According to one visitor, "The campsite has a vault toilet, firewood, and clean drinking water available. The sites sit far enough apart you are still able to have privacy and enjoy the peace and quiet." Another camper noted that Afton's sites offer "a nice balance of wooded area and open terrain/sky," making them suitable for both forest cover and stargazing.