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Best Tent Camping near Eau Galle Lake

564 Reviews
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Backcountry tent camping opportunities near Eau Galle Lake, Wisconsin include several established campgrounds within a reasonable driving distance. Afton State Park Campground offers tent-specific sites with a hike-in requirement of approximately one mile to reach the campsites. William O'Brien State Park Campground provides tent camping options with walk-in and drive-in access. Both parks are located in Minnesota but are within an hour's drive of the Eau Galle Lake region.

Most tent campsites feature fire rings and picnic tables, though amenities vary between locations. The backpacking sites at Afton State Park require a steep uphill hike that provides good separation from day-use areas. Vault toilets and solar-powered water pumps serve the tent camping areas, eliminating the need to pack in all water. Firewood is available at designated collection points where campers must cut their own wood using provided saws. A review mentioned that "the wood provided is THICK. They must haul the logs in with a truck. Saws are provided at the wood site, but be prepared to take some time on it."

Tent sites at Afton State Park are arranged to maximize privacy, with substantial distance between campsites. Forest cover provides shade and natural screening at many locations. In the backpacking area, sites vary between heavily wooded settings and more open terrain with prairie views. One camper noted that "our site was perfect. The woods made it very secluded. It was close enough to water and bathrooms so it wasn't bad if you planned." Primitive tent setups in these areas offer greater solitude than developed campgrounds with RV access. Wildlife sightings including deer, wild turkeys, and various bird species are common around tent sites, particularly at dawn and dusk. The terrain surrounding primitive tent campgrounds features rolling hills with hiking trails connecting backcountry areas to beaches, overlooks, and water sources.

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Best Tent Sites Near Eau Galle Lake (14)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Eau Galle Lake

48 Photos of 14 Eau Galle Lake Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Eau Galle Lake

564 Reviews of 14 Eau Galle Lake Campgrounds

  • Kelly S.
    May. 2, 2018

    Frontenac State Park Campground

    Early Season Experience

    We spent a single night here at site 37. The site was great, the privacy was okay, and the campground itself was slightly above average.

    Our site was huge. It could have easily accommodated an RV and a tent. There was a campfire ring and picnic table there like each site, but ours also had a tent pad and a very long parking spot. We were tent camping. This was the first tent pad I have ever been able to stake down without bending or breaking stakes and needing a mallet. The site was also close to a few of the trailheads. See pictures. Would recommend site 37 any day.

    The privacy was nonexistent because there were no leaves on the trees yet. In the summer, that might change. There are trees between sites.

    The campground itself was okay. The ranger and lady in the office when we stopped in were a little strange, but helpful. They were out of wood, but there is a DNR certified seller not a mile down the road- you can get more wood for cheaper there anyway. In MN, you need to get your firewood from the state park you are at or a certified seller in the same county to prevent the spread of tree pests and disease. The ranger can and will stop at your site and ask to see your seller card from the wood. The rest of the campground was nice. Many water spigots were still frozen, but there isn't much to be done about that. Overall, I would definitely recommend this campground!

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 12, 2025

    Highland Ridge

    Beautiful but buggy!

    General: Smallish (38 sites plus four walk-in sites) Army Corps of Engineers campground. Some (see below) have electric hookups but no water or sewer hookups, however, there is a dump station. 

    Site Quality: All sites are gravel/dirt (except for the ADA-accessible site), and most are very generous in size. Our site (7) sloped down but leveled out with plenty of room for our campervan at the bottom. All sites are wooded with trees providing separation/privacy between sites. Completing the site are a metal picnic table, fire ring, and lantern hook. 

    Bath/Shower House: Sites 28-38 only have vault toilets (but you could trek to the other campground loop). Sites 1—27 have flush toilets and showers. They were very clean, and I especially appreciated the fact that they were cleaned daily before 6 am, a shout out to the camp host! The shower was great– warm water and great flow, although our friends (who arrived two days before we did) had cold showers when the campground was full.

    Activities: Several short hiking trails. I give this campground 4 stars instead of 5 because Eau Galle Reservoir (Lake George) is about a 10-minute drive from the campground. Most Corps of Engineers campgrounds are located right on the water. There are no amenities (rentals, etc.) offered at the lake but it is small and beautiful, and we enjoyed a peaceful paddle. We saw a couple of people fishing on the lake and there is a small swimming area. At the campground, there was an interpretive center, but it was locked when we were there. There is also a nice, modern playground. 

