Tent camping near Red Wing, Minnesota includes multiple options with carry-in sites and varying terrain features. Located in Minnesota's southeastern bluff country, camping areas sit at elevations between 680-1,100 feet with prairie, woodland, and riverfront sites available within 40 miles of Red Wing. Summer overnight temperatures typically range from 55-65°F, while spring and fall camping can see nighttime lows in the 30-40°F range.
What to do
Hiking through varied terrain: Afton State Park Campground features 11 miles of trails through diverse landscapes. One camper reported, "I hiked 11 miles here and it was awesome!" The park offers a combination of wooded paths and prairie trails with significant elevation changes.
Swimming at designated beaches: Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground provides lake access with a swimming beach. A visitor noted, "There is great lake access for swimming and a shower houses (bring your quarters though, showers cost 50 cents for 3 minutes)." Most beaches require a short walk from camping areas.
Wildlife observation opportunities: William O'Brien State Park Campground offers excellent wildlife viewing, especially near wetland areas. According to one camper, "You can hear frogs all night and we even saw a turtle laying eggs in a different campsite." Bird watching is particularly good during spring and fall migrations.
What campers like
Secluded tent sites: Many tent sites provide separation from more developed areas. At Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground, "The tent pad was very spacious and flat, great for sleeping! The bathrooms and showers were clean and well lit." Sites with natural buffers tend to book quickly.
Water access points: Waterfront locations are highly valued. One visitor to Hok-Si-La noted, "The campground is very green and luscious, full of beautiful trees, plants and wildlife, we heard bullfrogs, owls, woodpeckers and more." Most water access requires walking from campsites.
Seasonal advantages: Fall camping offers unique experiences. A Nerstrand Big Woods visitor commented, "This is a great campground for Fall camping. The color's are amazing. Nice hiking trails." Spring camping provides opportunities to see wildflowers and migrating birds.
What you should know
Site access limitations: Many tent sites require walking from parking areas. At Afton State Park, "These sites do require a hike from parking. Would strongly discourage big coolers or lots of weight." Some campgrounds permit temporary vehicle access for loading/unloading only.
Water availability concerns: Water access varies significantly by season and location. One Afton State Park camper warned, "This may be an ongoing issue but none of the water faucets or water pumps on the trails at Afton State Park are working." Always check with park offices about current water conditions.
Reservation requirements: Most sites require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. Tent-specific areas typically have fewer sites than RV areas, increasing competition for reservations during summer weekends and holidays.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites near facilities: For families with younger children, proximity to restrooms matters. At Nerstrand Big Woods, "The bathrooms and showers were clean and well lit." Campgrounds with shower facilities typically have more amenities for families.
Consider carry distance: Family camping requires planning for equipment transport. A visitor to William O'Brien noted, "The cabin we stayed in felt very welcoming. Unknown at the time I booked it, the cabin offered Wi-Fi access." Cabin options reduce gear requirements for families.
Look for kid-friendly activities: Natural features often provide entertainment. One William O'Brien camper shared, "This campground is lovely. You can hear frogs all night and we even saw a turtle laying eggs in a different campsite." Morning wildlife viewing walks work well for families with early risers.
Tips from RVers
Site size considerations: Many campgrounds have limited RV capacity. Although primarily tent-focused, Nerstrand Big Woods accommodates some RVs: "Sites are good and some can handle bigger RV's. Some Electric sites. Nice dump station." Always verify length restrictions when booking.
Road access challenges: Access roads to tent camping areas may have restrictions. William O'Brien has separate campground sections with different features: "We stayed in a group site but there was no way 35 people could have camped in W3." Check park maps for RV-accessible roads and turnaround areas.
Off-season advantages: Shoulder season camping offers more availability and privacy. According to one William O'Brien camper, "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." September and early October weekdays provide good availability with fewer weather concerns.
