Wall Tent Campground sits on a grassy prairie plateau 968 feet above the St. Croix River in Afton State Park, 30 minutes southeast of the Twin Cities. The hike-in group sites occupy the same upper bluff terrain as the park's primitive backpack sites, offering big sky views and solitude once you haul your gear up the steep climb. Amenities are rustic: vault toilets, a solar water pump, and quiet.
Hike-in backpack and group (wall-tent) camping located on an upper prairie plateau; described as rustic/primitive and not vehicle accessible.
Weather and SeasonsFall offers the best combination of comfortable weather and scenery. Expect crisp days in the 40s to 60s°F during September and October with chilly nights. Hardwood ridges light up with gold and rust color, hiking feels less strenuous in the cooler air, and crowds thin compared to midsummer. Spring brings wildflowers and cool temps that help on the steep approach. Summer is popular for the river beach but the climb with gear can be brutal in heat. Winter sees cross-country skiers on groomed trails; camping the upper sites in snow is specialized. Weekends draw heavier crowds in fair weather, especially at the beach.
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits on windswept ridgetop prairie where tall grasses give way to scattered oak groves. Below, the land drops sharply through wooded ravines and bluffs to the St. Croix River. From the upper plateau you can see the St. Croix valley and distant ski slopes at Afton Alps. Trails wind down through ravines past Trout Brook to a sandy swimming beach on the river. White-tailed deer, bald eagles, turkey vultures, and goldfinches are common sightings. Prairie skinks, garter snakes, and grassland birds like eastern meadowlarks use the rocky bluff openings. Mosquitoes and ticks are present in warm months.
Geological RegionRugged, rolling bluff and prairie landscape above the St. Croix River (bluffs, ravines and grassy ridgetops)
Scenic ViewsScenic overlooks on ridgetops and bluffs provide views of the St. Croix River valley and surrounding prairie and woodland; trails connect overlooks, riverfront and interior prairie areas.