Best Tent Camping near Red Wing, MN

Searching for a tent camping spot near Red Wing? The Dyrt helps you find campsites with tent camping near Red Wing. Each tent site offers quick access to one or more of Red Wing, Minnesota's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Red Wing, MN (18)

    Camper-submitted photo from Afton State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Afton State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Afton State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Afton State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Afton State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Afton State Park Campground

    1. Afton State Park Campground

    36 Reviews
    93 Photos
    199 Saves
    Denmark, Minnesota

    Located on the St. Croix River, just 20 miles east of Saint Paul, Afton State Park is great for those looking for camping near Minneapolis and is 1600 acres of rolling prairies, oak woodlands, and limestone river canyons amid an ancient glacial landscape. The land for the park was acquired in 1967, but it took almost 15 years of planning revisions and compromises with local residents before the park finally opened in 1982. Little development has gone into Afton State Park in an effort to maintain its natural characteristics, and former farmland atop the bluffs are continuously being restored to their original state. This makes Afton an ideal destination for campers looking to experience the outdoors in a wilder setting.

    Load up your backpack with all you’ll need for your stay, as camping at Afton State Park requires a hearty, 0.75-mile hike in from the parking area. The year-round campground offers 27 rustic sites with picnic tables and fire pits, with options for pitching your tent in either open or wooded areas. There is drinking water, a vault toilet and firewood is supplied within the camp area. There is also three boat-in campsites, and two group campsites that can accommodate up to 60 people each. If you’d rather not rough it, the park also offers four camping cabins and two yurts, some of which are wheelchair accessible. There are also several picnic areas and restrooms within the park. Campsite rates range from $15–$23/night; cabins range from $55–$70/night, and yurts $50–$65/night.

    When you’re ready to explore, start at the park’s Nature Store where you can pick up information about the park’s flora and fauna, or join a nature walk. Then choose from more than 20 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails, as well as a short barrier-free path. If you’re visiting in winter, many of these trails are open for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Bring your GPS and go on a geocaching treasure hunt, or bring your binoculars and go on safari for a variety of migratory birds, waterfowl, and wildlife, including deer, foxes and badgers. And little ones will love becoming Junior Park Naturalists and learning about bugs, birds, plants and other critters. If you’re looking for a real outdoor adventure, Afton State Park has what you’re looking for.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground

    3. Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground

    7 Reviews
    30 Photos
    48 Saves
    Lake City, Minnesota

    Tent only campground.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents

    $22 - $132 / night

    • No image available
      Camper-submitted photo from Camp Spring Lake Retreat Center

      5. Camp Spring Lake Retreat Center

      1 Review
      1 Photo
      6 Saves
      Rosemount, Minnesota
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access
      • Tents

      $50 / night

      Camper-submitted photo from Camp Sacajawea Retreat Center
      Camper-submitted photo from Aefintyr
      Camper-submitted photo from Aefintyr
      Camper-submitted photo from Aefintyr
      Camper-submitted photo from Aefintyr
      Camper-submitted photo from Aefintyr
      Camper-submitted photo from Aefintyr

      7. Aefintyr

      4 Reviews
      43 Photos
      54 Saves
      Elba, Minnesota

      Aefintyr campground is located in the scenic woods of the Whitewater River Valley in the Driftless Area of Southeastern Minnesota. We offer beautiful blufftop hike-in camping and glamping and cozy treehouse inspired camper cabins. The hike-in camp/glamp sites offer a backpacking like experience (1460 ft hike with a 230 ft elevation gain) and are great for people who like to get some exercise and want to immerse themselves in a woodland setting. Perfect relaxation destination or home base for your Whitewater Valley adventures. Aefintyr is a small operation that values peace, quiet and quality over quantity. Get away from crowds and get into the woods! Onsite, enjoy a campfire, stargazing, hiking and observing the amazing animals, plants and fungi.

      Nearby recreation opportunities include:

      Within 2 miles of Whitewater State Park, the Elba Fire Tower, Whitewater State Wildlife Management Area (hunting, trout fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing) and the Whitewater River State Water Trail (canoe/kayak/tube). There is a gas station (bait and fishing supplies, convenience store items), 2 bars and a restaurant within a mile in the town of Elba. Whitewater Wines Winery is also just a few miles up the road!

