Tent campsites near St. Michael, Minnesota range from hike-in sites nestled in prairie landscapes to waterfront locations along the Mississippi River. The region sits at approximately 930 feet elevation with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F, making late spring and early fall optimal for camping. Winter camping options remain available at select parks where temperatures can drop below 0°F, requiring specialized cold-weather gear.
What to do
Hiking on diverse terrain: Afton State Park offers extensive trail networks with significant elevation changes. "I hiked 11 miles here and it was awesome!" notes one visitor to Afton State Park. The park combines prairie, forest, and river landscapes for varied hiking experiences.
Fishing from dedicated piers: Access fishing spots at several parks near St. Michael. "There is a dock for fishing as well. You can also rent boats, kayaks and paddleboards for a small fee," reports a camper at A.J. Acres, highlighting water recreation options beyond standard camping.
Winter exploration: Many tent sites remain open year-round. "I visited William O'Brien in the middle of February with two college roommates... We walked some trail through a frozen marsh landscape and happened upon a railroad that passed above our trail with a beautiful tunnel-overpass," shares a winter camper who experienced the park's unique off-season appeal.
What campers like
Private waterfront settings: Many tent campsites near St. Michael provide direct water access. "This site was nearly surrounded by a lake which lended to a lot of bugs, but was absolutely gorgeous! We could see one other camper in a different site, but it still felt like you were in the wilderness," explains a visitor to Lake Maria State Park.
Specialized accommodations: Beyond traditional tent sites, various shelters provide weather protection. "Camper Cabin (Eastern Bluebird)🏡🐦 Perfect little cabin nestled in the southern half of the park! Screened in porch, heated with electricity, and two double bunk beds!" describes a camper who stayed at one of Afton State Park's alternative lodging options.
Wildlife viewing: The region's diverse habitats support abundant wildlife. "We walked along the tracks after that in the brisk air and had a few run ins with white tail deer further in the brush," notes a William O'Brien State Park visitor, highlighting unexpected animal encounters during night hiking.
What you should know
Bug conditions vary by season: Insect activity dramatically affects camping experiences. "To be fair I'd like to preface this review with a word of caution. We went in the middle of Summer. High bug season... The black flies were dive bombing the car like a scene from Armageddon," warns a Lake Maria camper about peak insect season challenges.
Campsite privacy levels: Site selection significantly impacts experience. "The campsites are a little bit on top of each other. There aren't many campsites that you're able to reserve. The majority of the campsites are seasonal campsites," explains a visitor to A J Acres Campground, noting the limited availability of reservable sites.
Hiking difficulty to sites: Many tent sites require physical exertion to reach. "The hike to the campground is short and grueling. A few of the sites are in wooded areas, but we stayed in one of the prairie sites," shares a camper at Afton State Park, describing the effort needed to reach backcountry sites.
Tips for camping with families
Select appropriate hike-in distances: Match site selection to children's abilities. "My campsite was perfect. The woods made it very secluded. It was close enough to water and bathrooms so it wasn't bad if you planned," notes a visitor to Afton State Park about the balance between isolation and convenience.
Pack child-friendly activities: Prepare for varied weather conditions. "When the wind died down, you could also occasionally hear the loud motorcycles on the highway," shares a William O'Brien State Park camper, suggesting noise-canceling activities for children during quiet times.
Verify amenity availability: Double-check that advertised features exist. "Also there is NO petting zoo as stated on the website or on the campground maps. There hasn't been one for a few years but they have yet to edit the website," warns an A.J. Acres visitor about outdated information affecting family planning.
Tips from RVers
Maneuver carefully in wooded sites: Tree density affects parking ease. "Navigating around trees was not so fun with our 5th wheel. We got the slideouts to fit in between the trees," shares a visitor to A J Acres Campground, highlighting challenges for larger vehicles.
Explore boat-in alternatives: Consider water approaches to unique campsites. "This island on the Mississippi has a picnic table and a very primitive toilet. It's a great spot to take a rest while cavorting the Mississippi," notes a visitor to Oak Island Watercraft Campsite, describing accessible river camping options.
Research reservation systems: Understand booking limitations in advance. "Weekends have been packed and reservations scarce for months at state parks in Minnesota. Arriving on a Sunday afternoon was a dream—very few people in the campground loop," advises a William O'Brien State Park camper about timing strategies for better site selection.
