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The best river, stream, or creek camping near Albert Lea

·
99% (580)

Top-rated campgrounds

The Edge

1. The Edge

96%
(308)
47mi from Albert Lea · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Rochester, MN
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
Waterfall in the adjacent park is a 500 foot walk down the trail.

2. Prairie Creek Campground

99%
(855)
49mi from Albert Lea · 7 sites · Tents · Nerstrand, MN
Thank you for a great 2025 Camping Season! This was our best year yet! We hosted more Hipcamers 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
Sunny Rock

3. Sunny Rock

100%
(3)
48mi from Albert Lea · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · Rockford, IA
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
Lake Louise State Park

4. Lake Louise State Park

100%
(1)
39 sites · Le Roy, Minnesota
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)
54 sites · Nerstrand, Minnesota
Discover the serene beauty of Nerstrand Big Woods State Park.
Pets
Electrical Hookup
Toilets
Whispering Winds Retreat

6. Whispering Winds Retreat

86%
(7)
48mi from Albert Lea · 2 sites · Lodging · Spring Valley, MN
Immerse yourself in nature and experience the magic of the lush gardens, free-roaming bunnies, fairy walkway, stargazing area w/ telescope, meditating in the Soul Garden, fishing in the fully stocked trout stream and more. 5 minute walk to City Park w/ frisbee golf, less than 0.5 miles to local restaurants & shops. Come relax, rejuvenate, and live out your best life at Whispering Winds Micro Retreat! (420 & pet friendly) Whispering Winds is a holistic healing micro retreat specializing in nature-based self-care. We believe in caring for the land and ensuring it’s just as magical for future generations as it is for the current ones. And that is incredibly important — this place really does have a certain magic to it. Guests are constantly commenting on the healing energy that seems to blanket the farm. The Fairy Walk sparkles with solar lights in the evening. Hammocks for afternoon naps, a nature trail you can walk barefoot, and an outdoor meditation/yoga area. The Soul Garden includes sound healing with outdoor gongs, wind chimes, bird song, crickets, frogs, and the evening dance of the fireflies, in season. Whispering Winds is also home to many animals and features a horse pasture, ducks, bunnies, cats, chickens, and a fully stocked trout stream. The centrally located Community Kitchen is a shared space with lots of options for cooking: Gas & charcoal grills, wood powered pizza oven, dutch oven, solar cooker, fire pit w/ grill grates, chiminea & a rocket stove. The Kitchen is equipped with a sink, Berkey for filtered water, and has prep & dining areas.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$67
 / night
Primary bedroom. Sleeping loft. Queen memory foam, UGG bedding. 6 ft. adult can comfortably stand here.

7. 1854 * 7th Gen Farm * Cowboy Casita

100%
(9)
45mi from Albert Lea · 3 sites · Lodging · West Concord, MN
TINY HOME BARN APARTMENT ON 25 ACRE NATURE PRESERVE with 5 miles of trails on site LOCATED IN MINNESOTA, 30 MINUTES WEST OF ROCHESTER. 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 a handful of Century Farms 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 didn't just go to Hobby Lobby and buy a bunch of stuff and say "there, it's a cowboy place" ;-) We are closing in on 2 centuries here. Also Certified as a National Wildlife Habitat. Enjoy the abundance of animals and birds in the heavily wooded pristine moors at the bottom of the hill.  Bluffs, creek, Medieval Forest; the 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 our Guest stalls and trailers for endurance equine sports. Learn more about this land: * 1 bed/1 bath rustic. * Using the highest cleaning protocols for 5 star stays.  * The entire unit is yours; not shared whatsoever.  * Your unit is a small apartment bult into a barn. * Access to shared laundry, shared gym. Private patio with firepit/grate/BBQ * 25 acres of the farm has been carved out as a 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 our cowboy roots. Put on your sturdy shoes and take a 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 
$180
 / night
99% (580)

Top-rated campgrounds

The Edge

1. The Edge

96%
(308)
47mi from Albert Lea · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Rochester, MN
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
Waterfall in the adjacent park is a 500 foot walk down the trail.

