River, stream, or creek camping in Minnesota with hiking
Four seasons of outdoor adventures await campers in the Land o' Lakes.
91% (2788 reviews)
- Minnesota
91% (2788 reviews)
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12 top river, stream, or creek campgrounds in Minnesota with hiking
99%
(745)
Prairie Creek Forest Campground
7 sites · Tents60 acres · Nerstrand, MN
Pitch your tent at one of our Walk-in campsites on 60 acres of forest or hilltop prairie along Prairie Creek in Rice County, MN. Explore the creeks, trails, forest, our enormous granite "split rock", a 60 acre county park featuring waterfalls and trails, including a single track mountain bike course. That's 120 acres of exploring outside your tent; this campground truly offers a large amount of remote forest for recreation right on site.
Big Woods State Park is less than 2 miles away. Faribault is 8 miles and Northfield is 9 miles from our driveway; they offer dining, boutiques, and all other amenities. Nerstrand is 4.5 miles east and has a gas station and a fantastic meat market. Numerous Cannon River put-ins are within 10 miles.
Vehicles: Our main parking area by sites 1, 2, & 3 is easily accessible. The road to the secondary parking area beside site 4 is up a steep hill.
Kids under 16 camping with their parents do not count in pricing.
We do not have firewood available at the campground; please plan ahead to bring firewood with you. Sites are priced for one tent, please let us know if you need to have more than one tent.
A map of the land is in the photos and shows locations of sites, parking and more. All Sites are Walk-In! We have a cart you may use to haul gear in.
Site 1 is near the creek. Approximately 200 feet from main parking area. Steel fire ring and grill grate, picnic table.
Site 2 is in the pines. Approximately 200 feet from main parking area. Steel fire ring and grill grate, picnic table, this site has good hammock trees.
Site 3 is by the creek. Approximately 300 feet from main parking area. Steel fire ring, steel grill ring, picnic table, this site has good hammock trees.
Site 4 is on the hilltop. Site 4 has parking for 2 vehicles at the site. Steel fire ring with grill grate, stone fire ring, picnic table, this site has good hammock trees. There is NOT room to park a trailer.
This campground is managed by Stephen and Molly on land owned by them and their father Ted.
In 1961, Ted's parents bought this farm. Over the years, the arable land has been sold but we retained the wooded area which is crossed twice by a stream. About 20 years ago, a 60 acre county park was created to the south and west. The property is bordered on two sides by this county park.
When Ted was in high school, the family sold the dairy cows and started a bare bones horseback riding ranch using trails in these woods as riding trails. We are very excited to host campers as a way to preserve and share this beautiful property.
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$22.50
/ night
97%
(301)
The Camps at the Vineyards
19 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents110 acres · Ogilvie, MN
This is a 10-acre part of a larger 110-acre property. This section is reserved for tents, camping vans, and small trailers 20' or less. The river is great for small children to wade and swim in during the summer. During spring, the water is up higher for kayaks and canoes.
Your hosts live at 1010 205th Ave. It is just a vineyard for now. the winery we hope will be built in 2025.
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$20
/ night
100%
(101)
Gossman Goat Grazing Ranch
3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents42 acres · Preston, MN
We have a lovely piece of property to come enjoy a getaway at. We enjoy all of the peace and quiet around here. The night sky is unbeatable in my eyes. We have a small hobby farm with lots of very tame animals. We have 42 acres to roams with lots of trails within the woods that are filled with aged oak trees and many young maple trees. Our property is filled with lots of wild flowers and wildlife.
We are locate 3 miles from the root river if you enjoy fishing or going for a float down the river. There are two caves in our area that are a must see while you are visiting. I you like to hike there is a state park 14 minutes from us that have many miles of hiking trails and horse trails.
If you are more the small town strolling type of person we have lots of small towns around us that are filled with shops and lots of great food! There is a large system of bike trails in our area that make a very fun way to check out some of the small towns.
If you have a family with kids we have a lot of fun activities you can do with your kids, like spending time with the goats, chickens and ducks, playing on our playground, or taking a nice walk through the woods looking for fossils!