    Aside from the plentiful bugs (in August), we enjoyed our two-night stay at this campground!

  • Amy G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2021

    Rice Creek Campgrounds

    Spaced out nicely and they have a tent only loop!

    I booked this on a whim since we needed an overnight close to the State Fair.  I loved the look of the "TENT ONLY" loop - you don't see this often - so it was a good fit.  Seemed that the whole campground was booked up and I assumed, for a similar reason.  The State Fair.

    Booking was fairly easy through their website, and you can "hover" over the sites to see a photo of it.  I chose the one I wanted and hoped it would be what we wanted it to be.

    You DO need a park pass to stay at the campground.

    We arrived after dark, but in the dark you could still tell it was lovely.  I couldn't see any neighbor on the one side where there was a campsite (the other was a field...which is why I chose it). So we set up a tent, enjoyed the last of the evening and crawled into our bags.

    In the morning, when I could see everything, I was thoroughly impressed by the space, the maintenance of the property, the size of the campsites.  All of them were impressive and big!  A few were only separated by swathes of grass, but most had enough trees you couldn't see your neighbor.  And the fact that this loop (F LOOP) was "tent only" meant no generators! It was very quiet!   There were port-o-potties (cleaned about every 3 days) and a centrally located water source (potable) that was in the middle of everything for easy access by everyone. The spaces seemed fairly level, lots of mature trees, fire rings at all of them (with cooking grates that flipped out of the way) and picnic tables at most (resin tables, not wood).

    I took a quick look at the other loops.  The tent/small trailer loop didn't appear to have electric either.  And the RV loops obviously did.  All were very nice!  And there is a shower house (didn't go in) that was for all to use if you had a site.

    We'd stay here again in a heartbeat.

    **I've seen the other reviews here which seem to be based on the bugs.  I know that bugs are part of camping, so I don't review based on that, but I'll add details, if needed.  This one didn't have many, but it was raining, so I'm sure that factored in.  When I camp, I come prepared and I try to focus on reviewing the campsite itself, not the bugs, which I can not control.  I can, however, come prepared for them**

  • Crystal B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 29, 2025

    Kruger Unit - RJD Memorial Hardwood State Forest

    Great area with a lot of activities in the area.

    This is a nice basic campground near Wabasha/Kellogg area. Mississippi is within a few miles. Lark Toys nearby also. The Zumbro River is at the bottom of the campground on opposite side of the road where you can put kayaks/canoes in. (Or swim or fish). Sites are nice size with some having more privacy than others. Campground is on top of/up the hill. Vault toilets. No showers. Fire rings and picnic tables present.

  • Mary S.
    Aug. 16, 2018

    Frontenac State Park Campground

    Shady, quiet campground in the woods with short hiking opportunities

    Campground Design

    I like that it's split into 4 small loops (1-11, 12-28, 29-38 and 39-59). There shouldn't be much traffic in any one loop. It's a very shady campground - lots of trees so it's quite dark at night with no stargazing from your site.

    Our site #42 was right next to #40 and there's not much privacy between the 2 sites. There's a lot more distance and privacy between #42 and #44. In general, sites are fairly close together but there are some trees in between.

    I thought we might be closer to the Mississippi River, but the campground is located above the river (called Pepin Lake at this wide point). You can hike down to the river; the steep descent makes the short hike more interesting. There are Lower and Upper Bluff trails as well as other short, connected trails throughout the park. (See photo of trail map.)

    Tent Campers

    There are 6 'cart in' sites, but they are about 1/2 mile away from the main campground and on the other side of the road. Park, put your gear in a cart, and walk about 1/4 mile to your site (C1 through C6). 

    Special rule for these sites: You have to pay $2 to use the showers at the main campground! Your camping rate is $15 instead of $23 for a non-electric site. If a cart in site doesn't appeal to you, the regular sites are good for tents; many have tent pads. There are also a couple backpacker sites.

