- Riverside Camping
The best river, stream, or creek camping near Albert Lea
99% (577) • 17 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Albert Lea
The Edge
1. The Edge
96%
(308)
47mi from Albert Lea · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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 which is about 6 acres. Small little get away from Rochester. Airport traffic, but it is enjoyable. 10 minutes to downtown Rochester. PLEASE KEEP DOGS OFF OF THE BEDS IN THE CABIN.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$15
/ night
Prairie Creek Campground
2. Prairie Creek Campground
99%
(855)
49mi from Albert Lea · 4 sites
Booking for 2026 is open. Our season begins April 1st, no foolin'!
Thank you for a great 2025 camping season! We hosted more Hipcampers than any year before and are excited to have been honored again with a Best in Minnesota award. Thank you and we look forward to 2026!
Pitch your tent at one of our Walk-In forest campsites on 60 acres along Prairie Creek in Rice County, MN. Explore the creeks, trails, forest, our enormous granite "split rock" erratic, a 60 acre county park featuring waterfalls and trails, including a single track mountain bike trail. 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.
We do not have firewood available at the campground; please plan ahead to bring firewood with you.
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.
Vehicles: Our main parking area by sites 1, 2, & 3 is easily accessible. The road to the secondary parking area beside our hilltop site 4 is up an adventurous gravel road (but is very accessible).
Kids under 16 camping with their parents do not count in pricing.
This campground is managed by Stephen and Molly on land owned by them and their father Ted. In 1961, Stephen's grandparents bought this farm. In addition to farming they also operated a trail riding stable here. Over the years, the arable land has been sold, but we retained the wooded areas which are twice crossed by creeks. About 30 years ago, a 60 acre county park bordering the south and west sides of our land was created.
We are very excited to host campers as a way to preserve and share this beautiful property.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from
$27
/ night
1854 * 7th Gen Farm * Cowboy Casita
3. 1854 * 7th Gen Farm * Cowboy Casita
100%
(9)
45mi from Albert Lea · 1 site
TINY HOME BARN APARTMENT ON 25 ACRE NATURE PRESERVE with 5 miles of trails on site.
LOCATED IN MINNESOTA, 30 MINUTES WEST OF ROCHESTER. 1 hr. from MSP.
Delight in the design, beauty, and authenticity of our 171-year-old family farm; now organic, sustainable, solar-powered and chemical free. Stay comfortably in the Cowboy Casita, a small handcrafted tiny home apartment built into the 75-year-old barn we call THE OUTRIDER.
Established in 1854, we're one of only a handful of Century Farms that remain in Minnesota. This Pioneer Property boasts 25 PRIVATELY OWNED acres for you to freely roam.
Homesteaded since 1854, the Farm has been chemical free since 1985. We are closing in on 2 centuries here.
Certified as a National Wildlife Habitat. We plant food plots with our wildlife friends in mind. We produce our own honey. We cater to pollinators. Some foraging is ok.
Enjoy the abundance of animals and birds in the heavily wooded pristine moors at the bottom of the hill. Bluffs, creek, Medieval Forest; pastures are used
for organic, chemical-free hay farming.
You have access to privately owned portion of the Richard Dorer Memorial Hardwood Forest.
Authentic experiences on trails, cliffs, creek, meadows, wetlands, moors, prairie all in their natural state. Leave no trace. Be mindful of wildlife and considerate of others.
Mountain bikes are allowed on the trails. We can host horses in Guest stalls and space for trailers for endurance equine sports.
Learn more about this land:
* 1 bed/1 bath 5* rated rustic tiny
* Highest cleaning protocols.
* Entire unit is yours; not shared.
* Unit is a small apartment built into a barn.
* Access to shared laundry, shared gym. Private patio with firepit/grate/BBQ
* 25 acres of farm has been carved out as Nature Preserve.
* 5-star Airbnb when not a Hipcamp spot
* Good Internet
* Self-Check-In.
Enjoy locally sourced snacks - WHEN AVAILABLE -- provided by your Hosts.
Whimsically curated decor with a tongue-in-cheek nod to cowboy roots.
Put on sturdy shoes and stroll down to the scenic creek; you've been transported back in time.
Nearby Mantorville: coffee shop, saloon, nice dining room, ice cream, antiques. Pine Island is the start of the Douglas Trail for bikes.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$144
/ night
Lake Louise State Park
4. Lake Louise State Park
100%
(1)
State park 43mi from Albert Lea · 39 sites
Discover the natural charm of Lake Louise State Park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park
5. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park
83%
(3)
State park 49mi from Albert Lea · 54 sites
Discover the serene beauty of Nerstrand Big Woods State Park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Sunny Rock
6. Sunny Rock
100%
(4)
48mi from Albert Lea · 7 sites · Tents, RVs
This secluded property is just south of Rockford, Iowa on the Shell Rock River.
The site has water and electric.
There is a portapotty / portashower available on site.
This area has up to 4 sites for group use. FOR INDIVIDUAL USE, BOOK SITE #1. Book sites #2, #3 or #4 only if you have other parties in your group.