      Shared amenities:

      Bathhouse with individual rooms, with a hot shower, vanity and composting toilet

      Outhouse with composting toilet on top of the bluff within 400 feet of each campsite

      Community area (requires short hike) with tent shelters (2, each 10' x 20'), outdoor furniture, tables, chairs, propane grill w/ side burner, firepit w/ cooking grate/skillet.

      Propane Gas Grill (at base of the hill by the bathhouse)

      Stargazing area with reclining chairs

      Cell service: AT&T typically works well, Verizon works intermittently, and T-mobile doesn't have a good signal.

      Wi-fi: Available at the bathhouse and parking area, data speeds up to 25 Mbps.

      **Parking: **On site, 2 vehicle limit, no vehicles larger than a full-size truck, no trailers.

      **Host accessibility: **Available 24/7/365 via phone and email/messaging, frequently on site.

      **Security: **Campground community areas are under video surveillance.

      Setting: Aefintyr campground is located in the hilly, wooded, blufflands of the Whitewater River Valley just north of the tiny town of Elba, MN. Views are primarily of the woods and valleys. The campground is off of a 2 lane county highway so there is some intermittent road noise. It is otherwise very peaceful and filled with the sounds of nature, including lots of birds and other wildlife.

      Aefintyr is a peaceful place with chill vibes and we like to keep it that way! It is not a place for parties or rowdy groups. We like to listen to nature, not loud music or rowdy people blabbering into the night. Please see our rules/polices to know what to expect.

      20240824

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • Cabins

      $29 - $139 / night

      Camper-submitted photo from Cannon River Wilderness Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Cannon River Wilderness Area

      8. Cannon River Wilderness Area

      2 Reviews
      2 Photos
      32 Saves
      Faribault, Minnesota
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Tents
      • Equestrian
      • Standard (Tent/RV)
      Camper-submitted photo from Tony’s Backyard
      Camper-submitted photo from Tony’s Backyard
      Camper-submitted photo from Tony’s Backyard
      Camper-submitted photo from Tony’s Backyard

      9. Tony’s Backyard

      1 Review
      4 Photos
      3 Saves
      Bloomington, Minnesota

      The space is in the backyard of my private property on Elliot Avenue in Bloomington, MN.

      The yard is almost entirely fenced-in & has lots of folliage for general privacy.

      Street parking is free.

      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • Trash
      • WiFi

      $45 - $60 / night

      • No image available
      Showing results 1-10 of 18 campgrounds

      Recent Tent Reviews in Red Wing

      518 Reviews of 18 Red Wing Campgrounds


      • J
        Camper-submitted photo from Highland Ridge
        Oct. 13, 2024

        Highland Ridge

        Beautiful in the fall

        This is a smaller Corps of Engineers park, lots of primitive sites and lots electric sites too. A smaller lake but no gas motors. Cell service with Verizon was ok.

      • Katherine T.
        Camper-submitted photo from Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground
        Oct. 1, 2024

        Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground

        Nice weekend get away

        Nice distance from the twin cities for a weekend away with some nice hiking trails. The tent pads have been upgraded to pea gravel by the friends association (which seems to be quite active based on signage around park improvements). Showers and bathrooms were clean. Wi-Fi near the park entrance and spotty T-Mobile service throughout. The outside of the loop is good for tent camping but could be a little noisy if the campground had been fully booked.

      • Molly M.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Willow River State Park Campground
        Aug. 4, 2024

        Willow River State Park Campground

        Very nice camping

        Lovely trails, the beach is a large area with a nice park and picnic area. The water itself is ok, lots of geese and algae. The falls are wonderful though. The bathrooms are fine. I could not find a garbage bin to save my life, not near the bathrooms or anywhere in campground 200 or by the park ranger post. If there were garbage cans dispersed throughout the campground, I would have given 5 stars. Especially along the trail to the waterfalls because there was garbage all along the trail unfortunately. Not the camps fault, but maybe people would be more responsible if garbage bins were placed along the route.

      • Leslie P.
        Camper-submitted photo from Lebanon Hills Regional Park
        Jul. 31, 2024

        Lebanon Hills Regional Park

        Jewel near the cit

        Stayed here while visit our son. Picked it because it was close. We were very surprised at the privacy of our site. We were in the east loop with just electric.

      • TThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from William O'Brien State Park Campground
        Jul. 31, 2024

        William O'Brien State Park Campground

        OK but not great

        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. Constructing is scheduled to the end of 2025.

        We stayed in a group site but there was no way 35 people could have camped in W3. Vaulted toilets need help and a good cleaning.

