Tent campers find varied terrain options within 30 miles of Woodbury, Minnesota, where the Mississippi River valley creates a mix of hardwood forest and prairie landscapes. The region typically receives 32 inches of rainfall annually, with peak camping season running May through September when temperatures average 70-85°F. Campsites in this area range from drive-in locations to sites requiring hikes of up to 1.5 miles.
What to do
Hiking diverse trails: Afton State Park offers 11+ miles of hiking trails through mixed terrain. One camper reported, "I hiked 11 miles here and it was awesome!" Another visitor noted the park has "lots of hiking. Nice campsites. Beautiful park." The trails wind through both wooded areas and prairie landscapes.
Swimming at local beaches: Several campgrounds offer swimming opportunities, though some require walking to reach the water. At William O'Brien State Park, a visitor mentioned the "great picnic area next to the river" making it convenient to combine swimming with other activities. Note that the east part of the park was closed for construction through 2025, affecting beach access.
Wildlife observation: The area's diverse ecosystems support abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. One camper at Afton State Park recalled, "We went to Afton for a day trip filled with hiking, picnicking and scoping out future camping sites. Then I saw the snake." Bird watchers can spot numerous species, with a William O'Brien camper noting, "There were so many different kinds of birds, and the wildflowers were blooming and ferns were unfurling."
What campers like
Relative solitude: While close to the Twin Cities, many campsites provide surprising isolation. At Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, a visitor described the walk-in sites as "great - close to parking with plenty of tree shade." The park offers 51 campsites with about 27 offering electrical hookups for those who need power.
Lake access: Several campgrounds provide lake views or access. The Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground offers sites overlooking Lake Pepin. One camper reported, "We stayed right on the edge of the lake and absolutely loved it. So serene!" Another noted that "from our campsite, we were able to watch eagles," demonstrating the natural rewards of lakeside camping.
Seasonal beauty: Tent camping near Woodbury offers distinct seasonal advantages. At Nerstrand Big Woods, a camper recommended it as "a great campground for Fall camping. The colors are amazing." Similarly, at William O'Brien State Park, a spring visitor noted "wildflowers were blooming and ferns were unfurling - so many shades of green!"
What you should know
Water availability varies: Water access can be inconsistent at some locations. At Afton State Park, a camper warned, "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." Plan to bring adequate water or check current conditions.
Firewood considerations: Several parks have specific firewood policies. At Lily Springs Regenerative Farm, campers noted "plentiful stacks of firewood closeby," while Nerstrand Big Woods sells firewood at the park office. Prices range from $6-8 per bundle depending on location.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies widely throughout the area. A William O'Brien camper reported, "Cell reception for T-Mobile was minimal to non-existent. Wifi is available in the visitor center parking lot." This can affect navigation and emergency communications, so download maps in advance.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with easy water access: For family camping, sites near water features provide built-in entertainment. At Hok-Si-La, a camper recommended, "Stay in the N sites, they are a little more private, and a few offer great views of Lake Pepin. N1 is a prime site." The campground also offers a "nice little swimming beach" for families with children.
Consider cabin options: For families new to camping, cabins provide an easier transition. At Elm Creek Horse Camp, the ground is "mostly level—perfect for a tent and a sturdy dog bed," while Afton State Park offers "a perfect little cabin nestled in the southern half of the park! Screened in porch, heated with electricity, and two double bunk beds!"
Plan for wildlife encounters: Wildlife sightings can be educational but require preparation. A camper at William O'Brien reported, "This campground is lovely. You can hear frogs all night and we even saw a turtle laying eggs in a different campsite." This creates memorable experiences for children while teaching nature appreciation.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for privacy: RVers should research site placement carefully. At William O'Brien, a camper noted, "Compared to Wild River State Park, the sites at Savannah are pretty cramped with inconsistent vegetation between sites. I wouldn't want to stay here when the loop is fully reserved." Sites 98, 110-114 were specifically mentioned as "right on the road into the campground with some tree coverage and prairie behind."
Reserve far in advance: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially on weekends. A William O'Brien visitor advised, "Weekends have been packed and reservations scarce for months at state parks in Minnesota. Arriving on a Sunday afternoon was a dream—very few people in the campground loop."