2. Prairie Creek Campground

99%
(855)
49mi from Albert Lea · 7 sites · Tents · Nerstrand, MN
Thank you for a great 2025 Camping Season! This was our best year yet! We hosted more Hipcamers 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
Sunny Rock

3. Sunny Rock

100%
(3)
48mi from Albert Lea · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · Rockford, IA
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
Lake Louise State Park

4. Lake Louise State Park

100%
(1)
39 sites · Le Roy, Minnesota
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)
54 sites · Nerstrand, Minnesota
Discover the serene beauty of Nerstrand Big Woods State Park.
Pets
Electrical Hookup
Toilets
Whispering Winds Retreat

6. Whispering Winds Retreat

86%
(7)
48mi from Albert Lea · 2 sites · Lodging · Spring Valley, MN
Immerse yourself in nature and experience the magic of the lush gardens, free-roaming bunnies, fairy walkway, stargazing area w/ telescope, meditating in the Soul Garden, fishing in the fully stocked trout stream and more. 5 minute walk to City Park w/ frisbee golf, less than 0.5 miles to local restaurants & shops. Come relax, rejuvenate, and live out your best life at Whispering Winds Micro Retreat! (420 & pet friendly) Whispering Winds is a holistic healing micro retreat specializing in nature-based self-care. We believe in caring for the land and ensuring it’s just as magical for future generations as it is for the current ones. And that is incredibly important — this place really does have a certain magic to it. Guests are constantly commenting on the healing energy that seems to blanket the farm. The Fairy Walk sparkles with solar lights in the evening. Hammocks for afternoon naps, a nature trail you can walk barefoot, and an outdoor meditation/yoga area. The Soul Garden includes sound healing with outdoor gongs, wind chimes, bird song, crickets, frogs, and the evening dance of the fireflies, in season. Whispering Winds is also home to many animals and features a horse pasture, ducks, bunnies, cats, chickens, and a fully stocked trout stream. The centrally located Community Kitchen is a shared space with lots of options for cooking: Gas & charcoal grills, wood powered pizza oven, dutch oven, solar cooker, fire pit w/ grill grates, chiminea & a rocket stove. The Kitchen is equipped with a sink, Berkey for filtered water, and has prep & dining areas.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$67
 / night
Primary bedroom. Sleeping loft. Queen memory foam, UGG bedding. 6 ft. adult can comfortably stand here.

7. 1854 * 7th Gen Farm * Cowboy Casita

100%
(9)
45mi from Albert Lea · 3 sites · Lodging · West Concord, MN
TINY HOME BARN APARTMENT ON 25 ACRE NATURE PRESERVE with 5 miles of trails on site LOCATED IN MINNESOTA, 30 MINUTES WEST OF ROCHESTER. 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 a handful of Century Farms 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 didn't just go to Hobby Lobby and buy a bunch of stuff and say "there, it's a cowboy place" ;-) We are closing in on 2 centuries here. Also Certified as a National Wildlife Habitat. Enjoy the abundance of animals and birds in the heavily wooded pristine moors at the bottom of the hill.  Bluffs, creek, Medieval Forest; the 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 our Guest stalls and trailers for endurance equine sports. Learn more about this land: * 1 bed/1 bath rustic. * Using the highest cleaning protocols for 5 star stays.  * The entire unit is yours; not shared whatsoever.  * Your unit is a small apartment bult into a barn. * Access to shared laundry, shared gym. Private patio with firepit/grate/BBQ * 25 acres of the farm has been carved out as a 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 our cowboy roots. Put on your sturdy shoes and take a 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 
$180
 / night

Public campgrounds near Albert Lea

Lake Louise Campground
100%
(1)