This property has a river view, walking trails, and a fire ring,
Daily, weekly, monthly rates available.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$40
/ night
99% (577) • 17 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Albert Lea
The Edge
1. The Edge
96%
(308)
47mi from Albert Lea · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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 which is about 6 acres. Small little get away from Rochester. Airport traffic, but it is enjoyable. 10 minutes to downtown Rochester. PLEASE KEEP DOGS OFF OF THE BEDS IN THE CABIN.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$15
/ night
Prairie Creek Campground
2. Prairie Creek Campground
99%
(855)
49mi from Albert Lea · 4 sites
Booking for 2026 is open. Our season begins April 1st, no foolin'!
Thank you for a great 2025 camping season! We hosted more Hipcampers than any year before and are excited to have been honored again with a Best in Minnesota award. Thank you and we look forward to 2026!
Pitch your tent at one of our Walk-In forest campsites on 60 acres along Prairie Creek in Rice County, MN. Explore the creeks, trails, forest, our enormous granite "split rock" erratic, a 60 acre county park featuring waterfalls and trails, including a single track mountain bike trail. 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.
We do not have firewood available at the campground; please plan ahead to bring firewood with you.
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.
Vehicles: Our main parking area by sites 1, 2, & 3 is easily accessible. The road to the secondary parking area beside our hilltop site 4 is up an adventurous gravel road (but is very accessible).
Kids under 16 camping with their parents do not count in pricing.
This campground is managed by Stephen and Molly on land owned by them and their father Ted. In 1961, Stephen's grandparents bought this farm. In addition to farming they also operated a trail riding stable here. Over the years, the arable land has been sold, but we retained the wooded areas which are twice crossed by creeks. About 30 years ago, a 60 acre county park bordering the south and west sides of our land was created.
We are very excited to host campers as a way to preserve and share this beautiful property.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from
$27
/ night
1854 * 7th Gen Farm * Cowboy Casita
3. 1854 * 7th Gen Farm * Cowboy Casita
100%
(9)
45mi from Albert Lea · 1 site
TINY HOME BARN APARTMENT ON 25 ACRE NATURE PRESERVE with 5 miles of trails on site.
LOCATED IN MINNESOTA, 30 MINUTES WEST OF ROCHESTER. 1 hr. from MSP.
Delight in the design, beauty, and authenticity of our 171-year-old family farm; now organic, sustainable, solar-powered and chemical free. Stay comfortably in the Cowboy Casita, a small handcrafted tiny home apartment built into the 75-year-old barn we call THE OUTRIDER.
Established in 1854, we're one of only a handful of Century Farms that remain in Minnesota. This Pioneer Property boasts 25 PRIVATELY OWNED acres for you to freely roam.
Homesteaded since 1854, the Farm has been chemical free since 1985. We are closing in on 2 centuries here.
Certified as a National Wildlife Habitat. We plant food plots with our wildlife friends in mind. We produce our own honey. We cater to pollinators. Some foraging is ok.
Enjoy the abundance of animals and birds in the heavily wooded pristine moors at the bottom of the hill. Bluffs, creek, Medieval Forest; pastures are used
for organic, chemical-free hay farming.
You have access to privately owned portion of the Richard Dorer Memorial Hardwood Forest.
Authentic experiences on trails, cliffs, creek, meadows, wetlands, moors, prairie all in their natural state. Leave no trace. Be mindful of wildlife and considerate of others.
Mountain bikes are allowed on the trails. We can host horses in Guest stalls and space for trailers for endurance equine sports.
Learn more about this land:
* 1 bed/1 bath 5* rated rustic tiny
* Highest cleaning protocols.
* Entire unit is yours; not shared.
* Unit is a small apartment built into a barn.
* Access to shared laundry, shared gym. Private patio with firepit/grate/BBQ
* 25 acres of farm has been carved out as Nature Preserve.
* 5-star Airbnb when not a Hipcamp spot
* Good Internet
* Self-Check-In.
Enjoy locally sourced snacks - WHEN AVAILABLE -- provided by your Hosts.
Whimsically curated decor with a tongue-in-cheek nod to cowboy roots.
Put on sturdy shoes and stroll down to the scenic creek; you've been transported back in time.
Nearby Mantorville: coffee shop, saloon, nice dining room, ice cream, antiques. Pine Island is the start of the Douglas Trail for bikes.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$144
/ night
Lake Louise State Park
4. Lake Louise State Park
100%
(1)
State park 43mi from Albert Lea · 39 sites
Discover the natural charm of Lake Louise State Park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park
5. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park
83%
(3)
State park 49mi from Albert Lea · 54 sites
Discover the serene beauty of Nerstrand Big Woods State Park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Sunny Rock
6. Sunny Rock
100%
(4)
48mi from Albert Lea · 7 sites · Tents, RVs
This secluded property is just south of Rockford, Iowa on the Shell Rock River.
The site has water and electric.
There is a portapotty / portashower available on site.
This area has up to 4 sites for group use. FOR INDIVIDUAL USE, BOOK SITE #1. Book sites #2, #3 or #4 only if you have other parties in your group.
