Best Tent Camping near St. Louis Park, MN
Looking for the best St. Louis Park tent camping? Finding a place to camp in Minnesota with your tent has never been easier. Search nearby tent campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Tent Sites Near St. Louis Park, Minnesota (23)
1. Afton State Park Campground
36 Reviews•93 Photos•204 SavesDenmark, MinnesotaLocated on the St. Croix River, just 20 miles east of Saint Paul, Afton State Park is great for those looking for camping near Minneapolis and is 1600 acres of rolling prairies, oak woodlands, and limestone river canyons amid an ancient glacial landscape. The land for the park was acquired in 1967, but it took almost 15 years of planning revisions and compromises with local residents before the park finally opened in 1982. Little development has gone into Afton State Park in an effort to maintain its natural characteristics, and former farmland atop the bluffs are continuously being restored to their original state. This makes Afton an ideal destination for campers looking to experience the outdoors in a wilder setting.
Load up your backpack with all you’ll need for your stay, as camping at Afton State Park requires a hearty, 0.75-mile hike in from the parking area. The year-round campground offers 27 rustic sites with picnic tables and fire pits, with options for pitching your tent in either open or wooded areas. There is drinking water, a vault toilet and firewood is supplied within the camp area. There is also three boat-in campsites, and two group campsites that can accommodate up to 60 people each. If you’d rather not rough it, the park also offers four camping cabins and two yurts, some of which are wheelchair accessible. There are also several picnic areas and restrooms within the park. Campsite rates range from $15–$23/night; cabins range from $55–$70/night, and yurts $50–$65/night.
When you’re ready to explore, start at the park’s Nature Store where you can pick up information about the park’s flora and fauna, or join a nature walk. Then choose from more than 20 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails, as well as a short barrier-free path. If you’re visiting in winter, many of these trails are open for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Bring your GPS and go on a geocaching treasure hunt, or bring your binoculars and go on safari for a variety of migratory birds, waterfowl, and wildlife, including deer, foxes and badgers. And little ones will love becoming Junior Park Naturalists and learning about bugs, birds, plants and other critters. If you’re looking for a real outdoor adventure, Afton State Park has what you’re looking for.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
2. Lake Maria State Park Campground
32 Reviews•113 Photos•93 SavesSilver Creek, MinnesotaBackpack sites, located on remote lakes and ponds throughout the park, are one to two miles from the trailhead parking. New log camper cabins, located near lakes and ponds, provide bunk beds for six people and a table and benches for campers who want more of the creature comforts.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
3. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground
32 Reviews•90 Photos•134 SavesNerstrand, Minnesota- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
4. Tony’s Backyard
1 Review•4 Photos•3 SavesBloomington, MinnesotaThe space is in the backyard of my private property on Elliot Avenue in Bloomington, MN.
The yard is almost entirely fenced-in & has lots of folliage for general privacy.
Street parking is free.
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Trash
- WiFi
$45 - $60 / night
5. Lake Rebecca Park Reserve
3 Reviews•8 Photos•34 SavesRockford, Minnesota- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
6. Crow Hassan Park Reserve
3 Reviews•22 Photos•38 SavesSt. Michael, Minnesota- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
$15 / night
7. Camp Sacajawea Retreat Center
2 Reviews•1 Photo•3 SavesApple Valley, Minnesota- Pets
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Trash
- Picnic Table
$50 / night
8. Camp Spring Lake Retreat Center
1 Review•1 Photo•6 SavesRosemount, Minnesota- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
$50 / night
9. Mississippi Riverwood RV Park
2 Reviews•2 SavesElk River, Minnesota- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
10. Cannon River Wilderness Area
2 Reviews•2 Photos•32 SavesFaribault, Minnesota- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Equestrian
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Recent Tent Reviews near St. Louis Park, MN
637 Reviews of 23 St. Louis Park Campgrounds
Zach H.
