Best Tent Camping near Elmwood, WI

Looking for the best options for tent camping near Elmwood? Finding a place to camp in Wisconsin with your tent has never been easier. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of Elmwood, Wisconsin's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Elmwood, WI (16)

    Camper-submitted photo from Afton State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Afton State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Afton State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Afton State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Afton State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Afton State Park Campground

    1. Afton State Park Campground

    36 Reviews
    93 Photos
    199 Saves
    Denmark, Minnesota

    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.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground

    2. Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground

    7 Reviews
    30 Photos
    48 Saves
    Lake City, Minnesota

    Tent only campground.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents

    $22 - $132 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Aefintyr
    Camper-submitted photo from Aefintyr
    Camper-submitted photo from Aefintyr
    Camper-submitted photo from Aefintyr
    Camper-submitted photo from Aefintyr
    Camper-submitted photo from Aefintyr

    3. Aefintyr

    4 Reviews
    43 Photos
    54 Saves
    Elba, Minnesota

    Aefintyr campground is located in the scenic woods of the Whitewater River Valley in the Driftless Area of Southeastern Minnesota. We offer beautiful blufftop hike-in camping and glamping and cozy treehouse inspired camper cabins. The hike-in camp/glamp sites offer a backpacking like experience (1460 ft hike with a 230 ft elevation gain) and are great for people who like to get some exercise and want to immerse themselves in a woodland setting. Perfect relaxation destination or home base for your Whitewater Valley adventures. Aefintyr is a small operation that values peace, quiet and quality over quantity. Get away from crowds and get into the woods! Onsite, enjoy a campfire, stargazing, hiking and observing the amazing animals, plants and fungi.

    Nearby recreation opportunities include:

    Within 2 miles of Whitewater State Park, the Elba Fire Tower, Whitewater State Wildlife Management Area (hunting, trout fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing) and the Whitewater River State Water Trail (canoe/kayak/tube). There is a gas station (bait and fishing supplies, convenience store items), 2 bars and a restaurant within a mile in the town of Elba. Whitewater Wines Winery is also just a few miles up the road!

    Shared amenities:

    Bathhouse with individual rooms, with a hot shower, vanity and composting toilet

    Outhouse with composting toilet on top of the bluff within 400 feet of each campsite

    Community area (requires short hike) with tent shelters (2, each 10' x 20'), outdoor furniture, tables, chairs, propane grill w/ side burner, firepit w/ cooking grate/skillet.

    Propane Gas Grill (at base of the hill by the bathhouse)

    Stargazing area with reclining chairs

    Cell service: AT&T typically works well, Verizon works intermittently, and T-mobile doesn't have a good signal.

    Wi-fi: Available at the bathhouse and parking area, data speeds up to 25 Mbps.

    **Parking: **On site, 2 vehicle limit, no vehicles larger than a full-size truck, no trailers.

    **Host accessibility: **Available 24/7/365 via phone and email/messaging, frequently on site.

    **Security: **Campground community areas are under video surveillance.

    Setting: Aefintyr campground is located in the hilly, wooded, blufflands of the Whitewater River Valley just north of the tiny town of Elba, MN. Views are primarily of the woods and valleys. The campground is off of a 2 lane county highway so there is some intermittent road noise. It is otherwise very peaceful and filled with the sounds of nature, including lots of birds and other wildlife.

    Aefintyr is a peaceful place with chill vibes and we like to keep it that way! It is not a place for parties or rowdy groups. We like to listen to nature, not loud music or rowdy people blabbering into the night. Please see our rules/polices to know what to expect.

