Best Tent Camping near Waite Park, MN

Recent Tent Reviews near Waite Park, Minnesota

355 Reviews of 27 Waite Park Campgrounds

• 

  Zach H.

  Ranger

  

  Jun. 27, 2019

  Minneapolis Northwest KOA

  Large sites and large bugs

  We tent camped here for a night while passing through. It’s a basic KOA with a few amenities. The lots were really big and we had no one near us, so it was nice and private. Most of the lots near the front were occupied but the back was almost empty, which is where the more wooded lots are. Only 1 bath house and it’s not close to most of the tent sites.

  Staff was nice and helpful. It has a small pool and game room but not much else for kids. The bugs are aggressive here, especially near the tent sites which are located near a swampy area. Definitely more of a place to stay as you are passing through, not really a destination campground.

• 

  Janet R.

  Legend

  

  Oct. 14, 2018

  Two Rivers Campground

  Pleasant family camp

  This is a well kept and well run campground tucked in between the Mississippi River and the outlet of the Platte River. The emphasis is on RV camping, and a large percentage of the sites are for full season May to October rentals. However there are nightly and weekly rates with both full and partial hookups, and some basic tent sites in a nice location right on the river. Daily and weekly campsite rentals are a bit expensive, however the campground offers many resort amenities that arent part of usual campgrounds such as a full service lodge, large beautiful pool as well as a beach on the river, mini golf, canoes and kayaks, and their specialty: river tubing. The pluses at this location include nice river setting, great amenties, secure family-friendly grounds, and a variety of on site services. The monthly RV site rental is about $800 a month for a bluff side site which might be a nice retreat for families or retirees. The minuses are primarily that the nightly rental is not cheap, especially if you want to tent camp, but fir some folks the amenities might be worthwhile. Summer is peak season if course, it is quieter and cheaper in the fall and spring.

• 

  Chris B.

  Traveler

  

  Mar. 8, 2021

  Military Park Camp Ripley DeParcq Woods Campground

  A real nice experience

  Quiet, not quite remote and with access to enough if you need it. You get a large tent site on the Mississippi River across a road from the RV’s highly recommend.

• T

  Tom D.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 14, 2021

  Country Camping RV Park

  This one is a gem.

  Love this place.

  Close to the Twin Cities, right on the Rum River.

  Great tent sites right on the river.

  Tubing! They have a bus that takes you into town float back to the campground, love it.

• S

  Shell L.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 21, 2024

  Sauk River City Park

  Lovely, new, accommodations in small town

  Rolled up in the middle of the night. $10 cash in the box for a tent site. Clean bathroom with shower. Felt safe and fell asleep quickly with the sound of the creek next to our site. Would definitely stay again.

• 

  Carol H.

  Traveler

  

  Apr. 22, 2023

  Country Camping RV Park

  Fun Fun Fun

  We’ve stayed at Country Camping for years! Great variety of things to do for everyone. Group sites, tent sites, covered wagon sites! Floating on the Rum River, swimming pool with splash pad, little camp store, Golf cart rentals! Our grandkids love it too!

• B

  Bill E.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 13, 2023

  Masonic West River Park

  Tent camp too high priced

  $20 tent sites and have to pay online. There are No showers only toilets at the 2 buildings. If you get here at night you better have spot lights. No maps on their website. I was on North side huge area. No campground host to be found

• 

  Shelby J.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 15, 2020

  Sinclair Lewis City Campground

  Amazing little find

  I was needing a place to camp for the night and found this gem. The host was very kind and helpful. I stayed at a primitive tent site and easy to find and close to a bathroom. Very well maintained and has alot to do. I honestly have no cons about this campsite!!

• 

  Emily H.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 7, 2018

  Lake Maria State Park Campground

  Hike in sites and cabins. Beautiful hiking trails.

  Lake Maria State Park has great hiking trails for the whole family, the camper cabins are spread throughout and are hike in only. Each cabin is pretty secluded and on a body of water. The cabins themselves are very basic, but the setting is awesome.

  I haven’t stayed in the backpack tent sites, but I bet they’re fantastic.

• 

  Janet R.

  Legend

  

  Jun. 8, 2019

  Saukinac Campground

  Limited appeal

  Granted, I visited on a gray rainy day when a campground might not appear to be its best. However, having checked it out,  I might hesitate to camp here, although clearly it has its fans as there are seasonal RV site renters, and proximity to lake and woods for hunting and fishing. A dominant feature is the bar,  and there are signs up suggesting  caution and driving slow because of "adults at play."  There is a basic playground, but not a lot of other signs of being kid-friendly.   There are daily tent sites and daily RV sites in addition to seasonal rentals, and the RV sites seem to have the basic hookups RVers would need.  Much of  the campground is  open with few shade trees.    The location is near a lake and lake access, but not actually on the lake though you can see it in the distance. The prices for site rental ($25 a night for tent sites, and $35 a night for RV’s) are probably lower than many area RV campgrounds, so that might appeal to some folks

• 

  Janet R.