Ranger
Minneapolis Northwest KOA
Large sites and large bugs
We tent camped here for a night while passing through. It’s a basic KOA with a few amenities. The lots were really big and we had no one near us, so it was nice and private. Most of the lots near the front were occupied but the back was almost empty, which is where the more wooded lots are. Only 1 bath house and it’s not close to most of the tent sites.
Staff was nice and helpful. It has a small pool and game room but not much else for kids. The bugs are aggressive here, especially near the tent sites which are located near a swampy area. Definitely more of a place to stay as you are passing through, not really a destination campground.
- BBlair
Guide
Lebanon Hills Regional Park
Secluded in the Minneapolis Suburbs
Lebanon Hills is a great park and has a lot of trails for hiking and mountain biking. Our family selected this camp ground to test out some gear -- if we had problems or if we forgot something it was a short drive home. Turns out this is a wonderful camp ground and offers a lot of seclusion.
Tent camp sites are far enough from each other that neighbors can't be seen, and we didn't hear them either.
The bathroom facility near the ranger station was very well maintained and cleaned several times a day.
The only criticisms we have are that you can hear road noise -- and depending on your site you'll hear the alarm of one of the access gates for the Minnesota Zoo.
We went here as an experiment, but will definitely be coming back throughout the year. Reserve early online, most weekends were already reserved by mid May.
- AAlyssa
Scout
Interstate State Park — Interstate State Park
Great location!
This was a great spot for our first time camping with our kids! We camped in a tent so booked a site on the river side (no hookups) but it was very spacious and was perfect for our group! Bathrooms seemed fairly decent. They weren’t too far away. I would definitely stay here again!
- Jessica M.
Traveler
Minneapolis Southwest KOA
Definitely caters to rvs
A couple weeks ago we spent some time at the Northwest koa...that one had private tent sites surrounded on 3 sides by trees, quiet spaces etc. Looking at the Southwest koa website they advertise as the tent sites back into the woods. So imagine our surprise when we were shown our site. It did indeed back up into the woods however the woods were 20ish feet behind a rope and we were told all set up had to be done in front of the rope. Our tent was inches from the road and wide out in the open. Other then the tent site itself this koa is wonderful...the staff were very friendly, the pool was clean and heated, the grounds were kept clean etc
- JJoanna M.Scout
Willow River State Park Campground
The trails were fun, though the hill was a bit grueling!
We experienced wonderful customer service, tent camping, nature center and waterfalls.
- Rico R.Ranger
Lebanon Hills Regional Park
Great place
The office was open till 9pm very friendly. A little pricey for tent camping. The sites are private. Great biking and hiking trails. Great amenities. Close to the zoo as well as the city.
Stephanie K.RangerLebanon Hills Regional Park
Amazing campground close to the city
Definitely check this place out great campsites for tent camping right next door to the MN Zoo campsites nicely wooded spread out nicer than some state park campgrounds. Definitely going to check it out again.
Cheryl L.Scout
Lake Byllesby Regional Park
Plenty of Ammenities
This campground is clean and well maintained. It has a boat landing; indoor and outdoor bathroom facilities; playground and large tent sites.
Andrew K.Guide
High Island Creek Park
Very close
Very close to other campers, but no one bothered anyone. Dog didn’t go nuts, got a good spot. Would recommend. Tent camping on the way to Alaska and filled all needs. Has a Porta-shitter and trash. Decent spot, windy.
- TTom D.Traveler
Country Camping RV Park
This one is a gem.
Love this place.
Close to the Twin Cities, right on the Rum River.
Great tent sites right on the river.
Tubing! They have a bus that takes you into town float back to the campground, love it.
- AAdam H.Scout
Interstate State Park — Interstate State Park
Rolling prairies along the river
Some nice hiking and beautiful landscapes of wildflowers, grasses, and the river Typical state campground set up, not a ton of privacy but enough. Stayed 3 nights, tent camping. Biy certified firewood outside the park if you plan on using a lot. A nice weekend getaway close to the metro!
