Tent camping near Prior Lake, Minnesota offers numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation within short driving distances. Most sites in the region rest at elevations between 900-1100 feet above sea level, with the Minnesota River Valley creating notable terrain variation. Campgrounds generally open from April through October, with mid-summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during the day and 55-65°F at night.
What to do
Hiking trails: Lake Rebecca Park Reserve features miles of multi-use paths. "Big park! Great for birding and walking trails! One of my favorite places to go near home," notes one visitor to Lake Rebecca Park Reserve.
Water activities: Many campgrounds offer swimming, fishing, and paddling opportunities. At Roberds Lake Resort, visitors appreciate "sunsets were spectacular at the private beach, boat rental availability for a whole day, flexible and friendly."
Winter recreation: Some parks remain open year-round with seasonal activities. "This park is great for hiking and winter snowshoeing and cross country skiing. The 2 camp sites are a good little hike in and you have to backpack everything you need in," reports a camper at Cannon River Wilderness Area.
What campers like
Private settings: Many tent campers value seclusion at backcountry sites. "The site was pretty awesome. Like others said, nice and secluded," reports a camper at Lake Maria State Park Campground. Another notes, "We could see one other camper in a different site, but it still felt like you were in the wilderness."
Natural features: The region offers diverse landscapes from prairies to woodlands. "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," writes a visitor to Afton State Park Campground.
Budget options: Some camping areas offer free or low-cost alternatives. One camper at Cannon River Wilderness Area shares, "For free the area is awesome right by the river. We found a site tucked away from people which is what we like. We set up hammocks right next to the river."
What you should know
Trail difficulty: Access to some tent sites requires significant hiking. "BP7 didn't have much dead wood around so we had to reserve the firewood we purchased. Carrying firewood, food, water, gear, on a hilly trail through the woods can become real tough real fast for anyone that isn't physically active."
Bug seasons: Insect activity varies significantly by season. "To be fair I'd like to preface this review with a word of caution. We went in the middle of Summer. High bug season. Take a look at other reviews as they come in and see what time of year they visited."
Reservation systems: Sites at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground fill quickly during peak season. "This was a fantastic campsite! We arrived just before 10pm, were able to pick up firewood from the park office at the entrance. The tent pad was very spacious and flat, great for sleeping!"
Water access: Many tent sites lack direct water sources. "First: my only complaint... The pump for the water was very slow. Ok done... This lovely spot is a one mile hike from the parking lot, so be ready to walk if you need to make more than one trip."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds feature excellent facilities for children. "This has an amazing beach. Great Trails. Sweet single track for mountain biking. The best kids park at any campground I've been to," reports a visitor at Lake Rebecca Park Reserve.
Short hikes: For first-time family backpacking, choose sites with minimal approach distances. A camper at Cannon River Wilderness Area notes, "The hike from parking is not bad at all about a 10 minute walk from parking to the farthest site."
Seasonal planning: Fall camping offers fewer insects and comfortable temperatures. A camper at William O'Brien State Park Campground states, "This campground is lovely. You can hear frogs all night and we even saw a turtle laying eggs in a different campsite."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: RV sites at many campgrounds offer varying levels of privacy. "Compared to Wild River State Park, the sites at Savannah are pretty cramped with inconsistent vegetation between sites. I wouldn't want to stay here when the loop is fully reserved."
Weekday arrival: For better site availability and quieter experiences, many recommend Sunday through Thursday visits. "My first time solo camping was at William O'Brien State Park on a Sunday evening. Weekends have been packed and reservations scarce for months at state parks in Minnesota. Arriving on a Sunday afternoon was a dream—very few people in the campground loop."
Hookup availability: Confirm utility connections before booking. At Roberds Lake Resort, "Hook ups a bit squished together and as always we rolled in late, and Saturday night had a very thick smoky haze due to the density and humidity. Small store and restaurant, ice cream parlor."
