The best river, stream, or creek camping in Minnesota

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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% (5.4K) • 4,017 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Minnesota

Prairie Creek Campground

1. Prairie Creek Campground

99%
(651)
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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The Double J

2. The Double J

99%
(359)
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!
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Floodwood Municipal Campground

3. Floodwood Municipal Campground

91%
(310)
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!
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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.
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!
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Electrical hookup
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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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Balsam Ridge Retreat

7. 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
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Potable water
Belle Creek Bluff

8. Belle Creek Bluff

99%
(377)
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.
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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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Itasca State Park

10. 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.
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Afton State Park

11. 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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Blue Mounds State Park

12. Blue Mounds State Park

100%
(8)
State park in Minnesota · 88 sites
Discover quartzite cliffs, bison herds, and wildflower-blanketed prairies.
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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.
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Electrical hookup
Toilets
New Hartford trout camp

14. New Hartford trout camp

99%
(124)
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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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)
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Electrical hookup
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The Edge

16. The Edge

94%
(237)
Rochester, MN · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
This 6 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.
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Cuyuna Crossing | Riverside Stays

17. Cuyuna Crossing | Riverside Stays

95%
(150)
Crosby, MN · 7 sites · Tents, Lodging
Cuyuna Crossing offers both private riverside domes and walk-in rustic campsites on 21 wooded acres with over a half mile of Mississippi River frontage, just minutes from the Cuyuna Recreation Area. Our professionally designed 18-hole disc golf course winds through the woods and along the river. Overnight guests can play any time during their stay, and the course is also open to the public on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mirror Hypedomes (Glamping) Our insulated domes are designed for quiet, comfortable stays and are ideal for couples. Each includes a king bed, wood stove (firewood provided), electric heat, AC in the summer season, mini-fridge, microwave, coffee maker, outdoor seating, fire ring, and private river access. Included wood-fired, coil thermosiphon hot tubs are the ultimate camping luxury during the summer season. Private Bathroom & Shower: Each dome comes with its own private bathroom and shower, just for your party. It's in the main building, a short walk from the domes. Pets: Leashed pets are welcome everywhere outside on the property, but they can't stay inside the domes. Winter Season (Oct 19 – May 1) The domes stay open all year! During the winter season the wood-fired hot tubs are out of service (we shut them off once nights drop below freezing), and the rate is $179 a night with a 1-night minimum. The wood stove keeps things cozy, and firewood is provided. Plan to keep the fire going overnight on the coldest nights. Rustic Campsites Walk-in tent sites offer a simple, peaceful way to experience the land. The property includes one Riverside Group Site (up to four tents) and four individual tent sites along the river. Sites are bring-your-own-gear. A porta potty serves the campsite area. Walk-In Access: All campsites are walk-in only, with no vehicles past the main lot. Park there and use one of our carts to haul your gear. The trail can be muddy or uneven after rain, so plan on two trips if you're bringing a lot. Water: The campsites don't have water or electrical hookups. You can fill up with drinking water at the main building by the parking lot, so bring a jug or refillable bottles to carry back to your site. Optional add-on: shared private bathroom & shower access in the main building (limited availability, advance purchase required). Coming Soon Additional premium tents are planned for a future phase of the property. The Property Over a half mile of Mississippi River frontage 18-hole disc golf course (guests any time; open to the public Tuesdays 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.) Wooded setting with space to relax Nearby: 200 yards to The Bridge Tavern restaurant and bar .3 miles to public Mississippi River water access 1.5 miles to the Milford Mine Memorial Park 4.7 miles to downtown Crosby shops and restaurants 5.1 miles to Yawkey Unit mountain bike trails 5.3 miles to emergency room and hospital 5.5 miles to Super One Foods 5.9 miles to Cykel Bike Shop in Ironton 10.1 miles to Sagamore Unit mountain bike trails Good to Know This is a shared property with both domes and campsites. Rustic campsites are walk-in only; domes include parking at site. Spring conditions may include mud or high water. Prior reviews referencing vehicle access reflect an earlier layout.
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North Shore Hermitage

18. North Shore Hermitage

100%
(28)
Duluth, MN · 2 sites
Relax on a secluded and beautiful hobby farm in the North Woods while you spend your days exploring Lake Superior's North Shore or popping into Duluth or Two Harbors for all they have to offer! 20 acres of woods, pasture, and trails greet you as you enjoy one of North Shore Hermitage's comfy accommodations as your basecamp. Walk or bike down the quiet gravel road, breathe in the woods and wildflowers, and feel the cool breeze from the largest freshwater lake in the world just down the hill. You're four minutes to Scenic highway 61, six minutes from the beaches of Lake Superior, ten minutes to the grocery store in Duluth, fifteen minutes to Two Harbors, and zero seconds to the relaxing getaway you're looking for! Our family loves welcoming people to the unending beauty of the North Shore and helping folks experience what we get to live every day! Whether you're here for a week to to take in the shore, hike, bike, swim, fish, sail, rock hunt, cross country ski, snowshoe, run the marathon, birdwatch, surf (yes, that's a thing), shop, watch the sled dog races, enjoy a music festival, see Bentleyville, and relax OR you need a short stopover on your way farther "up the shore," North Shore Hermitage is the perfect place for your trip! We're just far enough "up the shore" to feel on vacation, but close enough to Duluth to have it all. Check out each site for your level of comfort and get ready to enjoy the Hermitage.
Toilets
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Gossman Goat Ranch

19. Gossman Goat Ranch

99%
(160)
Preston, MN · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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 and chickens, playing on our playground, or taking a nice walk through the woods looking for fossils! We do offer a 5% discount to military members and first responders! Please bring proof of service and use code 7R78I5SU on booking. Thank you for your service!
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Potable water
Swift Falls County Park

20. Swift Falls County Park

98%
(21)
Benson, MN · 23 sites · Tents, RVs
The Swift Falls County Park is located on the banks of the Chippewa River in the village of Swift Falls, Minnesota. The park is open for camping from May to October and online registration is available below. Swift Falls Park is a great place to hike, fish, or enjoy the playground. Pets are allowed. Need Firewood? Firewood can be purchased from the white building across the river (over the bridge) by the dam.
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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