The best waterside campgrounds in Minnesota

You’ll find more than 6,900 waterside campsites in Minnesota, with options starting at just $13 per night and an average price around $50. Riverbanks, lakeshores, and creeks set the scene for fishing, snow sports, and wildlife-watching. Top picks like Prairie Creek Campground (353 reviews), Ranch Retreat Camping (321 reviews), and Bluff Hollow Camp on the Root River (244 reviews) get high marks for easy water access and clean, pet-friendly sites. Showers and toilets are common, so you won’t have to rough it. Bring your rod, your snow boots, and your curiosity—Minnesota’s waterside camping scene has you covered.

96% (5.8K)

Top-rated campgrounds

You’ll find more than 6,900 waterside campsites in Minnesota, with options starting at just $13 per night and an average price around $50. Riverbanks, lakeshores, and creeks set the scene for fishing, snow sports, and wildlife-watching. Top picks like Prairie Creek Campground (353 reviews), Ranch Retreat Camping (321 reviews), and Bluff Hollow Camp on the Root River (244 reviews) get high marks for easy water access and clean, pet-friendly sites. Showers and toilets are common, so you won’t have to rough it. Bring your rod, your snow boots, and your curiosity—Minnesota’s waterside camping scene has you covered.

96% (5.8K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Shady Rest Acres

100%

(316)

4 sites · Tents, Lodging · Brownsville, MN

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.

2. Sunset Pines MN

100%

(6)

71 sites · RVs, Lodging · Backus, MN

Mike and Loellen discovered Ruttger’s Camping Resort in the winter of 2005 while driving around the area and scanning websites for trailers. We bought a trailer on a seasonal site and have thoroughly enjoyed our summers here ever since! Our sons grew up on the lake, boating and fishing and exploring the area and we have developed a wonderful lake-family. We have watched Bill and Candy Ruttger build the resort into the beautiful property that it is today and feel privileged to have the opportunity to now share it with you. Under our new ownership and with a new name, Sunset Pines MN in January 2023, we are eager to carry on the legacy created by our friends and mentors. We welcome you to enjoy our piece of “Up North” Minnesota lake-life with your family and friends, and don’t forget to enjoy a sunset or two! Mike & Loellen

3. Woods and Meadows Farm

100%

(156)

3 sites · Lodging · Wrenshall, MN

"All are welcome here." We love sharing our beautiful space, and want you to feel safe and secure. Explore woods, trails, meadows. Peaceful, private, close to bike trails, Jay Cooke State Park and Duluth. Both cabins have their own special ambiance. These are comfortable, rustic cabins with NO running water (drinking water supplied). “Not "ADA" *Well-behaved, house-broken, supervised dogs, and older children welcome. *It helps us to know your ETA in advance and to update us so that we can plan our day as well! Once you are in the area, message us a bit before your arrival so we can meet you and set you up properly! If we miss you, follow the arrow on the wheelbarrow down the hill. Park at Dragon Loft at 1st right, and Raven Watch at very end of drive. *We have free range chickens and friendly border collie. Sometimes there's a dog staying at the other cabin. Wildlife is also in the area, so we require that dogs be supervised and leashed, for their safety, and our wild animal neighbors. No dogs may be left unattended in our cabins while you go out! Take your canine pal with you! Quiet hours: dusk to 7am. Also consider your dog's inclination for barking. We keep the peace and quiet of all of our guests in mind. *DRAGON LOFT has one double bed in a loft with steep ladder. Great for two people. Room for dog bed or kennel below the loft. Has a nice reading/coffee room, fridge, oil radiator, hot plate, WiFi, deck with table and chairs, patio with fire ring., grill outside. You have full use of the trails in our woods! *RAVEN WATCH is larger and comfortable for up to four people. Solar power, off grid (no WiFi). Double bed upstairs overlooking the pond, and another downstairs by the cozy wood stove. A cute little kitchen with a nice gas stove and wash area. Fire ring outside. Wood supply. Price based on two adults. Small fee for up to two more people +pets. Next to pond, creek and woods! Private porta-potty, no shower. We raised our children here, and over 45 yrs have planted trees and pollinator acres. We always enjoy meeting other travelers. While living and teaching internationally we looked for adventure, staying in a wide range of hostels in developing countries around the globe. We are now retired but still traveling and exploring off-season.