    20240824

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Cabins

    $29 - $139 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Lily Springs Regenerative Farm
    Camper-submitted photo from Lily Springs Regenerative Farm
    Camper-submitted photo from Lily Springs Regenerative Farm
    Camper-submitted photo from Lily Springs Regenerative Farm
    Camper-submitted photo from Lily Springs Regenerative Farm
    Camper-submitted photo from Lily Springs Regenerative Farm

    4. Lily Springs Regenerative Farm

    1 Review
    14 Photos
    6 Saves
    Dresser, Wisconsin

    For the adventurers spending the weekend climbing at Interstate State Park, the cyclists on a bike tour, or anyone wanting to spend the night amidst the stars and owls, rent a campsite at Lily Springs Farm and pitch your tent on the lakeshore! Bring your tent or your hammock and set up a cozy nest on the lakeshore. Campsites have easy swimming access.

    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Cabins

    $70 / night

    • No image available
      Camper-submitted photo from Apple River County Park Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Apple River County Park Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Apple River County Park Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Apple River County Park Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Apple River County Park Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Apple River County Park Campground

      6. Apple River County Park Campground

      1 Review
      6 Photos
      5 Saves
      Amery, Wisconsin
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Tents
      • Standard (Tent/RV)
      • Trash
      • Picnic Table

      $15 / night

      Camper-submitted photo from Camp Spring Lake Retreat Center

      7. Camp Spring Lake Retreat Center

      1 Review
      1 Photo
      6 Saves
      Rosemount, Minnesota
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access
      • Tents

      $50 / night

      • No image available
        • No image available

          9. Pool 4, Riecks Lake Park

          Be the first to review!
          2 Saves
          Alma, Wisconsin

          This recreation area is part of Mississippi River - Pool 4

          • Tents
          Camper-submitted photo from Camp Sacajawea Retreat Center
        Showing results 1-10 of 16 campgrounds

        Recent Tent Reviews in Elmwood

        530 Reviews of 16 Elmwood Campgrounds


        • kcki M.
          Camper-submitted photo from Col Larson County Park
          Nov. 15, 2024

          Col Larson County Park

          Easy Overnight Spot

          Small city park. Just a field for tent camping. A few RV spots. Easy on-and-off if you are looking for a quick overnight.

        • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Lake Wissota State Park Campground
          Nov. 3, 2024

          Lake Wissota State Park Campground

          Lots to do!

          NE of Chippewa Falls, offers secluded campsites, hiking, biking and horseback riding trails, picnic and playground areas and a swimming beach on a man-made lake. Boating, canoeing, kayaking and water skiing are popular summer activities on the lake. Showers and flush toilets in the campground. Firewood for sale at the park office. Picnic table and fire ring at each site. Sites are wooded and fairly secluded.

        • David T.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Lake Wissota State Park Campground
          Oct. 23, 2024

          Lake Wissota State Park Campground

          Quiet in late October.

          I just stayed here one night because I was passing through the area. It worked out really well. I entered the campground late in the day. It was almost dark. They had a QR code that I used to make a reservation on the spot. I had a great night there. There's a hiking trail that completely goes around the campground. So I was able to walk my dog on that. I'm not sure how it would have been to stay as a vacation Target spot. Probably pretty fine. But it certainly was great on the shoulder season for a stopover.

        • J
          Camper-submitted photo from Highland Ridge
          Oct. 13, 2024

          Highland Ridge

          Beautiful in the fall

          This is a smaller Corps of Engineers park, lots of primitive sites and lots electric sites too. A smaller lake but no gas motors. Cell service with Verizon was ok.

        • Nanette M.
          Camper-submitted photo from Sleepy Hollow Campground
          Aug. 5, 2024

          Sleepy Hollow Campground

          Horrible service

          My husband made a reservation for our 25th wedding anniversary and he was rushed in the hospital for an emergency surgery. We notified you 3 days in advance and you refused to give us even a partial refund! We only had that money to celebrate. You didn't even offer another date for us! We are now not able to enjoy our 25th! That's terrible that you will do nothing in such an emergency situation. I will be making this public in every venue I can. Disgusting that you will probably get paid by another person to stay there. How disappointing that you would offer us nothing! Very bad business.

