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Camping with Wildlife watching

The best camping in Minnesota with wildlife watching

Name: Minnesota
Address: Minnesota
Rating: 4.862

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping adventures in the United States! If you're a wildlife enthusiast looking to explore the great outdoors in Minnesota, we've got you covered. With over 635 options specifically catered to wildlife watching in Minnesota, you'll have plenty of choices to find the perfect campsite. Prices start as low as $10 per night and average around $35 per night. Looking for recommendations? Check out the top campsites in the area, including Balsam Ridge Retreat (506 reviews), Gilles Family Dairy & Woodland (239 reviews), and Ranch Retreat (226 reviews). And don't worry about basic amenities - most campsites offer toilets, pet-friendly spaces, and potable water. Plus, you can enjoy popular activities like fishing, biking, and swimming while you're there. Get ready for an unforgettable camping experience!

97% (8.4K) • 6,620 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Minnesota

River Road Campground Luverne

1. River Road Campground Luverne

92%

(586)

Luverne, MN · 19 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

This is a newer campground to Rock County near Luverne, MN. This property is known as the "boy scouts" by the locals. When we were kids we spent time on this property riding bike, horses, and exploring. We have turned this 13 acre property into 22 site campground that we are excited to share with you. Nestled in a bed of trees just 2 miles from I-90 and 1/4 mile South of the Luverne City Park. This campground has 12 sites with rural water and 20,30&50 amp electric at every site. Dump Station. 8 Full Hook Up Sites (Sewer, Water, Electric) Two small ponds and shade trees. Wifi. Shower House/Bathrooms. Campers can enjoy the quiet place to relax and enjoy nature and wildlife, a perfect place for bird watching. We also have a paved bike trial that connects to the campground that leads to miles of trials around Luverne and out to the State park.

Pets

Toilets

Full hookups

Prairie Creek Campground

2. 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

3. 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

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

The Dora Lake Outpost

(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

Balsam Ridge Retreat

14. Balsam Ridge Retreat

100%

(1017)

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

Swan Lake Resort & Campground

15. Swan Lake Resort & Campground

98%

(56)

Fergus Falls, MN · 21 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

⛺️ Since 1949, we've been a family-operated resort & campground on Swan Lake in Fergus Falls, MN. We offer lakeside cabins, tent camping, and full hook-up, pull-through RV sites. Here, there is time to slow down, room to breathe, and lots to explore. 🏖️ Soak up the sun on the sandy beach, hike through the hidden trails, and take the pontoon out for a cruise. Be sure to turn the tech off and challenge a rival to ping pong, crack a cold one, and explore the water on stand-up paddleboard. 🍦 Bring the little ones and get messy at the arts & crafts table, catch a sunfish off the docks, and indulge in s’mores around the campfire. Don’t forget to show us what you got on the volleyball court and savor an ice cream at the camp store. Curl up in a hammock and get lost in a good book, smile at the flowers and gaze in awe at the night sky. Just be.

Pets

Toilets

Full hookups

Stone Creek Farm

16. Stone Creek Farm

99%

(254)

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.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Moosehorn Campground

17. Moosehorn Campground

93%

(49)

Kettle River, MN · 4 sites · Tents, RVs

Discover a serene woodland campsite with expansive trails perfect for ATVs & hiking with abundant wildlife. We now offer potable (well) water , on site porta John’s, fast internet and 20/30/50 hookups for your RV. With ample space for you and your companions, relish breathtaking stargazing views and seize the opportunity to paddle in the nearby Kettle River with your kayak or canoe. Access the campground via the southern entrance, where you'll find a spacious gravel road tailored for your vehicles' convenience, complete with a secure gate to ensure your privacy. Upon arrival, you'll receive a lockbox code for added security.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Shady Rest Acres

18. 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

The Oaks at Oakwood Farm

19. The Oaks at Oakwood Farm

98%

(239)

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!

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Camping on private lake

20. Camping on private lake

99%

(387)

Westbrook, MN · 4 sites

This property has 4 camp spots. Sites 1 and 4 have a boat landing. All sites have shades trees that can hold hammocks. All sites are right next to the lake. Site 3 has a dock that all can use. There is excellent swimming with a sandy bottom at the south end of the lake. The lake is stocked with perch in 2024 but has others as well. It is also close to many lakes that are good for fishing. I have a 14' fishing boat with trolling motor, a paddle boat, 2 kayaks, and canoe for campers to use for free. Firewood is available for $5/day. There is some hiking on the property and much near by. Biking is also good with small lakes nearby to visit. The camping here is very peaceful with wonderful views and the wildlife is awesome! 120 volt power is at all sites and 220 can reach sites 2 and 3. There is warm showers and flushing toilets. Also all sites are drive through on hard ground grass. Grates are provided for cooking over the fire. There is Wi-Fi internet that reaches sites 1-3

Pets

Campfires

Toilets

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

collin

5 days ago

Weekend Trip to Balsam Ridge Retreat

Balsam ridge was fantastic. Like a fairy garden for real people. Awesome sites with the added bonus of cool common areas. The swings were a favorite for us. Chris and Linda were also great hosts! 100% recommend!

Heather

6 days ago

20 ft toy hauler

With pets

2 nights at Tumbleweed Base Camp

Absolutely a gem of a place! Beautiful property, super well maintained. Great location, 10 minutes from lakefront dining, beach, and the dog park is amazing. Great group of campers from solos to families. Really nice!

Dispersed camping in the meadow and over the small hill, choose where you best see fit 🏕️

Colton

6 days ago

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Tumbleweed Base Camp

We had a wonderful time! David’s hospitality was unmatched, he was very helpful and friendly. He got us everything we needed and offered to get things we were missing from town. Couldn’t have had a better host. The land was gorgeous, clean, and open. The barn was awesome! Fun place to hang out. Very good experience overall.

