River, stream, or creek camping in Minnesota with campfires

Four seasons of outdoor adventures await campers in the Land o' Lakes.

95% (3022 reviews)
95% (3022 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Minnesota

Under $50

Dog-friendly getaways

12 top river, stream, or creek campgrounds in Minnesota with campfires

100%
(297)

Shady Rest Acres

4 sites · Lodging, Tents23 acres · Brownsville, MN
Once the site of the historic V.J. Fetzner Brewery from the late 19th Century. The land is now used as a hobby farm, honey bee sanctuary and nursery to a unique tree species normally not found in Southeastern Minnesota. Remnants of the brewery are still visible. Foundation walls outline the massive structure of the brewery. Nestled in the center of the foundation is the entrance to the sixty-seven foot deep cave that once held barrels of beer and can be accessed by canoe only. Hops have been located on the property and are believed to be ancestors of those raised to make the beer once stored in the cave. The pond that provides access to the cave was dug out in the early 1990's to create a fish out for the Spring Falls Trout Farm that used to exist across the highway. Some of the original brood stock still exist and continue to naturally stock the pond. It is not uncommon to see fish that are five to ten pounds in size. We do not allow fishing from our pond. The residents house is built to scale to the original brew master's house. While the house is only twenty-four years old it looks as though you have taken a step back in time. The name Shady Rest was given to the house by the Brew Master's wife. We thought it was appropriate to keep the name alive. Shady Rest Acres is comprised of twenty-three acres of beautiful woodlands and pasture that are protected forever in the Minnesota Land Trust. The pasture is home to Scottish Highlander cows, two miniature donkeys, five sheep, four goats, honey bees and a flock of chickens. Scottish Highlanders were selected for both their grazing and browsing abilities. They are very docile and make excellent pasture mates to the smaller species sharing the pasture. The cows are excellent forest managers. They clear out invasive species such as Honey Suckle, Buckthorn, and Barberry which can often be difficult to manage. A guided tour with the host can be taken to meet the pasture animals. The forest is comprised of many tree species. Some are unique in that they normally do not grow in this region of Minnesota. The yellow birch is a species normally found in Northern Minnesota. It's bark is golden in color and glistens when the sun hits it just right. We have a cluster of several yellow birch including one that is so big that the bark no longer looks golden but instead is grey and very rough. Years ago the largest of these trees made excellent wood for turning bowls. Blue Beech (musclewood) can also be found on the property. As the name indicates the bark is shaped like muscles. Songbirds and some other species will use different parts of the tree as a food source. Towering white pines also speckle the landscape. Mother pine requires at least two humans arm lengths to encircle the whole tree. She is a favorite resting spot for the barred owl. There is oak, elm, maple, ceders, poplars and numerous other species. Honey bees are an integral part of the landscape. We partnered with a friend and started raising honey bees two years ago in order to do our part to keep pollinators thriving. Their hives are located in the pasture where it has the perfect amount of early morning sun to get them moving and afternoon shade to balance out the summer heat. It is not uncommon to see them pollinating garden plants, trees and wild flowers around the property. One of their favorite feeding spots is the acre and a half prairie which offers a range of plants including big blue stem, wild indigo and baby blue stem, to name a few. Not only are honey bees essential to the food chain but they also provide a very enriching experience when they are observed moving about their hives. There is nothing more relaxing and fascinating than watching these amazing creatures.
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$40
 / night
94%
(9)

Yurt on the River

1 site · Lodging14 acres · Saginaw, MN
Sit by the fire, gaze at the night sky, float down the river, and just unwind. Our yurt sits on the edge of a wild woods on the banks of the Cloquet River overlooking a meadow that is an active forest restoration project currently in process. From your door, you can access a loop of trails that wind through the woods, to the river and back to the yurt. There are also 100+ undeveloped public acres to the North accessible by kayak or a canoe. Enjoy getting back to basics. There is no electricity or running water in the yurt. Camp lanterns and solar lights are provided as is refillable fresh water and a propane camp stove/oven with pots/pans/utensils. The yurt is heated solely by a wood stove and there is plenty of firewood a short distance away with a sled or wagon to use for hauling. A campfire pit is just outside the yurt with a hanging grill and grilling tools. A detached outhouse is a short walk from the yurt and is for your use alone when you're here. In the winter, a Luggable Loo is available to bring to the yurt to eliminate trips at night in the cold to the outhouse. The yurt contains a queen bed with linens and a single camp cot available on request.  Dogs are welcome in the yurt! We do charge a $25 pet fee per reservation. If you'd like to bring a dog or dogs (limit 2), please add the Pet Fee which is listed as an extra during the booking process. In the warm months, 2 kayaks, 1 canoe, and 3 inner tubes are available for exploring and enjoying the river (along with paddles and two life vests). You can start from our dock, paddle upriver as far as you'd like and float back down, which is extremely relaxing. If you'd like a shuttle upriver to a public access point for a half day's (or so) paddle/float back to the yurt, add this as an extra to your reservation during the booking process and message me with your preferred day/time. We charge $25/per person with a limit of two. This section of the river (from the Independence access at Hwy. 53 to our dock at Co. Rd. 7) is an easy paddle containing two Class 1 sets of rapids which are calmer the higher the river level. If the weather or river conditions make this unsafe, unpleasant or impossible when you arrive, we will issue you a refund. There is another option for a starting point farther upriver, put-in at Bachelor Road if you're looking for a full day's trip. This section contains a few more sections of Class 1 rapids. **Note that duration of either trip varies and is determined by the level/flow rate of the river. There is also great fishing and swimming in the river! **Note: Poison ivy grows along the banks of the river. I keep it abated at the dock and boat landing area but it's a good idea to wear water shoes and know your poison ivy identification. In the winter, two pairs of snowshoes are included for long quiet walks through the woods and on the frozen river where winter wildlife sightings are frequent! **Note: The last few years have not been cold enough for the river to freeze completely over, so snowshoeing on the river, highly unfortunately, has not been available. Always check with me before venturing out on the river ice. If there is any open water at all, DO NOT venture out. This is extremely dangerous! Exercise caution with dogs! **Another note: Train sounds and some road noise can be heard from the yurt. The train has been described as "quite loud" by some guests and as sounding "off in the distance" and pleasant by others. The crossing is a half mile down the road. If you're sensitive to sounds, a light sleeper, or looking for complete quiet, please take this into account. Ear plugs are available in the yurt.
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$125
 / night
99%
(367)

