Best Tent Camping near Savage, MN

State parks and wilderness areas within 30 miles of Savage, Minnesota offer a variety of tent-only camping experiences, from walk-in sites to backcountry options. Afton State Park, located about 30 minutes east along the St. Croix River, features 26 hike-in tent sites approximately one mile from the parking area. Lake Maria State Park, though farther at about an hour's drive northwest, provides exclusively backpacking tent sites with no drive-up camping options. Closer to Savage, the Cannon River Wilderness Area offers free primitive tent camping with sites tucked away near the river.

Most tent campsites in the region require some hiking to access, with surfaces ranging from level gravel pads to natural forest floor. At Afton State Park, the trail to the campground includes a challenging uphill section with switchbacks, making packing light advisable. Sites typically include fire rings, picnic tables, and designated tent pads. Vault toilets are available at most locations, though campers should bring their own toilet paper. Water access varies by park - Afton provides a solar-powered well pump near the campsites, while Lake Maria offers water only at the parking area. Summer brings heavy insect activity, particularly at Lake Maria, where campers report intense mosquito populations in July and August.

According to frequent visitors, weekday camping offers the most solitude, especially at Lake Maria where sites feel isolated even when the park is busy. One camper noted that Afton's sites are "nicely spaced and diverse, some more wooded and others in open prairie," providing privacy despite the relatively short hike in. The terrain at Afton includes both sunny meadows and densely shaded areas, with wildlife sightings common. Tent campers at Cannon River Wilderness Area appreciate the short 10-minute walk from parking to the farthest sites, with opportunities for hammock camping along the river. Winter camping is possible at several parks, with some visitors reporting peaceful snowshoeing experiences under full moons at Lake Maria's backcountry tent sites.

Best Tent Sites Near Savage, Minnesota (17)

    1. Tony’s Backyard

    2 Reviews
    Bloomington, MN
    8 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. Camp Sacajawea Retreat Center

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

    $50 / night

    4. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground

    35 Reviews
    Nerstrand, MN
    31 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."

    6. Lake Maria State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Silver Creek, MN
    48 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."

    7. Lake Rebecca Park Reserve

    3 Reviews
    Rockford, MN
    29 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😁"

    8. Cannon River Wilderness Area

    2 Reviews
    Faribault, MN
    28 miles
    Website

    "We found a site tucked away from people which is what we like. We set up hammocks right next to the river."

    9. Crow Hassan Park Reserve

    3 Reviews
    St. Michael, MN
    32 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."

    10. Elm Creek Horse Camp

    1 Review
    Dayton, MN
    30 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."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Savage, MN

631 Reviews of 17 Savage Campgrounds



Guide to Savage

Tent camping near Savage, Minnesota offers a variety of experiences, from serene natural settings to engaging outdoor activities, perfect for families and adventurers alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Savage, MN?

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

What is the best site to find tent camping near Savage, MN?

TheDyrt.com has all 17 tent camping locations near Savage, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.