Vincent S.
Guide
GuideLake Louise State Park Campground
$25 primitive. Great spot for passing through. Easy to get in.
Best Tent Camping in Minnesota
Minnesota offers a diverse range of tent camping options from developed campgrounds to remote backcountry sites. William O'Brien State Park provides accessible tent sites with fire rings and picnic tables, while George H. Crosby Manitou State Park features more secluded walk-in tent areas along rivers and wooded terrain. Lake Maria State Park offers hike-in tent camping with sites approximately a half-mile to a mile from parking areas, providing a backcountry experience without venturing far from civilization.
Surface types vary significantly across tent campgrounds, with most offering level tent pads made of dirt or gravel. Sites at Afton State Park require a mostly uphill hike from parking lots, with tent sites situated on level clearings. Many primitive tent areas lack drinking water, though some parks like Nerstrand Big Woods offer potable water near tent camping zones. Vault toilets are common at developed tent sites, while backcountry locations often feature rustic facilities. Fire rings are standard at most locations, though seasonal fire restrictions may apply during dry periods.
Tent-only sites provide unique advantages compared to mixed-use campgrounds. Areas farther from roads offer deeper seclusion with natural soundscapes dominated by wildlife rather than vehicle noise. Most walk-in tent sites feature natural windbreaks from surrounding forest, providing shelter during storms. Bean and Bear Lakes hike-in sites within Tettegouche State Park offer tent campers direct lake access in a quiet setting. A review of Lake Maria's backcountry sites noted, "The site is private, quiet, and wonderfully shaded, with just enough open sky for stargazing by the fire." At George H. Crosby Manitou State Park, another camper observed, "Being able to fall asleep to the sound of the river was lovely."
Best Tent Campgrounds in Minnesota (240)
1. William O'Brien State Park Campground
40 ReviewsMarine on St. Croix, MNWebsite+1 (651) 539-4980$25 - $90 / night
"I camped here in April and got a camping spot on the edge of the River Campground facing the woods. I loved this spot and it was plenty big for parking two cars, tent, hammock, chairs, you name it!"
"Our site was a non-electric site on the outside ring, with just a thin slip of woods and a hiking trail between us and the St. Croix river."
2. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground
38 ReviewsNerstrand, MNWebsite+1 (507) 333-4840$24 - $34 / night
"Though they were right next to each other, they felt very secluded. Site 4 felt a bit more private from the main road because the campsite slightly slopes downward."
"It's just a bit of a walk from the main campground and opposite of some very beautiful walk-in sites. The group campground has an open space to play games as well as wooded areas all around."
3. Afton State Park Campground
37 ReviewsAfton, MNWebsite+1 (651) 436-5391$22 - $85 / night
"Backpacking to the top hill sites has gotten easier as the park has curved the new wide groomed and wood chipped trail to spiral around the hill instead of a straight climb."
"We did the backpack site so you hike in almost a mile and you go up on the ridge that's open in the middle but each site is heavily forested and some overlook the river."
4. Lake Maria State Park Campground
34 ReviewsSilver Creek, MNWebsite+1 (763) 878-2325$22 - $80 / night
"This hike-in site is about a half-mile walk from the parking area, and the journey in is half the magic: winding wooded trails, wildflowers, and glimpses of the lake through the trees."
"Campsite included: 2 tent pads, a few areas to hammock, fire ring w/large grill, small bench, picnic table, bear box and latrine. I don’t think I would change a thing about the campsite."
5. Judge C. R. Magney State Park Campground
27 ReviewsGrand Marais, MNWebsite+1 (218) 387-3039$20 / night
"This is a rustic state park with no electric sites, dump station or water source for RV tanks, as well as nearly non-existent cell service, but it's a pleasant getaway spot."
"Clean restroom/shower house. Also has vault toilets. Firewood available. Good water supply. Trash dumpsters. No hookups. At least half of the sites are level. Hiking trail. Helpful friendly staff."
6. George H. Crosby Manitou State Park Campground
23 ReviewsFinland, MNWebsite+1 (218) 226-6365$20 / night
"Although there is the Bensen Lake trail that is a wooden boardwalk that rings Bensen Lake. This trail connects to the picnic grounds that is a great place for a day outing."
"My friend and I chose this park because of the backpacking/hiking and the proximity to waterfalls of the North Shore. Our site (#3) was right next to the beautiful Manitou River."
7. Voyageurs National Park Backcountry Camping — Voyageurs National Park
18 ReviewsVoyageurs National Park, MNWebsite$25 - $35 / night
"Many houseboat sites for private and rented houseboats and many many family sites for tent camping."
"4 large lakes encompass the park.Boating is allowed . The sites have picnic tables, fire rings, pit toilets and bear boxes to store your goods. Our site had a dock."