  Legend

  

  Jun. 8, 2019

  Games Lake County Park

  Nice family campground

  This is a nicely forested family-oriented campground on the shores of Games Lake. Though not quite as nice as the nearby Sibley State Park, it has easy access to it as well as the Glacial Lakes bike trail, plus is set on a nice lake with fishing, boating, and swimming available. There is a nice community center too. The campground is owned by Kandiyohi County, and rates for tent camping or various levels of RV camping are very reasonable but only offered for weekly rentals.

• 

  Jessica M.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 30, 2018

  Minneapolis Northwest KOA

  Wonderful experience

  The hosts at this campground were very nice. We had a tent site with no hook ups. The site was spacious and private-surrounded on 3 sides by trees. The bathrooms were clean. The pool area was clean and without issue. There were no extra walk ways or special features in those regards but the roads had enough of a country feel that they were fun for walking around with my kids and dog

• 

  Dan R.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 30, 2022

  Birch Lake

  Quick rest on cross country drive.

  I pulled in at like 11pm and went straight to find an open spot, which was pretty easy.

  I had decent privacy but was in eye-shot ( through trees ) of 2 other occupied camps.

  Registration is easy & self service. They have envelopes at the entrance you just fill out, so you can use any payment method including card if you’re comfortable with that.

  I was only solo tent camping and got there way late & had to leave way early, so I can’t speak to much else.

• S

  Shone

  Scout

  

  Oct. 4, 2021

  St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park

  Perfect get-away

  Just stayed for the weekend and we had a wonderful time. Shaded lot, much quieter than other sites I’ve been too. Many lots seem to be seasonal owners, but all were very well kept. Would definitely return in the future and even consider a seasonal spot some day. Restrooms and laundry available on site. Although from a sign posted, they wanted the restrooms to be used by those in pop-ups or tent camping only (just an fyi). Gift shop/office had a pool table and lots of games to borrow/use. Pool & mini golf also available.

• 

  LaMina H.

  Traveler

  

  May. 13, 2022

  Ann Lake

  My favorite spot in MN!!!

  Lake Ann Campground, located in the Sand Dunes State Forest north of Big Lake, MN is great for a weekend getaway with the family or a solo walk in trip. There are RV sites, tent sites, handicap accessible, walk in sites and group sites. Camping here is primitive with few amenities you get a fire ring and a picnic table, its great camping too be one with nature. There are several water spickets located around the campground along with outhouse type restrooms. There are no hookups or electric. Camping is on a first come first serve basis and you register at the kiosk located at the front of the campground acrid from the camp host site. There are several trails and Amaya something to do.

• 

  Emily H.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 7, 2018

  Ann Lake

  Nice Rustic Campground

  This campground is on a first come, first serve basis. There are no reservations for the regular sites (although I do think they might take reservations for the equestrian and group sites).

  I highly recommend the walk-in-sites for the most private tent camping experience. The walk from the car isn’t far, but the sites are off the road and in the pines. If you like to have your car at your site, you’ll find some sites with nice long driveways that can accommodate multiple cars, or even a truck with a boat/trailer. The beach is nice and private, but it’s a bit of a hike from the campsites. I’d recommend just hopping in the car and driving over if you’ve got young kids with you.

  There is no store or firewood sold at the campground, so you’ll have to haul your own in from an approved vendor.

• 

  Andrea S.

  Guide

  

  May. 19, 2018

  Oak Ridge Campground — Sibley State Park

  Sibley State Park

  I went early in the spring for camping at this park and ended up staying in the cabin – it was sort of a, I wanna get out of the city, let’s go camping, oh the campground is still closed sort of last minute trip. I can’t comment on the facilities, as the water wasn’t even back on for the season yet (March 30). The park has two campgrounds from what I saw; one with cabins and tent sites near the wilderness center and one on Andrew Lake. The lake was BEAUTIFUL at sunset. I drove all the way around and took pictures. Lots and lots of wildlife around at this one too! Fun little café in New London (Middle Fork) – delicious French toast and friendly service; seemed like a place the locals went!

• A

  Alexandra T.

