Tent camping in the Shakopee area offers several primitive options beyond established state parks. The region features diverse terrain from river valleys to rolling prairies with elevations ranging from 710 to 950 feet. Summer temperatures average 70-85°F with high humidity, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons for many visitors.
What to do
Hiking and birding trails: Lake Rebecca Park Reserve provides extensive walking paths through diverse ecosystems. "Great for birding and tons of beautiful trails," notes one visitor. The park features multiple terrains for varying skill levels.
Swimming at scenic beaches: William O'Brien State Park Campground offers water access with family-friendly shorelines. A camper mentioned: "We love this park!! very friendly and well kept! Two campgrounds to chose from. Tons of hiking, fishing, and great picnic area next to the river!"
Archery practice: Camp Spring Lake Retreat Center features dedicated archery trails perfect for bow hunters or target practice enthusiasts. "They did have some nice looking archery trails though!" reports a visitor who explored the grounds.
Mountain biking adventures: Lake Rebecca Park Reserve recently developed a 13.25-mile single track trail with loops for different skill levels. "This has an amazing beach. Great Trails. Sweet single track for mountain biking," states one reviewer who enjoyed the variety of outdoor activities available.
What campers like
Winter camping options: Several campgrounds near Shakopee remain open year-round for cold-weather enthusiasts. "Minnesota State Parks have just started to build Yurts for 3 campgrounds around the state; Afton, Cuyuna and Glendalough State Parks. These have some great amenities and are perfect for family camping, especially in Fall, Winter and Spring," explains one experienced camper.
Primitive riverside sites: Cannon River Wilderness Area offers free riverside camping with minimal amenities. "For free the area is awesome right by the river. We found a site tucked away from people which is what we like. We set up hammocks right next to the river," shares one tent camper who valued the solitude.
Backpacking-style experiences: Lake Maria State Park Campground provides secluded sites that require hiking in with gear. "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," explains a backpacker who appreciates the variety.
Dog-friendly areas: Crow Hassan Park Reserve features one of the region's most expansive off-leash dog areas. "I never tire walking the dog park circle along the crow river! Great for birding and tons of beautiful trails!" reports an enthusiastic dog owner.
What you should know
Water availability varies seasonally: At some locations, water sources may be unreliable. "This may be an ongoing issue but 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!" warns one camper.
Firewood considerations: Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground provides firewood on site. "We arrived just before 10pm, were able to pick up firewood from the park office at the entrance," notes a late-arriving camper. However, at Lake Maria, "They do have firewood available however it is long slab wood, so you do need to cut it yourself. Hand hacksaws are provided, but we're not great quality which made cutting the wood difficult."
Bug intensity by season: Insect activity peaks from June through August. "When we pulled up to the parking lot we knew we were in trouble. The black flies were dive bombing the car like a scene from Armageddon," reports one summer visitor to Lake Maria. Consider camping during cooler months for fewer insect encounters.
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly between campgrounds. "Cell service (both AT&T and TMobile) was terrible. There's WiFi at the office, which is just a short hike from the campground," explains a camper at Nerstrand Big Woods.
Tips for camping with families
Best kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds offer specialized facilities for children. "This has an amazing beach. Great Trails. Sweet single track for mountain biking. The best kids park at any campground I've been to," shares a family camper at Lake Rebecca Park Reserve.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Families can encounter diverse wildlife throughout the region. "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.
Cabin options for beginners: Afton State Park Campground provides camper cabins for those transitioning to tent camping. "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 one family who enjoyed the comfortable amenities.
Pack weight considerations: Many of the best tent camping near Shakopee, Minnesota requires carrying gear. "These sites do require a hike from parking. Would strongly discourage big coolers or lots of weight," advises an experienced Afton camper regarding family packing strategies.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: Finding appropriate parking for bigger units requires planning. "Sites are good and some can handle bigger RV's. Some Electric sites. Nice dump station," reports an RV camper at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park.
Seasonal considerations: Access varies significantly with weather conditions. "This is a great campground for Fall camping. The color's are amazing. Nice hiking trails," recommends a seasonal RVer who enjoyed the autumn foliage at Nerstrand.
Campsite privacy factors: RV campers report varying degrees of privacy between sites. "The sites have quite a few trees separating them, but most of the sites on the C loop back up almost into the sites on the right side of the B loop," notes one RVer about Nerstrand's layout, highlighting the importance of choosing sites carefully when booking.
