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Photo 1 of 6 of Gilles Family Dairy & WoodlandPhoto 1 of 6 of Gilles Family Dairy & Woodland
outhouse and log steps leading up to doorway. This is a sawdust - compost toilet with toilet paper provided.view of rear of the boat/cabin before placement of the outhouse to the left and behind the boat
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Gilles Family Dairy & Woodland

Hosted by Mike · Houston, Minnesota
4 sites · RV, Tent, Lodging · 100 acres
100%
·
446 reviews
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Best Hipcamps in Minnesota
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2025.
Family-friendly
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.
Best in Minnesota: Finalist
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.
Staff verified
Accuracy verified by Hipcamp's on-the-ground team.
ALERT; We will not receive booking requests or messages from July 25th through August 10th as we will not have WIFI at that time. Welcome ; Located in southeast Minnesota's Driftless region of hills, valleys, fields and forests, we are a grass based working dairy farm with over 100 acres of woodland, including an extensive trail system and campsites in our wooded acres. What makes this woodland special is it's quiet, secluded setting and over 6 miles of hiking / skiing trails. Our farmstead sits three quarter of a mile off the paved county highway on our well maintained gravel driveway. Each of our campsites are secluded from the others with their own sawdust compost toilets, picnic tables, fireplaces, and firewood. Two of our sites require 4WD with a minimum of 6 inches ground clearance to access, and two are accessible with 2WD. If you do not have 4WD we can help transport your gear while you enjoy the walk in. There are plenty of woodland birds, deer, turkeys, raccoons and squirrels sharing the woods with you. At night it is common for owls to visit the campsite area to say hello, and coyotes talking in the distance. The winding trails through 100 acres of woodland offer a variety of woodland habitats, from Old growth Maple to mixed hardwood, to dense brush, to the edges of open pastureland. Bring your fat bike or mountain bike for an enjoyable ride. For winter users there is a mix of easy, moderate, and challenging winter cross country skiing or snowshoeing / hiking on the property. However the Rock Bottom Cabin is our only heated and insulated site and is available for winter booking. Winter access is walk in only with snow on the ground or in the forecast. We can help transport gear. This property is part of a working pasture-based dairy farm and guided tours of the dairy and cattle are available when scheduling allows. Children 12 and younger are free at our campsites. No need to be counted as guests , but please let us know when requesting to book. We do not allow non-booked visitors to our campsites due to the secluded, remote location, and accessibility.

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RV/tent sites

1 site
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ROUND MOUND CAMPSITE

100%
(144)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 6 · Vehicles under 48 ft
Pitch your tent or park your small to medium sized motorhome or camper trailer at a secluded site at the edge of a woodland, next to green pastures. The site is a short drive on a primitive, bumpy, road through pastureland from our farmstead. The Round Mound campsite is 3 miles from the nearest Interstate 90 exit. NOTE: We do have a parking spot near our buildings with electricity - 30/50 amp RV hookup - space for larger RV's. This would be for highway travelers with self contained RV's, looking for an overnight spot to stay at. This is available as part of the Round Mound listing as an option. Please message us for details. This RV electric hookup can be used for charging EV's, and is an easy hike from the remote Round Mound location. We wish to thank our guests for all the wonderful pictures they have posted on our listing. So much appreciated !!! Check the photos out to get an idea of what this site looks like, as well as some of our trails. Round Mound Campsite is a secluded Tent / Dry RV site on the edge of a hardwood forest setting. Drive in access, (bumpy road), plus six miles of woodland hiking trails on property, maps provided. This campsite though close to highway access is quiet and secluded.  When the sky is clear, the  stars are fabulous.   Our Round Mound campsite is ideal for those looking for a quiet woodland setting, with a few comforts - a nice fireplace (with firewood), picnic table, outhouse, and fresh drinking water in Thermos jugs. This site is accessible by 2WD vehicles and pull behind campers. Please message us if you have questions on size limits and access road conditions. There are plenty of woodland birds, deer, turkeys, raccoons and squirrels sharing the woods with you. At night it is common for owls to visit the campsite area to say hello, and coyotes talking in the distance. Hike the winding trails through 100 acres of woodland habitats, from old growth Maple to mixed hardwood, to dense brush, to the edges of open pastureland. Or bring your fat bike or mountain bike for an enjoyable ride This property is part of a working pasture-based dairy farm and guided tours of the dairy and cattle are available when scheduling allows. Children 12 and younger are free at our campsites. If your family is larger than 6 please message us for exceptions to the listed capacity. We do not allow non-booked visitors to our campsites due to the secluded, remote location, and accessibility.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
No water hookup