Public campgrounds in Minnesota

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(6)

Lake Superior Cart-in Campground

13 sites · in Tettegouche State Park

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(7)

Tettegouche Camp

4 sites · in Tettegouche State Park

100%

(7)

Cedar Hill and Goosberry Glen

114 sites · Tents, RVs · in Whitewater State Park MN

One of my favorite parts of car camping is leaving the dehydrated food at home and grabbing the cast iron out of trunk . After no luck catching trout , we indulged in steak while camping in Camden .

100%

(6)

Camden Upper Campground

35 sites · Tents, RVs · in Camden State Park

100%

(5)

Cascade River Campground

47 sites · Tents, RVs · in Cascade River State Park

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(5)

Moose Lake Campground

56 sites · Tents, RVs · in Moose Lake State Park

100%

(8)

Bear Paw Campground

81 sites · Tents, RVs · in Itasca State Park

100%

(7)

Pine Ridge Campground

158 sites · Tents, RVs · in Itasca State Park

100%

(4)

Split Rock Creek State Park Campground

35 sites · Tents, RVs · in Split Rock Creek State Park

Tettegouche State Park boasts some of the most incredible bluffs in Minnesota. Hike along the Superior Hiking Trail to Bean & Bear Lakes or Mount Trudee for some of the areas best scenes.

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(4)

Tettegouche Baptism River Campground

28 sites · Tents, RVs · in Tettegouche State Park

100%

(4)

Banning Campground

34 sites · Tents, RVs · in Banning State Park

100%

(3)

Old Logging Trail Campground

90 sites · Tents, RVs · in St. Croix State Park

Stories from the community

K

Kyle

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Shady Rest Acres

Patty and Michelle are awesome hosts. Very available and acommodating if you need anything but totally out of your hair otherwise. Heart's Content was a lovely spot where you could hear the soft trickle of water flowing from pond to pond as you slept. Very close to a lot of cool spots including a great bluff hike in Reno, MN, and great boating/island hopping opportunities at Goose Island in LaCrosse, WI. The farm animals were all very chill and friendly and were very respectful of our space at the campsite, like not wandering in and being all up on us while we prepped meals or anything like that. They'd sometimes graze on the underbrush that rings the site. The goats loved being fed food scraps like carrot/potato skins, banana peels, etc. There was a very clean and well maintained outhouse on the premises and a water spigot nearby with very clean water. Great price on a generous amount of firewood that is stored in a dry shelter. Buy it in person, not through the app. ;)

Dawne

September 2025

1 night at Woods and Meadows Farm

Wow, this was my first HipCamp experience and I am pretty sure it has spoiled me for any future stays! The bar has been set pretty high, for sure. There were so many beautiful touches and attention to detail in both a practical and anesthetic sense. I watched turtles swimming in the pond, laughed at a precocious squirrel hurling pine cones at the steel roof of the cabin, and marvelled at a very large heard of deer as I walked the meadow and photographed a gorgeous field of wildflowers. My stay was far too short. I genuinely hope to come here again and spend more time. Thank you for sharing your little piece of heaven on earth. 🥰

E

Ethan

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Shady Rest Acres

Shady Rest Acres was amazing. I had high expectations and they were exceeded. The donkeys and goats were really friendly when they approached you to check things out and the cows were great to watch. The hosts were super friendly and answered any questions right away with helpful information. Secluded area which was very peaceful and where I could check out the milky way at night. 12/10 would book again

Andrew

August 2025

3 nights at Shady Rest Acres

Perfect place to decompress, with a touch of the farm life. The hosts were kind and available, letting us know how to approach the animals on our own time.

B

Brandie

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Woods and Meadows Farm

Absolutely loved staying here! Not only is it a fun thing to be off grid but the property is very comfortable. The host was knowledgeable and very friendly. The bonus was the adorable dog my boyfriend loved playing with. We were given farm fresh eggs upon arrival but I am bummed we forgot them. Great place to relax for sure!! We will stay there again.

J

Jeffrey

August 2025

Tent

2 nights at Shady Rest Acres

We asked if they could supply us with some beverages using hipcamp messaging since we bike packed to the location and they gladly helped us out. The camp site was great, well maintained and easy to find!

A

Abbey Renee

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Shady Rest Acres

Wonderful site adjacent to a farm featuring goats, donkeys, and ducks. Friendly hosts who were welcoming, providing am overview of the amenities. For a quiet getaway in a great location be sure to book with Michelle & Patty.

P

Pamela

August 2025

Tent

2 nights at Shady Rest Acres

Camped at Life is good site right by the farm animals which were super friendly. Fairly private and serene with beautiful stars at night and sunrises. There were a lot of flies but that’s to be expected around animals. Hosts were super friendly.

