The best forest camping in Minnesota

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Welcome to Hipcamp! If you're looking to experience the great outdoors in Minnesota's forested beauty, we've got you covered. With over 450 camping options in Minnesota's forests, you're sure to find the perfect spot for your adventure. Whether you're a seasoned camper or new to the scene, you'll find a range of accommodations to suit your needs. From rustic campsites to cozy cabins, there's something for everyone. Looking for recommendations? Check out Balsam Ridge Retreat (506 reviews), Gilles Family Dairy & Woodland (239 reviews), or Ranch Retreat (226 reviews) for top-rated options. And don't worry about the essentials - popular amenities like campfires, potable water, and toilets are all included. So grab your gear and get ready for wildlife watching, fishing, and paddling - all in the heart of Minnesota's forested paradise.

96% (7.7K) • 6,081 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Minnesota

Off Grid Stargazing

1. Off Grid Stargazing

99%
(82)
Hermantown, MN · 16 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Off Grid camping on private property. Tent, Car, Van, Truck, Roof-top camping welcome. Select the right site to fit your needs. Drive to every campsite (except Heated Winter Camping-3 min walk) and have your own private parking. Secluded privacy with incredible stargazing. Experience complete darkness for viewing the stars. Breathtaking Northern Lights if the time is right. There is One Clear Camping Dome on-site which includes a private firepit. Enjoy 360 degrees of nature in the Clear Dome while relaxing on a queen size bed. Several other sites include private firepits. If you need a pull-thru site, Site #9 offers a pull-thru option. Please note there is no water or electric. The property has 2 porta potties for campers. Choose from several different campsites that you can drive directly onto. Dogs are allowed if kept on a leash or tether. They may not run free. No extra charge for pets! CLEAN UP after your pets. A convenience store is just a 3-minute drive away if you need supplies. Walmart delivery is available to driveway. Park Point Beach is only 10 miles from the property. Jay Cooke State Park only 10 miles away. Enger Tower only 9 miles away. Please note that you may hear distant sounds, including traffic, trains, coyotes, and a neighbor's rooster. There are 4 different types of campsites. 1. Heated Clear Dome with queen bed and bedding. Includes private firepit, 1 vehicle and 2 people. Setting up an additional tent is allowed. 2. Vehicles only. No firepit. No tents. (Rooftop tent is ok) $20 3. Sites with Firepits allow vehicles and tents. $50 includes a firepit filled with firewood, 1 vehicle, 2 tents, 4 people. Additional firewood can be purchased for $7 a bundle. 4. Tent already set up. Heated Fall/Winter Camping (only 1 available) If yard maintenance, such as mowing or trimming is necessary during your stay, it will typically take place between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
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Prairie Creek Campground

2. Prairie Creek Campground

99%
(649)
Nerstrand, MN · 4 sites
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 right outside your tent; our campground truly offers a large amount of recreation right on site with remote forest, many trails, plus waterfalls and creeks to enjoy. 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. Every year we have more and more returning campers; we are honored that you make us part of your memories. 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). 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.
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Toilets
Floodwood Municipal Campground

3. Floodwood Municipal Campground

91%
(309)
Floodwood, MN · 14 sites · Tents, RVs
Floodwood Municipal Campground: A Hidden Gem in Northern Minnesota Nestled along the scenic St. Louis River, Floodwood Municipal Campground is one of the Northwoods’ best-kept secrets. Conveniently located on the outskirts of the city in a quiet residential neighborhood, this city-owned and operated campground offers a peaceful retreat with modern amenities. Exciting Recent Upgrades! Floodwood Municipal Campground has recently undergone a major renovation to enhance your camping experience, including: ✅ Remodeled and upgraded shower house for added comfort. ✅ Newly widened roads for easier access throughout the campground. ✅ New camping pads and electrical pedestals, with all sites offering water and electrical hookups. ✅ On-site septic dump station for added convenience. ✅ Brand-new ADA-accessible fishing pier, made possible by a grant from the Minnesota DNR. Funding for this project was provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR). Originally secured by the City of Floodwood in the 1970s to preserve outdoor recreation for future generations, the campground continues to be a welcoming haven for campers, hunters, anglers, and boaters alike. Whether you're looking for a base camp for your next outdoor adventure or a relaxing getaway in nature, the City of Floodwood is ready to welcome you! Book your stay today and experience the charm of this beautifully upgraded campground. Firewood available for sale on-site. Staying several nights? Save on booking fees by booking directly with our Camp Host, Scott Condra, at 325-253-7538. Scott is also happy to answer any other camping questions you may have!
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
Camden State Park

4. Camden State Park

100%
(7)
State park in Minnesota · 93 sites
Discover Camden State Park's natural beauty and outdoor activities.
Finland State Forest

