Tent camping near Dresser, Wisconsin provides access to the St. Croix River Valley's diverse landscape, where elevation changes create both riverside and hilltop camping options. The region sits at approximately 900 feet above sea level, with temperature ranges of 80-85°F in summer months and significantly cooler nights. Most campgrounds in the area operate from April through October, with many closing after the first snowfall.
What to do
Biking from cities to campsites: William O'Brien State Park offers an accessible destination for cyclists. "We bike from St. Paul to William O. It is a nice 40 mile ride mostly on paved or limestone trails," notes Bryan W., making this an excellent option for car-free camping adventures.
Wildlife viewing and photography: Campsites throughout the region provide ample wildlife spotting opportunities. At William O'Brien State Park Campground, the Savanna Campground offers unique wildlife experiences where "you can hear frogs all night and we even saw a turtle laying eggs in a different campsite," according to Laura E.
Kayaking and river access: Multiple camping areas provide water access points. The Trade River Equestrian Camp offers "lots of hiking and close to the river for some kayaking," as Karl R. mentions, though facilities are minimal.
Farm-based experiences: For a different tent camping experience, some locations offer agricultural settings. "Most hipcamp sites are not my scene at all, since they generally seem to be in a random unmowed part of someone's land," writes Krista T. about Lily Springs Regenerative Farm, adding that it "combines things that I like about the stereotypical hipcamp listing (farm animals of some sort and enough privacy) with things that the stereotypical hipcamp site doesn't offer."
What campers like
Semi-secluded sites with natural boundaries: Tent campers appreciate the privacy offered at certain campgrounds. At Afton State Park Campground, "the terrain is just hilly enough - and in August - the grass long enough to give the sites a sense of privacy and seclusion," according to Andrew C.
Accessible primitive camping: Some campers prefer simpler accommodations with fewer amenities. Straight Lake State Park Campground offers "a small number of hike in camp sites with nearby water (Straight Lake). The park offered carts to help pack in camping supplies," notes Tiffany K.
Proximity to trails: Many campers value easy hiking access directly from their sites. "Lots of trails with a wide variety of landscapes. Prairie, forest, river, it's got it all," writes Adam P. about Afton State Park, adding that "the woods made it very secluded."
Quiet weekday camping: Avoiding crowds enhances the tent camping experience near Dresser. "My first time solo camping was at William O'Brien State Park on a Sunday evening. 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," reports Dani K.
What you should know
Campsite distance and accessibility: Many tent sites require walking from parking areas. At Apple River County Park Campground, you'll find "15 simple campsites geared towards tent camping, though 5 of the sites are equipped with electricity so folks with vans or small trailers might be comfortable here," according to Janet R.
Seasonal insect conditions: Bug populations vary by season and location. At Straight Lake State Park, "the amount of mosquitos seemed higher than other Wisconsin locations," notes Tiffany K., while Krista T. mentions that at Lily Springs Farm, "the mosquito situation was very good, we never even went into our screen house."
Firewood availability: Rules and resources for fires differ between sites. William O'Brien State Park charges "$8 bundle. This was steep in my opinion. They do not all any gathering of firewood," according to Tim.
Water access limitations: Not all waterfront campsites have easy swimming or boating access. At Straight Lake, "the lake shore, when we visited, was blocked by lots of vegetation, geese droppings with one small access point which would be great for kayaks," reports Tiffany K.
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife education opportunities: Children often enjoy animal sightings around campsites. At William O'Brien State Park, "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," shares Karla J.B.
Seasonal planning for comfort: Timing can significantly impact family camping experiences. "Ticks were extremely heavy in the spring. Between the mud and ticks, I would never recommend camping in spring," warns Kim about the Governor Knowles State Forest.
Consider campground layouts: Some family-friendly sites offer better accommodations than others. At William O'Brien State Park, "the sites are very close in there and were small," notes Tim, making it potentially challenging for families needing more space.
Bathroom facilities research: Facilities vary widely between campgrounds. Apple River County Park offers "basic facilities such as water and vault toilets," according to Janet R., while more primitive locations have no facilities at all.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions and access: Most tent camping areas near Dresser have limited RV accommodations. Apple River County Park includes "5 of the sites equipped with electricity so folks with vans or small trailers might be comfortable here," notes Janet R.
Alternative cabin options: When tent camping conditions aren't ideal, consider cabin rentals. "Perfect little cabin nestled in the southern half of the park! Screened in porch, heated with electricity, and two double bunk beds!" writes Alison O. about the Eastern Bluebird camper cabin at Afton State Park.
Weekend reservation planning: Secure sites well in advance during peak periods. "Weekends have been packed and reservations scarce for months at state parks in Minnesota," reports Dani K. about William O'Brien State Park.
Off-season considerations: Some parks offer extended season options. "Minnesota State Parks have just started to build Yurts for 3 campgrounds around the state; Afton, Cuyuna and Glendalough State Parks. These have some great amenities and are perfect for family camping, especially in Fall, Winter and Spring," advises Jason S.
