Camping near Bloomington

Camp near Bloomington, a suburban gateway to Minnesota’s diverse state parks and forests. Afton State Park—along the scenic St. Croix River—is made up of rugged terrain and prairie landscapes. Set up overnight at a year-round hike-in campsite or canoe site with drinking water and self-serve firewood, while bigger groups can find two larger campsites with vault toilets. In the morning, try a hike along the Prairie Loop Trail for panoramic river views, or go out skiing when winter hits. For a rustic log cabin experience, head an hour west to Lake Maria State Park. Tent sites are accessible via hiking trails through the maple, oak, and basswood forest. The park is a hotspot for birdwatching as well as opportunities to see the elusive Blanding's turtle near Maria Lake. Sand Dunes State Forest provides a waterside primitive campground with vault toilets, wells, and trails access. It’s also a unique destination for horseback riders and hikers who want to explore a landscape made up of oak savanna, pine forest, and rolling dunes.