Lodging

3 sites
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ROCK BOTTOM CABIN

100%
(173)
Cabin · Sleeps 6 · 2 bedrooms · 3 beds
ROCK BOTTOM CABIN is a primitive sleeper cabin, (NO electricity, plumbing, or AC), in a hardwood forest setting. The Cabin is in a very secluded location. Vehicle access to the RBC requires 4WD with at least 6 inches of ground clearance, OR, we will help transport you and your gear with a tractor or utility vehicle. Let us know your needs when you book with us, and we will help you with getting to the site. We will escort you to the site upon arrival and provide maps of our hiking trails. WINTER USE: Access to the site is walk in only, 2000 feet, with snow on the ground or in the forecast. We have sleds for gear or may be able to use a tractor if the snow is not too deep. The Rock Bottom Cabin is 10 ft. wide by 20 ft. long and sleeps four comfortably on either a full size futon, or an extra length full size bed, this bed can be split into two extra length single beds. If your family is larger than 6 please message us for exceptions to the listed capacity. There is room at the site for extra tents (please inquire). The cabin consists of two small semi rooms with a partition and curtain dividers on each end, and a small entry area that contains a wood stove, for winter heating, in the middle. The cabin is fully insulated and well ventilated. It has two large windows with insulated curtains in the sleeping rooms, as well as screened wall and eve vents. We provide drinking water in a thermos and wash water in a barrel. We also provide mattresses, sheets, and pillows, but please bring your own sleeping bags or blankets, and favorite pillow, to suit your needs. Guests also need to bring cooking / eating utensils. There is an outhouse on site with toilet paper, a picnic table, and a fireplace to cook on. Firewood is provided, no charge, donations accepted. Our rock Bottom Cabin campsite is ideal for those looking for a quiet woodland setting, with a few comforts. Please bring good flashlights with you for night time excursions to the outhouse. For winter users there is a mix of easy, moderate, and challenging winter cross country skiing or snowshoeing / hiking on the property. This property is part of a working pasture-based dairy farm. We do not allow non-booked visitors to our campsites due to the secluded, remote location, and accessibility.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No showers
Picnic table
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WOODEN TENT IN THE WOODS

100%
(156)
Cabin · Sleeps 6 · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 toilet
COLD SEASON - Please consider our "ROCK BOTTOM CABIN" listing for winter camping.  Wooden Tent site is a primitive site, (NO electricity, plumbing, heat, or AC), in a secluded hardwood forest setting, 300-foot elevation drop from ridge top to valley campsite. Easy walk in / drive in ( 4 wheel drive )  trail access, plus five miles of woodland hiking trails on property, maps provided. The Wooden Tent campsite is accessible by four wheel drive vehicle - minimum clearance 6 inches,  - if the soils are not saturated. If guests do not arrive in a four wheel drive vehicle, we are able to help transport your gear to the site with a UTV while you enjoy the walk in, or a tractor and trailer if conditions are poor.  Let us know your needs when you book with us and we will do our best to help you with getting to the site. The  Wooden Tent sleeps 2 adults comfortably with plenty of room at campsite for additional tents as well, ( please inquire ). This campsite though close to highway access is very quiet and secluded.  The only artificial lights visible from the campsite are the occasional airplane and your own flashlights or lanterns ( strongly recommended because it is very dark in our woods at night). When the sky is clear, the  stars are fabulous.   Our Wooden Tent campsite is ideal for those looking for a quiet woodland setting, with a few comforts - a nice fireplace (with firewood), picnic table, outhouse, and solid shelter. We also provide a 3" - queen size mattress pad, on the floor of the Wooden Tent, and fresh drinking water in Thermos jugs. There are plenty of woodland birds, deer, turkeys, raccoons and squirrels sharing the woods with you. At night it is common for owls to visit the campsite area to say hello, and coyotes talking in the distance. The winding trails through 100 acres of woodland offer a variety of woodland habitats, from Old growth Maple to mixed hardwood, to dense brush, to the edges of open pastureland. Bring your fat bike or mountain bike for an enjoyable ride. For winter users there is a mix of easy, moderate, and challenging winter cross country skiing  or snowshoeing / hiking on the property. however the Wooden Tent is not heated so bring winter sleeping gear. This property is part of a working pasture-based dairy farm and guided tours of the dairy and cattle are available when scheduling allows. Children 12 and younger are free at our campsites.  If your family is larger than 6 please message us for exceptions to the listed capacity. We do not allow non-booked visitors to our campsites due to the secluded, remote location, and accessibility.
4WD recommended
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No showers
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HILLTOP QUEEN