This property has a river view, walking trails, and a fire ring,
Daily, weekly, monthly rates available.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$40
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
Kathy
November 2025
Tent
With pets
This was my 4th time at the Edge and no less lovely than the other 3 times. I ended up back at the cabin, but would happily stay at any of the tent sites on Edward's property. Can hardly wait to return next spring!
See more
W
William
November 2025
Tent
The Edge is a great spot to camp. This land is close to any stores you would need to get supplies from and could be a great spot for a quick camp.
See more
B
Ben
October 2025
Tent
Group trip
Great place beautiful if you like camping you will like this area.
See more
G
Gloria
October 2025
Tent
With pets
The site was beautiful and easy access. We loved our weekend here!
See moreJ
Joni
October 2025
Tent
Stephen was a great host. We made a scheduling error and he worked hard to accommodate us. Peaceful beautiful property, nearby amazing nature parks and quaint town of Northfield. It was just the solitude and time away we needed.
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R
Rachel
October 2025
Tent
Place was beautiful. Site was private and the stars were beautiful. Stephen is as friendly and accommodating. Weather didn't cooperate, so I look forward to coming back and exploring the area more
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K
Kay
October 2025
Tent
Stephen’s place is beautiful! Trails right from the campsites into Caron park which has a lovely little waterfall. I hope to go back and see it in the spring. Historic towns, biking trails, and state parks close by. Campsites were great, outhouse was clean and convenient. We stayed in site 2. Loved it!
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Jonathan
October 2025
Tent
With kids
Great campsite! Site 3 was beautiful right by the creek. Easy walk from parking lot with large cart to help. Definitely recommend!
See moreK
Kassi
October 2025
Tent
With pets
What can I say that hasn't been said already in all their glowing reviews? It's wonderful and you should definitely camp here.
See more
R
Ricky
October 2025
Tent
With kids
Very peaceful and quaint. My daughter and I had our first camping trip together and it was a great time. Instructions were perfect, I didn’t have any questions.
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J
Joanna
October 2025
Tent
I spent 2 beautiful nights here. Stephen is very helpful in making sure any questions are answered and making sure you’re settled in. The sites are private feeling and next to Caron Park. I got a couple hikes in and just enjoyed the peaceful nature sounds. It was my first time camping by myself and I really found out how wonderful it is to disconnect from social media. I will definitely be back.
See moreC
Chris
October 2025
Tent
This was our second time at this site. The privacy is great. Being right on the creek is something you don't get at most places. The trails connecting to the campground are fun to walk and explore. You have waterfalls, the split rock and many other things to see. Our dog loves it here as well. We'll definitely be back next year.
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P
Phuong
September 2025
Tent
The place was amazing! Site 4 was very secluded and was very nice during the fall. Plenty of space to tent. Will definitely be back soon! Thank you for the amazing location.
See moreT
Ted
September 2025
Tent
With pets
Site 3 was wonderful and immersed in nature. Caretakers were wonderful and accommodating! Everything was accessible and larger towns were 15 minutes away or less. Highly would recommend!!
See moreB
Brent
September 2025
Tent
We chose this spot for our first time camping together, and it was a great pick. We really enjoyed the short hiking area right next to the campsite, with a very cool little waterfall!
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Jessie
September 2025
Tent
We camped in a tent on site 1 and had a great time! We did hear a few planes, but it was well worth it! The site was flat and close to the bathroom (which was really nice and stocked). Edward was kind both in communication through the app and in person. There was a great view of sprawling fields and beautiful stars. We took our four young children and it was so nice to have it close to Rochester, yet feel so removed to really enjoy some family time. Our kids had the quintessential camping experience they've been longing for months. I would highly recommend coming to The Edge!
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C
Caitlin
September 2025
Tent
Beautiful, private property with access to trail to waterfall. The hosts were so nice and welcoming. I loved hearing all the animals at night.
See moreL
Laurie
September 2025
Tent
With pets
The Edge was a great place... lots of private space. Spots are close, however, there are so many trees and brush that you can't really see others. Nice open areas, corn fields, port-a-pottie type restroom. Dogs loved being off leash. Easy to find. Only downside was the airport near by. A lot of private planes flew the night I was there.
See moreN
Nicole
September 2025
Tent
I stayed at campsite #3 and absolutely loved it! The creek provided such relaxing white noise and was so peaceful. The site is pretty decently sized and felt very private. The grounds were kept really nicely and loved that we were able to cut through the owners yard to get to the waterfall and split rock. Definitely make sure to take a picture of the trails on the shed before going though! I checked out all the sites when I was there and I think they are all pretty great, but #3 was the best in my opinion, because of the creek.
It’s not far from town if you want to go out and explore or get supplies. I’d definitely recommend booking here!
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D
David
September 2025
Tent
Great little campsite nested in a lovely homestead property! Beautiful little waterfall. Went here to soak in some silence and definitely could. Very little traffic noise if any at all. Had some neighbors but still felt very private and tucked away in the trees. Trails were easy to follow and were very beautiful. A big thanks to the hosts!
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