The best camping near Mississippi National River and Recreation Area

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Mississippi National River and Recreation Area adventure.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Mississippi National River and Recreation Area

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Whippletree Farm & Nature Trail

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Lake Elmo, MN

Welcome to Whippletree! This is our sixth-generation family farm, and while it's more of a hobby farm now, it has been in continuous agricultural production since 1869! Besides tillable farm land, we are stewards of native prairie, small wooded areas, a remnant of an oak savanna and wetlands, with trails throughout. We consider this our sanctuary and enjoying sharing it with others looking for a place of retreat to connect with the natural world. Stop by for a visit!

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Honeyberry Minnesota working farm

2 sites · RVs25 acres · Stillwater, MN

Small working farm of 25 acres with roughly 1/3 wooded. Bring cash if you want to buy fresh produce. Half-way between Hudson WI and Stillwater MN. Tons of activities to do, including the St Croix River. Mowed trails on the property, campfire wood provided. Walk up to our two-acre Haskap orchard.

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Clover Bee Farm

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Shafer, MN

We are a small family farm. From April-October we make a living on the farm and enjoy rural life. We’re very busy during these months and if you stay with us you may be able to enjoy fresh produce for purchase- we also have neighbors that sell eggs, there is a Meat shop in downtown Lindstrom and 2 miles away is Rod's Country Corner (ice cream, pizza, sandwiches, essentials). So, you could have the opportunity for some delicious camp food while staying here. It is very beautiful with much to see and do. Things to note: 1. There are black bear in the area, please keep food stowed away in your car at night and your campsite clean. 2. Storms pop-up and tents etc. are subject to wind, please be mindful of the weather and any incidents that occur are not liable to the property owners. When you arrive pull up in the driveway we will direct you to your location... and please park your vehicle close to your site. When you are tent camping this can come in handy during any inclimate weather, which can pop up randomly during the summer months. We have a rustic composting toilet for guest use. Please read the instructions on the inside before using. This is a working farm, it can be unkempt or messy- it is also mosquito forward and wood tick forward-please bring bug spray. Many of our past campers have enjoyed the scenery despite being next to a slightly trafficked road. Also, fireworks are very popular with the neighbors in the area around July 4th. Please respect our quiet time, when the sun goes down-so do we. No Smoking Marijuana or Tobacco on the farm, and no pets. Preferably no glass bottles either. ++Attractions in the area++ Ice Age Trail Wild River State Park (canoe and kayak rental available) Interstate State Park (Boat Tours, kayak and canoe rental, hiking) The water park at Wild Mountain Boat Rental: https://www.captainshawnsrental.com/ Wineries: Chateu St Croix, Wild River Winery, Dancing Dragonfly, Rustic Roots Breweries: Uncommon Loon, Trap Rock Shopping: Antiques in every town! My favorite is The Lindstrom Antique Store. Rock Shop in Taylors Falls, St Croix Falls downtown is cute too. Osceola has lots of fun treasures. Food: Juneberry Cafe, Anderson's Ice Cream Shop, Watershed Cafe in Osceola, Marketplace Grocery store, Brinks Grocery store, 3 Arrows Coffee --even though we're a rural area, there is no shortage of things to do here!--

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Pioneer Farm on Fish Lake

4 sites · Lodging, Tents14 acres · Harris, MN

Canpers! We have had a great fall season! Thank you so much! we are now moving into the colder season. we encourage tent camping for the brave! You can go snow shoe walking! This lakefront farm is a very special spiritual location. Listen to the night life in the woods and loons on the lake. Fall time- the acorns are falling:) The farm animals are gone now, but there remains a huge barn and outbuildings. Enjoy observing old time architecture! Monet tight? We are open to a refund of $20 a day for an hour for farm chores. Chores like mending fences, cutting vegetation, collecting the harvest from the earth, etc. Pay in full thru hipcamp, then we can arrange a task per interest and capabilities!! We're almost seventy now -getting harder to keep things up, ya know! need lots of oak limbs peeled off the bark:)

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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!