        • Molly M.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Willow River State Park Campground
          Aug. 4, 2024

          Willow River State Park Campground

          Very nice camping

          Lovely trails, the beach is a large area with a nice park and picnic area. The water itself is ok, lots of geese and algae. The falls are wonderful though. The bathrooms are fine. I could not find a garbage bin to save my life, not near the bathrooms or anywhere in campground 200 or by the park ranger post. If there were garbage cans dispersed throughout the campground, I would have given 5 stars. Especially along the trail to the waterfalls because there was garbage all along the trail unfortunately. Not the camps fault, but maybe people would be more responsible if garbage bins were placed along the route.

        • Greg K.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from O'Neil Creek Campground
          Aug. 1, 2024

          O'Neil Creek Campground

          They have it all

          Creek,lake,showers,laundry,full hookups,camp store,arcade,kids play areas,beach and more. Pricey! Plan on 60$/day

        • TThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from William O'Brien State Park Campground
          Jul. 31, 2024

          William O'Brien State Park Campground

          OK but not great

          The east part of the park was all closed for construction. Everything on the east side of the highway was closed so we could not hike a lot of the trails or use the beach which was a challenge with kids. Constructing is scheduled to the end of 2025.

          We stayed in a group site but there was no way 35 people could have camped in W3. Vaulted toilets need help and a good cleaning.

          The shower house needed a cleaning as well. There is no adjusting the shower temperature. Push the button and you get what you get.

          Wood was $8 bundle. This was steep in my opinion. They do not all any gathering of firewood.

          If your vehicle permit is not properly displayed, you will receive a notice on your windshield and have to talk with the office.

          The dumpster was overflowing the whole time we were there.

          Raccoons will visit your site at night. We had everything secured but they still tried and plenty of racket until we chased them away.

          Lastly we had a battle with mosquitoes. We went through a lot of bug spray and coils. Deer flies were thick around the water filling station.

          Although we did not stay in the main campground the sites are very close in there and were small.

        • p
          Camper-submitted photo from Lake Elmo County Park Reserve
          Jul. 23, 2024

          Lake Elmo County Park Reserve

          Great camping

          This was a great experience overall. The sites are spacious and far enough away from others to feel like there was enough privacy.

          The one negative thing was that some neighbors watched a movie each night — starting just after quiet hours. We could hear their movie from across a road and through some trees (and tents).

          But overall it was great. Good hiking and geocaching.

          We would go back to this campground.

        • JThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Highland Ridge
          Jul. 20, 2024

          Highland Ridge

          Clean and relatively quiet

          Lots of RV campers, but none were obnoxious. T-mobile service is almost non-existent depending on location. The showers and bathrooms were spotless. Firewood is available at several roadside stands just outside the entrance.

        • JThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Morris Erickson County Park
          Jul. 20, 2024

          Morris Erickson County Park

          Small campground

          Well used county park on a nice clear lake. The sites are close together with little privacy and close to the road which is noisy during the morning and evening but quiets down at night. Lots of kids! Nice to see families camping and having fun! Swimming, fishing, riding bikes, playground. Clean bathrooms (at least the women’s). Not our cup of tea but fine for a one night stopover. Loons calling at night and in the morning!

        • Stina M.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from O'Neil Creek Campground
          Jul. 17, 2024

          O'Neil Creek Campground

          Beautiful

          Really enjoyed the experience! It’s beautiful and good mix of quiet and lots of activity’s. Can tube down the creek, very shallow so even littles can do it too. Site 133 was super small, so much so I thought he was kidding. Saw site 204 was open and switched to that one instead. Dogs welcome which was super nice!

        • Greg D.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from D N Campground
          Jun. 19, 2024

          D N Campground

          Very nice Apple river camping

          In June 2024 we had a one day primitive spot on sperry lane you can drive over a tight steel bridge “crossing a small creek. There’s only 3 sites here but are spacious and separated from the rest of the campground but still having walking distance to exceptional bathroom and showers which you can enter into a bar for a cocktail. We enjoyed our spot #3 but bring mosquito spray there were terrible but we had a screened tent which helped. Will definitely return again.

