Best Tent Camping near Shorewood, MN
Tent campsites near Shorewood, Minnesota range from established state parks to secluded walk-in sites, offering diverse terrain and amenities. Lake Maria State Park Campground, located about 30 miles northwest of Shorewood, features both drive-in and hike-in tent sites with varying levels of privacy and access to trails. Crow Hassan Park Reserve provides tent camping options with picnic tables and fire rings, particularly appealing to those seeking proximity to natural water features and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Most tent campgrounds in the area require advance reservations, especially during peak summer months when sites fill quickly. Lake Maria's backcountry tent sites involve hikes ranging from a quarter-mile to over a mile from parking areas, making them suitable for campers comfortable with carrying gear. Many sites include fire rings and picnic tables, with vault toilets typically available nearby. The terrain varies from level clearings beneath mature trees to sites perched on slight rises overlooking ponds or prairie areas. Several campgrounds enforce quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM, and campers should check seasonal fire restrictions before arrival.
The walk-in tent sites at Lake Maria State Park provide exceptional privacy and natural immersion compared to standard campgrounds. Sites are generously spaced, with many featuring their own private vault toilet facilities. The forested setting offers ample shade during summer months, though mosquitoes can be challenging, particularly in late spring and early summer. Trail access directly from campsites makes these locations ideal for hikers and wildlife enthusiasts, with opportunities to spot migratory birds, deer, and smaller woodland creatures. One camper shared about their experience at Site BP6: "It was down a hill and set on the cliff of a pond. There were not any other sites nearby, it was very private and had its own portable toilet. I think it would be equally beautiful in the summer."
