DIANNE T.
Guide
GuideHigh Island Creek Park
Quiet and creek is beautiful
Had a great time walking the river. W dog
Tent Camping near St. Louis Park, MN
5 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Tent campsites around St. Louis Park, Minnesota include a mix of state park sites and backcountry options within reasonable driving distance. Lake Maria State Park offers exclusive backpack-in tent camping with sites typically a mile hike from parking areas, while Afton State Park provides scenic walk-in tent sites about a mile from the trailhead. Crow Hassan Park Reserve also features tent-specific camping areas with varying levels of privacy and amenities for those seeking primitive camping experiences close to the Twin Cities.
Most tent camping areas require modest hikes to access sites, with distances ranging from a half-mile to just over a mile on established trails. Fire rings and picnic tables are standard at most tent campsites, though campers should verify fire regulations as seasonal restrictions may apply. A camper noted that "sites were nice but small, with dirt ground and tent pad. Each site had a fire ring and picnic table as well as a food box." Vault toilets are typically available near clusters of sites, but many lack toilet paper, necessitating campers bring their own. Water access varies significantly between locations, with some parks offering pumps near parking areas while backcountry sites require carrying in all water needs.
The backcountry tent camping near St. Louis Park offers genuine seclusion despite proximity to urban areas. At Lake Maria State Park, tent sites feel remarkably isolated while being just 40 minutes from the western suburbs. A visitor commented that Lake Maria is "one of my favorite parks to spend a night in when I don't have time for an extended trip farther from home." Many tent campgrounds become buggy during summer months, particularly in June and July, so campers should pack appropriate repellent. Sites typically accommodate 1-2 tents on designated tent pads, with some offering hammocking opportunities between established trees. Fall camping provides relief from insects and offers more solitude, though some water sources may be turned off during late season.
Best Tent Campgrounds near St. Louis Park (22)
1. Afton State Park Campground
"Backpacking to the top hill sites has gotten easier as the park has curved the new wide groomed and wood chipped trail to spiral around the hill instead of a straight climb."
"We did the backpack site so you hike in almost a mile and you go up on the ridge that's open in the middle but each site is heavily forested and some overlook the river."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $22 - $85 / night
2. Tony’s Backyard
"Tony's Backyard is new to the Dyrt and looking to share a camping spot with others. Check them out and share your experience on the Dyrt!"
Check Availabilityfrom $45 - $60 / night
3. William O'Brien State Park Campground
"I camped here in April and got a camping spot on the edge of the River Campground facing the woods. I loved this spot and it was plenty big for parking two cars, tent, hammock, chairs, you name it!"
"Our site was a non-electric site on the outside ring, with just a thin slip of woods and a hiking trail between us and the St. Croix river."
6 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $25 - $90 / night
4. Lake Rebecca Park Reserve
"This newly developed trail is 13.25 miles long, so a nice option close to the city for those who are inclined to adventurous biking. Different loops are available for varying skill levels. "
"Great for birding and walking trails! One of my favorite places to go near home😁"
2 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $88 / night
5. Crow Hassan Park Reserve
"During these COVID times everyone wants to get out and about more, which means that the main parking lot for the park that used to be mostly designated for horse trailer parking is now overrun with family"
"Do a 180 on the trail and she is happy to trot away from the trailer."
2 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $109 - $120 / night
6. Camp Sacajawea Retreat Center
Check Availabilityfrom $50 / night
7. Elm Creek Horse Camp
"Tucked away near the archery range(don’t worry—nobody’s aiming at your pup), this campsite offers a solid patch of peace where dogs can sniff, stretch, and settle in by the fire."
Check Availabilityfrom $18 / night
8. Lake Maria State Park Campground
"This hike-in site is about a half-mile walk from the parking area, and the journey in is half the magic: winding wooded trails, wildflowers, and glimpses of the lake through the trees."
"Campsite included: 2 tent pads, a few areas to hammock, fire ring w/large grill, small bench, picnic table, bear box and latrine. I don’t think I would change a thing about the campsite."
8 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $22 - $80 / night
9. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground
"Though they were right next to each other, they felt very secluded. Site 4 felt a bit more private from the main road because the campsite slightly slopes downward."
"It's just a bit of a walk from the main campground and opposite of some very beautiful walk-in sites. The group campground has an open space to play games as well as wooded areas all around."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $24 - $34 / night
10. Camp Spring Lake Retreat Center
Check Availabilityfrom $50 / night
Drive Time
- 6 min from Minneapolis, MN
- 51 min from St. Cloud, MN
- 1 hr 8 min from Mankato, MN
- 1 hr 21 min from Rochester, MN
Recent Tent Camping Photos near St. Louis Park, MN
57 Photos of 22 St. Louis Park Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Tent Camping Reviews near St. Louis Park, MN
660 Reviews of 22 St. Louis Park Campgrounds
- PPreston R.Guide
South of Sand Dunes State Forest
Got multiple spots to stop on the side of the road. Plenty of down wood to have a fire.
