Backpackers looking to test gear or escape for a night will find Afton State Park's walk-in sites require a challenging uphill hike of nearly a mile from the parking area. The trail starts paved but transitions to gravel as it climbs through switchbacks to reach the ridge-top campground. Erik R. notes "the hill climb is as big of an effort as other people have said. You will feel like you earned your dinner."
The 26 individual sites spread across diverse terrain, from open prairie locations to heavily forested spots tucked into the trees. Some sites overlook the St. Croix River valley, though summer foliage blocks most water views until leaves drop in fall. Site spacing provides privacy, with many campers reporting complete seclusion from neighbors. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring with grill grate, and designated tent areas, some featuring raised gravel pads.
Solar-powered water pumps operate year-round near the campground center, alongside vault toilets and a self-serve firewood station where campers cut their own logs using provided saws. The thick hardwood burns well but requires effort to process. Multiple trail systems wind through the park's prairie and forest landscape, leading down to a swimming beach on the St. Croix River about half a mile from the camping area. Wildlife sightings include deer, black bears, and various bird species.
Access requires carrying all gear up the steep trail, though some campers have discovered an unofficial northern service entrance that shortens the haul. Reservations are recommended, especially for weekend visits. The $22 nightly fee covers the site, with additional charges for parking passes and firewood. Winter camping remains available with snowshoe and cross-country ski trail access.
For a less strenuous alternative, The Historic Afton House Inn offers easier access just north of the park.
Description
Located on the St. Croix River, just 20 miles east of Saint Paul, Afton State Park is great for those looking for camping near Minneapolis and is 1600 acres of rolling prairies, oak woodlands, and limestone river canyons amid an ancient glacial landscape. The land for the park was acquired in 1967, but it took almost 15 years of planning revisions and compromises with local residents before the park finally opened in 1982. Little development has gone into Afton State Park in an effort to maintain its natural characteristics, and former farmland atop the bluffs are continuously being restored to their original state. This makes Afton an ideal destination for campers looking to experience the outdoors in a wilder setting.
Load up your backpack with all you’ll need for your stay, as camping at Afton State Park requires a hearty, 0.75-mile hike in from the parking area. The year-round campground offers 27 rustic sites with picnic tables and fire pits, with options for pitching your tent in either open or wooded areas. There is drinking water, a vault toilet and firewood is supplied within the camp area. There is also three boat-in campsites, and two group campsites that can accommodate up to 60 people each. If you’d rather not rough it, the park also offers four camping cabins and two yurts, some of which are wheelchair accessible. There are also several picnic areas and restrooms within the park. Campsite rates range from $15–$23/night; cabins range from $55–$70/night, and yurts $50–$65/night.
When you’re ready to explore, start at the park’s Nature Store where you can pick up information about the park’s flora and fauna, or join a nature walk. Then choose from more than 20 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails, as well as a short barrier-free path. If you’re visiting in winter, many of these trails are open for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Bring your GPS and go on a geocaching treasure hunt, or bring your binoculars and go on safari for a variety of migratory birds, waterfowl, and wildlife, including deer, foxes and badgers. And little ones will love becoming Junior Park Naturalists and learning about bugs, birds, plants and other critters. If you’re looking for a real outdoor adventure, Afton State Park has what you’re looking for.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundAfton State Park Campground is located in Minnesota
Address
6959 Peller Avenue South
Hastings, MN 55033
Coordinates
44.86626817 N
92.77877735 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/3/26
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/3/26
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
- Yurts
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 30 min from Minneapolis, MN
- 1 hr 12 min from Rochester, MN
- 1 hr 12 min from Eau Claire, WI
- 1 hr 32 min from Mankato, MN