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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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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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Golden Maple Camp, Trails & Biking

1 site · Lodging60 acres · Beldenville, WI

Our beautiful property has been farmed by our family for many years. We have enjoyed preserving the woods with our mountain biking trails turned snow shoe trails in the winter. The woods are full of golden maple trees which is where we got the name for our personal campground. Come visit to see for yourself! Learn more about En Gedi, your tent site: You'll be staying in a private safari tent overlooking a 100 year old maple tree above a secluded hollow in our woods. With access to over 2 miles of marked out mountain bike trails and hiking trails here on the property. Outhouse, picnic table, fire pit with 4 chairs and 4 cots are provided (2 extra large, 2 large), sheets are provided for the 2 extra large cots. Drinking water is provided (2 gallon jug). Firewood is available for purchase at the campsite ($5/ten pieces of wood). You can also use whatever has fallen in the woods. Located at the end of a well worn field road access you'll need to hike in if you have a low clearance vehicle. Its about .25 mile long hike with a 100' ascent. Access in 4x4 can be limited in wet and muddy weather. We also have access to a class A trout stream about 1 mile away to enjoy swimming, fishing and lounging. We are a short 10 minute drive to many great local activities like Whitetail mountain bike trail in River Falls or Kinnickinnick river kayaking. Fantastic local Forestville Winery is less then 2 miles away with great wine and food options. Add on an experience to your stay like mountain bike classes or feeding our baby cows! Get the full country experience while you're camping!

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field view campsite

3 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Northfield, MN

Learn more about this land:You"ll camp right next to the Horse pasture and on our field drive with wonderful views and sunsets. The field is surrounded on three sides by Rice County Wilderness Park so it is very private and quiet.

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Twin Folk Farms

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents120 acres · Hager City, WI

Previously a 100 acre century farm, this fertile land was tended to by generations of old time farmers. Their dairy cows pastured in areas which we now graze sheep. The restored quarry provided gravel for the nearby highway restoration and local projects.The property is currently a mix of hay ground, cropland, pasture, forest, and quarry. Twin sisters, Darla and Kayla, and their families live across the road from each other and own the surrounding 140 acres. They keep busy planting/tending trees, making hay, moving fence for grazing animals, operating a farm business called Twin Folk Farms (pastured meat, camps, etc), and raising their families.Learn more about this land:- This site is at the edge of a restored quarry, sheep pasture, and wooded hillside.- The site is tucked down a flat mowed path, so it feels very private and protected. - You can hike up a path to the sheep pasture. Sometimes sheep are there, sometimes elsewhere on the farm. You can hike the other direction and check out the restored quarry. We have paths all around the property, so feel free to respectfully explore.- You can't see the highway from this site, but you can hear it. It's super handy to be able to hop out of your campsite haven and onto the hwy, but be aware that you will hear vehicles.- There's a Mississippi river boat launch a few miles down the road, so feel free to park your boat at the bottom of the quarry driveway.- The Hay Creek riding trails are 25 minutes away, so contact us if you want to set up a place in the quarry to park your horses and trailer for the night. - We are certified to sell meat straight off of the farm (Twin Folk Farms), so contact us if you want to purchase your meat and have it delivered to your campsite. You can also set up a time to come up to the farm and purchase meat. - The beautiful, historic town of Red Wing is 10 minutes from our farm. You'll find a mix of modern amenities and historic shops to suit your fancy.