C

Carrie

July 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Shady Rest Acres

Another lovely stay at Patty and Michelle's cabin. It is a great way to enjoy all of the beautiful nature of the area with fewer mosquitos! We stargazed, spent quality time with the cats, goats, and made friends with the turkeys. Looking forward to coming back later this fall.

An important member of the welcoming committee! Just don't touch the belly 😊

B

Britt

July 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Shady Rest Acres

Patty and Michelle were lovely hosts. Gave us lots of ideas upon arrival for local attractions and when there was a possibility of severe weather, briefed us clearly on procedures. Thankfully, we didn't need them! The campsite is very well maintained and defined; plenty of wood chopped and ready to be used (for a very reasonable fee); delightful cast of critter characters around the farm; in the stillness of the night you can hear the water running into the pond below. Our group of 5 had three tents set up and there was plenty of room. The cooking grate on the fire was clutch!

S

Sarah

July 2025

3 nights at Woods and Meadows Farm

The setting is so beautiful and peaceful. A thriving pond is right outside the cabin door and a gorgeous wildflower meadow just behind it. Very tranquil atmosphere with only the sounds of birdsong and frogs.

S

Sarah

July 2025

With kids

2 nights at Shady Rest Acres

This place is stunning beyond words. It’s absolutely gorgeous. As soon as we arrived, we regretted only booking for two nights and made up our minds right then and there that we’re coming back more prepared next time and booking the place for at least 5 nights. Patty and Michelle are very kind. They went out of their way to make sure we’re comfortable and have everything we need, and helped us order pizza. The farm, the animals and the scenery are simply outstanding. This place is perfect for both families and couples. It’s all incredibly beautiful and a real nice retreat from the city.

Jordan

June 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Woods and Meadows Farm

I was so excited for this getaway - and everything about this place exceeded my expectations!! The cabin was the PERFECT serene escape - from the cozy interior with everything we could’ve needed for comfort/ambiance, cooking yummy meals, and space for reading/games - to the beautiful views of the pond/wildflowers/stars over the field at night - to the labyrinth of well maintained trails to explore on the property. My dog had the time of his life exploring, and us humans are leaving well rested and hoping to return again soon!

M

Matt

June 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Shady Rest Acres

Tremendous experience- lovely place to stay - hosts were great!

R

Rae

June 2025

Tent

1 night at Shady Rest Acres

Amazing hosts with an even better property. It was so cozy and peaceful, giving that “in the woods” feel without being too remote. Couldn’t recommend more!

A

Alexx

June 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Woods and Meadows Farm

super friendly and helpful, beautiful views and very cute cabin

C

Carrie

June 2025

Group trip

2 nights at Shady Rest Acres

A wonderful place to unwind and connect with nature. I enjoyed looking through the reading material and listening to some of the vinyl records. My kids had a nice time petting all the sweet animals. The studio had plenty of space for the 4 of us. Keep in mind that many of the businesses in the small surrounding communities are not open midweek if that is of interest. Would stay here again!

Sarah

June 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Shady Rest Acres

Patrick and I really enjoyed our time at Shady Rest Acres, a beautiful and well cared for nook of field and forest. The hosts were very friendly and we were happy we followed up on the advice they gave us regarding hiking and food in the local area. Their animals were also very friendly and caused us to laugh many times with their antics but did not disturb us. At night the stars were visible when clear, and owls called back and forth. The sunrise over the Mississippi or behind the bluffs is gorgeous if you are up to witness it. A unique experience we had on their land was canoeing into the old beer cellar, which is actually a cave. We would highly recommend this Hipcamp! Thank you Patty and Michelle!

C

Chris

June 2025

Tent

3 nights at Shady Rest Acres

We had a wonderful stay and would love to return. Their land is gorgeous and extremely well maintained. Patty and Michelle were lovely and helpful hosts. Also, my girlfriend says that they have the cleanest Porto she has ever seen. 😂

B

Bonni

May 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Woods and Meadows Farm

An amazing experience all around! Ann’s property is amazing with many trails to meander through. The cabin is beautiful with a lot of attention to detail. There is even a photo album with the Cabin’s history to look through. It is obvious the land and space are well cared for. We stopped for a night on our way to Madeline Island, Wisconsin and it was the perfect halfway point. Ann is very kind and attentive. Even providing extras for our dog. Her dog, Daisy, joined us for the evening and checked in the next morning. Daisy was the cherry on the Sunday! We appreciated being given some farm fresh eggs to cook while camping! We will definitely be back.