- DDawn
ScoutPeaceful Valley Campground
Hope you like your neighbor
We initially chose this location due to its proximity to Belle Plain and its reasonable pricing. The RV sites are relatively small and positioned quite close to one another. While they are long enough to accommodate a large camper, the proximity is such that one could nearly reach out and touch the neighboring vehicle, creating a sense of overcrowding. It appears that the capacity of the park is prioritized for revenue. Although we were informed about the suboptimal cell and WiFi service upon check-in, I believe the quality of service could be improved significantly by installing WiFi extenders to ensure reliable coverage throughout the area. Currently, even a passing truck or camper can disrupt the signal, forcing me to repeatedly reconnect in order to load pages or send messages. The bathrooms are satisfactory, and the shower was pleasant, providing consistent hot water for an enjoyable experience.
- AAnders H.Scout
Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve
First time
We stayed at Baker as a family for our first camping trip, and it was great. Fire pit with swivel grate for cooking, bathrooms, and plenty to explore.
Tori K.
LegendLake Rebecca Park Reserve
Great Trails!
Great trails and close to home! Always a good spot for a last-minute trip for me or a place to test out new gear since it is so close to home!
Brett G.ScoutMinneapolis Southwest KOA
Basic KOA
Nice quiet campground. It's a very basic KOA. Not a whole lot of amenities. Large playground is quite good for children. Our site is right across from the campground.
Campsite is in the middle of nature. Lots of trees cover. Not much of a breeze but well protected.
Water is clean, electrical boxes are in good condition.
Gail G.GuideRiver Terrace Park
love the river views and shade
Needs alot of updates, old facility with no amenities. Shower water, barely warm, sign on mens bathroom says, bring your own toilet paper. For most part the park is quiet, shady, but again could use some improvements. There are 3 long pull-thru sites for overnight stops
Ryan M.ScoutNerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground
Great place to visit
My two boys and I camped here for one night on a weekday in late August. It was a great place to relax and spend time together. We chose the cart in campsite and we had the area all to ourselves. The vault toilets near the campsite were clean, and the main bathrooms and showers in the main campground were also very nice and clean. We enjoyed a great hike around the park and had a successful birding outing. The trails closer to the water had more mosquitoes, although their numbers decreased the closer we got to our campsite. From our campsite, we saw five new bird species without even having to get out of our chairs. All in all, I would definitely come back.
FrosTWorX P.ScoutWillow River State Park Campground
Now this camping
Pretty much in the middle of nowhere surrounded by small towns.
Guide to St. Louis Park
Tent campsites near St. Louis Park, Minnesota include several walk-in and hike-in options with varying levels of difficulty. Sites range from prairie landscapes to densely wooded areas, with temperatures typically reaching 80-85°F in summer months and dropping to 40-50°F in spring and fall. Most campgrounds remain open from April through October, though some offer winter camping for experienced outdoor enthusiasts.
What to do
Hiking through prairie restoration areas: At Crow Hassan Park Reserve, sandy prairie trails provide a bug-free walking experience. "This is an all-time favorite park to bring my horse to, and it's her favorite trail too. Seriously, when we head back to our trailer she will stop and refuse to proceed," notes one visitor.
Beach access for swimming: Visit Afton State Park Campground for water activities during hot summer days. "Highlight of this location is beach which is nice for swim and sun bath. But beach isn't motor vehicle accessible so expect 5-10 min walk," explains a camper, making it worth planning ahead.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Look for pileated woodpeckers, red squirrels, and chorus frogs at many camping sites. "We saw pileated woodpeckers, red squirrels, and a chorus of chorus frogs. Nature feels close here — in the best way," reports a visitor to Lake Maria State Park.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: William O'Brien State Park Campground offers two distinct camping areas. "We stayed in a group site but there was no way 35 people could have camped in W3," notes a recent visitor, suggesting smaller groups for these sites.
Prairie camping with strategic separation: Some sites use natural terrain features for privacy. "The terrain is just hilly enough - and in August - the grass long enough to give the sites a sense of privacy and seclusion," writes one camper about Afton State Park.
Proximity to Twin Cities: Many campers appreciate the short travel time. "I really enjoy sites 1, 2, and 3 as they are a little more secluded from other sites," a visitor to Lake Maria State Park Campground explains, noting site 1 "is my favorite despite the road noise due to the location of the tent pad and being on almost a peninsula offering lots of lake views."
What you should know
Challenging hikes to campsites: Many sites require physical preparation. "I camped here back in 2020 of November. Overpacked, along with not packing the right gear and didn't have a cart... 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," warns a Lake Maria visitor.
Water access varies significantly: Water sources might be unavailable. "None of the water faucets or water pumps on the trails at Afton State Park are working. The good news is you can fill up on cold drinking water at the visitor center before trekking around the park's beautiful hiking trails!" shares one camper.
Seasonal construction impacts: Check for closures before visiting. "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," notes a visitor to William O'Brien State Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near St. Louis Park, MN?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near St. Louis Park, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near St. Louis Park, MN is Afton State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 37 reviews.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
St. Louis Park, MN?
What is the best site to find tent camping near St. Louis Park, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 22 tent camping locations near St. Louis Park, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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