Best Tent Camping near Waite Park, MN
Tent camping is available in the Waite Park, Minnesota area with several established campgrounds offering tent-specific sites. Lake Maria State Park Campground, located about 30 miles southeast of Waite Park near Monticello, provides backpack-only tent sites that require a hike of approximately one mile from the parking area. Mississippi River County Park offers primitive tent camping accessible primarily by boat, with dedicated watercraft campsites along the river.
Sites at Lake Maria State Park feature dirt tent pads with minimal grading and each includes a fire ring, picnic table, and food storage locker. Most backpacking sites are situated between 0.25 and 1 mile from parking areas on moderately hilly terrain. The park maintains vault toilets near clusters of sites, though campers should bring their own toilet paper. Water is available only at the main parking area, requiring planning for overnight stays. The park is open year-round, allowing for winter tent camping opportunities, though trails can become muddy after rain and mosquitoes can be abundant during summer months.
"Really enjoyed the short hike to our campsite, BP7. The campsite was secluded and absolutely beautiful," noted one camper about Lake Maria State Park. The backpacking sites offer significant privacy, with many campers reporting they could hear but not see neighboring sites. Most tent sites are set beneath mature tree canopies providing ample shade, with some positioned near small lakes or ponds. Sites BP1, BP2, and BP3 are particularly popular as they offer lake views while maintaining seclusion. For water-based camping, Mississippi River County Park provides first-come, first-served primitive tent sites accessible only by canoe or kayak, limiting stays to one night. These watercraft campsites feature fire rings but minimal other amenities, offering a true backcountry tent camping experience with direct river access.
