Tent campsites near Zimmerman, Minnesota sit within the Mississippi River watershed, 35-45 miles northwest of Minneapolis. The regional terrain features scattered glacial lakes, wetland areas, and mixed hardwood forests of oak and maple. Summer camping temperatures typically range from 55-85°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer more moderate conditions with daytime temperatures between 45-70°F.
What to do
Hiking through prairie restoration areas: Crow Hassan Park Reserve offers extensive hiking trails through restored prairie landscapes. One visitor noted, "Great for birding and walking trails! One of my favorite places to go near home." The park maintains numerous multi-use trails for different activity levels.
Horse riding on dedicated trails: Elm Creek Horse Camp provides specialized facilities for equestrian campers. A reviewer mentioned the campsite is "tucked away near the archery range" and has "plenty of new smells, shaded stretches, and squirrels for days" for dogs accompanying horse riders.
Paddling the Mississippi River: Access the river via watercraft campsites along the Mississippi. One paddler described Oak Island Watercraft Campsite as "a great spot to take a rest while cavorting the Mississippi" with a "picnic table and a very primitive toilet."
Winter recreation options: When temperatures drop, several parks remain open. A winter visitor to William O'Brien State Park described, "We walked some trail through a frozen marsh landscape and happened upon a railroad that passed above our trail with a beautiful tunnel-overpass."
What campers like
Secluded backcountry sites: Lake Maria State Park offers true backcountry camping with sites requiring hiking to access. As one camper noted, "Backpack sites only. Love this park as it offers many backpacking sites with some being very short hikes in and some being longer hikes. Some are lake front and some are more woodsy sites."
Diverse wildlife viewing: Multiple camping areas provide opportunities to spot local wildlife. At Lake Maria, a camper described their site as "nearly surrounded by a lake which lended to a lot of bugs, but was absolutely gorgeous!" Another camper mentioned seeing "pileated woodpeckers, red squirrels, and a chorus of chorus frogs."
Proximity to Twin Cities: For campers seeking quick escapes, these camping options provide nature access without long drives. One visitor to William O'Brien State Park noted, "We bike from St. Paul to William O. It is a nice 40 mile ride mostly on paved or limestone trails."
Quality facilities at established campgrounds: Many campsites maintain clean facilities. A reviewer at William O'Brien observed that "The bathrooms/showers on site are, for the most part, clean and in working order. Noise from other campers was negligible."
What you should know
Seasonal bug conditions: Minnesota's summer months bring significant insect activity. One camper at Lake Maria advised, "Pack light and bring permethrin-treated clothes during bug season." Another camper at Lake Rebecca Park Reserve noted, "Other horse riders have always had cautionary tales about how bad the bugs are here."
Campsite spacing considerations: Campground density varies significantly. At William O'Brien, a camper observed, "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."
Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds require advance booking, especially on weekends. One visitor noted, "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."
Carry-in requirements: For backcountry sites, prepare to transport all gear. A Lake Maria camper warned, "If you're new to hiking, I suggest doing some research if you're going to attempt stuff like this. I camped here back in 2020 of November. Overpacked, along with not packing the right gear and didn't have a cart."
Tips for camping with families
Scout camp amenities before arrival: Facilities vary widely between camping areas. At Crow Hassan Park Reserve, a visitor noted, "This is an equestrian paradise" with "pit toilets available and there is water available at the entrance off of Park drive."
Consider less primitive options for younger children: Several campgrounds offer more accessible sites. Lake Rebecca Park Reserve includes "an amazing beach. Great Trails. Sweet single track for mountain biking. The best kids park at any campground I've been to."
Plan for weather flexibility: Minnesota weather can change rapidly. One camper noted, "We loved the trails. It was easy to takes hikes of varying lengths. There were so many different kinds of birds, and the wildflowers were blooming and ferns were unfurling."
Verify amenities against published information: Some campgrounds may have outdated information. One family camping at A J Acres Campground reported, "There is NO petting zoo as stated on the website or on the campground maps. There hasn't been one for a few years but they have yet to edit the website."
Tips from RVers
Space constraints for larger rigs: Most natural camping areas have limited accommodations for large RVs. A camper at A J Acres Campground noted, "Navigating around trees was not so fun with our 5th wheel. We got the slideouts to fit in between the trees."
Limited full-hookup availability: Many campgrounds offer only partial hookups. At A J Acres, a visitor observed, "Limited availability to sewer hookups, only about 5 true pull thrus, taken by seasonal."
Check for seasonal-dominated campgrounds: Some RV parks primarily serve long-term campers. One reviewer found "many seasonal, if not permanent, trailers and campers. A golf cart would be best for getting around."
