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Riverside Camping

The best river, stream, or creek camping in Minnesota

Name: Minnesota
Address: Minnesota
Rating: 4.8395

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping in the United States! If you're looking to pitch your tent or park your RV near a beautiful river in Minnesota, you're in luck. We've got over 270 options available specifically for river camping in Minnesota. With options as low as $10 per night and an average price of $40 per night, there's a campsite to fit any budget. Looking for top-rated spots? Check out Balsam Ridge Retreat (506 reviews), Ranch Retreat (226 reviews), or Quarry in the Mississippi Bluff (209 reviews). And don't worry about amenities - popular features like campfires, pet-friendly sites, and toilets are available. Plus, you can enjoy fishing, exploring historic sites, and even off-roading (OHV) at some locations. Happy camping!

97% (4.9K) • 4,009 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Minnesota

Prairie Creek Campground

1. Prairie Creek Campground

99%

(890)

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.

Pets

Campfires

Toilets

The Double J

2. The Double J

99%

(366)

Zumbrota, MN · 6 sites · Tents, RVs

Welcome to the Double J! Of the 71 acres we own, about half is tillable and the other half is woods and pastures for our horses. Within that, there is a beautiful secluded 3-acre meadow nestled down along along a beautiful 1,200 foot stretch of the Zumbro River where we have 5 spacious tent/RV campsites. While the campsites are all adjacent to each other along the river, they are each very spacious (the smallest being 100' wide and 75' deep), with some mature trees scattered around. Each sites (except Site #1) is able to accommodate up to 8 people and more than one tent or RV. There is a small meadow above all the sites where campers can play catch or other games. We provide and maintain a centrally located outhouse and keep the entire area mowed throughout the year. All sites offer great shade trees (perfectly spaced for hanging up a hammock) and access to the river - great for those hot summer days! Water activities to be enjoyed include fishing, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding and tubing (equipment not included). Some campers will drop in upstream at the Covered Bridge Park and float down to their campsite. The Zumbro River, especially in the fishing hole, offers great fishing including Trout, Small-mouth, Red-horse, and an occasional Northern or Sauger. Campers are welcome to to meander out into our pastures to pet our two horses, Shiloh and Champ. Also, we are just over a mile from town where you can visit Covered Bridge Park which has a Frisbee golf course and a nice play area for younger kids. Reserving adjacent sites, or all of the sites, makes for the ideal setting for a large family or group camp-out. In order to prevent overcrowding, we do reserve the right to limit number of sites, or campers per site based on overall parties/campers in the camping area. We will notify you if there are any limits at the time of your booking. We enjoy being able to share our property with others, and it is our desire to promote a safe, peaceful, family-friendly environment, therefore, be sure to note, we do have a NO ALCOHOL policy. PLEASE NOTE: Be sure to read the "RV Details" on the site information page as the road to the camping area may limit the type or size of RV due to a couple dips, a sharper curve, and it's steeper slope. Also, keep in mind, we reserve the right to cancel any reservations due to heavy rains or floods that may require our sites some additional time to dry out sufficiently. For updates and notice of last minute cancellations be sure to follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/DoubleJCamping As is customary for most campgrounds, we ask that if you bring in your own firewood that it be kiln dried. Dry firewood can be purchased for $5.00/bundle. TIP - Being we do not reimburse campers in the event of rain (unless campground is flooded or too muddy), we highly recommend campers take advantage of Hipcamp’s Weather Guarantee option when booking. With Minnesota’s unpredictable weather it allows you to get reimbursed for any days it rains over a specified amount, even if you choose to stick out the rain! The cost is very reasonable making it almost a no-brainer! Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions! We look forward to being able to serve you!

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Belle Creek Bluff

3. Belle Creek Bluff

99%

(466)

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

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.

Tettegouche State Park

5. 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

Kingfisher's Bend

(7)

State park in Minnesota · 88 sites

Discover quartzite cliffs, bison herds, and wildflower-blanketed prairies.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Cascade River State Park

13. Cascade River State Park

100%

(5)

State park in Minnesota · 47 sites

Discover the rugged beauty of Cascade River State Park.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Shady Rest Acres

14. Shady Rest Acres

100%

(324)

Brownsville, MN · 3 sites · Tents, Lodging

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.

