Nestled in the heart of Afton, Minnesota, Afton State Park Backpacking Campsites offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in nature. This campsite is a haven for backpackers seeking adventure, providing a mix of convenience and primitive camping experiences. Situated just a mile from the park's entrance, our site serves as an ideal base for exploring the diverse trails and scenic beauty of Afton State Park.
Our campsites cater to both novice and experienced campers, offering a secluded yet accessible location. Each site is equipped with essential facilities, including firewood (available at a nominal fee), water sources, and vault-style toilets within walking distance. The open meadows surrounding the campsites provide ample space for pitching your tent or setting up your hammock, ensuring privacy and tranquility.
What sets our campsite apart is its proximity to Afton State Park's extensive trail network. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or new to backpacking, the trails offer something for everyone. The serene environment, often visited by local wildlife like deer, enhances the camping experience, making it a memorable retreat from urban life.
Adjacent to the St. Croix River, our campsite is close to water activities and other attractions. Nearby, you'll find opportunities for boat rides, bird watching, and picnicking at designated areas, adding to your outdoor adventure.
Customer feedback highlights the campsite's convenience and scenic beauty. Many appreciate the proximity to trails and the availability of firewood and water. However, some visitors suggest improvements, such as better ventilation in toilets and easier access to firewood. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall experience is highly recommended.
Hiking
Good for kids
Kid-friendly hikes
Only about a mile hike in, this is perfect for anybody wanting to try backpacking for the first time. It's also really great for experienced backpackers too. The wood pile is close by (one price for unlimited wood, but you do have to saw it yourself). There's also two vault toilets and a water source, all within a couple minutes walk from any of the campsites. Most sites are fairly well spread out and somewhat private (some sites you can see from the trail, but only if you really know where to look). Also there are tons of deer that will sometimes walk right up to your campsite! Site 12 also has poles to hang up a hammock
Hiked the 1.4 miles in with gear, and set up for my first solo camping trip. Came across THE most brazen raccoon I have ever met. This dude would walk in silent as death. I’d turn around he was 6 feet away. Did a midnight hike (which was nice) back to my car just to stash the food. Do not feed the trash pandas!! Oootherwise: Toilet has no ventilation and reeks. Firewood is in slabs so you gotta do a lot of sawing. Water well works well. Eastern campsites are nice but there’s boat noise from the St Croix.