  Ranger

  

  Sep. 18, 2020

  Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve

  Beautiful Grounds, Campsites a Bit Close

  We stayed here with two young kids tent camping. We stayed in site A20 due to the close proximity to the bathrooms. The grounds were very well kept and groomed. The sites were pretty close together with no trees in between, but only around 25% of sites were occupied when we were there so it wasn’t a problem. I would imagine it would be very cozy and not much privacy when full, which could be the only potential drawback. There were a fair amount of RVs- we were one of only a few tents I saw. There were some nice looking cabins on our loop as well. It was a very short walk down a path to the beautiful lake which was deserted when we were there. The bathrooms looked new and were very well kept. There was even one family restroom with a shower which was so awesome for trying yo get two small kids cleaned up. Loved that. Overall this was a great campsite when not full and we had a great time.

• D

  Deanna J.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 7, 2022

  Oak Ridge Campground — Sibley State Park

  Weekday Retreat

  We tent camped at Sibley State Park from August 31 through September 3, 2022, in drive-in campsite #91 of the Oak Ridge campground. It was a last minute trip for us, right before the Labor Day weekend. We had the non-electric loop all to ourselves from Wednesday through midday Friday, and then the campground was a non-stop hub of activity as more campers arrived for the holiday weekend.

  The park has two campgrounds. Oak Ridge is mostly wooded with some prairie sites and is more private. Lakeview is very open without privacy between campsites, but it has some mature trees for shade and is close to the beach and picnic area.

  The reservation website mostly does not include tent pad dimensions, so we took a chance on a site not knowing whether our 10x14 tent would fit. Luckily, it did. Site #91 was spacious and wooded on three sides. We walked both campgrounds to check for non-electric sites that would accommodate our tent. If you have a large tent, consider these campsites: Oak Ridge 77, 78, 81, 83, 84, 87, 88, 90, 91, 93, and 94; Lakeview 46, 66, and 70.

  The park is beautiful. There are lots of trails, a very nice beach and picnic area, and lots of wildflowers. We saw a lot of wildlife, including deer, raccoons, rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, turkeys, song birds, butterflies, and frogs.

  The high point in the park is Mt. Tom, and there is a trail to its peak. If you don’t want to do the hike, you can drive most of the way then walk a short, paved, moderately inclined path to the top. The view is lovely.

  The biting bugs weren’t too bad during the day, but they were plentiful and aggressive in the evening. Remember your insect repellent!

• 

  Janet R.

  Legend

  

  Jun. 8, 2019

  Sinclair Lewis City Campground

  Family Camping and more

  This is an impeccably maintained city-campground that shows the local are proud of “Our Town” and native son Sinclair Lewis, the hometown American author. Just blocks from the original Main Street, the campground is in the west end of the beautiful lakeside city park. Not only can you camp here in safety and comfort in a family-friendly setting (neighborly camping community, great playgrounds, fishing at your doorstep while but but a close walk to Main Street for unique shops snd cafes) but there are a host of community events that happen in the park, including concerts at a beautiful historic bandstand, art fair and similar events, and an annual 4-day festival in mid-July that celebrates Sauk Centre and all things Sinclair Lewis. Campground rates are extremely reasonable ($15 a night for tent sites, $30 a night for an RV site with full hookups) plus there are weekly, monthly, and seasonal rates. This is a great place for retired local snowbirds to stay in the summer, and a nice regional camping spot for families with kids or folks who would like a home base for day trips in the area including treks on the Lake Woebegone Trail. Check out this local website for activity ideas! http://www.visitsaukcentre.org

  Overall, High marks for great maintainence, convenient location, and family oriented setting; however, though the lakeshore is pretty, the lake does have a problem with zebra musells, and many of the RV sites are located pretty close together.

• 

  Chris O.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 2, 2019

  Lake Maria State Park Campground

  Quiet getaway

  Every site is a hike in site, including the three camper cabins. The trails are groomed enough that if you have a cart, you can pack your gear in that way too.

  My wife and I stayed at camper cabin 1 on this Mon-Wed trip, and it is secluded and beautiful. You have to take a little bridge to get to it even.

  There was a major storm that came through Sun-Mon, and this being a wetlands, things got muddy and buggy quick. The area around the cabin itself was good though as a breeze coming off the lake kept the bugs at bay.

  The cabin itself is very cozy. Two bunks with queen on the bottom and twin on the top to sleep six total. A couple of good spots outside you can hang hammocks from too. Bring lighting as the cabin solar light only gives you a couple hours (assuming it could even charge up that day and it didn’t our first day) and it’s so wooded it gets dark very quickly. Everything is sealed up nice and tight too, so no bugs in the cabin unless you tear the screens or leave the door open.

  All the necessary items to clean up the cabin were provided, broom, dustpan, spray bottle, cloth, bucket, so that made cleaning up easy.

  I rated 4 stars based on three factors.