Toilets

Campfires

Showers

Xtreme Hideout

15. Xtreme Hideout

100%

(14)

Ironton, MN · 1 site · Tent, RV

Bike in bike out from this single unit campsite located in the Cuyuna Range, tucked between Ironton and Riverton. Nothing fancy. Just a place to park and stay the night / weekend while you enjoy the many outdoor activities in the Cuyuna Lakes Area including: Hiking, Cycling, Mountain biking, Off-roading, Scuba diving, Canoeing, Trout fishing and more.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Campfires

Ranch Retreat Camping

16. Ranch Retreat Camping

99%

(430)

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

New Hartford trout camp

17. New Hartford trout camp

99%

(104)

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.

Pets

Campfires

Potable water

Lazy River Landing

18. Lazy River Landing

94%

(17)

Braham, MN · 1 site · Tent, RV

Enjoy a peaceful escape on our private 3.5-acre lot, perfect for tent camping or RVs. The upper site includes an electric hook-up, outhouse, and a dedicated fire pit for campfires under the stars. Surrounded by woods on either side, it offers a quiet, semi-secluded spot for nature lovers. A short trail (400 feet or a little over a football field) leads through the forest to the Snake River, where you’ll find a second fire pit with chairs, solar lighting, and a private dock that is shared with just our cabin and a campsite. If you are tenting, you can tent at the river but do not drive on the trail. The river is great for fishing, swimming, canoeing, or kayaking, and can accommodate small boats. Multiple public boat landings are located up and down the river for easy drop off and access points. The property lines are outlined in the overview picture. Please do not go to the east of the trail to provide ample space for privacy with our neighbors. The red on the map is the camping area with electricity and outhouse. Our personal log cabin is the blue dot but there is a significant tree line in between. If we are there, we are happy to give you a tour. The blue line is the trail. The white area is our property on the river and available for tent only or to hang out for the day if you choose to camp up top. The purple area is where the goats are busy eating. Come and visit them! While the site does not have running water, you’ll be camping right next to our family cabin, and we’re happy to help with anything you might need. We also have friendly goats on the property that guests are welcome to visit! There’s also plenty to explore nearby. Just minutes away, Braham offers a quirky “hole-in-the-wall” bowling alley and some charming local shops. Head north to Pine City for more options, including restaurants, a larger grocery store, and additional shopping. History buffs will enjoy visiting the Snake River Fur Trading Post, a Minnesota historical site. And if you’re in the mood for a local treat, Sapsucker Farms is a nearby cidery open on weekends, often hosting live music, food trucks, and hiking trails. There are 5 State Parks within an hour drive. Ask your hosts for even more ideas—they’re happy to share local favorites!

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

O'Dalaigh Hideaway

19. O'Dalaigh Hideaway

100%

(58)

Rock Creek, MN · 1 site

Note: Site does not have an assigned address but the driveway is next to our cabin on the North side of the Snake River in Pine City MN, NOT Rock Creek MN. The site is a vacant lot and has the better river view and experience as its a small peninsula that juts out to the river with rapids. There is a swimming area right next to the campsite or feel free to jump into the rapids if you want a rush. There is fishing right there as well, mostly large and small mouth bass. There is parking off the road and a short walk to the campsite, just follow the sounds of the river. Small wagons are provided to help with getting gear down to the river tent site. There is a composting toilet, it uses a "separator" where #1 goes back to the earth (as it is sterile and liquid) and #2 goes into a bucket and is covered with wood chips. There is also a standing urinal for men if desired. If you would prefer to use a pit toilet there is one on the property with directions marked with a sign. It is a farther walk however, about 100 yards from the tent site and on the cabin property near the driveway. If you want something even more convenient, feel free to bring your own. Firewood is available for sale onsite or feel free to clean up dead wood lying along the trail at no cost. The tent site is right next to rapids on the Snake river. If you struggle sleeping to the sound of rushing water, this may not be for you!

Pets

Campfires

Toilets

Bluff Hollow Camp on the Root River

20. Bluff Hollow Camp on the Root River

99%

(356)

Stewartville, MN · 1 site · Tent, RV

The property is one of a kind. The Driftless Region starts right here in SE Minnesota. It is secluded with mature trees, beautiful bluffs, fishing, kayaking! It is a nature lovers dream!