    Amenities

    • Picnic table and fire ring on each site. Some sites have a tent pad. The 'rule of 3' says you can have 3 'units' on a site - 2 tents + vehicle, RV + rent +vehicle,... - One restroom with flush toilets, sinks and showers (old but no temperature control) located near the road in front of the loop with sites 12-28. We were in the last loop on site 42, and there was a pit toilet that smelled okay but had lots of flies.

    • Some electric sites ($31) in the first 2 loops; the map (see photo) has an 'e' next to the site number and so does the post at the site.

    • Dump station that includes a potable water filling station. There are water spigots in the camping areas.

    • Trash dumpsters and recycle bins.

    Extra fees

    • There's a $7 reservation fee for online or phone reservations, and the site posts indicate you need to 'reserve' the site before you set up camp.  You avoid that fee by showing up without a reservation when the office is open, but I wouldn't do that on a Friday or Saturday in the summer. You can always get a sense of whether showing up without a reservation is feasible by checking availability online. It also looks like you avoid the fee if you reserve online on the day you stay.

    • $7 entry fee per day is standard in MN parks. A $35 pass is good for 12 months.

  • Crystal B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 29, 2025

    Zumbro Bottoms Central — R.J.D. Memorial Hardwood State Forest

    Nice small horse camping

    The campground is down a minimum maintenance road, but the road is pretty good though. Just one circle with 17 sites. There are many miles of horse and hiking trails in the area. 2 Vault toilets. No showers. Some picnic tables/fire rings/tie outs for horses.

  • Jennifer H.
    Sep. 21, 2020

    Afton State Park Campground

    New groomed backpack trails

    Site 27. This is a river landscape. Spiders and snakes..oh my. The parking lot is paved and has a dumpster. This is also where the nature center is. There are often music festivals and family events here. It is also next to Afton Ski resort. This park has a lot of beautiful prairie landscape with some temperate forest features. Wildflowers, shrubs, fungi, evergreens, and deciduous trees. 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. There is a solar panel generated drinking water pump at the top and a honor system fire wood station. There is a bathroom, but not super close to this site. This site has a fire pit with grate and table but no bear box. This site does have a clear view to the trail and the site next to it, but it is set back a little bit. I can hear the joggers along the trail that wraps around the site. The sites are mapped out on a wide open prairie ground with some sites tucked back in the trees along the trail. There is not a water front view, but there is plenty of wildlife. The dear and flowers are beautiful. There is partial tree covering but we did bring a tarp for the rain.

  • Steph H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 17, 2017

    Afton State Park Campground

    Great spot close to but away from the cities

    Love love love this park! 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. During the late spring, summer and early fall months you can't really see the river but if you do it after the leaves drop or before they come in then you'll have a great view of the river. Our site is off of the main trail so you have a nice little hike in and it feels very secluded and you have a nice even gravel tent pad that's raised up as well as a fire pit and picnic table. There is not a lot of room to play at your campsite but if you just take your trail up to the main trail then it opens up. Off the main trail you will also find vault toilets and firewood that you just have to saw yourself with the saw that is provided. You are surrounded by excellent hiking trails including some great single track as well as a great beach on the St. Croix River that is also very clean. The raccoons are not messing around so make sure to secure your food inside your tent or in a well fortified cooler otherwise you'll be listening to them ravage your site as you try to sleep at night.

  • Steph H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2018

    Interstate State Park — Interstate State Park

    Group site with a view

    Group campsite one is a lovely open site right on the St Croix River. This is a walk in site but fairly close to the parking area. Plenty of grassy space to play and set up several tents. If the 5 group sites it is probably the farthest from the vault toilets but still not that far away. The sites are all right next to each other so there is no privacy and no guarantees another group won’t disturb your group at night or vice versa. The park is not very large but what it offers is lovely. In the river side you’ll enjoy rocky trails and the famous potholes and in the hill side you’ll enjoy views from way up high.

Guide to Eau Galle Lake

Tent camping opportunities near Eau Galle Lake, Wisconsin extend beyond the immediate vicinity with several worthwhile options within a 60-mile radius. The region sits at approximately 800 feet above sea level and features a mix of river valleys, bluffs, and rolling hills that create diverse camping landscapes. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F, with higher humidity near water bodies increasing mosquito activity from June through August.

