Private sites camping in Minnesota

Located just a few minutes outside of Whitewater State Park, Aefintyr offers both convenience and privacy. Chelsi has everything you need at the top of a very steep mountain - you work for the stay and it’s worth every step. Thank you Chelsi for your above and beyond friendliness and accommodations!

Jaci

2 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Gilles Family Dairy & Woodland

Magical! Chelsi has built a convenient escape overlooking the stars at Aefintyr. I stayed with her two years ago and the site has only gotten better. When my boyfriend wanted to camp for his birthday I knew just the place to make sure it was an unforgettable experience. From the amenities to the view, we’ll keep coming back. Thank you!

Mike & Joan’s property is phenomenal & spacious……….. Stayed at the Round Mound camp site & it was better than advertised………… Mike was super helpful as he guided me to my campsite & shared what there was to offer…………. Given a map of the trails, I found them to be, well maintained & quite the adventure……… I definitely would recommend Gilles Family Dairy & Woodland………….

Weekend Trip to Prairie Creek Campground

Awesome campsite! Very spacious, felt private. Hearing the creek throughout the stay was so peaceful. The host was great, stopped in to greet us and let us know where everything was. Would definitely recommend, and would definitely stay again :) Thanks!

Weekend Trip to Honeyberry Minnesota working farm

This site was clean and beautiful. Although it's close to the metro area, it feels like you're much further away. That makes it convenient to get to, while still getting to unplug and relax. We even found a nice little jar of jam at the picnic table.

Michael

3 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to The Oaks at Oakwood Farm

Nice spot to camp just outside of the cities, picnic table, and outhouse was a nice addition. Far enough away from structures and people to enjoy the peace

Weekend Trip to The Oaks at Oakwood Farm

Great, private campsite. Jon is a fantastic host.

2 nights at Prairie Creek Campground

Clean, quiet, peaceful. Stephen great explaining the area and what to see.

Weekend Trip to Prairie Creek Campground

A gorgeous quiet and private site right on the creek. Loved having access to hiking trails right on the property. Can’t wait to return again soon!

1 night at The Oaks at Oakwood Farm

Speedy communication with Jon. The location was very quiet and lovely. We came in after dark and left quite early so I can't speak on details other than we will be staying here again!

1 night at Prairie Creek Campground

Stephen is very friendly. Directions were clear. Well maintained area

Weekend Trip to Gilles Family Dairy & Woodland

Mike and Joan's place is one of our most favorite spots to camp. We've come back for our second year and don't rule out coming again this year. The amenities they provide are an amazing bonus on top of an already wonderful place. We've stayed at the camp site but the cabins look great. The woods and the trail system are unbelievably good too - it could be a state park.

Weekend Trip to Gossman Goat Ranch

Cathy and her family are amazing hosts and have a beautiful property. They were so welcoming to my family and made us feel at home. The cabin itself is so cozy, the loft bed was great, my daughter loved looking out over the woods from bed in the evening and morning. The wood stove kept the room warm throughout the night. Will definitely be staying again next time we need to get away for a quick weekend trip!

Weekend Trip to Gossman Goat Ranch

We enjoyed our stay at the cabin. It’s tucked back in the woods behind there main place far enough that you can’t see or hear anything from their farm… really makes you feel like you are alone in the woods! It was about 30 degrees overnight but the wood stove kept the cabin comfortable. We also like the extra touch of already set up hammocks, and a hand built bench by the fire pit. Great option for “camping” during the fall or spring if you don’t want to face the cooler temps in a tent. Hiked 20 miles between Forestville state park and lake Louise state park which are both close to the cabin site.

Weekend Trip to The Oaks at Oakwood Farm

Beautiful camping spots at the back of their farm, which is fun to drive through and see the different animals. Very secluded and Jon is great. Answers messages on the app quickly but has never bothered me. This is the second time I’ve camped here and definitely recommend it.

2 nights at Gossman Goat Ranch

My family and I (2 adults, 3 and 8 year old) loved staying at the cabin on Cathy’s goat farm. We arrived on an unexpectedly cold and snowy spring weekend, and I was afraid we were in for a cold and wet weekend. Not the case! The cabin was toasty warm (Cathy was thoughtful to warm it up for us in advance) from both an indoor propane heater and an enclosed fireplace. With that and the duvets we brought, it was a cozy retreat. Bonus points for the games provided and helpful supply boxes in case we forgot any essentials! Cathy is a friendly and thoughtful host. Definitely get the eggs from the farm chickens and special handmade goat milk soap (the scents are SO good). She let us have our space, but was right there anytime we had a question or needed help. Our bonus hosts - Cathy’s three kids - were also so kind and friendly to my daughters, and they had a bunch of fun playing on the trampoline, playground and around the property. The definite highlight of the trip for all of us were the goats and other farm animals! My daughter got to hold a goat kid that had just been born hours before, which was truely magical. Being able to hang out in the field with a huge herd of goats, a few calves, chickens, friendly barn cats and dogs really made the trip special. All the animals were so friendly! We’ll definitely be returning!

