Tent camping near Richfield, Minnesota ranges from backcountry solitude to developed sites with varying access types and amenities. The area features rolling terrain, deciduous forests, and prairie landscapes, with elevations generally between 800-1000 feet above sea level. Summer nights often cool to the 50s even when daytime temperatures reach the 80s, creating comfortable sleeping conditions for tent campers.
What to do
Trail running opportunities: At Afton State Park, the varied terrain provides excellent running conditions. "I hiked 11 miles here and it was awesome!" reports Mike K., while other visitors mention the "lots of hiking" available with "beautiful trails with a wide variety of landscapes."
Wildlife observation: The diverse habitats support numerous bird and animal species. "We snowshoed around midnight under a full moon" reports one winter visitor to Lake Maria State Park, while others mention spotting "pileated woodpeckers, red squirrels, and chorus frogs" during spring and summer visits.
Water activities: Several parks offer swimming and water access. William O'Brien State Park provides river access, with one visitor noting "tons of hiking, fishing, and great picnic area next to the river!" The park's proximity to the St. Croix River offers additional recreational opportunities beyond hiking.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Tent campers appreciate the spacing at many parks. At Lake Maria State Park, one backpacker described site B6 as "a secret woodland sanctuary — set up on a slight rise, tucked beneath a cathedral of towering oaks and maples." The site "feels private, quiet, and wonderfully shaded, with just enough open sky for stargazing by the fire."
Nature immersion: Many campers value the feeling of seclusion despite proximity to the Twin Cities. One visitor to Nerstrand Big Woods State Park noted the "variety of old growth trees was spectacular" while others mentioned the trails led to "beautiful falls" that "weren't huge but were pretty."
Tent-specific amenities: Several parks offer features designed for tent campers. At Afton State Park, Adam P. described the carry-in sites as "terrific" and "very secluded" with "woods that made it very secluded" and "close enough to water and bathrooms so it wasn't bad if you planned."
What you should know
Hiking difficulty to sites: Some tent-only sites require substantial effort to reach. Andrew C. noted that at Afton State Park, "The hike to the campground is short and grueling," while another camper at Lake Maria advised beginners to "do some research" as they "overpacked, along with not packing the right gear" for the hilly terrain.
Water availability challenges: Water sources vary significantly between parks and seasons. At Afton, one camper warned, "None of the water faucets or water pumps on the trails are working" during a busy holiday weekend, advising visitors to "fill up at the visitor center before trekking around."
Bug considerations: Insect activity can significantly impact camping comfort. At Lake Maria State Park, a visitor described summer conditions where "the black flies were dive bombing the car like a scene from Armageddon" and walking on trails "exploded in a cloud of mosquitos" despite using repellent.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection for kids: Choose sites with appropriate amenities for children. Hannah Y. found Nerstrand Big Woods tent pads "very spacious and flat, great for sleeping!" with "bathrooms and showers clean and well lit."
Activity planning: Incorporate kid-friendly destinations into your itinerary. At William O'Brien State Park, Laura E. noted the Savanna Campground is "lovely. You can hear frogs all night and we even saw a turtle laying eggs in a different campsite," providing natural observation opportunities.
Safety considerations: Prepare for environmental conditions. When camping with children at Lake Maria, one family advised creating a quick setup plan: "Little tent first, throw the kids in, big tent second and then everyone in there while dinner was being made" to minimize bug exposure.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Several parks have limitations for larger vehicles. At Tony's Backyard, the single available tent site provides an extremely intimate camping experience for those who prefer proximity to urban amenities, though reviews note it's "new to the Dyrt" with limited reported experiences.
Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts site conditions differently for tent and RV campers. At William O'Brien State Park, Tim noted that "the east part of the park was all closed for construction" affecting beach access and trail availability, with construction "scheduled to the end of 2025," something tent campers should consider when planning visits.
Traveler