5. Finland State Forest

95%
(11)
State forest in Minnesota · 82 sites
Discover the natural allure of Finland State Forest.
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Toilets
Campfires
Kettle River Base Camp

6. Kettle River Base Camp

100%
(9)
Kettle River, MN · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Camp along the Kettle River at this small four-site campground, where you can spend your days swimming, tubing, relaxing by the fire, or exploring the surrounding trails. With direct river access, an on-site sauna, and plenty to do nearby, it's an easy place to settle in for a relaxing outdoor getaway. Each of our four campsites includes a fire ring, picnic table, hammock, and clothesline. An outhouse is conveniently located near the campsites, and a walking trail loops around the campground and follows the river. One of the highlights of the property is our sauna, surrounded by a privacy fence and stocked with wood and water for guests. There's also an outdoor gravity shower. Camping stoves are available if needed, and 16 oz propane tanks can be purchased on-site. When you're ready to cool off, head to the Kettle River for a swim or grab one of our tubes. A favorite way to enjoy the property is to enter the river near the bridge and float downstream to the edge of the property, climb out, and do it all over again. We're also close to the Soo Line Trail, with plenty more to explore throughout the area. Barnum and Moose Lake are less than 15 minutes away, and both Banning State Park and Jay Cooke State Park are nearby. For a trip into town, check out live music at KR Bar and Grill on Fridays, grab coffee at the Chickadee in Barnum or Joe Jitters in Moose Lake, or visit the Saturday summer farmers markets in Moose Lake and Cloquet. Highlights: Kettle River frontage with swimming and tubing Tubes available for guests Private sauna and outdoor gravity shower Only four campsites Fire ring, picnic table, hammock, and clothesline at each site Walking trail around the campground and along the river Close to the Soo Line Trail Banning and Jay Cooke State Parks nearby Firewood available for $5 per bundle
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Campfires
Gilles Family Dairy & Woodland

7. Gilles Family Dairy & Woodland

100%
(525)
Houston, MN · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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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Campfires
Tumbleweed Base Camp

8. Tumbleweed Base Camp

99%
(376)
Detroit Lakes, MN · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
This old homestead belonged to my belated brother Steve, and after he passed unexpectedly, we decided to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere for those interested in sharing a peaceful and modest property. The old barn is a work in progress to eventually become the base to accommodating more travelers and outdoor enthusiasts as finances permit. My son Logan, after having worked in the service industry bartending for 14 years and hosting 100+ global travelers via CouchSurfing out in San Diego, is well-versed in creating an inviting space, enjoying the merits of hard work through the hospitality industry. We look forward to meeting you and sharing/swapping stories around the campfire! Learn more about this land: Our property and profile are in constant change as we are in a stage of development, but we look to share our land with those seeking to enjoy a warm, welcome environment for those fellow wanderers, outdoor enthusiasts, vagabonds, and globetrotters. Logan is a well-traveled backpacker and together we share 5 1/2 acres here in a bustling little touristy town. We enjoy the company of those who endorse small footprint, sustainable practices and like to establish meaningful connections.  All we ask is that you respect the property, our neighbors, and make an effort to add one more new friend before you depart.
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Campfires
Stone Creek Farm

9. Stone Creek Farm

99%
(267)
Taylors Falls, MN · 4 sites · Tents, Lodging
Situated on 36 acres, this working farm is 2 miles West of Taylors Falls. Dan 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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Campfires
Tettegouche State Park

10. Tettegouche State Park

100%
(17)
State park in Minnesota · 45 sites
You may not know it by name, but guaranteed if you like nature photography, you’ve seen Shovel Point. Its steep, bridge-like cliff on the shore of Lake Superior attracts photographers and nature enthusiasts alike. Wanna experience the magic? Visit its home: Tettegouche State Park. With cliffs like these, Tettegouche was bound to attract dirtbaggers from all over. Like to climb rock? Come join ‘em! Visit the 60 foot High Falls of the Baptism River and feel the spirit of nature rejoice. Remote hiking through the Sawtooth Mountains offer views made for a life time and lakes made for skinny dipping. This parks nearly 10,000 acres house accommodations from cabins to backpacking and kayaking sites open year-round. Hurry there!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Itasca State Park

11. Itasca State Park

100%
(15)
State park in Minnesota · 239 sites
Explore the wild headwaters of the Mississippi River at Minnesota’s oldest state park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Afton State Park

12. Afton State Park

100%
(18)
State park in Minnesota · 31 sites
Give Afton State Park's four-stage geocache a run with free GPS units you can checkout at the park.
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Campfires
Blue Mounds State Park

