Located near the scenic St. Croix River Valley, Wyoming, Minnesota offers tent camping options in an area known for its mixed forest and prairie landscapes. Within 30 miles of Wyoming, several state parks and campgrounds provide backcountry tent sites that range from riverfront locations to secluded woodland settings. Temperatures from June through August average 75-85°F during the day and 55-65°F at night, making summer the peak camping season.
What to do
Hiking trails: explore year-round: At Elm Creek Horse Camp, trails remain accessible in all seasons. "Plenty of new smells, shaded stretches, and squirrels for days," writes one visitor about the trail system.
Water activities: paddle the St. Croix River: The St. Croix River provides canoeing and kayaking opportunities near multiple camping areas. A camper at William O'Brien State Park notes that there are "tons of hiking, fishing, and great picnic area next to the river!"
Wildlife viewing: watch for local species: Early morning and evening hours offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities. "We saw pileated woodpeckers, red squirrels, and a chorus of chorus frogs," reports a camper who stayed at Lake Maria State Park's backcountry site B6.
What campers like
Secluded sites: escape crowds: Many campers value the privacy of backcountry sites. A visitor to Lake Maria State Park shared: "This site was nearly surrounded by a lake which lended to a lot of bugs, but was absolutely gorgeous! We could see one other camper in a different site, but it still felt like you were in the wilderness."
Diverse landscapes: experience varied terrain: The region offers both wooded and prairie camping environments. At Afton State Park, "The terrain is just hilly enough - and in August - the grass long enough to give the sites a sense of privacy and seclusion."
Stargazing: clear night skies: The relative distance from major urban areas provides good stargazing opportunities. "The site is private, quiet, and wonderfully shaded, with just enough open sky for stargazing by the fire," notes a Lake Maria State Park visitor.
What you should know
Insect preparation: bring proper protection: Summer months bring mosquitoes and ticks. A visitor to Lily Springs Regenerative Farm warned: "Ticks were extremely heavy in the spring. Between the mud and ticks, I would never recommend camping in spring."
Water access: plan accordingly: Some parks have limited water sources on trails. "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 before trekking around the park's beautiful hiking trails!"
Firewood regulations: understand local rules: Firewood policies vary by park. At Afton State Park, "They do have firewood available however it is long slab wood, so you do need to cut it yourself. Hand hacksaws are provided, but we're not great quality which made cutting the wood difficult."
Tips for camping with families
Pack light: minimize carrying weight: For hike-in sites, packing efficiently is crucial. "The hike to the campground is short and grueling," reports an Afton State Park visitor, making lightweight packing essential for families.
Wildlife encounters: prepare children: Wildlife sightings can be exciting but sometimes startling. One camper at William O'Brien State Park noted: "This campground is lovely. You can hear frogs all night and we even saw a turtle laying eggs in a different campsite."
Weekday scheduling: avoid weekend crowds: For a quieter experience with children, consider weekday visits. "Arriving on a Sunday afternoon was a dream—very few people in the campground loop (especially the non-electric ones), but still able to take advantage of a weekend day," shared a William O'Brien State Park visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: choose appropriate loops: Not all campground areas accommodate RVs equally. At William O'Brien State Park, "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."
Generator restrictions: check park rules: Some parks restrict generator use, which affects RV campers. At William O'Brien State Park, visitors have noted that "the non-electric loops at Savannah campground offer the best experience for tent campers seeking quiet surroundings away from RV generators."
Accessibility considerations: research site access: The terrain can create challenges for larger vehicles. A visitor observed: "We planned this weekend with friends to camp in our matching teardrop trailers... We loved the trails. It was easy to takes hikes of varying lengths."
