Best Tent Camping near St. Joseph, MN
The area around St. Joseph, Minnesota includes access for tent camping with several established campgrounds within driving distance. Lake Maria State Park Campground offers backpacking tent sites that require a hike of approximately one mile from the parking area. Mississippi River County Park provides primitive tent camping with boat-in access, making it suitable for paddlers traveling along the river. These tent-focused options provide varying levels of seclusion and natural settings within 30 miles of St. Joseph.
Sites at Lake Maria State Park feature level tent pads, fire rings, picnic tables, and food storage boxes. Most tent sites include a nearby vault toilet, though campers should bring their own toilet paper. The park maintains hiking trails that connect the campsites, with some sites positioned on small lakes or ponds. Mississippi River County Park and other watercraft campsites typically offer more primitive conditions with fire rings but limited other amenities. Tent campers should be prepared for minimal facilities at boat-in sites, which often lack drinking water, trash service, and modern restrooms.
"We really enjoyed the short hike to our campsite, BP7. The campsite was secluded and absolutely beautiful," noted one camper at Lake Maria State Park. The park's tent sites provide genuine seclusion, with many campers reporting they could barely tell anyone else was in the park. Sites are spread out along trails, offering privacy not typically found at drive-in campgrounds. Lake Maria's backpacking sites are particularly popular for beginners looking to try backpacking without venturing too far from the Twin Cities. During summer months, mosquitoes can be abundant, so proper insect protection is essential. Fall camping offers cooler temperatures and fewer bugs, making it an ideal season for tent camping in the area.