        • dominick C.
          Camper-submitted photo from Wildwood RV Park & Campground
          Jun. 9, 2024

          Wildwood RV Park & Campground

          Great family trip

          Through a short weekend trip the camp site was a great size for us. Everyone was nice and friendly especially camp staff. The kayaking/ canoeing was an amazing adventure that everyone should try. It was even great for kids 3 and 6.

        • Jaime P.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Hidden Meadows RV Park
          Jun. 3, 2024

          Hidden Meadows RV Park

          Staff friendly, but the park is not so great

          Campsites are very closely spaced together. I was thankful no one was placed near our campsite to give us more room. The permanent campsites are practically on top of one another. If you’re bringing the kids there is literally nothing to do there. They do have a play-set but that’s where it ends. I think this campground may be under new ownership and it may be nice to see what they do with it in a year or two. For now the picnic tables are run down. The parking pads are very unlevel. WiFi signal is weak at best. If you have Verizon don’t count on service. Antenna strength is weak. Also oddly spaced power hook up with sewer and water placements. Overall not a horrible experience but not a great one. Mostly like will not return.

        • Tiffany K.
          Camper-submitted photo from Willow River State Park Campground
          May. 13, 2024

          Willow River State Park Campground

          Nice state park close to the twin cities

          Stayed here for our first camping of the season. It's a great park that has hiking, mountain bike trails, water features and good mix of electric and non electric sites.

        • Jordan D.
          Camper-submitted photo from Afton State Park Campground
          May. 11, 2024

          Afton State Park Campground

          Sites with privacy and great trails near!

          Good pricing, great trails for all different skill levels and nice staff. Our site was mighty large and for the most part secluded from those near and on the path. $22 for the site, $8 for reservation. $8 for wood (all you can chop) and $7 for the overnight and next day parking pass for one car. Beautiful surroundings and clean bathrooms and grills one mile mostly uphill hike from parking lot but not to difficult and some paved parts. Definitely coming back.

        • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Minneiska Campground — Whitewater State Park
          Mar. 31, 2024

          Minneiska Campground — Whitewater State Park

          Nice state park

          Stayed here for a couple nights on a mini state park road trip. Nice place, like most of the MN state parks. Spotty cell service. Hiked a trail with lots of steps. Fire ring and picnic table are provided at each site. Restroom with showers also available in campground. Site was large and easy to back into and offered some tree cover for shade during certain times of the day. Was unable to hang hammock in specific site we stayed at, but some of the sites looked like they would be suitable.

        • Jamie S.
          Camper-submitted photo from Lake Wissota State Park Campground
          Jan. 6, 2024

          Lake Wissota State Park Campground

          Great!

          Great camp site, the ground was a little rocky so it was a little difficult to get the stakes in but we were able to get them in. Hiking trail right next to the campsite. Bathrooms and showers are nearby as well. Great place to stay!

        • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Tresure Island RV Park
          Oct. 26, 2023

          Tresure Island RV Park

          Crowded park, nice people

          We were here for a night to see a concert at the amphitheater and everyone was super friendly. It was easy to check in, and we were able to do laundry and shower which was great. It’s mostly gravel but they have some tent sites on the grass. They are dog friendly and have some grassy areas to walk your pets which was great.

        • Heather N.
          Camper-submitted photo from Cannon Falls Campground
          Oct. 12, 2023

          Cannon Falls Campground

          Love this place!

          We started coming here in 2020 and got on the seasonal list right away. We have now been seasonals 2 years and absolutely love it!! The owners and family are amazing. They have tons of things to do for the kids! We have two boys 12 and 5 and they love it here! We can't say enough good things about Cannon Falls Campground!



        Frequently Asked Questions

        • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Elmwood, WI?

          According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Elmwood, WI is Afton State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 36 reviews.

        • What is the best site to find tent camping near Elmwood, WI?

          TheDyrt.com has all 16 tent camping locations near Elmwood, WI, with real photos and reviews from campers.