1. Explore
    /
  2. United States
    /
  3. Minnesota
    /
  4. Lake Elmo
Open in app
1 / 100

Whippletree Farm & Nature Trail

Hosted by Peter · Lake Elmo, Minnesota
3 sites · RV, Tent, Lodging · 40 acres
100%
·
178 reviews
Avatar
Peter is a Star Host
Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.
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!

Select a site

Tent-only sites

1 site
  • Picture of the site
  • Picture of the site
  • Picture of the site

Walk-in Tent Camping Site

100%
(95)
Tent site · Sleeps 4
Simple, rustic walk-in tent camping on a 150 year old active farm nestled in a suburban setting. This walk-in site (1/10 of a mile) is a tree-covered tent site next to an open field. This is fairly private and out of the way, but a bit of a walk to the water spigot, outhouse and milkhouse lounge (about 800 feet away). The site has a fire ring and cooking grate and a picnic table.  Hiking trails are on the property throughout the woods & meadow for you to use and enjoy. These are a  mile and a half of nicely-manicured, easy to moderate trails. There is a deck on the barn for camper relaxation. There can be traffic noise as we are close to a highway. Also plan on hearing chicken noises (we have complimentary ear plugs if you'd rather not hear the rooster a the crack of dawn).  Firewood bundles are available for purchase, and we don't mind if you scrounge for downed, dead firewood around the farm.  Wildlife is abundant. Depending on time of year, you may see deer, bear, fox, sandhill cranes, turkeys, raccoons, muskrats, barn swallows, great horned owls, kestrel, ducks, salamanders, snakes, fire flies and more. Depending on time of year you may also see ticks, mosquitoes and horse flies. The scenic Gateway Trail for biking, walking and horseback riding is just down the road. There is access to several lakes, including legendary White Bear Lake within 5 miles if you have a boat, kayak or other watercraft. The historic rivertown of Stillwater is 6 miles away, and St. Paul/Minneapolis is 20/25 miles away.
Moderate walk to site
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
No showers

RV/tent sites

1 site
  • Picture of the site
  • Picture of the site
  • Picture of the site

RV & Car Camping Site

98%
(31)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 4 · Vehicles under 28 ft
Simple, rustic RV/car camping spot on a 150 year old active farm nestled in a suburban setting. Also works as a spot to pitch a tent. This site is by the main buildings and close to the action (and close to the outhouse, water, milkhouse lounge & barn deck). While you do have your own space, it is not secluded. Plan on seeing and hearing people, much like a traditional campground or RV park. Electrical hook up is available for a fee. It is in same spot as the camper cabin, and only one is booked for the same time period (if the camper cabin is booked, the RV spot is not available). Hiking trails are on the property throughout the woods & meadow for you to use and enjoy. These are a mile and a half of nicely-manicured, easy to moderate trails. There is a deck on the barn for camper relaxation. There can be traffic noise as we are close to a highway. Also plan on hearing chicken noises (we have complimentary ear plugs if you'd rather not hear the rooster a the crack of dawn). Firewood bundles are available for purchase, and we don't mind if you scrounge for downed, dead firewood around the farm. Wildlife is abundant. Depending on time of year, you may see deer, bear, fox, sandhill cranes, turkeys, raccoons, muskrats, barn swallows, great horned owls, kestrel, ducks, salamanders, snakes, fire flies and more. Depending on time of year you may also see ticks, mosquitoes and horse flies. The scenic Gateway Trail for biking, walking and horseback riding is just down the road. There is access to several lakes, including legendary White Bear Lake within 5 miles if you have a boat, kayak or other watercraft. The historic rivertown of Stillwater is 6 miles away, and St. Paul/Minneapolis is 20/25 miles away.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
Electrical hookup
No water hookup