98%
(56)
Quirky · Sleeps 6 · 3 beds
Castaway on our Hilltop Queen - sleeper cabin. Salvaged from the depths of the Mississippi, we gutted this houseboat down to the bones and rebuilt it as a simple but cozy, primitive (NO electricity, plumbing, heat, AC), sleeper cabin. Enjoy the treetop view into our woodland from the canopied bow or from the upper fly deck ( complete with helm ). Inside, the primary cabin consists of a full size platform bed and a small loveseat which could be used as a small child's sleeper. There is also a second indoor level set up as a dinette with a folding table and chairs, or can be used as a second sleep area with the folding full size mattress on the floor. This area has windows on three sides, two with screens, providing a dry eating space in the event of a rain shower. There is space at the site to accommodate a small tent as well.  The Hilltop queen has 12 volt solar powered lighting, but please bring good flashlights to navigate the rest of the campsite after dark. The site is a short drive on a primitive, bumpy, road through pastureland from our farmstead.  Our Hilltop Queen campsite is ideal for those looking for a quiet woodland setting, with a few comforts - a nice fireplace (with firewood), picnic table, outhouse, and solid shelter. We also provide the mattresses, sheets, and pillows, but please bring your own sleeping bags or blankets to suit your needs. We also provide fresh drinking water in Thermos jugs. Please bring good flashlights with you for night time excursions to the outhouse, or walking around the campsite, or an adventurous  hike on the trails at night. There are plenty of woodland birds, deer, turkeys, raccoons and squirrels sharing the woods with you. At night it is common for owls to visit the campsite area to say hello, and coyotes talking in the distance. The winding trails through 100 acres of woodland offer a variety of woodland habitats, from old growth Maple, to mixed hardwood, to dense brush, to the edges of open pastureland. The over five miles of trails are also suitable for mountain or fat biking. This property is part of a working pasture-based dairy farm and guided tours of the dairy and cattle are available when scheduling allows. Children 12 and younger are free at our campsites.  If your family is larger than 6 please message us for exceptions to the listed capacity. We do not allow non-booked visitors to our campsites due to the secluded, remote location, and accessibility.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No showers
Picnic table

Reviews

100%· 531 reviews

Themes

  • Review summary

    Generated from real Hipcamper reviews

    Camping at Mike and Joan's site is a delightful experience where nature and comfort collide seamlessly. The hosts are attentive and welcoming, ensuring guests feel right at home from the moment they arrive. The location offers a range of amenities, including well-maintained trails, clean facilities, and thoughtful touches like firewood and drinking water. Despite a few mentions of dampness in the boat accommodation, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with visitors praising the peaceful setting and the variety of activities available.

  • Emily P.

    Camped at ROCK BOTTOM CABIN, Oct 2026.

    Recommends

    This was our second time at Rock Bottom Cabin and it was again a beautiful stay. At the tail end of fall and with perfect weather, we were able to explore much more of the trails this time and have awesome campfires. It is such a nice time to disconnect and take it easy. Again, Mike and Joan made sure we had everything we needed! Thanks again!

  • Anna Z.

    Camped at HILLTOP QUEEN, Oct 2026.

    Recommends

    We loved our stay here! If you’re looking for a unique/quirky/memorable place to stay, would highly recommend! Very quiet and private, great fire pit, and makes for a great story.

  • Chanda K.

    Camped at ROCK BOTTOM CABIN, Oct 2026.

    Recommends

    Had a great two nights with two kids and a dog. Beautiful property. Slightly challenging trails (inclines) but great views as a reward. We added therma rests to the futon bed and slept well. It got down to almost freezing the first night - the wood fire stove was great. We did relight the fire overnight to stay cozy. The second night wasn’t as cold and we managed the fire a little better and lasted the whole night. Would definitely stay again.

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Amenities

  • Fire pitsPrivate fire pit at each site · Firewood provided, Wood burning fireplace
  • Composting toilets
  • Potable waterBottled water or jugs
  • Picnic tables
  • Trash disposalRecycling bin, Trash bin
  • Playground
  • No showers
  • No electricity hookup
  • No water hookup
  • No wifi
  • No laundry
  • No cooking equipment
  • No hot tub

Things to know

  • 4WD recommended at some sitesPark at your site.
  • Pet-friendlyOff leash.
  • Campfires allowedAlways review local fire regulations before enjoying a campfire.
  • Check-in processYou'll meet and greet with your host upon arrival.
  • Cancellation policyFull refund 24 hours before check in time starts.
  • Check-in and check-outCheck-in times vary by site (from 1pm). Check-out at 11am.
  • Booking windowBook up to 6 months ahead. Same-day bookings at some sites; the others need 12 hours' notice. Minimum stay 1–2 nights depending on the site. Stay up to 6 nights depending on the site.

Extras

  • Electric Hookup$5.00 per nightAt select sites30/50 AMP Electric Hookup located at our building site, not at the remote sites. Can be used to plug in RV's or charge EV's
  • 2nd RV at Round Mound Site$25.00 per nightWe will allow a 2nd RV at the Round Mound site as part of one group. Large RV's excluded. Please inquire if this is available for you as an extra.

Location

Houston, Winona, Minnesota, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking

Your Host

Mike And Joan G.Joined August 2017100% response rateResponds within 3 hours

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