8. Lake Superior Cart-in Campground — Tettegouche State Park
18 ReviewsIllgen City, MNWebsite$25 / night
"Aside from the popular hikes to Shovel Point, High Falls or Bean and Bear Lake - there are miles and miles of other beautiful hiking trails in this state park!"
"The trails are groomed. You will need to hike in wood and water. Unless you have site J or K, the other sites are not beach level. Site H is visible from the trail."
9. Glendalough State Park Campground
13 ReviewsBattle Lake, MNWebsite+1 (218) 864-0110$22 - $85 / night
"Went on the hiking club trail around Annie Battle Lake, most of it is even paved for biking or groomed for skiing."
"Lots of lakes, a mosaic of habitats from pine and aspen forest to maple and ash woodlands, to oak savannah, to fens and marshes and lakes and streams and prairie."
10. Bean and Bear Lakes Hike-In — Tettegouche State Park
12 ReviewsSilver Bay, MNWebsite"Amazing hike in only campground. 1.7 mile hike into Tettegouche camp. It has 4 cabins for rent and a main lodge available for use."
"The cabins are located 1.7 miles away from the parking area, accessible only by foot."
Recent Tent Camping Photos in Minnesota
238 Photos of 240 Minnesota Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Tent Camping Reviews in Minnesota
3961 Reviews of 240 Minnesota Campgrounds
Deb M.
RangerForestville Mystery Cave State Park Campground
This campground has large private sites, most are shady or partially shaded. Bathrooms are large and well maintained. There’s lots of good hiking trails and the historic town of Forestville was interesting to explore. Absolutely no cell coverage for T-Mobile or AT&T but luckily our site had a good opening in the trees for our Starlink. Would definitely recommend.
- KKeven M.
ScoutLac qui Parle Upper Campground — Lac qui Parle State Park
Wonderful Campground!
What a wonderful campground! Bathrooms and showers are very nice, and kept clean. The campsites are nice and level. Well laid out, and numbered clearly. Reserving through the website is easy. What a spectacular view of the valley! I took a peek into one of the cabins - very nice. This place is a great value for the money.
Sacred E.GuideAitkin County Campground
This is a sweet and easy spot right on the river. It could be buggy during warmer weather but in late October it was great and we had the place to ourselves.
- KKeven M.Scout
KOA Campground Bemidji
Very nice campground. Sites are level and well marked. Picnic tables in good shape. Fire rings. Bathrooms and showers are good. Propane available is very nice. And reasonably priced. Staff is very friendly and knowledgeable
- UUrsulaRanger
Pine Ridge Campground — Itasca State Park
Amazing bike trails, really quiet but it is off season, surrounded by natural beauty
DIANNE T.GuideHigh Island Creek Park
Quiet and creek is beautiful
Had a great time walking the river. W dog
- PPreston R.Guide
Big Rice Lake
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great Camping Spot!
Great place to camp! It’s about 6 miles down a gravel road, but even on a motorcycle, the ride isn’t bad at all. Just take your time and be careful once you get to the campground roads. There’s a rough spot with some pretty deep ruts and standing water that you’ll want to watch out for, especially on two wheels.
There are about 3–4 campsites with fire rings, and there’s access to the water at the end of the road. It’s a nice, peaceful spot to get away and enjoy the outdoors. Definitely worth the drive, and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a good camping spot, even if you’re traveling by motorcycle!
- Barb T.Guide
Olson City Park
It's ok for an over night stop. Seems a bit congested I would not spend a weekend
Guide to Minnesota
Tent camping in Minnesota offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, making it a perfect getaway for nature enthusiasts.
Tent campers like these nearby activities
- Enjoy hiking trails at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground, where you can explore scenic paths and discover Hidden Falls.
- Experience the pristine waters and sandy beaches at Glendalough State Park Campground, ideal for swimming and kayaking.
- Take advantage of the fishing opportunities at Gulch Lake, where you can catch a variety of fish right from your campsite.
Tips for tent camping near amenities
- At Houston Nature Center, enjoy clean showers and restrooms, making your stay comfortable and convenient.
- Stay at Rapidan Dam County Park for a secluded experience with access to a small food shop nearby for snacks and essentials.
- Camp at Arnold's Campground to enjoy electric hookups and a friendly atmosphere, perfect for families and groups.
Explore local attractions while camping
- Visit the International Owl Center located near Houston Nature Center for an educational experience about local wildlife.
- Discover the beautiful landscapes and rich history at Crow Wing State Park, where you can hike scenic trails and learn about the area's heritage.
- Experience the unique backcountry camping at Deer Park Lake, where you can immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the tranquility of the wilderness.
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