Tent camping near Ramsey, Minnesota centers around the Mississippi River watershed with elevations ranging from 850 to 950 feet above sea level. The area features hardwood forests, restored prairie lands, and river access points within a 30-minute drive of downtown Ramsey. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-85°F during peak camping months with humidity levels rising in late June through August.
What to do
Water activities on the Mississippi River: Boat-in camping at Oak Island Watercraft Campsite offers tent campers a unique riverside experience. "This island on the Mississippi has a picnic table and a very primitive toilet. It's a great spot to take a rest while cavorting the Mississippi," notes one visitor.
Trail exploration for all skill levels: Crow Hassan Park Reserve provides diverse hiking opportunities through prairie landscapes. "I never tire walking the dog park circle along the crow river! Great for birding and tons of beautiful trails," shares a regular visitor. The trail system includes both open prairie paths and shaded wooded sections.
Winter camping options: Cold weather enthusiasts can access year-round sites at Lake Maria State Park, which maintains several backpacking sites accessible by snowshoe during winter months. "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," reports one winter visitor.
What campers like
Private campsites with lake views: Site B6 at Lake Maria State Park earns high marks for seclusion. "This hike-in site is about a half-mile walk from the parking area... B6 feels like a secret woodland sanctuary — set up on a slight rise, tucked beneath a cathedral of towering oaks and maples," one camper notes. The site includes wildlife viewing opportunities with "pileated woodpeckers, red squirrels, and a chorus of chorus frogs."
Beginner-friendly backpacking: William O'Brien State Park Campground offers an accessible introduction to backpacking camping. "We planned this weekend with friends to camp in our matching teardrop trailers... 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," shares a camper.
Wildlife observation opportunities: Tent campers report excellent bird watching and animal sightings at multiple parks. "We walked some trail through a frozen marsh landscape and happened upon a railroad that passed above our trail with a beautiful tunnel-overpass. We walked along the tracks after that in the brisk air and had a few run ins with white tail deer further in the brush," recalls a winter visitor to William O'Brien State Park.
What you should know
Bug preparation essential: Summer insects require serious preparation at Lake Maria State Park. "The black flies were dive bombing the car like a scene from Armageddon... First step onto the grassy trail exploded in a cloud of mosquitos," reports one summer visitor. Pack permethrin-treated clothing and multiple types of repellent for July and August camping trips.
Pack-in/pack-out requirements: Most backcountry sites require carrying in all supplies and removing all trash. A Lake Maria visitor advises: "If you're new to hiking, I suggest doing some research if you're going to attempt stuff like this... 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."
Water availability varies by season: At Afton State Park Campground, water access can be unpredictable. "None of the water faucets or water pumps on the trails at Afton State Park are working. The good news is you can fill up on cold drinking water at the visitor center before trekking around the park's beautiful hiking trails," warns a July visitor. Always check with park offices about current water conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Lake Rebecca Park Reserve offers exceptional family facilities. "This has an amazing beach. Great Trails. Sweet single track for mountain biking. The best kids park at any campground I've been to," shares a family camper. The swimming beach includes designated shallow areas for younger children.
Wildlife observation for children: Multiple parks feature wildlife that captivates kids. "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," recounts a visitor about an unexpected wildlife encounter that created lasting memories.
Short hiking options: Choose shorter backpacking sites for first-time family experiences. Lake Maria State Park offers varied distances: "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," notes a regular visitor, making it ideal for tent camping with children of different ages.
Tips from RVers
Horse-friendly camping options: Equestrian campers can utilize dedicated facilities at Crow Hassan Park Reserve. "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 barn stalls are available for use, otherwise there are overhead horse hitch lines," explains an experienced equestrian camper.
Limited RV accommodations: Most tent camping areas near Ramsey have size restrictions for RVs. "Sites are nicely spaced and diverse," notes one visitor about Afton State Park, but most RV campers should research specific site dimensions before arrival as many campgrounds primarily accommodate tents or small trailers rather than large motorhomes.