Jim

March 2025

2 nights at Gilles Family Dairy & Woodland

Nice place Chelsi. Thanks for the hospitality and great communication.

Love the wood stove and outdoor cooking firepit! Mike was AMAZING! The cows and dogs were super cute. The trails were beautiful and very hilly! Honestly they're very private sites also! Bed was comfy, deck was perfect - I enjoyed watching the bird feeder. Really a super great energy here. Would definitely go back!

3 nights at Cloverdale Cabins

We had a wonderful family weekend in Cabin #3! The kids especially enjoyed the hammock chairs underneath the cabin. The inside was thoughtfully designed and very comfortable, and having a mini fridge and microwave was a nice bonus. The bathrooms were very clean and convenient, too. Chelsi was very responsive and friendly - a great host. We'll definitely be back for another stay!

Astrid

March 2025

We loved the cute little cottage that we stayed in. We also really enjoyed the rec room with the hot tub and games. Super short drive into town if you needed something and even shorter drive to the casino.

12 top campgrounds in Minnesota

7 sites · Tents60 acres · Nerstrand, MN

(772)

Prairie Creek Campground

Hello 2025, Camping Season is Here! Pitch your tent at one of our Walk-In campsites on 60 acres of forest or hilltop prairie along Prairie Creek in Rice County, MN. Explore the creeks, trails, forest, our enormous granite "split rock", 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. Vehicles: Our main parking area by sites 1, 2, & 3 is easily accessible. The road to the secondary parking area beside site 4 is up a steep gravel road (but it is accessible). We do not have firewood available at the campground; please plan ahead to bring firewood with you. Sites are priced for one tent, please let us know if you need to have more than one tent. Kids under 16 camping with their parents do not count in pricing. 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. This campground is managed by Stephen and Molly on land owned by them and their father Ted. In 1961, Ted's parents 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 25 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.

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Houston, MN

(436)

Gilles Family Dairy & Woodland

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.

4 sites · Lodging, Tents28 acres · Welch, MN

(381)

Belle Creek Bluff

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.

98%

(196)

The Oaks at Oakwood Farm

2 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Oak Grove, MN

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 water point in the barn 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. Bundles of firewood can be purchased 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, turkeys, 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!

2 sites · RVs25 acres · Stillwater, MN

(59)

Honeyberry Minnesota working farm

Small working farm of 25 acres with roughly 1/3 wooded. Bring cash if you want to buy fresh produce. Half-way between Hudson WI and Stillwater MN. Tons of activities to do, including the St Croix River. Mowed trails on the property, campfire wood provided. Walk up to our two-acre Haskap orchard.

4 sites · Lodging, Tents23 acres · Brownsville, MN

(297)

Shady Rest Acres

Once the site of the historic V.J. Fetzner Brewery from the late 19th Century. The land is now used as a hobby farm, honey bee sanctuary and nursery to a unique tree species normally not found in Southeastern Minnesota. Remnants of the brewery are still visible. Foundation walls outline the massive structure of the brewery. Nestled in the center of the foundation is the entrance to the sixty-seven foot deep cave that once held barrels of beer and can be accessed by canoe only. Hops have been located on the property and are believed to be ancestors of those raised to make the beer once stored in the cave. The pond that provides access to the cave was dug out in the early 1990's to create a fish out for the Spring Falls Trout Farm that used to exist across the highway. Some of the original brood stock still exist and continue to naturally stock the pond. It is not uncommon to see fish that are five to ten pounds in size. We do not allow fishing from our pond. The residents house is built to scale to the original brew master's house. While the house is only twenty-four years old it looks as though you have taken a step back in time. The name Shady Rest was given to the house by the Brew Master's wife. We thought it was appropriate to keep the name alive. Shady Rest Acres is comprised of twenty-three acres of beautiful woodlands and pasture that are protected forever in the Minnesota Land Trust. The pasture is home to Scottish Highlander cows, two miniature donkeys, five sheep, four goats, honey bees and a flock of chickens. Scottish Highlanders were selected for both their grazing and browsing abilities. They are very docile and make excellent pasture mates to the smaller species sharing the pasture. The cows are excellent forest managers. They clear out invasive species such as Honey Suckle, Buckthorn, and Barberry which can often be difficult to manage. A guided tour with the host can be taken to meet the pasture animals. The forest is comprised of many tree species. Some are unique in that they normally do not grow in this region of Minnesota. The yellow birch is a species normally found in Northern Minnesota. It's bark is golden in color and glistens when the sun hits it just right. We have a cluster of several yellow birch including one that is so big that the bark no longer looks golden but instead is grey and very rough. Years ago the largest of these trees made excellent wood for turning bowls. Blue Beech (musclewood) can also be found on the property. As the name indicates the bark is shaped like muscles. Songbirds and some other species will use different parts of the tree as a food source. Towering white pines also speckle the landscape. Mother pine requires at least two humans arm lengths to encircle the whole tree. She is a favorite resting spot for the barred owl. There is oak, elm, maple, ceders, poplars and numerous other species. Honey bees are an integral part of the landscape. We partnered with a friend and started raising honey bees two years ago in order to do our part to keep pollinators thriving. Their hives are located in the pasture where it has the perfect amount of early morning sun to get them moving and afternoon shade to balance out the summer heat. It is not uncommon to see them pollinating garden plants, trees and wild flowers around the property. One of their favorite feeding spots is the acre and a half prairie which offers a range of plants including big blue stem, wild indigo and baby blue stem, to name a few. Not only are honey bees essential to the food chain but they also provide a very enriching experience when they are observed moving about their hives. There is nothing more relaxing and fascinating than watching these amazing creatures.