Lake Louise Campground

43mi from Albert Lea · 39 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lake Louise State Park
Nerstrand Big Woods Campground
83%
(3)

Nerstrand Big Woods Campground

49mi from Albert Lea · 54 sites · Tents, RVs · in Nerstrand Big Woods State Park

Stories from the community

The Edge
Avatar
Kathy
November 2025
Tent
With pets
Weekend Trip to The Edge
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!
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The Edge
W
William
November 2025
Tent
3 nights at The Edge
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.
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Prairie Creek Campground
B
Ben
October 2025
Tent
Group trip
Weekend Trip to Prairie Creek Campground
Great place beautiful if you like camping you will like this area.
See more
Prairie Creek Campground
G
Gloria
October 2025
Tent
With pets
Weekend Trip to Prairie Creek Campground
The site was beautiful and easy access. We loved our weekend here!
See more
Prairie Creek Campground
J
Joni
October 2025
Tent
Weekend Trip to Prairie Creek Campground
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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Prairie Creek Campground
R
Rachel
October 2025
Tent
3 nights at Prairie Creek Campground
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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Prairie Creek Campground
K
Kay
October 2025
Tent
Weekend Trip to Prairie Creek Campground
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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Prairie Creek Campground
Avatar
Jonathan
October 2025
Tent
With kids
Weekend Trip to Prairie Creek Campground
Great campsite! Site 3 was beautiful right by the creek. Easy walk from parking lot with large cart to help. Definitely recommend!
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Prairie Creek Campground
K
Kassi
October 2025
Tent
With pets
4 nights at Prairie Creek Campground
What can I say that hasn't been said already in all their glowing reviews? It's wonderful and you should definitely camp here.
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Prairie Creek Campground
R
Ricky
October 2025
Tent
With kids
Weekend Trip to Prairie Creek Campground
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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Split Rock. Much larger in person. A short hike in Caron Park near the camp sites.
J
Joanna
October 2025
Tent
Weekend Trip to Prairie Creek Campground
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.
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Prairie Creek Campground
C
Chris
October 2025
Tent
Weekend Trip to Prairie Creek Campground
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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Late September colors, 2022
P
Phuong
September 2025
Tent
Weekend Trip to Prairie Creek Campground
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.
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Prairie Creek Campground
T
Ted
September 2025
Tent
With pets
Weekend Trip to Prairie Creek Campground
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!!
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Late September colors, 2022
B
Brent
September 2025
Tent
Weekend Trip to Prairie Creek Campground
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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The Edge
Avatar
Jessie
September 2025
Tent
Weekend Trip to The Edge
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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Prairie Creek Campground
C
Caitlin
September 2025
Tent
2 nights at Prairie Creek Campground
Beautiful, private property with access to trail to waterfall. The hosts were so nice and welcoming. I loved hearing all the animals at night.
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The Edge
L
Laurie
September 2025
Tent
With pets
1 night at The Edge
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.
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Prairie Creek Campground
N
Nicole
September 2025
Tent
Weekend Trip to Prairie Creek Campground
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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Prairie Creek Campground
D
David
September 2025
Tent
Weekend Trip to Prairie Creek Campground
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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Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

Lake Louise State Park
100%
(1)
Lake Louise State Park
Le Roy, Minnesota
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park
83%
(3)
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park
Nerstrand, Minnesota
Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Popular Albert Lea trips

Farm camping
Glamping
Camping with hiking
Camping with showers
Farm camping
Forest camping
Dog-friendly camping
Camping with fishing

Top parks near Albert Lea

Blackhawk Park
Flandrau State Park
Willow River State Park
Camden State Park
Brunet Island State Park
Copper Falls State Park
Governor Dodge State Park
Council Grounds State Park

Top cities near Albert Lea

Minneapolis
St Paul
Des Moines
Blaine
Plainfield
Milwaukee
Omaha
Quincy

Best camping near me

Best tent camping near me
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