        The shower house needed a cleaning as well. There is no adjusting the shower temperature. Push the button and you get what you get.

        Wood was $8 bundle. This was steep in my opinion. They do not all any gathering of firewood.

        If your vehicle permit is not properly displayed, you will receive a notice on your windshield and have to talk with the office.

        The dumpster was overflowing the whole time we were there.

        Raccoons will visit your site at night. We had everything secured but they still tried and plenty of racket until we chased them away.

        Lastly we had a battle with mosquitoes. We went through a lot of bug spray and coils. Deer flies were thick around the water filling station.

        Although we did not stay in the main campground the sites are very close in there and were small.

      • p
        Camper-submitted photo from Lake Elmo County Park Reserve
        Jul. 23, 2024

        Lake Elmo County Park Reserve

        Great camping

        This was a great experience overall. The sites are spacious and far enough away from others to feel like there was enough privacy.

        The one negative thing was that some neighbors watched a movie each night — starting just after quiet hours. We could hear their movie from across a road and through some trees (and tents).

        But overall it was great. Good hiking and geocaching.

        We would go back to this campground.

      • JThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Highland Ridge
        Jul. 20, 2024

        Highland Ridge

        Clean and relatively quiet

        Lots of RV campers, but none were obnoxious. T-mobile service is almost non-existent depending on location. The showers and bathrooms were spotless. Firewood is available at several roadside stands just outside the entrance.

      • PThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground
        Jun. 27, 2024

        Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground

        Peaceful weekend camping

        Stayed on non electric site which looking at the whole campground are the better sites. Sites are wooded so you don’t have neighbor issues. All have large pea gravel tent pads - very nice. Good fire rings with lots of room for lounging. Many trails to hike but due to prior heavy rain the only trail open was down to Hidden Falls - they were roaring. No cell/ very patchy cell signal and could only get WiFi signal when standing next to Ranger station. Would definitely visit again, maybe in the fall as I’m told the colors are wonderful.

      • Jaime P.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Hidden Meadows RV Park
        Jun. 3, 2024

        Hidden Meadows RV Park

        Staff friendly, but the park is not so great

        Campsites are very closely spaced together. I was thankful no one was placed near our campsite to give us more room. The permanent campsites are practically on top of one another. If you’re bringing the kids there is literally nothing to do there. They do have a play-set but that’s where it ends. I think this campground may be under new ownership and it may be nice to see what they do with it in a year or two. For now the picnic tables are run down. The parking pads are very unlevel. WiFi signal is weak at best. If you have Verizon don’t count on service. Antenna strength is weak. Also oddly spaced power hook up with sewer and water placements. Overall not a horrible experience but not a great one. Mostly like will not return.

      • Tiffany K.
        Camper-submitted photo from Willow River State Park Campground
        May. 13, 2024

        Willow River State Park Campground

        Nice state park close to the twin cities

        Stayed here for our first camping of the season. It's a great park that has hiking, mountain bike trails, water features and good mix of electric and non electric sites.

      • Jordan D.
        Camper-submitted photo from Afton State Park Campground
        May. 11, 2024

        Afton State Park Campground

        Sites with privacy and great trails near!

        Good pricing, great trails for all different skill levels and nice staff. Our site was mighty large and for the most part secluded from those near and on the path. $22 for the site, $8 for reservation. $8 for wood (all you can chop) and $7 for the overnight and next day parking pass for one car. Beautiful surroundings and clean bathrooms and grills one mile mostly uphill hike from parking lot but not to difficult and some paved parts. Definitely coming back.

      • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Minneiska Campground — Whitewater State Park
        Mar. 31, 2024

        Minneiska Campground — Whitewater State Park

        Nice state park

        Stayed here for a couple nights on a mini state park road trip. Nice place, like most of the MN state parks. Spotty cell service. Hiked a trail with lots of steps. Fire ring and picnic table are provided at each site. Restroom with showers also available in campground. Site was large and easy to back into and offered some tree cover for shade during certain times of the day. Was unable to hang hammock in specific site we stayed at, but some of the sites looked like they would be suitable.

      • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Tresure Island RV Park
        Oct. 26, 2023

        Tresure Island RV Park

        Crowded park, nice people

        We were here for a night to see a concert at the amphitheater and everyone was super friendly. It was easy to check in, and we were able to do laundry and shower which was great. It’s mostly gravel but they have some tent sites on the grass. They are dog friendly and have some grassy areas to walk your pets which was great.

