Best Tent Camping near Wyoming, MN
State parks surrounding Wyoming, Minnesota offer diverse tent camping options, with Lake Maria State Park and Afton State Park providing exceptional backcountry tent sites. Lake Maria State Park, located about 30 miles west of Wyoming, features exclusively hike-in tent camping with sites ranging from a quarter-mile to three miles from parking areas. Afton State Park, situated along the St. Croix River about 25 miles southeast of Wyoming, offers 26 walk-in tent sites approximately one mile from the parking lot. William O'Brien State Park in nearby Scandia provides both drive-in and walk-in tent camping options with sites situated along the St. Croix River.
Tent sites at these parks feature varying terrain and amenities suited for primitive tent camping experiences. At Lake Maria, tent pads are typically dirt or forest duff with level areas for setup. Each site includes a fire ring, picnic table, and most have bear boxes for food storage. Vault toilets are distributed throughout the camping areas, though campers should bring their own toilet paper. Afton's tent sites require a moderately challenging uphill hike with switchbacks, making lightweight packing essential. The park provides a solar-powered water pump and a self-service firewood station where campers can cut their own wood with provided saws. During summer months, insect repellent is crucial, particularly at Lake Maria where mosquitoes can be abundant.
Tent campers frequently praise the seclusion and natural setting of these parks. One visitor at Lake Maria noted that "the site was private, quiet, and wonderfully shaded, with level tent pads and solid fire rings." At Afton State Park, campers appreciate the diverse site options, with some in open prairie and others tucked into wooded areas. According to reviews, the non-electric loops at William O'Brien's Savanna campground offer the best experience for tent campers seeking quiet surroundings away from RV generators. Winter camping is available at both Lake Maria and Afton, with some campers reporting that snowshoeing to sites offers a unique backcountry tent camping experience with fewer crowds and insects.