Best Tent Camping near St. Francis, MN
Tent campsites near St. Francis, Minnesota include a mix of backcountry walk-in sites and established campgrounds within nearby parks and reserves. Lake Maria State Park, located approximately 20 miles southwest of St. Francis, offers exclusively hike-in tent sites ranging from 0.25 to 1 mile from parking areas. The park features 14 designated backcountry tent camping areas, each offering seclusion in a wooded setting, with many sites positioned near ponds and small lakes.
Most tent sites at Lake Maria State Park include basic amenities such as fire rings, picnic tables, and nearby vault toilets. Campers should note that drinking water is available only at the main park office, requiring planning for water transport to backcountry sites. The terrain consists primarily of natural forest floor with minimal site grading. A review mentioned that "sites were nice small, with dirt ground and tent pad. Each site had a fire ring and picnic table as well as a food box." Firewood can be purchased at the park office using a self-pay system, though carrying it to remote sites requires preparation.
In early spring and late fall, tent campers experience significantly fewer insects and more comfortable temperatures. Lake Maria's tent sites offer exceptional privacy, with many situated on small ponds where Blanding's turtles and other wildlife can be observed. One camper shared that their site was "secluded, but still fairly close to the road and group camp sites" with a location "on a pond, which was gorgeous." The backcountry sites are particularly appealing to tent campers seeking solitude, as the park doesn't accommodate RVs or larger camping setups. Sites labeled BP1 through BP4 are noted as being "objectively the best" according to experienced campers, with several positioned along lakes offering water views. For tent campers seeking more accessible options, Crow Hassan Park Reserve offers additional tent camping areas within the region.