Lodging

1 site
  • Picture of the site
  • Picture of the site
  • Picture of the site

Farm Stay Cabin & Nature Trail

99%
(54)
Cabin · Sleeps 4 · 2 bedrooms · 3 beds
Enjoy our simple, rustic farm stay on a 150+ year old active family-farm nestled in a suburban setting.   This is an uninsulated three season camping cabin. During the cold months, the stove will do a fair job with outdoor temps to about 30 degrees. Mid-summer, we do have fans, but it will be quite warm in there. You are welcome to book anytime, just know this is camping with a cabin, not fancy glamping! Best time to book this cabin is spring and fall. The camper cabin that has a sleeping room, kitchenette and living area on the first floor, and a sleeping area in the second floor loft. The cabin sleeps four (4), has a picnic table and firepit with grill grate.  We provide mattresses and clean sheets, and you bring your own sleeping bag and/or blankets and pillows. We also provide grilling utensils, cast iron pan, four sets of tableware, cutting board, mixing bowl, can opener, dish towels, biodegradable soap, electric teapot and mini fridge.  There's a wood stove for making it usable into late fall. When it's hot, there are portable fans for use. This spot is close to the action (and close to the outhouse, sink, milkhouse lounge and  barn deck). While you do have your own space, it is not secluded. Plan on seeing and hearing people, much like a traditional campground or RV park.  Hiking trails are on the property throughout the woods & meadow for you to use and enjoy. These are a mile and a half of nicely-manicured, easy to moderate trails. There is a deck on the barn for camper relaxation There can be traffic noise as we are close to a highway. Also plan on hearing chicken noises (we have complimentary ear plugs if you'd rather not hear the rooster a the crack of dawn). Firewood bundles are available for purchase, or you can scrounge for downed, dead firewood around the farm. Wildlife is abundant. Depending on time of year, you may see deer, bear, fox, sandhill cranes, turkeys, raccoons, muskrats, barn swallows, great horned owls, kestrel, ducks, salamanders, snakes, fire flies and more. Depending on time of year you may also see ticks, mosquitoes and horse flies. The scenic Gateway Trail for biking, walking and horseback riding is just down the road. Sunfish Lake Park nature preserve for hiking and mountain bike trails is two miles away, and Lake Elmo Park Reserve is nearby as well. There is access to several lakes, including legendary White Bear Lake within 5 miles if you have a boat, kayak or other watercraft. The historic rivertown of Stillwater is 6 miles away.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
No showers
Picnic table

