Best Tent Camping near Minnetonka, MN
Tent campsites in the Minnetonka region offer a mix of established state parks and regional park reserves within a 30-mile radius. Lake Rebecca Park Reserve provides spacious tent sites with good privacy, while Afton State Park Campground, located about 25 miles east of Minnetonka, features walk-in tent sites that require a 1-mile hike to reach. These parks serve as gateways to extensive trail systems and natural areas that characterize Minnesota's diverse landscapes.
Most tent camping areas near Minnetonka feature relatively level ground with variable amenities. The backpacking sites at Afton State Park include vault toilets, drinking water access, and picnic tables, but require campers to carry all gear from the parking area uphill to their sites. A recent visitor noted, "The hike to the campground is short and grueling. A few of the sites are in wooded areas, but we stayed in one of the prairie sites." Fire rings are standard at most locations, with firewood available for purchase onsite at established parks like Afton and Lake Maria State Park. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekend camping during peak summer months.
Walk-in tent locations throughout the area offer more seclusion than standard campgrounds. The prairie tent sites at Afton provide enough terrain variation and tall grasses to create privacy between campsites. A camper commented that "the terrain is just hilly enough - and in August - the grass long enough to give the sites a sense of privacy and seclusion." Crow Hassan Park Reserve features tent camping with access to extensive trail networks, making it popular among hikers seeking a primitive tent setup within an hour of the Twin Cities. These parks typically maintain a buffer between tent campsites, allowing for a more natural camping experience compared to developed RV campgrounds. Most tent-specific areas stay relatively quiet after dark, as they attract campers specifically seeking a more traditional outdoor experience.