19 sites · Lodging, Tents14 acres · Altura, MN

(36)

Aefintyr

Aefintyr is a campground located on Whiskey Hill in the Whitewater River Valley near the town of Elba, MN. The land was used for personal recreation for several years. I've spent countless hours hiking and enjoying observing the seasons, plants, fungus and animals. The vision of a campground was inspired by many camping and backcountry spots throughout the United States, all of the amazing things in the woods, the beautiful blufftop valley views, proximity to a multitude of outdoor activities and adventures. Camps are spacious, secluded and designed to immerse guests in the surrounding woodland.

6 sites · Lodging, Tents36 acres · Taylors Falls, MN

(220)

Stone Creek Farm

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.

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents42 acres · Preston, MN

(118)

Gossman Goat Ranch

We have a lovely piece of property to come enjoy a getaway at. We enjoy all of the peace and quiet around here. The night sky is unbeatable in my eyes. We have a small hobby farm with lots of very tame animals. We have 42 acres to roams with lots of trails within the woods that are filled with aged oak trees and many young maple trees. Our property is filled with lots of wild flowers and wildlife. We are locate 3 miles from the root river if you enjoy fishing or going for a float down the river. There are two caves in our area that are a must see while you are visiting. I you like to hike there is a state park 14 minutes from us that have many miles of hiking trails and horse trails. If you are more the small town strolling type of person we have lots of small towns around us that are filled with shops and lots of great food! There is a large system of bike trails in our area that make a very fun way to check out some of the small towns. If you have a family with kids we have a lot of fun activities you can do with your kids, like spending time with the goats, chickens and ducks, playing on our playground, or taking a nice walk through the woods looking for fossils!

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East Lake Ranch

4 sites · RVs, Tents171 acres · Palisade, MN

Our land is very special with positive energy vibes. If you're looking for a relaxing place to watch the diamonds dance on the lake, listen to the birds sing and watch the butterflies flutter about in the meadow, you'll instantly start to relax. Learn more about this land: We offer TWO campsites, Meadow and Oak which you drive right up to! Meadow is in an open meadow hill alongside forest and wetland, situated next to West Lake with dock access. Paddle to Waukenabo Lake through the channel. View the eagle's nest. Campfire ring in this site. Oak is secluded and right on West Lake. Campfire ring in this site. From Meadow and OAK, you have easy access [5-minute walk] to the outhouse called the "Scheissplatz" known as the cleanest and cutest in Aitkin County. Fresh well water available to all campers. Bring your container sto fill up. Wood can be gathered from the forest floor or any dead tree branches. No cutting of live trees. Do NOT peel the birch bark from live trees! You may bring your own wood as long as you burn it all up. You can walk to the our pole shed, "Steinbeck" and pet the animals. We have a horse "Buddy", donkey "Archer", two goats "Frank and Randy", five sheep "Lorraine, Mabel, and Princess Mary Margaret just to name a few! We have 9 egg laying hens named "The Ladies", and our Brittany Spaniel dog., "Benji." You can hike through the woods. We are situated in 174 acres and adjacent to state forest land. The loons call in the evening and life is good relaxing at East Lake Ranch. Great first time experience for kids. Learn about our protected shoreline by clicking: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/woodlands/harvesting-wild-rice.html

94%

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Fish Lake Getaway

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Finlayson, MN

Learn more about this land: There is a fire pit and firewood, access to a basicly private lake. 14’ aluminum boat and a canoe is available There is no place to put your own boat in. There is an outhouse and a shed with many yard games. There is a park model camper available to use with no hook ups other than gas stove