- Carol H.Traveler
Country Camping RV Park
Fun Fun Fun
We’ve stayed at Country Camping for years! Great variety of things to do for everyone. Group sites, tent sites, covered wagon sites! Floating on the Rum River, swimming pool with splash pad, little camp store, Golf cart rentals! Our grandkids love it too!
Tori K.
Legend
Wildwood RV Park & Campground
Close to Taylors falls and stillwater
Be sure to check out Franconia sculpture garden if you're staying here and have the time! It's such a fun and quirky place. Some of us stayed at an RV site and some of us stayed at a tent site this trip 😁
GoWhereYouAreDraw N.LegendIsland Campground and Marina
Water access
Great location, near Red Wing Minnesota. However, it's your typical Mississippi river camping -- you're there for river access and not much more. If noise bothers you then this is not the place for you. It is situated directly under the highway 63 bridge.
Full hookups and tent camping available. Bathrooms are pretty clean. There are also train tracks along the MN side of the river with several trains running during the day and at night. The perks for the campground are the water access and you can walk to the Harbor Bar for some good food.
- BBill E.Scout
Masonic West River Park
Tent camp too high priced
$20 tent sites and have to pay online. There are No showers only toilets at the 2 buildings. If you get here at night you better have spot lights. No maps on their website. I was on North side huge area. No campground host to be found
- Stacy S.Scout
Wildwood RV Park & Campground
All around nice.
We tent camped for two nights in site CC, which had a small quiet creek beside it. These primitive sites are down a small dirt road away from the main RV camping area and are nicely wooded, but you can still see neighboring sites. The staff were friendly and kind, the facilities were clean, and it was a convenient location.
- NNanci D.Scout
Lebanon Hills Regional Park
County park close in to Minneapolis/ St Paul area
In demand park close in to cities. RV portion has full hook ups. No hook up sites for up to 24ft RVs also available. Non hook up sites are wooded and well spaced. RV sites similar to private campgrounds. Must reserve months in advance as usually full. Have secluded tent sites too.
Emily.Michael B.GuideLebanon Hills Regional Park
In-City Surprise
What a wonderful park for being surrounded by the cities! We had previously come for walking and kayaking, but this was our first overnight here. The site and restroom/shower are well kept and there are enough trees/plants between the (tent) sites to make it feel private. It's always fun seeing deer, turtles, fish, gardner snakes here.
Jaime N.RangerWillow River State Park Campground
A nice getaway off season
Three campgrounds, first come first serve. $10/day entry $40/daily for electric hook up (non-resident); no full hook-ups, no water, only 1 vault toilet open per campground. Year round availability, however- tough to find! Very hard to get a cellular connection (T-mobile). Beautiful views of the river, right along the edge if you tent camp. Multiple playgrounds, hiking trails and loads of nature, large beach and waterfalls.
Katherine T.Guide
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground
Nice weekend get away
Nice distance from the twin cities for a weekend away with some nice hiking trails. The tent pads have been upgraded to pea gravel by the friends association (which seems to be quite active based on signage around park improvements). Showers and bathrooms were clean. Wi-Fi near the park entrance and spotty T-Mobile service throughout. The outside of the loop is good for tent camping but could be a little noisy if the campground had been fully booked.
- Emily H.Traveler
Lake Maria State Park Campground
Hike in sites and cabins. Beautiful hiking trails.
Lake Maria State Park has great hiking trails for the whole family, the camper cabins are spread throughout and are hike in only. Each cabin is pretty secluded and on a body of water. The cabins themselves are very basic, but the setting is awesome.
I haven’t stayed in the backpack tent sites, but I bet they’re fantastic.
