Tent camping areas near Staples, Minnesota offer paddlers access to the Crow Wing River Water Trail network. The region sits at the transition zone between northern Minnesota pine forests and central Minnesota deciduous woodlands, creating diverse riverside ecosystems. Most tent sites require either water access via canoe or kayak, or navigation on remote dirt roads where high clearance vehicles provide an advantage during wet conditions.
What to do
Canoe the Mississippi River: The Mississippi River Headwaters Water Trail connects to the Crow Wing system, allowing paddlers to explore connected waterways. At Baxter Canoe Camp, one camper reported "Wake up to the sound of water babbling on the Mississippi River. This site was not only easy to get in and out of, but had more amenities that most campgrounds I've paid to stay in."
Fish in motor-free lakes: Several lakes near Staples prohibit motorized watercraft, creating peaceful fishing environments. At Glendalough State Park, "No motors allowed on the lakes, so canoeing, kayaking and fishing are great," notes one visitor.
Wildlife viewing: The riverside environments support diverse wildlife populations. One Baxter Canoe Camp visitor mentioned, "We did have a nighttime visitor in the form of something big and black and furry... It never approached the tent, we never had to yell, and it never threatened. Simply grunted and 'barked' a few times, and then wandered away."
Explore historic sites: Some camping areas contain preserved historical features. At Glendalough State Park, visitors can see "an old house/museum where the former owner of the land lived. Apparently a few presidents visited there during the turn of the century."
What campers like
Private, secluded tent sites: Many campgrounds offer sites with natural separation. At Knob Hill, one camper noted the area is "surrounded by trees" creating a natural buffer, though they also mentioned "if you don't know the others camping there you will because it's close quarters."
Cart-in camping convenience: Some campgrounds provide equipment to help transport gear. Glendalough State Park offers "carts available to haul your gear" and sites that are "cart in, making the scenery the main focus. You don't have to stare at vehicles while you are enjoying a fire."
Water-based recreation options: Multiple watercraft rental opportunities exist throughout the region. As one camper at Glendalough mentioned, they have "plenty of activities to do on the water like canoeing, paddle boarding, paddle boating, kayaking or just swimming."
Firewood availability: Several sites provide wood for campfires. At Frames Landing Campsite, a visitor mentioned "plenty of fire wood provided as part of your campsite fee," reducing what campers need to pack.
What you should know
Access challenges: Many sites require planning for remote entry points. One Knob Hill camper warned "it's more of a trail than a road for the last part and I was riding my Victory Motorcycle. 4 wheels is advised or a dirt bike."
Limited facilities: Toilet and water facilities vary significantly between sites. A visitor to Bullard Bluff Campsite noted that "though there are picnic tables and outhouses at the campground, maintenance is needed and appears to be a bit lacking."
Wildlife precautions required: Bears are present in the area. A Baxter Canoe Camp visitor advised, "we had properly hung our food in a tree and left all the Snickers in the bear bag," demonstrating proper food storage practices.
Seasonal access variations: Some sites become difficult to reach during certain weather conditions. Bullard Bluff Campsite is "remote but accessible on back roads which has pluses and minuses," according to a recent visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Tent camping alternatives: For families new to camping, consider alternative shelters. At Glendalough State Park, a visitor recommended "yurts if you're not 100% comfortable with/enjoy staying in a tent," noting they stayed in the "Osprey yurt, and it was perfect for our first camping trip together."
Child-friendly water areas: Look for designated swimming areas with gradual entry points. Glendalough features "clear and calm lakes, sandy, and the little creeks/rivers betwixt them are just begging to be canoed or kayaked" with "great swimming areas."
Beginner-friendly locations: Some sites specifically cater to new campers. According to one visitor, Glendalough is a "perfect State Park for a Family Visit" and "wonderful park for families and first time campers" where "the trip from the (assigned) parking spot to your site is very short and very flat."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Schedule time for wildlife observation with children. At Glendalough, one family "saw many deer, caught many pan fish and observed an eagle in it's nest."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV access: Most tent camping areas near Staples have restrictions for larger vehicles. At Andersons Crossing, "this was a great campsite for the 7 of us," but RV access is limited as most sites are designed primarily for tent camping.
Temporary RV parking options: Some tent camping areas permit limited RV access as launching points. Frames Landing Campsite features sites where "in dry weather you could get an RV into the campground if you dont mind no hookups. It would be a good place to stay before launching a canoe trip."
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