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$30
/ night
99%
(360)
Ranch Retreat Camping
4 sites · Lodging, 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%
(372)
Belle Creek Bluff
3 sites · Lodging, Tents28 acres · Welch, MN
Belle Creek Bluff is on 28 acres of prime land in Welch. Belle Creek runs through the middle of the property. Walk, swim, paddle, fish and explore the this beautiful spring fed trout stream. There are a number of hiking trails on the property. Bordering state lands to the east of the property provide endless exploration and hiking adventures. Hike to the top of the bluff for a spectacular view of Welch valley and the ski hill. Hiking NE along Belle Creek can you spot the old model A truck along the banks? There are eagles, falcons, finches, and many colorful birds to see.
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$36
/ night
96%
(276)
The Edge
7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents160 acres · Rochester, MN
This 160 acre farm used to be a sod farm, and then a Christmas tree farm. Camping provided is in the remnants of the uncut Christmas tree forest.
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$15
/ night
100%
(281)
Daniel's Cabin Retreat
4 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Waseca, MN
Our property North Ridge Pines is often known as The River Farm and our family became stewards of this unique and beautiful rural farm in 2014. It is a rare combination of deciduous and pine trees, prairie meadows that bloom in mid summer and fall, a small section of the LeSueur River as well as a small pond.
Our goal is to provide a small private camping get-away spot in nature for you to relax. We have 4 sites where you do not see the other sites from your location. We have a few lawn games such as bean bag toss/corn hole, croquet, as well as a canoe, 2 person kayak, and a paddle board to enjoy on the pond. The pond does not have any fish. Life jackets available for youth and adults.
The River Farm once owned by Ulysses S. Grant and purchased from former Speaker of the House Rod Searle's family. It was nicknamed the Jewel of Waseca County because of it's scenic area of the LeSueur River Valley, rolling hillside and diverse topography. Remote valley offers peace and quite with a few frogs, fireflies to enjoy in the summer nights.
Pets are allowed at the sites, but for safety please be with your pet or have your pet on a leash when here. Thanks.
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$36
/ night
99%
(287)
Bluff Hollow Camp on the Root River
1 site · RV, Tent8 acres · Stewartville, MN
The property is one of a kind. The Driftless Region starts right here in SE Minnesota. It is secluded with mature trees, beautiful bluffs, fishing, kayaking! It is a nature lovers dream!
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$55
/ night
90%
(5)
Cloverdale Cabins
5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Hinckley, MN
Cabin is shared with 2 other tiny home options on the same property. Contact me to host up to 16 guests. Cabin hosts 8 guests and the other 2 tiny homes host up to 4 guests each. Inquire about booking your large party group as our calendar is filling up for the summer and into the fall.
Charcoal Grill available for your use on site. Guests supply the charcoal. There is a fire pit on site as well. Guests supply the firewood.
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$35
/ night
100%
(11)
Luna Light Trails
3 sites · Tents20 acres · Makinen, MN
The leaves are starting to turn! Luna Light Trails are stunning in the fall, check out our photo section. Plus, we just hatched out 13 baby guinea! Ask if you want to see them! Their brave momma got killed by a local coyote but we were able to rescue her clutch of 13! We borrowed an incubator and waited. Twelve days later babies started hatching! All of our animals are dearly loved pets! 🪶
Come walk or bike our emerald aisles! We have five miles of groomed trails that lead through state land to the Mud Hen Creek! Bring your kayak and pole! By the creek we have a few beaver lodges and so much wildlife to admire! As you trek along Silver Ridge Canyon, don't be surprised by the sudden flight of grouse along this trail! Visit Scout Hill for a sunny afternoon picnic; the cedar trees will lead you there. If you hear knocking, you will see Mr. Woodpecker enjoying his lunch on a nearby birch tree!
Our campsites are nestled underneath a canopy of mixed wood forest. We have birch, poplar, maple, and a variety of pine. Nearby you will find our newly finished outhouse, complete with a portable shower and natural light. You will have access to parking near or next to your site with plenty of space to spread out and enjoy! Our property features a beautiful variety of trees and plenty of trails throughout our land with wildlife you might see or hear. It might be the hoot of an owl or the drum of a grouse! You will also hear the "buck wheat" and the "chee-chee" of our guineas calling for each other.