Reviews

100% Recommend212 ratings · 178 reviews
Whippletree Farm offers campers a charming escape with its cozy cabins, friendly farm animals, and peaceful trails. Many visitors appreciate the proximity to the city while still feeling secluded, making it a convenient yet serene retreat. Guests often remark on the welcoming host, Peter, who provides clear directions and assistance. While most experiences are positive, a few noted minor inconveniences like the rustic feel of the cabin and the composting toilet, but these did not significantly detract from their overall enjoyment.
Summary AI-generated from real reviews
Recommends
· October 2026
With kids ·
Farm Stay Cabin & Nature Trail
Great getaway that's still near the cities. A little hidden gem to decompress and unwind. Will be going back.
Recommends
· October 2026
With kids ·
Farm Stay Cabin & Nature Trail
Really nice trails, saw plenty of deer sandhill, cranes geese and turkeys. Cozy cabin with wood burning stove. Would absolutely come back
Recommends
· October 2026
Tent ·
Walk-in Tent Camping Site
Host are very nice. Everything was easy to find. They have the cutest farm cats:)
Recommends
· September 2026
16 ft car ·
RV & Car Camping Site
Fun space on a farm. Goats and chickens and barn life for a night was peaceful. Peter was helpful with good directions and signage.
Recommends
· September 2026
16 ft car ·
RV & Car Camping Site
Super nice place!
Recommends
· August 2026
Charming Whippletree Farm
14 ft pop-up camper ·
RV & Car Camping Site
Great and quiet place to camp overnight near the cities! Clean, well kept, friendly and private!:)
Recommends
· August 2026
Great hosts
Tent ·
RV & Car Camping Site
The host was exceptionally welcoming and friendly, and also very quick to communicate with over messaging.
Recommends
· August 2026
Tent ·
Walk-in Tent Camping Site
Beautiful area. Perfect spot for me. I had a great time sitting around the fire and it's not too far of a drive to town if you forgot something.
Recommends
· August 2026
Sweet little farm
Farm Stay Cabin & Nature Trail
We love this farm and sweet little cabin so much! We got lucky with a perfect summer night complete with fireflies!
Recommends
· August 2026
19 ft campervan ·
RV & Car Camping Site
Peaceful spot not far from st paul or Minneapolis. If the composting toilet is new to you it may be a slight adjustment but it literally doesn't smell bad at all and easy to understand how to use it. Trails are minimal but nice. Overall cool little spot there I enjoyed it and no complaints or problems.
Recommends
· August 2026
Tent ·
Walk-in Tent Camping Site
Whippletree Farm is the perfect spot, whether you are exploring the city or the country. Cozy, quiet, and quaint! It's a beautiful property, and I felt at home right away. Easy to navigate to, get oriented in, and set up at. Hearing a great horned owl was a bonus!
Recommends
· July 2026
16 ft car · With kids ·
RV & Car Camping Site
Peter was nice, the spot was nice, and the kiddos loved the animals. Great spot.
Recommends
· July 2026
Whippletree excursion
Farm Stay Cabin & Nature Trail
This cabin was perfect for our music festival weekend. Great location to be outside of the busy scene and nice place for relaxation. The goats kept us great company, and everything was just so so cute. Wish we had more time to walk the trails!!
Recommends
· July 2026
Loved the place!
Tent · With kids ·
Walk-in Tent Camping Site
Beautiful, private, wooded campsites on a scenic lot just miles from downtown Saint Paul. I didn’t know that was possible! The walk in approach made it feel just enough like ‘roughing it’ for my teenage nephews to get the experience. (Wagon for use really helped though.) loved the property and will be back!
Recommends
· July 2026
Cute Farm Location
26 ft pop-up camper ·
RV & Car Camping Site
Believe it or not, the quonset hut and cabin was a perfect shield from the storm that blew through on our overnight stay. We still rocked and rolled a little, but nowhere as near as bad as if we were out in the open. Peter welcomed us when we arrived to verify we found the space correctly. The farm is a cute location and I wish we had more time to spend on Lake Elmo.
Recommends
· July 2026
Tent · Group trip ·
Walk-in Tent Camping Site
Had a fantastic time! Spacious, well-maintained pitches and surprisingly clean. Loved the easy access, notes were very helpful. Highly recommend for a peaceful camping trip – we'll definitely be back!
Mixed feelings
· June 2026
Be prepared for rustic-ness
Farm Stay Cabin & Nature Trail
Very rustic (dusty and old-smelling) cabin on a charming little farm. The only animals I saw were deer in the fields, but I was glad to hear the rooster in the morning. Using the composting toilet requires being willing to get a little dirty. The host could put the supplies for this in a shallow container instead of a bag so that your arm does not get dirty reaching into the bag. Some of the dishes available for use were not clean and the dish soap was almost gone. Despite these things, I still recommend this place. I loved the wood stove and the sunset. I slept very well, and really appreciated the stay.
Recommends
· June 2026
Tent ·
Walk-in Tent Camping Site
We had such an amazing stay here! We stayed for one night at the tent site and it was super easy to find with the maps Peter provided. We hiked the trails a little bit and they were gorgeous with so much wildlife. The site was also very secluded and felt like we were all by ourselves. Peter was super accommodating and super friendly. The goats were definitely a plus as well. Would definitely recommend, it was such a great getaway!!
Recommends
· June 2026
Tent ·
Walk-in Tent Camping Site
Stayed one night was perfect! We loved the little trail out to the site perfect little hike with privacy! Would stay again next time I get the itch to sleep outside!
Recommends
· June 2026
Hope to book again!
Walk-in Tent Camping Site
We canceled for bad weather at the last minute and the host was very gracious about it.
Recommends
· June 2026
Group trip ·
Farm Stay Cabin & Nature Trail
Very pretty spot, comfortable amenities. We appreciated the quiet.
Recommends
· June 2026
Highly recommend!!
Group trip ·
Farm Stay Cabin & Nature Trail
Had a great stay at Whippletree Farm! My husband and I booked this site to take his younger siblings on their first ever “camping” trip. Peter’s cabin was the perfect intro to camping experience! My sister in law loved the goats and chickens and spent plenty of time with the cats that were roaming around. Having perks like the compost toilet, beds w/sheets, and fans was especially nice because it meant I didn’t have to pack as much stuff. We wanted to do a day of Mall of America and a day of hiking at Willow River State Park, so this was the perfect location. 10/10 would recommend!
Recommends
· May 2026
Tent ·
Walk-in Tent Camping Site
Beautiful tent camping area, quiet and instructions are very clear! We saw a large turtle while having dinner, and very minimal bugs this early in the season. Very nice area.
Recommends
· May 2026
Great time
Farm Stay Cabin & Nature Trail
Really great site, we had beautiful weather and didn't really spend much time in the cabin. There was plenty of firewood available to us which was really great. When we were going to bed we couldn't help but think we missed out cause the cabin was really great. Great time, great site and great cabin.
Recommends
· May 2026
23 ft Class B ·
RV & Car Camping Site
Beautiful land, lots of wildlife, and a very accommodating host. My son and I had a lovely time.
Recommends
· November 2025
Group trip ·
Farm Stay Cabin & Nature Trail
Peter was an amazing host!! We loved the cabin. It was old timey which we really liked and the indoor fireplace was awesome.
Recommends
· November 2025
20 ft travel trailer ·
RV & Car Camping Site
Everything was as we expected and the property is very conveniently located to the family we were visiting. We will be back. Thanks
Recommends
· November 2025
Cool and unique place for a getaway
Farm Stay Cabin & Nature Trail
Such a unique place to get away for a day or 2. Love the farm and the animals. We had the opportunity to meet the property owners, they were super nice too. We had a unique request for this retreat and we were accommodated. Would definitely return and recommend.
Recommends
· October 2025
Tent ·
Walk-in Tent Camping Site
We had a great time at this site! They have a nice fire ring and picnic table set up. We also enjoyed our mornings beginning with the goats and the cat came to say hello as well. Very enjoyable and wished we had more time.
Recommends
· October 2025
Quiet peaceful stop
Tent ·
Walk-in Tent Camping Site
Peaceful small campsite with nice fire ring and cooking grate available to use. The big tire wagon available to use and compost restroom were both nice to have!

Location

Lake Elmo, Washington, Minnesota, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Avatar

Hosted by Peter K.

Joined in July 2020

Things to do nearby

    Similar campgrounds nearby

      Campers also viewed...

        Popular searches in Minnesota

        RV sites
        Cabin rentals
        Glamping sites
        Camping with fishing
        Camping with hiking
        Camping with wildlife watching
        Camping with campfires
        Farm camping