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Toilets

Campfires

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Joe and Hannah

6 days ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Winding Woods on Pine River

The river run through the campsite. So if you are an early riser and those with you are not, it’s a great place to and sip your coffee as the morning starts. Jackie was super responsive and it was a good spot for us!

1 week ago

16 ft campervan

2 nights at Bluff Hollow Camp on the Root River

Best place to get away from it all and be enveloped in nature's beauty. My dog's loved it too!

Marisa

1 week ago

Tent

With kids

2 nights at Bluff Hollow Camp on the Root River

Our third time here--quiet, private, and awesome as always!

Brian

1 week ago

26 ft travel trailer

With pets

5 nights at Ranch Retreat Camping

Jolene was a gracious host and our site was pure idyllic joy sitting there on the creek. Already scheming to get the whole family to come back with us next time.

Barbara

1 week ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Bluff Hollow Camp on the Root River

Second time camping here, this place doesn't disappoint! Even when the fish aren't biting. Lovely land, well cared for, convenient and relaxing.

Naomi

1 week ago

Weekend Trip to The Camps at the Vineyards

Loved the space. Nice to be right on the river. Pizza was great. Outhouses were very clean. Had a wonderful weekend!

Forrest

2 weeks ago

Tent

2 nights at O'Dalaigh Hideaway

What a special spot on the river. We were all to ourselves aside from the bugs. Beautiful spot with your own little rapids section to cool off in. Saw tons of wildlife on the road in including a bear cub and fawn, tons of birds, and lots of crawdads. 10/10. We will be back.

Amy

2 weeks ago

Tent

5 nights at O'Dalaigh Hideaway

I had another amazing camping trip. This was my second time staying here and already looking to find when I can book again. I was able to relax in the river and get some much-needed rest and relaxation. I even managed to read five books!

Joshua

2 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

1 night at Prairie Creek Campground

We loved camping here. The creek was so relaxing to put our chairs in and to explore and relax. Beautiful site and grounds. The waterfall is cool and the host is super friendly. Will definitely come back.

Shaylie

2 weeks ago

Tent

Group trip

2 nights at Bluff Hollow Camp on the Root River

Beautiful site. I can see why is so hard to get a reservation. It was hot as all get out, but the shade and stream helped a bunch. We stayed by the stream. Only recommendation is to remember a table if you stay on the lower site, as the picnic table is up top. Hope to make it back sometime!

Alaina

2 weeks ago

20 ft travel trailer

2 nights at Xtreme Hideout

Spacious site with a great campfire ring and multiple trails leading off of it! A little buggy, but nothing a thermacell couldn’t handle. Note that the fire number doesn’t match the address, so don’t let that trip you up!

Collan

2 weeks ago

21 ft campervan

1 night at Ranch Retreat Camping

Was an amazingly beautiful place. Was only ably to stay for a short time. But definitely will be back again as soon as we can.

Carolyn

2 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Belle Creek Bluff

Beautiful, private spot on the creek. I was able to hang my hammock and had a wonderful sleep. I have never seen so many fireflies. It was actually quite magical.

Alec

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Prairie Creek Campground

Beautiful and quite campsite. Directions were clear and the owners were very friendly.

Michelle

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Prairie Creek Campground

We loved camping here!! The instructions and mapping were clear, Stephen was very welcoming and the property (site, trails, roads, outhouse) were well maintained. A little slice of heaven, really. We will return!

Julie

2 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

3 nights at Prairie Creek Campground

We had a great time camping on Stephen’s land! It was close to some nice short trails that we enjoyed with our toddlers. The waterfalls in the adjacent park were perfect wading depth for our families. Our host was very friendly and welcoming, and the directions were clear. Not too many mosquitoes, and the fireflies at dusk were epic!

bret

2 weeks ago

16 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to New Hartford trout camp

10/10 enjoyed our stay. Definitely worth a second visit.

Sarah

2 weeks ago

21 ft travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at Bluff Hollow Camp on the Root River

AMAZING! This is my fav camping spot! It’s hard not to be relaxed when u are dropped in nature’s beauty! Eric was very accommodating to my recent surgery and access to the land. It was nice to just forget the worries and enjoy life. I brought my brother and his family this time and they were in ahhhh of everything! (Fireflies /tadpoles/ stars/bluff) Thank you so much!!!