Tent camping opportunities near Osseo, Minnesota include several state parks and natural areas within a 30-40 minute drive. The region sits at approximately 930 feet above sea level with generally flat to gently rolling terrain. Summer temperatures average 70-85°F during peak camping months, while spring and fall camping can see temperature swings of 30-40 degrees between day and night.
What to do
Horseback riding trails: Crow Hassan Park Reserve features extensive equestrian-friendly paths popular among riders. "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," notes one equestrian camper at Crow Hassan Park Reserve.
Bird watching opportunities: Lake Rebecca Park Reserve provides excellent birding options with diverse habitats. "Big park! Great for birding and walking trails! One of my favorite places to go near home," reports a visitor who frequents the area. Many sites include access to open water areas where waterfowl congregate.
Swimming and beach access: William O'Brien State Park includes river access and swimming areas. "We love this park!! Very friendly and well kept! Two campgrounds to chose from. Tons of hiking, fishing, and great picnic area next to the river!" Visitors recommend arriving early on summer weekends as beach parking areas fill quickly.
Mountain biking: Elm Creek Horse Camp offers access to single-track bike trails connecting to the larger park system. The park contains over 13 miles of trails with different loops available for various skill levels, from beginner to advanced riders.
What campers like
Secluded backpacking sites: Lake Maria State Park offers several walk-in backcountry sites with significant privacy. "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 regular visitor who notes that site 1 sits "on almost a peninsula offering lots of lake views."
Waterfront camping: Many campers praise the river views at Afton State Park. "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," mentions one tent camper.
Yurt accommodations: For campers seeking alternatives to traditional tent camping near Osseo, Minnesota, Afton State Park Campground provides yurt options. "Minnesota State Parks have just started to build Yurts for 3 campgrounds around the state; Afton, Cuyuna and Glendalough State Parks. These have some great amenities and are perfect for family camping, especially in Fall, Winter and Spring."
Availability on weekdays: William O'Brien State Park tends to have better site availability Sunday through Thursday. "Arriving on a Sunday afternoon was a dream—very few people in the campground loop (especially the non-electric ones), but still able to take advantage of a weekend day," notes a solo camper who found significant tranquility midweek.
What you should know
Seasonal bug considerations: Mosquitoes and biting flies can be intense during summer months. A camper at Lake Maria State Park warns: "The black flies were dive bombing the car like a scene from Armageddon. We prepared the kiddos for a quick grab and run and jumped out of the car. Our campsite was about a mile from the car so we started at a quick walk onto the trail. First step onto the grassy trail exploded in a cloud of mosquitos."
Firewood restrictions: William O'Brien State Park Campground sells firewood for $6-8 per bundle with self-pay options available. "Firewood is $6/bundle. Self-pay available at site 74e if the ranger station is closed. Bring exact change since you'll be paying by envelope," notes a visitor. Most parks prohibit bringing outside firewood due to invasive species concerns.
Varying hike-in distances: Backcountry sites require different levels of hiking preparation. At Lake Maria State Park, "Backpack sites only. Love this park as it offers many backpacking sites with some being very short hikes in and some being longer hikes." The most remote sites can be over a mile from parking areas, requiring multiple trips for equipment.
Construction impacts: Some parks undergo periodic infrastructure upgrades. A recent William O'Brien visitor reported: "The east part of the park was all closed for construction. Everything on the east side of the highway was closed so we could not hike a lot of the trails or use the beach which was a challenge with kids. Construction is scheduled to the end of 2025."
Tips for camping with families
Gradual introduction for new campers: Lake Rebecca Park Reserve provides amenities that ease children into outdoor experiences. "This has an amazing beach. Great Trails. Sweet single track for mountain biking. The best kids park at any campground I've been to," mentions a family visitor who appreciated the playground facilities.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many children enjoy the animal sightings at Afton State Park. "We went to Afton for a day trip filled with hiking, picnicking and scoping out future camping sites. Then I saw the snake. I literally grabbed my husband to hold him back from stepping on it and then he walks past it like nothing happened," relates a visitor whose unexpected wildlife encounter became a memorable experience.
Cabin options for shoulder seasons: For families seeking the best tent camping near Osseo with weather backup plans, camper cabins offer protection from unpredictable conditions. A Lake Maria visitor noted: "Appreciated the camper cabin and the clean sites. Most if not all sites are in the woods from what I could tell so there is a lot of leaves. Good trails and a fun experience."
Pack-in challenges: Families should consider equipment needs carefully for hike-in sites. "If you're new to hiking, I suggest doing some research if you're going to attempt stuff like this. I camped here back in 2020 of November. Overpacked, along with not packing the right gear and didn't have a cart," cautions a Lake Maria camper who struggled with the terrain.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Crow Hassan Park Reserve group sites accommodate horse trailers but have minimal RV-specific amenities. "In normal times you can rent this group campsite for $70-$80 a night, which is ridiculously cheap considering that you can fit quite a bit of horse trailers on here. The information for this site states you can put 10 horse trailers on this lot, but I have definitely seen groups camp here with more," notes an equestrian camper.
Road access considerations: Some campgrounds have narrow access roads challenging for larger vehicles. A Crow Hassan camper warns: "Be aware that the road into this group site only is wide enough for one vehicle at a time, so far I've been lucky to not encounter another vehicle as I'm entering or leaving." RVers should research access routes before arrival.
Private park restrictions: Mississippi Riverwood RV Park operates under different rules than public campgrounds. "This hidden gem is a PRIVATE RV Park where each lot is individually owned and most owners live South in the winter. Individual owners can rent their lot with restrictions and those rentals are between the owner and the renter," explains a lot owner, highlighting the unique ownership model that affects reservation processes.
