The best camping near Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area adventure.

50% (2 reviews)
50% (2 reviews)

Discover the natural splendor of Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area.  

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Stay at a public campground in Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area

Top-rated campgrounds near Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area

98%
(191)

The Oaks at Oakwood Farm

2 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Oak Grove, MN
Enjoy 10 acres shared between 2 sites! The two campsites are large and can accommodate approximately 6 tents comfortably at each. If more is needed let us know we have room and can accommodate. There is a shared bathroom/changing room and trash/recycling between the sites. There is a water point in the barn if you need to fill up on drinking water just make sure you have a container for it. Site includes a picnic table and firepit and many acres with downed trees to salvage. Bundles of firewood can be purchased if needed. This area includes a back pasture and woods with trails throughout for walking/mountain biking. There are many horse trails in the area, if you want to bring your horses that is fine as long as you bring containment for them and clear it with us first. We are approximately 1 mile from a rum river access. There are multiple river trip options from our property. We are also 3 mins from lake george and the Rum River Regional Park for swimming, biking, fishing, boating, and more paddling. There is a Bills gas n grocery as well as a G-will liquors less than a minute from the property. The Ponds golf course is about 4 mins away as well. If you are looking to hit downtown Anoka that is a straight shot and approx 12 mins away. This site is on an active hobby farm that has dogs, cats, horses, chickens, goats, turkeys, and multiple gardens. We have a farm stand by the road where we sell items such as fresh roasted coffee, eggs, BBQ sauce, pickles, maple syrup, hot sauce, and more! We are very pet friendly and like to meet new furry faces, so feel free to bring them along!
Pets
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from 
$31.50
 / night
99%
(766)

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.
Pets
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from 
$22.50
 / night

The best camping near Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area guide

Overview

About

Over the valley and through the woods, to Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area we go! So it may not be your grandmother’s house, but these woods are worth the trip, especially since they lie only minutes away from the Twin Cities. Here, you can hike, bike or trot the Minnesota Valley State Trail which will lead you right into the Minnesota River, over marshes and streams, and through meadows and savannas. If you think that’s awesome, you’ve got to go off-the-beaten-path and make the trek to the historic Jabs Farmstead from the 1800’s, a cool settlement of old and abandoned buildings, surprisingly not that well-known to the public.

Traverse the Minnesota headwaters, search the wetlands for beavers and mink, and perhaps keep your watchful eye out for the ever-elusive red fox. There’s over 3,800 acres for you to explore and get lost in! Maybe you’ll have to make this Minnesota Valley the spot for your next date with Grams.

When to go

The ideal time to visit Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural beauty is at its peak. Summer offers a full bloom of activities, though it can be quite busy. Winters are less crowded but prepare for cold conditions. Always check for seasonal closures or events that might affect your visit.

Know before you go

  • Verify your route before departure; Highway 67 is closed, and GPS systems may not reflect this change.
  • For safety, always check weather conditions and park advisories before your trip.
  • Accessibility may vary across different areas of the park; plan accordingly.
  • Remember to pack essentials, as amenities may be distant or unavailable.
  • Respect the park's natural environment by following Leave No Trace principles.

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