Our beautiful forest is our main feature. Since 95% of our land is wooded, we enjoy the great beauty and majesty of the trees. See if you can find "Prince." This giant is hidden on the northeastern side of our property. His beautiful branches tower over our trails and we have cleared a spot there to rest. His lovely "Princess" is near the back of the main house. She is surrounded by strong pines that stand guard through our long cold winters.
Our property extends, via trail, to state land and the Mud Hen Creek. The views are breathtaking! Please come and bring your family and friends! Our campsites' proximity would create a great weekend getaway for a retreat event or a family reunion, as well as a quiet romantic weekend!
Off site: We have Long Lake public access 5.8 miles down our road. Mud Hen Lake, Half Moon Lake, Pleasant Lake, Elliot Lake (all with public access) are just a few within a 15 minute drive. We are also within an hour drive from either Duluth or Two Harbors.
The Range Cities are charming and you could visit several in one day.
Other wonderful things to do in this area are walking or biking the Mesabi Trail. The Redhead Mt. Bike Park is within 45 minutes. The Soudan Underground Mine will be open summer of 2024! There are many local museums, parks, and more to discover on the Iron Range!
Here at home we raise chickens, ducks, and guinea fowl. We also have a Catahola Leopard dog named Hickory. She enjoys roaming our Luna Light Trails on the off season.
When I was a child, I lived on a church camp property in Uruguay, South America. This plot of land had a grove of the most beautiful, tall, eucalyptus trees in the neighborhood. These trees were the home to Monk Parakeets. These small green parrots are the only members of the parrot family to build stick nests and to nest colonially. Needless to say, they were very loud, but one of my favorite childhood memories!
This little plot on the Minnesota map has been our home for the last three and a half years. We have enjoyed our woods and so will you!
~ Taking reservations for summer 2024 ~
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$38
/ night
99%
(126)
Pearsons Century Farm
16 sites · RVs, Tents79 acres · Litchfield , MN
Homesteaded more than 100 years ago this farm is somewhat stuck in time. Once this was a prosperous dairy operation. Location location location, this place is my slice of heaven on earth. Located in the corner of 4 townships on an extremely quiet road. Our farm now raises grass fed beef and wooly pigs pastured along driveway along with the usual cast of a farm, dogs, cats, chickens, guineas and goats
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$45
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91%
(16)
Grand Marais Get-A-Way
1 site · RV, Tent10 acres · Grand Marais, MN
Site:
***2024 Update - The hillside campsite is now cleared and available for tent camping. Driveway has been extended (now 115 feet long) , two firepits have been constructed (one at end of driveway & one on hillside campsite) and picnic table on site. We are currently accepting bookings for Spring/Summer/Fall of 2024.
A 10 acre secluded forest site nestled between Lake Superior and the Sawtooth Mountains. This is a single site property; enjoy complete privacy during your booking dates. Property is primitive and dense with trees/ground cover. 115 feet of cleared driveway is best spot for RV set up; levers likely needed as driveway is gravel is uneven in spots. Tent camping with firepit on hillside campsite. Second firepit at the end of the driveway.
Hiking/Biking Options:
There are no marked trails on the property. For guests interested in hiking we recommend:
1) The 310 mile Superior Hiking Trail easily accessible at multiple locations throughout Grand Marais OR
2) The Woods Creek Superior Hiking trailhead approximately 1 mile from property; parking lot at trailhead.
Biking not possible on site but nearby gravel roads are an option for advanced riders or bikers looking for a challenging ride. For other biking options, including family friendly routes, check out: www.visitcookcounty.com.
Site is a private 10 acres forest plot. A perfect primitive home base for laid back families and seasoned adventurers. Tired of the outdoors? A 10 minute drive takes you to downtown Grand Marais with restaurants, shops and Artists Point.
Come enjoy the picturesque Minnesota North Shore!
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$40
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Under $50
Available this weekend
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
River, stream, or creek camping in Minnesota with hiking 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. Rochester, Mankato, and Winona provide easy access to the south, where highlights include aptly named Great River Bluffs State Park, Whitewater 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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