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Best Tent Camping near St. Louis Park, MN

660 Reviews

Tent campsites around St. Louis Park, Minnesota include a mix of established 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 established tent sites, 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 experience 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.

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Tony’s Backyard

Tony’s Backyard

10 min away

Three Rivers Park District Baker Campground

Three Rivers Park District Baker Campground

20 min away

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Best Tent Sites Near St. Louis Park, Minnesota (24)

    1. Tony’s Backyard

    2 Reviews
    Bloomington, MN
    9 miles
    +1 (612) 751-0908

    $45 - $60 / night

    "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!"

    2. Afton State Park Campground

    36 Reviews
    Denmark, MN
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 436-5391

    "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."

    3. William O'Brien State Park Campground

    39 Reviews
    Marine on St. Croix, MN
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 539-4980

    $16 - $250 / night

    "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."

    4. Lake Rebecca Park Reserve

    3 Reviews
    Rockford, MN
    21 miles
    Website

    "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😁"

    5. Camp Sacajawea Retreat Center

    2 Reviews
    Apple Valley, MN
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (952) 891-7000

    $50 / night

    6. Elm Creek Horse Camp

    1 Review
    Dayton, MN
    17 miles
    Website

    $16 / night

    ".🌲🐶 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."

    7. Crow Hassan Park Reserve

    3 Reviews
    St. Michael, MN
    21 miles
    Website

    $15 / night

    "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."

    8. Lake Maria State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Silver Creek, MN
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (763) 878-2325

    "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."

    9. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground

    35 Reviews
    Nerstrand, MN
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 333-4840

    "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."

    "There are four “walk in” sites, and you can see one another from all of them. Sites 1 and 3 require a walk about three car lengths to the tent pad, and 4 is not much farther."

    10. Mississippi Riverwood RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Elk River, MN
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (612) 281-5021
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Recent Tent Camping Photos near St. Louis Park, MN

57 Photos of 24 St. Louis Park Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near St. Louis Park, MN

660 Reviews of 24 St. Louis Park Campgrounds

  • LaMina H.
    May. 13, 2022

    Ann Lake

    My favorite spot in MN!!!

    Lake Ann Campground, located in the Sand Dunes State Forest north of Big Lake, MN is great for a weekend getaway with the family or a solo walk in trip. There are RV sites, tent sites, handicap accessible, walk in sites and group sites. Camping here is primitive with few amenities you get a fire ring and a picnic table, its great camping too be one with nature. There are several water spickets located around the campground along with outhouse type restrooms. There are no hookups or electric. Camping is on a first come first serve basis and you register at the kiosk located at the front of the campground acrid from the camp host site. There are several trails and Amaya something to do.

  • Alison O.
    Jun. 17, 2025

    Lake Maria State Park Campground

    Secluded Bliss at Site B6 – Lake Maria’s Backcountry Beauty at Its Best

    If you’re looking for a peaceful escape where the only sounds are rustling leaves, birdsong, and frogs singing at dusk — Site B6 at Lake Maria State Park is the one.

    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. 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.

    The site is private, quiet, and wonderfully shaded, with just enough open sky for stargazing by the fire. The tent pad is level, and there’s a solid fire ring and picnic table. Vault toilets and water access aren’t too far, especially by backcountry standards.

    What makes B6 stand out, though, is the vibe. It’s close enough to Lake Maria’s best hiking trails and just a short walk to the lake itself, where you can sit on a log and watch wood ducks paddle past and listen to the frogs in full chorus at night. We saw pileated woodpeckers, red squirrels, and a chorus of chorus frogs. Nature feels close here — in the best way.

    Pro tip: Pack light and bring permethrin-treated clothes during bug season. And don’t forget a headlamp — the darkness here is wild and beautiful.

    This site is perfect for anyone who wants a little solitude, a lot of nature, and a chance to slow down and breathe. We’ll absolutely be booking B6 again.

  • Amy G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2021

    Rice Creek Campgrounds

    Spaced out nicely and they have a tent only loop!

    I booked this on a whim since we needed an overnight close to the State Fair.  I loved the look of the "TENT ONLY" loop - you don't see this often - so it was a good fit.  Seemed that the whole campground was booked up and I assumed, for a similar reason.  The State Fair.

    Booking was fairly easy through their website, and you can "hover" over the sites to see a photo of it.  I chose the one I wanted and hoped it would be what we wanted it to be.

    You DO need a park pass to stay at the campground.

    We arrived after dark, but in the dark you could still tell it was lovely.  I couldn't see any neighbor on the one side where there was a campsite (the other was a field...which is why I chose it). So we set up a tent, enjoyed the last of the evening and crawled into our bags.

    In the morning, when I could see everything, I was thoroughly impressed by the space, the maintenance of the property, the size of the campsites.  All of them were impressive and big!  A few were only separated by swathes of grass, but most had enough trees you couldn't see your neighbor.  And the fact that this loop (F LOOP) was "tent only" meant no generators! It was very quiet!   There were port-o-potties (cleaned about every 3 days) and a centrally located water source (potable) that was in the middle of everything for easy access by everyone. The spaces seemed fairly level, lots of mature trees, fire rings at all of them (with cooking grates that flipped out of the way) and picnic tables at most (resin tables, not wood).