Kate

1 week ago

With kids

2 nights at Balsam Ridge Retreat

This is hands down the best place to vacation with kiddos! Safe, clean, and packed full of fun experiences from a little pond for fishing to two unique wooden swings in the forest to hiking paths. The tent was so cozy and peaceful. Plus Linda and Chris are the most gracious hosts, looking out for their guests and going above and beyond to make sure our stay was comfortable and enjoyable. We will be back!!!

Ian

1 week ago

Tent

With kids

1 night at Tumbleweed Base Camp

Super friendly host, nice place to camp right next to the trails, barn was great for hanging out in the evening and escaping the mosquitos!

Scott

1 week ago

26 ft pop-up camper

1 night at Whippletree Farm & Nature Trail

Believe it or not, the quonset hut and cabin was a perfect shield from the storm that blew through on our overnight stay. We still rocked and rolled a little, but nowhere as near as bad as if we were out in the open. Peter welcomed us when we arrived to verify we found the space correctly. The farm is a cute location and I wish we had more time to spend on Lake Elmo.

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.

Jason

1 week ago

24 ft travel trailer

3 nights at Moosehorn Campground

Great site, great hosts. Very quiet and large sites. Explored the Moose Lake area and it was very nice. Had our 2 dogs and they were able to be off leash whenever we were at the site. We would definitely come here again.

Dave

1 week ago

15 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Moosehorn Campground

Nice large, well maintained sites. Electrical and city water is a nice perk when it's hot out. Surprisingly little mosquito activity. Moose Lake is 15 minutes away for any of your camping needs.

Fame

1 week ago

Weekend Trip to Balsam Ridge Retreat

We stayed at “Danny’s Tent” site for 4th of July weekend and it was the perfect quick escape. I loved that it was chilly after midnight that we got to use the heater/stove in the tent, even though it hit the 80s during the day, and there was even a heated blanket option (stove was preferred). The tent had an outlet to charge your devices overnight and a fan for airflow, plus a solid and impressive outhouse with a handwashing spigot right outside and another one by the tent. There was tons of shade to stay cool during the day, and I liked that our tent was closest to the communal area where we played instruments, hung out by the pond, and tried all the different seating setups. The trails were super easy to navigate day and night, and the campfire area felt cozy with well-lit string lights overhead. The campground is close to plenty of stores in case you forget something, which makes it feel low-stress and beginner-friendly. Overall we had a great time and you can tell how much thought went into this private campground. You have to try the swings they built, both the “Screamer” and the “Dreamer.” It’s amazing how we felt like we were deep in a forest camping, but didn’t have to drive out as far as people typically do for the privacy and top tier space. Even though it was peak tick season, we didn’t see a single tick despite constantly checking our clothes, gear, and the inside of the tent. Balsam Ridge was a great time, tysm for having us!

Lucas

1 week ago

Weekend Trip to Balsam Ridge Retreat

Linda and Chris are incredible hosts. You can see their heartfelt thought and intentions throughout the camp. The way the path lights up at night is absolutely magical and serene. There are multiple community areas to hang out at, and two swings that were the highlight of our family’s trip. We really appreciated the tour around the camp when we first got there so we knew where everything was. The Roost was so cozy and comfortable, with two walls lined with windows for a lot of natural light and a nice breeze, but blinds to pull down for privacy when needed. Also, Chris has great insight on all things to see and do near and around Duluth. We appreciated him answering our questions about a few places to check out. Thank you, Linda and Chris, for a wonderful stay and the amazing memories we made as a family.

Megan

1 week ago

Tent

3 nights at Tumbleweed Base Camp

We loved staying at Tumbleweed Base Camp. Dave was friendly and very helpful. The campsites and bathrooms are very clean. I wish we would have had more time to hangout in the barn because there are lots of games and fun activities. We rented the mountain bikes and they worked great. We will definitely be staying here again!

Nathan

1 week ago

With kids

Weekend Trip to Stone Creek Farm

Dan is very responsive. If you want to have a VERY private spot, Stone Creek Farms is great. Bugs can be bad, so put some pray on before you make the long walk to your site!

Popular spot to back in trailer/camper…semi-secluded, view of the barn, cozy and content.

Stephanie

1 week ago

15 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Tumbleweed Base Camp

David was so friendly and accommodating. The years was well maintained and clean. There is no electricity at the sites but there is a barn with electricity if you needed.

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.

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.

Jake & Danielle

2 weeks ago

With kids

4 nights at Balsam Ridge Retreat

Linda and Chris have such a magical little spot. My husband and I were here 3 years ago and this time we brought the whole family. It's that perfect mix of cozy, peaceful, and just a little bit whimsical. The tent was comfortable and inviting, with fairy lights, thoughtful little details, and a comfy bed. It had everything that made it feel special without losing the fun of being outdoors. The setting was beautiful! Close to town, yet tucked in the woods with a pond, ducks, a groundhog sighting, and such a calm, peaceful vibe. The firepit was perfect for family time, and the site felt semi-private while still being easy and welcoming. Chris and Linda were superb hosts; friendly, kind, and clearly thoughtful about making the space feel special. The kids were exploring, adults were actually relaxing, and when it was time to leave the girls were already asking, “Okay, when are we coming back?” Definitely a sweet, magical spot for a family trip.

John

2 weeks ago

Tent

Group trip

3 nights at Camping on private lake

This is a quiet and beautiful setting with space to relax. Jim is an excellent host and is there to help if needed. If you’re looking for some space with some additional amenities and want to relax and chill we would highly recommend Jim and his beautiful sites. Five stars!