What to do

Hiking trails with elevation: William O'Brien State Park Campground offers varied terrain with trails through multiple ecosystems. "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 -so many shades of green!" notes Karla J.B. from William O'Brien State Park Campground.

Beach access and swimming: Multiple campgrounds provide water access for cooling off during summer months. At Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground, a visitor mentioned, "I especially love the view of Lake Pepin and the nice little swimming beach. On our last stay, we were able to watch eagles from our campsite, which was amazing."

Winter camping and recreation: For those seeking tent camping near Eau Galle Lake during colder months, some parks remain open year-round. "I visited William O'Brien in the middle of February with two college roommates. As you can imagine, this meant snow was everywhere in the heart of winter in Minnesota. We decided to take a night trek through the park. The moon was very bright that night so visibility was excellent," writes David K.

What campers like

Quiet weekday camping: For the best tent camping near Eau Galle Lake without crowds, timing matters. At William O'Brien State Park Campground, Dani K. shares: "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 (especially the non-electric ones)."

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campsites offer chances to spot local fauna. "We heard bullfrogs, owls, woodpeckers and more (there are also train tracks near by so a couple trains too)," reports Beth W. from Hok-Si-La City Park. At Lily Springs Regenerative Farm, campers can experience a unique setting: "You can buy fresh or frozen produce off of their site, as well as CBD infused products that they make with hemp that they grow themselves."

Group camping options: Several parks feature spacious group sites perfect for gatherings. "We stayed on one of the group sites, G6 on the Tour De Pepin weekend. The campground was very full that weekend but the group sites are spacious and well spaced out," notes Beth W. about Hok-Si-La.

What you should know

Seasonal water availability: Water access can change throughout the season. At Afton State Park Campground, Warren H. warns: "This may be an ongoing issue but none of the faucets or water pumps on the trails at Afton State Park are working. The good news is you can fill up on cold drinking water at the visitor center before trekking around the park's beautiful hiking trails!"

Shower facilities and costs: When planning longer stays, consider shower availability. William O'Brien camper Tim noted, "The shower house needed a cleaning as well. There is no adjusting the shower temperature. Push the button and you get what you get." At Hok-Si-La, "There is great lake access for swimming and shower houses (bring your quarters though, showers cost 50 cents for 3 minutes)."

Site privacy variations: Privacy between campsites varies significantly between parks and specific site numbers. Nicole B. observed at William O'Brien: "We found the campsite easy to get to and very clean. The only downfall is how close you are to the next campsite."

Tips for camping with families

Look for youth-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds offer specific family-oriented facilities. "This campground is lovely. You can hear frogs all night and we even saw a turtle laying eggs in a different campsite," shares Laura E. about William O'Brien's Savanna Campground, making it a potential nature classroom for children.

Consider alternative accommodations: Beyond tent sites, some campgrounds offer structures for easier family camping. Emily H. recommends Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground: "They have recently added 3 small cabins to rent which would be a nice alternative to tent camping."

Check swimming conditions: Not all water access points are suitable for young swimmers. At Lily Springs Regenerative Farm, one camper noted: "The lake is pretty, but I'm picky and chose not to swim in it," suggesting families should evaluate swimming spots before promising lake activities to children.

Tips from RVers

Site accessibility limitations: Many tent-focused campgrounds have restrictions for larger vehicles. At Apple River County Park Campground, Janet R. explains: "This is a small county campground with 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."

Electricity options for small RVs: While limited, some tent-focused areas do accommodate smaller RVs with power needs. Apple River County Park Campground provides five sites with electrical hookups suitable for smaller trailers or vans, making it an option for compact RVs seeking more primitive camping experiences near Eau Galle Lake.

Vehicle restrictions at tent-only sites: Some campgrounds separate vehicles from tent areas. Beth W. notes about Hok-Si-La: "The only down side is that you cannot leave any cars near your campsite, you can drive in to drop off or pick up your gear but otherwise vehicles are parked in the main parking lot outside of the gate."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Eau Galle Lake?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Eau Galle Lake is Afton State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 37 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Eau Galle Lake?

TheDyrt.com has all 14 tent camping locations near Eau Galle Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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