13. Blue Mounds State Park

100%
(8)
State park in Minnesota · 88 sites
Discover quartzite cliffs, bison herds, and wildflower-blanketed prairies.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Balsam Ridge Retreat

14. Balsam Ridge Retreat

100%
(1060)
Duluth, MN · 7 sites
Hello friends! Thanks for your interest in Balsam Ridge Retreat! Many folks that have visited our place refer to it as 'country living in the city'. We are so blessed to live in this little piece of serenity just inside the city limits of Duluth. Our home was once an abandoned house that sat for years until a friend mentioned to us that it might be going up for sale. We loved the location and rolled up our sleeves. Twenty years later we still marvel at the beauty around us and can hardly believe that we LIVE here! Just down the road is a trout stream and beyond that was a popular farm that attracted many folks to this neighborhood for hay rides and sleigh rides. The farm has since retired its horses and closed its doors to make room for new homes, but memories live on in the beauty of the open fields. I often imagine the sound of horses and sleigh bells and people singing carols and then warming up around a toasty fire sipping hot cocoa. Some of those memories live on right here at Balsam Ridge (minus the horses). Over the years many groups of folks have enjoyed a sense of community in these back woods no matter the season. Campfires, kids catching frogs, neighborhood campouts, snow picnics, hair-raising toboggan runs, family campouts, spiritual silent retreats, a take-your-breath-away giant swing, and some tales too daring to mention are all part of the fun. This is why we do what we do. We've been given much, and love to give back. It just wouldn't seem right to keep all this good to ourselves.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
Ranch Retreat Camping

15. Ranch Retreat Camping

99%
(456)
Winona, MN · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Our ranch has been in our family for 16 years and, before that, belonged to one family for over 200 years. Jolene (me, - owner) and my two sons, Riley and Logan, put a lot of time and dedication into our ranch. Our ranch is located on 40 acres where anyone can find their little piece of “peace.” We pride ourselves on taking excellent care of our guests and making them feel at home when they step onto our land. We will do our best to accommodate your needs in any way possible. Our WIFI is not always 100% reliable. If you need WIFI during your stay, please bring another option with you, such as a hotspot on your cell phone, in case ours is not dependable. From the crew who loves to share a little piece of our life on Stone Roller Road, – Jolene, Riley, Logan, Scotch (the yellow lab), Hops (the chocolate lab), and Scrappy (the late ranch dog)
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
The little cabin

16. The little cabin

98%
(54)
Princeton, MN · 1 site
Great quiet relaxing location, with wildlife and the sound of the country. You will have the only camp site on the property. You can stay in the small camping cabin in comfort with your own bedding, or bring a sleeping bag. We have the twin bed in the loft, or use the futon on the main level. The cabin only has room for two adults unless you bring a camp pad to sleep on the floor, or squeeze in a child, but you have the comforts of an A/C , a Weber grill, mini fridge, microwave, and Electricity. Quiet former country farm site, with great wildlife viewing options with walking trails. Only 23 miles to DT St. Cloud and 7 Miles to the Walmart in Princeton for food or supplies. If a shower is desired the Kwik Trip in St Cloud, on Hwy 10 has showers. Just a half mile off Hwy 95 and 5 miles from the large Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge, with trails and lots of wildlife. In the Fall expect to see a large amount of wildlife with many migrating birds come out of the refuge to feed. Expect to hear Pheasant's cackle in the AM, and see Sandhill Cranes and Geese fly over the camp site, or sitting in area fields. Enjoy time around a campfire with folding chairs and a picknick table, with plenty of free dry firewood in a storage rack.
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Campfires
The Camps at the Vineyards

17. The Camps at the Vineyards

97%
(249)
Ogilvie, MN · 14 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
This is a 10-acre part of a larger 110-acre property. This section is reserved for tents, camping vans, and small trailers 20' or less. The river is great for small children to wade and swim in during the summer. During spring, the water is up higher for kayaks and canoes. We have built new out houses for our guests. Your hosts live at 1010 205th Ave. It is just a vineyard for now. the winery we hope will be built in 2027.
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Toilets
Campfires
The Oaks at Oakwood Farm

18. The Oaks at Oakwood Farm

97%
(186)
Oak Grove, MN · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
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 hand pump well left of the last gate 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. Pre-purchased firewood can be picked up at the farm stand, you can also purchase more there 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, 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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Campfires
Belle Creek Bluff

19. Belle Creek Bluff

99%
(376)
Welch, MN · 3 sites · Tents, Lodging
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
New Hartford trout camp

20. New Hartford trout camp

99%
(122)
New Hartford, MN · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
large flat Site . walking path along the creek. lots of wildlife, like Bald eagles Secluded valley site located where two trout streams come together. There is a large section of private access, as well as 1 mile of public access to the trout stream.
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Campfires
Potable water

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field