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Wilder Retreat

3 sites · Lodging6 acres · Shafer, MN

Learn more about this land: Welcome to Wilder Retreat on the Saint Croix River. Come experience the magic of the river valley and this special land were you’ll stay at either the Wilder Bell Tent or The Writers Cabin. Tucked away in the woods behind an 1890’s farmhouse and bordering the Saint Croix River. The cabin has a sleeping loft with a queen memory foam mattress and cozy bedding. Two burner propane cooktop and pump sink along with all you need to cook. Hike the half mile down to the river and explore nearby Taylor’s falls. Sit out under the stars by the campfire, cozy up in the sleeping loft, and enjoy a quiet getaway in the beautiful Saint croix River valley. This listing can be booked along with my other listing "Wilder Bell tent" for bigger groups. The Space: The Writers Cabin is a small pine cabin with a sleeping loft, built in sofa that doubles as another single bed, and a built in dining area. There is a two burner propane cooktop, as well as a pump sink for doing dishes or water, and the kitchen is equipped with basic cooking needs as well as dishes and utensils. Coffee and Chemex pour over are provided along with olive oil, salt and pepper. The cabin is solar powered. Wood burning Sauna year round and seasonal/warm weather outdoor shower and bath. Port o potty toilet. Guest Access: Guests can pull directly up to the cabin and park right by it. The river is just a 1/2 mile hike down, and there is a federal campground at the river as well with picnic tables, fire pits, toilets and water access. Other things to note: Upon arrival guests can sign up at the sign up sheet on sauna fence for 2 hour private time slots in our wood burning Nordic sauna and use the outdoor shower area and bath in the summer. Sauna is year round. We do have dogs and chickens at our farm. Please keep dogs away from the chicken coop and run area. The cabin sits back behind our farmhouse, but feels incredibly private and has a gorgeous view. Frequently Asked questions: Can I check in early? I do my best to accommodate early check ins, but if the cabin is booked back to back I may not be able to. Do you rent kayaks or canoes? We don't rent, but there are some great places nearby that do! We highly recommend getting out on or in the river! Can you recommend places to visit or to eat? I'd love to! Just Ask! Is there water in the cabin? Yes, there is water in the pump sink for doing dishes and drinking (not purified drinking water). Is there electricity? The cabin is solar powered. Just keep in mind that you don't want to drain the battery by leaving things plugged in too long or leaving lights on. Is there a campfire area? Yes, we have a solo stove for outdoor fires and we supply wood for it. Is there a fridge? No fridge in the cabin, so we recommend just packing your food in a cooler. One can be supplied if you don't have one. What is the bathroom situation? Port o potty

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Walker's Ranch

1 site · Tent9 acres · Lakeville, MN

Learn more about this land: Come stay and make memories on the Walker ranch, you can't beat the scenery and location. Explore the Walker trail that leads to the creek and lounge in the woods in the hammock. Possibilities are endless!

The best camping near Mississippi National River and Recreation Area guide

Overview

About

This national park boasts a 72-mile stretch of the Mississippi River. This recreation area starts at Dayton/Ramsey in the north. Your journey ends southwest of Hastings. In between, the river goes through the heart of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Canoe, hike, fish, and bike along this waterway.

Canoeing the Great River Road lets you see Minnesota from a unique vantage point. Put in at the confluence of the Mississippi and Coon Rivers for a quiet, 12.7-mile float. This trip ends at the Coon Rapids Dam. Lion's Levee Park offers a picnic and grilling area in St. Paul. Pull out just past Grey Cloud Island near the Grey Cloud Trail.

Watch out for rapids, dam, locks, and barge traffic on the river. Some dams and locks require you to portage your canoe and carry it. Make sure you get an appropriate waterways map before setting out.

Minneapolis and St. Paul have many parks near the river with biking trails. Historic sites and state parks along the river also utilize bike trails. You can pick a short bike journey or put together a long one that follows the entire 72-mile length of the river. Fort Snelling and Hidden Falls are two excellent places for biking.

Nature walks and trails also occur in parkland spots. Again, the Twin Cities offer plenty in the way of hikes near the Mississippi. Grey Cloud Dunes and Coldwater Spring have short and long hikes. Look for otters and beavers near the water. Eagles and falcons rule the air.

Summer and fall are the best time to visit the Mississippi River in Minnesota. Fall foliage turns the banks of the river into a beautiful canvas of red, orange and yellow.

Nearby attractions

Embrace the beauty of the outdoors while camping near the Lebanon Hills Regional Park. Its verdant trails, calm lakes, and comfortable campsites offer an accessible escape from the hustle of daily life, creating a haven for nature lovers.