      • Abi H.
        Camper-submitted photo from Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground
        Oct. 22, 2023

        Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground

        Spacious camp sites

        Stayed at the cart in sites for the first time and am super impressed! Larger and more private than most state parks, especially so close to the cities. Trails are also nice and well kept. The only downside I might add is that there is only water/toilets at the campground or picnic area so if you plan on doing a full day of hiking just be aware of that. Carts are provided and parking is very close by.

      • Heather N.
        Camper-submitted photo from Cannon Falls Campground
        Oct. 12, 2023

        Cannon Falls Campground

        Love this place!

        We started coming here in 2020 and got on the seasonal list right away. We have now been seasonals 2 years and absolutely love it!! The owners and family are amazing. They have tons of things to do for the kids! We have two boys 12 and 5 and they love it here! We can't say enough good things about Cannon Falls Campground!

      • R
        Camper-submitted photo from Rice Creek Campgrounds
        Oct. 2, 2023

        Rice Creek Campgrounds

        Visited from Red Deer, Highly Impressed

        Being from Alberta my campground standards are high but I also prefer a neat and simple campsite. When Rice Creek Campground opens up again in April I'd highly recommend going there if all you want is a simple camping experience to get away from the city grind. I had my tent, fire and books to read and was the happiest camper in the world. I went there no joke because my driver from tow truck red deer recommended it and I stopped while in the area. So glad I did!

      • Angie A.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Mondovi Town Park
        Oct. 2, 2023

        Mondovi Town Park

        Tucked away treasure

        Great find! Small yet only us and one tent couple camping. Toilets clean. Water and electric … so score! Close to restaurants and taverns. Recommend for a quick getaway!

      • Tonya B.
        Camper-submitted photo from Rice County McCullough Park
        Aug. 29, 2023

        Rice County McCullough Park

        Quiet Campground on Nice Lake

        Sites were long enough for our 40ft fifth wheel camper plus the truck and we had a large yard. Sites have crushed asphalt base and are decently level. Grounds are well maintained. Two boat/fishing docks, playground, pavilion, and hiking trails for things to do. Price is very reasonable for water and electric hookup. Just be prepared for the bugs!

      • Daniel H.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park
        Aug. 19, 2023

        Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park

        A very nice park. County Parks are very well managed in Minnesota

        We stayed here a week. I have been here before.  It's a great campground if you can get in. We came late in the season and got the one spot open for a week.   BTW Camping Worlds huge store is just north on 35E.  Kelly's Bar nearby has a great fish fry on Friday.  

        The campground is neat and well managed. Aside from that no issues except being so close to a large city (Urban campgrounds are not for wilderness campers) and county airport (noise) occasionally. Close to the Twin Cities it is.  Access to anywhere is easy. The Three rivers campgrounds triangulate the northern suburbs. Baker park, Bunker Hills Park, and Rice Creek are all close to the major parts of town.

      • Justin J.
        Camper-submitted photo from Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park
        Aug. 15, 2023

        Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park

        Great spot right outside the twin cities

        Great campground with all the amenities one might need, including showers, nice bathrooms, a park, a beach, trails. Right next to lakes and a nature preserve. Close enough to town in case you forget some things like we did. A county parking pass is required, they don't like people parking on the grass, and they have staff making rounds to enforce the shortest list of rules I've seen in the last couple of years. My only complaint is that the location of the porta-potties didn't match what the maps showed, so my seemingly perfect plan to be somewhat far from them failed and I ended up right next to one; it was clean and didn't smell, but we heard the door close every time. They have the campsites spaced out better than most other places I've camped and have trees and brush between the sites whenever possible. We tent camped and plan to bring our travel trailer next year. Definitely plan to stay here at least once a season.

      • Greg S.
        Camper-submitted photo from William O'Brien State Park Campground
        Aug. 12, 2023

        William O'Brien State Park Campground

        Fun Campground near St Croix!

        We had a fun time staying at the state park. Easy walking trails surround the park which is nice and convenient. Close proximity to Stillwater which made for a nice day trip. Camp sites were very clean and easy to access. Didn't feel like you were camping right next to others despite a lot of spots surrounding us.



      Frequently Asked Questions

      • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Red Wing, MN?

        According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Red Wing, MN is Afton State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 36 reviews.

      • What is the best site to find tent camping near Red Wing, MN?

        TheDyrt.com has all 18 tent camping locations near Red Wing, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.