Ranch Retreat Camping

4 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Winona, MN
Our ranch has been in our family for 14 years and prior to that belonged to one family for over 200 years. Jolene (me, - owner) and my two sons, Riley and Logan put a lot of time and dedication into our ranch. Our ranch is located on 40 acres where anyone can find their little piece of “peace.” We pride ourselves on taking excellent care of our guests, making them feel at home the instant they step onto our land. We will do our best to accommodate your needs in any way possible. Our WIFI is not always 100% reliable. If you absolutely need WIFI at all times during your stay, please bring another option with you, such as a hotspot on your cell phone, in case ours is not dependable. From the crew who loves to share a little piece of our life on Stone Roller Road, – Jolene, Riley, Logan, Scotch (the yellow lab) Hops (the chocolate lab) and Scrappy (the late ranch dog)
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$28.80
 / night
99%
(220)

Stone Creek Farm

6 sites · Lodging36 acres · Taylors Falls, MN
Situated on 36 acres, this working farm is 2 miles West of Taylors Falls. Dan and Danielle bought this property with the intention of growing stone fruits (plums, peaches, apricots and cherries) using sustainable and organic practices because health and wellness matter to them! They are still in the process of improving their property. Many of the building on the property were in poor condition, including the old barn foundation which is now one of Dan and Danielle favorite places to keep cool in the summer. After they had excavated all the debris (which took years) they were able to transform it with gardens and fire pit for all to enjoy. They love sharing what they have been blessed with! They hope you enjoy their place as much as they do! Feel free to ask them to show you around or even get your hands dirty with them as they plant or harvest.
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$36
 / night

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Star Hosts in Minnesota

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

River, stream, or creek camping in Minnesota with campfires guide

Overview

The land of 10,000 lakes―11,842 to be exact—is a water-logged paradise for anglers, paddlers, and campers. From the shores of Lake Superior to the banks of the Mississippi, you'll never be more than a short drive from a lake campground or a forest hiking trail. Minnesota's distinct seasons afford plenty of opportunities to get outdoors, whether you're hiking or horseback riding through autumnal woodlands, wild swimming in the lakes in summer, or snowshoeing and cross-country skiing through the long winter months. The best weather for a camping trip is from May through October, but you'll find many Minnesota campgrounds open year-round.

Where to go

Northwest Minnesota

Bordered by Canada to the north, and South Dakota and the Red River Valley to the west, northwest Minnesota is home to some of the state's biggest lakes. Grand Rapids and Bemidji are the gateways to the Leech Lake Recreation Area and the Chippewa National Forest, while nearby Itasca State Park lies at the headwaters of the Mississippi River. To the north, two Minnesota state parks border the Lake of the Woods, known for its walleye fishing and winter snowmobiling.

Northeast Minnesota

Lush state forests, wetlands, and island-studded lakes blanket the northeastern tip of Minnesota, stretching down from the Canadian border to the north shore of Lake Superior. Minnesota camping is at its wildest out here, whether paddling out to island campsites in Voyageurs National Park, RV camping with full hookups in Superior National Forest, or seeking out a tranquil lake campground in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

Central Minnesota

On the banks of the mighty Mississippi River, the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul are launchpads for outdoor adventures in central Minnesota. Some of the region's best campgrounds are just a short drive from the city at Mille Lacs Lake, while Frontenac State Park has a mix of drive-in RV sites and cart-in tent sites along the Mississippi. Further north, there's kayak and canoe camping along the St. Croix River at Wild River State Park, or yurt and camper cabin rentals at Afton State Park.

Southern Minnesota

Glacial plains and scenic river valleys give way to the wooded bluffs of the Mississippi River in southern Minnesota. RochesterMankato, and Winona provide easy access to the south, where highlights include aptly named Great River Bluffs State ParkWhitewater State Park, and Minneopa State Park, home of Minnesota's tallest waterfall. In the far southwestern corner, Blue Mounds State Park is known for its soaring cliffs—a hotspot for rock climbing—and free-roaming bison.

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