Best Tent Camping in Minnesota

The Land of 10,000 Lakes is also notable for its likewise numerous assortment of trails and campgrounds for avid lovers of the great outdoors. Minnesota has many diverse natural environments to explore all across the state. While there are lots of spots to choose from, here are a couple especially neat sites to consider for your next foray when camping in Minnesota.

Part of the massive Dulux Complex rock formation, Eagle Mountain stands at a whopping 2,301 feet, the highest point of elevation in the state. Isolated from higher ground for hundreds of miles and overlooking several different lakes and a vast forest, the peak offers excellent opportunities to take a bird’s eye view of Minnesota’s rich natural beauty.

In addition to the campsites adjacent to Whale Lake, there are also many trails that run along the mountain, through the woods, and beside the lakes. Just keep in mind that Eagle Mountain’s trails overlap with the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, so be sure to get a BWCAW permit if you plan to cross over. Plus, you need an overnight permit from the Forest Service in nearby Tofte, MN.

The starting point for the grand Mississippi River, Lake Itasca, rests within Itasca State Park. The park hosts a variety of camping amenities such as lodges and internet access. You can also stop at the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center to learn more about the lake and its link to the Mississippi. Or you can check out the University of Minnesota’s Itasca Biological Station and Laboratories campus.

In addition to excellent camping facilities, Lake Itasca has many other outdoor sights and activities for visitors to explore. Multiple trails snake by the shores of the lake and into the adjacent wilderness, and it’s definitely a great place to experience the beauty of Minnesota’s northern ecosystems. Plus, you can go fishing at the lake, assuming you have the necessary permits.

With so many different campsites and trails throughout Minnesota’s diverse natural environments, there’s bound to be one that’s just right for you. Whatever you’re looking for in your camping experience, whether it’s finding deluxe accommodations or exploring unique trails or getting a great view of the landscape, you’re sure to have a blast camping in Minnesota.

Best Tent Sites in Minnesota (229)

    1. Afton State Park Campground

    36 Reviews
    Denmark, MN
    Website
    +1 (651) 436-5391

    "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."

    2. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Nerstrand, MN
    Website
    +1 (507) 333-4840

    "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."

    "There are four “walk in” sites, and you can see one another from all of them. Sites 1 and 3 require a walk about three car lengths to the tent pad, and 4 is not much farther."

    3. Lake Maria State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Silver Creek, MN
    Website
    +1 (763) 878-2325

    "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."

    "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."

    4. Judge C. R. Magney State Park Campground

    27 Reviews
    Grand Marais, MN
    Website
    +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."

    5. George H. Crosby Manitou State Park Campground

    22 Reviews
    Finland, MN
    Website
    +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."

    6. Voyageurs National Park Backcountry Camping — Voyageurs National Park

    18 Reviews
    Voyageurs National Park, MN
    Website

    $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."

    7. Lake Superior Cart-in Campground — Tettegouche State Park

    15 Reviews
    Illgen City, MN
    Website

    "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."

    8. Glendalough State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Battle Lake, MN
    Website
    +1 (218) 864-0110

    "- 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."

    9. Bean and Bear Lakes Hike-In — Tettegouche State Park

    12 Reviews
    Silver Bay, MN
    Website

    "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."

    10. Gulch Lake

    8 Reviews
    Laporte, MN
    Website
    +1 (218) 308-2300

    "Stayed right next to the lake! Had easy access for kayaking and had a fun girls weekend! Site 7 was a short hike in from the parking lot and the site was large enough for multiple tents."

    "There is also another Gulch Lake Campground here, but this one that I reviewed is the GROUP camp. It's right on the trail, but don't let that deter you."

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Showing results 1-10 of 229 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews in Minnesota

3564 Reviews of 229 Minnesota Campgrounds



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

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.