Tent camping options within a 30-mile radius of Royalton, Minnesota center around the Mississippi River and surrounding lakes. The area sits at approximately 1,100 feet above sea level with sandy, well-draining soils in most riverside camping areas. Winter temperatures can drop below -20°F, while summer camping season features average highs around 80°F with high humidity from June through August.
What to do
Hiking at Lake Maria State Park: Walk-in tent sites range from short hikes to longer treks depending on site selection. One camper noted, "Backpack sites only. 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."
Wildlife viewing along river campsites: Early morning and dusk offer prime viewing opportunities from riverside campsites. A visitor at Baxter Canoe Camp shared, "Quiet, peaceful and serene. Except for the bear. But that's just part of the fun, right?" The visitor described their experience with nighttime wildlife: "We did have a nighttime visitor in the form of something big and black and furry... It never approached the tent, we never had to yell, and it never threatened."
Paddling the Mississippi: Several water-accessible campsites serve paddlers traveling the Mississippi River Water Trail. A reviewer at Canoe Landing Campsite at Crow Wing State Park explained, "This is a canoe campsite that is part of the Mississippi River Headwaters Water Trail, one stop on the paddle trail which allows canoers and kayakers to paddle from Lake Itasca to the north, all the way to the Iowa border."
What campers like
Secluded sites: The best tent camping near Royalton includes remote options with minimal neighbor contact. At Lake Maria State Park Campground, a camper described their experience: "Site B6 at Lake Maria State Park is the one... Once you arrive, B6 feels like a secret woodland sanctuary — set up on a slight rise, tucked beneath a cathedral of towering oaks and maples."
Riverside camping: Sites along the Mississippi provide natural sound barriers and scenic views. One visitor at Baxter Canoe Camp shared their experience: "Hands down, one of the all time best campsites I've ever been to. Not many places you can camp and wake up to the sound of water babbling on the Mississippi River."
Primitive comfort: Despite basic amenities, many sites feature thoughtful design elements. According to a camper at Crow Wing State Park's canoe site, "The canoe campsite is beautifully maintained by the state park, and has fire ring, picnic tables, and ample tent space for several tents. There are vault toilets nearby. There is also a depository for garbage and recyclables."
What you should know
Bug preparation is essential: Insect activity varies significantly by season and site location. One camper at Ogechie Campground at Mille Lacs Kathio State Park warned, "Beautiful state park, but WAY too many mosquitos in the summer. We had at least 100 bites after our trip... Definitely recommend, but in the spring or fall months."
Wildlife encounters: Properly storing food prevents unwanted animal visits. A camper at Baxter Canoe Camp reported, "Fortunately, we had properly hung our food in a tree and left all the Snickers in the bear bag" after hearing what they believed was a bear near their campsite.
Tent pad conditions: Most sites feature level areas for tents, though some require preparation. One camper noted at Lake Maria State Park: "The tent pad is level! No joke...flat as a pancake and right on the river."
Tips for camping with families
Short hike options for kids: Several parks offer easier backpacking experiences for families. A visitor at Mississippi River County Park noted, "Group camp: Mississippi River County Park offers group camping for bona fide youth groups and educational groups (e.g. Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Church youth groups, 4-H Clubs, etc.). There is no charge but reservations are required."
Park activities beyond camping: Many sites offer additional recreational opportunities. A reviewer at Ogechie Campground shared, "They have a lot of hiking trails and a really cool fire tower that you can climb and see all of the surrounding area."
Family-friendly tent sites: Look for locations with space for multiple tents and kid-friendly features. One camper at Lake Maria State Park simply stated, "We had a great time camping here with the family!" while another mentioned that certain sites offer "plenty of space for our two tents and an area to play."
Tips from RVers
Access limitations: Most tent-focused sites have limited vehicle access. A camper at Cozy Corners noted amenities that might complement nearby tent camping: "There is a park, baseball field, lodge, fish cleaning building, indoor pool, bathhouses, and laundry center."
Equipment transport planning: Tent campers should plan carefully for walk-in sites. One backpacker at Lake Maria State Park shared their experience: "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."
Weather preparation: The area experiences significant seasonal temperature variations. A camper at Lake Maria advised, "Pack light and bring permethrin-treated clothes during bug season. And don't forget a headlamp — the darkness here is wild and beautiful."