    I took a quick look at the other loops.  The tent/small trailer loop didn't appear to have electric either.  And the RV loops obviously did.  All were very nice!  And there is a shower house (didn't go in) that was for all to use if you had a site.

    We'd stay here again in a heartbeat.

    **I've seen the other reviews here which seem to be based on the bugs.  I know that bugs are part of camping, so I don't review based on that, but I'll add details, if needed.  This one didn't have many, but it was raining, so I'm sure that factored in.  When I camp, I come prepared and I try to focus on reviewing the campsite itself, not the bugs, which I can not control.  I can, however, come prepared for them**

  • Jennifer H.
    Sep. 21, 2020

    Afton State Park Campground

    New groomed backpack trails

    Site 27. This is a river landscape. Spiders and snakes..oh my. The parking lot is paved and has a dumpster. This is also where the nature center is. There are often music festivals and family events here. It is also next to Afton Ski resort. This park has a lot of beautiful prairie landscape with some temperate forest features. Wildflowers, shrubs, fungi, evergreens, and deciduous trees. 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. There is a solar panel generated drinking water pump at the top and a honor system fire wood station. There is a bathroom, but not super close to this site. This site has a fire pit with grate and table but no bear box. This site does have a clear view to the trail and the site next to it, but it is set back a little bit. I can hear the joggers along the trail that wraps around the site. The sites are mapped out on a wide open prairie ground with some sites tucked back in the trees along the trail. There is not a water front view, but there is plenty of wildlife. The dear and flowers are beautiful. There is partial tree covering but we did bring a tarp for the rain.

  • K
    Jul. 12, 2018

    Lake Maria State Park Campground

    Beautiful and Relaxing

    Really enjoyed the short hike to our campsite, BP7. There is a bathroom and water station before you head out which is awesome! The campsite was secluded and absolutely beautiful. Definitely will be going back again!

    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.

  • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 28, 2025

    Lake Maria State Park Campground

    Backpacker's Haven

    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. I really enjoy sites 1, 2, and 3 as they are a little more secluded from other sites, however 1 is fairly close to the county road so you will hear some vehicle noise overnight. Site comes with a fire ring, picnic table, and bear locker. 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.

  • Steph H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 17, 2017

    Afton State Park Campground

    Great spot close to but away from the cities

    Love love love this park! 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. During the late spring, summer and early fall months you can't really see the river but if you do it after the leaves drop or before they come in then you'll have a great view of the river. Our site is off of the main trail so you have a nice little hike in and it feels very secluded and you have a nice even gravel tent pad that's raised up as well as a fire pit and picnic table. There is not a lot of room to play at your campsite but if you just take your trail up to the main trail then it opens up. Off the main trail you will also find vault toilets and firewood that you just have to saw yourself with the saw that is provided. You are surrounded by excellent hiking trails including some great single track as well as a great beach on the St. Croix River that is also very clean. The raccoons are not messing around so make sure to secure your food inside your tent or in a well fortified cooler otherwise you'll be listening to them ravage your site as you try to sleep at night.

  • Alison O.
    Jul. 1, 2025

    Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve

    Campsite C14: Close to perfect, but bring your hiking boots… for the fire pit. 😅

    Loved this site! Super peaceful vibes, nice tree cover, flat tent pad, and plenty of space to spread out. 🌳⛺️ It’s tucked just enough off the path to feel private, but not so far that you feel isolated. Clean facilities, water nearby, and the kind of birdsong that makes you forget your emails exist. 🐦📵

    Now… the only reason this isn’t a full 5-star banger is the fire ring placement. 🔥 That thing is doing its own thing like 30 feet from the tent pad—felt like I needed a shuttle to roast a marshmallow. 😂 Bring extra lanterns, chairs, and a good sense of humor if you want to hang by the fire after dark.

    Still—would camp again in a heartbeat. Great site for anyone who likes a little distance between their tent and their s’mores. 🍫🔥

    #TheDyrt #CampsiteC14 #CampLife #FirePitTooFar #GlampLikeYouMeanIt #MNCamping #SmoreDistanceRequired #NatureTherapy #AlmostPerfect

  • Steph H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2018

    Interstate State Park — Interstate State Park

    Group site with a view

    Group campsite one is a lovely open site right on the St Croix River. This is a walk in site but fairly close to the parking area. Plenty of grassy space to play and set up several tents. If the 5 group sites it is probably the farthest from the vault toilets but still not that far away. The sites are all right next to each other so there is no privacy and no guarantees another group won’t disturb your group at night or vice versa. The park is not very large but what it offers is lovely. In the river side you’ll enjoy rocky trails and the famous potholes and in the hill side you’ll enjoy views from way up high.

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?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near St. Louis Park, MN is Tony’s Backyard with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near St. Louis Park, MN?

TheDyrt.com has all 24 tent camping locations near St. Louis Park, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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