- NNicole R.Traveler
William O'Brien State Park Campground
Homey, Picturesque, Fresh Air
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! It appears that most tent camping is on the outer edges and RV camping is in the middle. No one was noisy, wasn't a "party" campground which was great for peace and quiet. It was great being so close to the river trail. Great views and fresh air!
Jennifer H.GuideTresure Island RV Park
Crowded park, nice people
We were here for a night to see a concert at the amphitheater and everyone was super friendly. It was easy to check in, and we were able to do laundry and shower which was great. It’s mostly gravel but they have some tent sites on the grass. They are dog friendly and have some grassy areas to walk your pets which was great.
Travis A.Guide
Oak Leaf Park
Wonderful city park
I stayed two nights. The city park has private restrooms. Check in with the park host and he will provide you the code to access the restrooms/showers. The park has 13 rv sites with 30/50amp and water, four tent sites. Fishing pond, two baseball fields, basket ball court, playground, disk golf, and aquatic center/swimming pool. Little town has a lot to offer. Great place to camp
- Sam R.Scout
Lebanon Hills Regional Park
One of the few places you can camp in the cities
This is one of the few places that you can camp in twin cities metro. Both car and RV camping is allowed. Some of the tent sites do have power as well. Bathrooms and Showers are centrally located. Firewood is available for purchase. The camp grounds are located near the Lebanon Hills mountain biking area and miles of day hiking trails. Camping is only permitted in this area and it's not open in the winter.
- Jessica M.Traveler
Minneapolis Northwest KOA
Wonderful experience
The hosts at this campground were very nice. We had a tent site with no hook ups. The site was spacious and private-surrounded on 3 sides by trees. The bathrooms were clean. The pool area was clean and without issue. There were no extra walk ways or special features in those regards but the roads had enough of a country feel that they were fun for walking around with my kids and dog
- SShoneScout
St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park
Perfect get-away
Just stayed for the weekend and we had a wonderful time. Shaded lot, much quieter than other sites I’ve been too. Many lots seem to be seasonal owners, but all were very well kept. Would definitely return in the future and even consider a seasonal spot some day. Restrooms and laundry available on site. Although from a sign posted, they wanted the restrooms to be used by those in pop-ups or tent camping only (just an fyi). Gift shop/office had a pool table and lots of games to borrow/use. Pool & mini golf also available.
Guide to St. Louis Park
Tent camping near St. Louis Park, Minnesota, offers a variety of scenic locations and outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several well-reviewed campgrounds to explore.
Tips for Tent Camping Near St. Louis Park
- Crow Hassan Park Reserve provides a great environment for dog owners, featuring beautiful trails along the Crow River that are perfect for walking and birding.
- Lake Rebecca Park Reserve is ideal for families, offering spacious areas for picnics and a fantastic beach for swimming, making it a great spot for kids to enjoy outdoor activities.
- Afton State Park Campground features semi-secluded sites with ample space, allowing for privacy while still being close to hiking trails and water access.
Local Activities for Outdoor Enthusiasts
- Minnesota Valley Rec Area is a fantastic destination for snowmobiling, hiking, and biking, catering to a variety of outdoor interests throughout the year.
- Camp Spring Lake Retreat Center offers hiking trails and archery opportunities, making it a unique spot for those looking to combine camping with some fun outdoor sports.
- Dimmack Island Watercraft Campsite is perfect for boat-in camping, providing a serene environment for those who enjoy fishing and exploring the waterways.
Local Attractions to Enhance Your Camping Experience
- Camp Sacajawea Retreat Center is a great choice for families seeking a simple camping experience with amenities like picnic tables and fire pits for evening gatherings.
- Tony’s Backyard offers a cozy, private camping experience with essential amenities, making it a perfect spot for a peaceful retreat close to the city.
- Mississippi Riverwood RV Park provides a unique setting for those looking to enjoy the river, with access to fishing and other water activities right from your campsite.
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 Afton State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 36 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near St. Louis Park, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 23 tent camping locations near St. Louis Park, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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