  1. Park office is only open Friday through Sunday. Makes sense seeing as that if it’s not that busy of a place during this week of July 4th, I can’t imagine other weeks getting busier.

  2. Rain can get things boggy quick, possibly closing the trail to your site even.

  3. State website says fire wood is provided, and two cords were at the cabin when we got there, but nothing said we had to pay for the wood. It’s fine, but I’ll have to run into town as I didn’t bring cash with me to leave in the envelope at the office, since the office is closed during the week, which also means if I needed more than these two cords, I have to run to town... As of this review, cords were $6 at the park and $5.50 at the truck stop up by I-94.

  Otherwise the place is great and I can imagine coming back again with friends and trying out the hike in tent sites too.

  TLDR version: Great place, quiet on these weekdays during a holiday week, bring firewood, use a cart if you have one to bring things to your site.

• 

  Henry L.

  Scout

  

  Feb. 11, 2025

  Games Lake County Park

  Games Lake County Park – A Perfect Camping Getaway

  Games Lake County Park, near New London, Minnesota, is a great spot for camping. With tent, RV, and cabin options, it suits all campers. The park offers electric hookups, clean facilities, and friendly staff. FR Legends recommends this park for its peaceful atmosphere and great amenities. Located near Games Lake, it’s perfect for fishing, boating, and family fun. A playground, beach, and boat launch make it a great getaway. Open May to September, it’s ideal for outdoor adventures!

• 

  Joe R.

  Legend

  

  Jul. 1, 2018

  Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve

  City camping gem.

  Baker Park near Minneapolis Minnesota was a our camp choice for inexpensive camping on the last leg of our Minnesota vacation in 2017. After reading a lot of Pinterest reviews I’m glad we stayed at this camp. Managed by ThreeRiversParks.org (make your reservation here) this is one of the cleanest camps I’ve ever stayed at. It was crowded with RV’s and tents alike but it never seemed loud or cramped. The shower house was very clean and roomy and an easy walk from the camp sites. We didn’t take advantage of the nearby lake or other numerous activities because we used it as a base camp for the Mall of America. You’ll need to book for at least two nights and book as soon as you can. There are 200 sites but on the July weekend we stayed, I’d say almost all of them were booked. The camp staff are very friendly and you’ll need to get checked in before 9pm I believe because they close it off to paid guests after that. The camp was pretty quite for as full as it was. I did notice that local law enforcement did patrol the camp a couple of times each night but it felt very safe to me. I’d definitely recommend this camp and the next time we stay we will check out the hiking trails, lake, and playground for sure.

• 

  ERolf P.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 23, 2016

  Charles A. Lindbergh State Park Campground

  Canoe Camp

  This is one of the most beautiful campsites we have stayed at in the midwest. The canoe campsite (also accessible through cart-in) is located on a small creek just off of the Mississippi river. There is a fire ring, picnic table, and ample tent space. There is about a 500yd walk to the restrooms, and you have to go another 500yds to the main campground to find the showers. We camped in mid-September, and the water to the main campground had already been turned off for the winter, so no shower review. The bathrooms near the cart-in sites were well maintained and clean, flush toilets. There was drinking water access near the old WPA water tower (but the water came from the city, not the well and water tower). We had some rain, but the sandy soil mean things drained quickly and were nearly dry in the morning. Lots of neat hiking trails within this small park, and a Minnesota Historical Society Site across the road at the Charles A. Lindbergh historic site (his boyhood home).

• 

  Jason S.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 29, 2016

  El Rancho Manana Campgrounds & Riding Stable

  Campging & Bluegrass

  This is a small campground in the middle of Minnesota that plays host to the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association' two annual festivals. There's a separate campground for traditional campers but there's various designated camping spots for the festivals.

  These festivals are one of the most laid back, fun music festivals I've been to. You get to watch from the comfort of your own lawn chair while sitting under the trees. Can't beat it.

• 

  Daniel H.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 19, 2023

  Charles A. Lindbergh State Park Campground

  Windy roads in but nice wooded sites.

  I stayed here as a boy,  I stayed here with my kids. Now in a Class A RV it was bit tight getting in but still a nice heavily tree canopy.  No room for starlink.  Site are averagely spaced but blocked mostly by brush and trees. Its just minutes seconds from town and has access to the museum and L house across the street.  Lots look like they might be muddy during a rain.  tents would be an issue, though maybe better sites for tents I didn't see.

• J

  Jeff G.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 6, 2021

  Charles A. Lindbergh State Park Campground

  Wooded, older state park

  Sites are close together compared to some other Minnesota state parks. Lots of trees. Bathroom is older but decent. Hiking trails ok nothing special.