Tent camping options near New Brighton, Minnesota provide varied backcountry experiences within a 40-mile radius. The area features a mix of prairie, woodland, and riverside landscapes with elevations ranging from 800-950 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically average 75-85°F during peak camping season with moderate humidity levels, while spring and fall offer cooler temperatures in the 50-70°F range.
What to do
Hiking diverse terrain: Lake Maria State Park offers multiple trail experiences through hardwood forests and wetland areas. "We hiked 11 miles here and it was awesome!" notes one visitor to Afton State Park, which features significant elevation changes unusual for the area.
Wildlife observation: Early mornings and dusk provide optimal wildlife viewing times. "The moon was very bright that night so visibility was excellent. We walked some trail through a frozen marsh landscape and happened upon a railroad that passed above our trail with a beautiful tunnel-overpass," shares a winter camper at Lake Maria State Park.
Water activities: Multiple parks offer swimming and fishing opportunities from late May through September. A visitor at Lake Rebecca Park Reserve notes, "This has an amazing beach. Great Trails. Sweet single track for mountain biking. The best kids park at any campground I've been to."
What campers like
Secluded sites: Lake Maria provides backpacking sites at varying distances. "Backpack sites only. Love this park as it offers many backpacking sites with some being very short hikes in and some being longer hikes. Some are lake front and some are more woodsy sites," explains a reviewer who frequents the park.
Proximity to Twin Cities: Most New Brighton tent camping options lie within 20-45 minutes of downtown Minneapolis. "We bike from St. Paul to William O. It is a nice 40 mile ride mostly on paved or limestone trails," shares a cyclist who regularly visits William O'Brien State Park.
Natural variety: The region offers diverse ecosystems within short distances. "Big park! Great for birding and walking trails! One of my favorite places to go near home," comments a regular visitor to Lake Rebecca Park Reserve, highlighting the local birding opportunities.
What you should know
Reservation planning: Most park campgrounds fill quickly during summer weekends, often 2-3 months in advance. "Weeknights are $70 and weekends/holidays are $85. This seems like a huge steal considering how many people these sites can accommodate," notes a reviewer about group sites at Lake Rebecca Park Reserve.
Insect preparation: Mosquito populations peak in June-July, especially near wetlands. A camper at Lake Maria State Park warns, "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."
Weather considerations: Spring camping often brings significant temperature fluctuations between day and night. A visitor to William O'Brien observes, "We loved the trails. It was easy to takes hikes of varying lengths. There were so many different kinds of birds, and the wildflowers were blooming and ferns were unfurling -so many shades of green!"
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites based on amenities: Families with young children may prefer locations with modern restroom facilities. "The shower house needs some paint, but had been cleaned," reports a visitor to William O'Brien State Park.
Plan for varied weather: Summer thunderstorms can develop quickly, requiring alternate activities. Afton State Park offers diverse options with a visitor noting, "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."
Look for educational programming: Many parks offer ranger-led activities for children during summer months. "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. The terrain is just hilly enough - and in August - the grass long enough to give the sites a sense of privacy and seclusion," shares a visitor to Afton State Park about the family-friendly terrain.
Tips from RVers
Accessibility varies: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger RVs or provide hookups. "If you're the kind of camper who measures a site by how many tail wags it inspires, then Campsite 2 at Elm Creek Horse Camp is barking up the right tree. Tucked away near the archery range, this campsite offers a solid patch of peace where dogs can sniff, stretch, and settle in by the fire."
Water and electric availability: William O'Brien provides the most reliable services for RVers needing hookups. A camper reports, "We planned this weekend with friends to camp in our matching teardrop trailers. We have never really camped with friends before, so the point was to just go, not to really travel far."
Consider special access options: Some areas offer unique RV camping experiences. "This is my all-time favorite park to bring my horse to, and it's her favorite trail too. Seriously, when we head back to our trailer she will stop and refuse to proceed," explains an equestrian camper at Crow Hassan Park Reserve, which provides specialized amenities for those traveling with horses.
