The best river, stream, or creek campgrounds near Chaska, Minnesota

You’ll find over 250 riverfront camping spots in Chaska, each offering easy access to water, wooded banks, and trails. Most sites sit close to the river, so expect morning mist and the steady rush of water nearby. Camps go for an average of $50 a night, with budget spots dipping as low as $25. favorites among regulars include Prairie Creek Campground (353 reviews), Belle Creek Bluff (197 reviews), and Camp Crimson Turtle (14 reviews). Most sites offer toilets, showers, and allow campfires. Bring binoculars—wildlife-watching along the river is solid, and you’ll spot plenty of trails for hiking or cooling off with a swim when the weather heats up.

92% (663)

Top-rated campgrounds

You’ll find over 250 riverfront camping spots in Chaska, each offering easy access to water, wooded banks, and trails. Most sites sit close to the river, so expect morning mist and the steady rush of water nearby. Camps go for an average of $50 a night, with budget spots dipping as low as $25. favorites among regulars include Prairie Creek Campground (353 reviews), Belle Creek Bluff (197 reviews), and Camp Crimson Turtle (14 reviews). Most sites offer toilets, showers, and allow campfires. Bring binoculars—wildlife-watching along the river is solid, and you’ll spot plenty of trails for hiking or cooling off with a swim when the weather heats up.

92% (663)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Belle Creek Bluff

99%

(447)

47mi from Chaska · 4 sites · Tents, Lodging · Welch, MN

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.

2. Prairie Creek Campground

99%

(855)

39mi from Chaska · 7 sites · Tents · Nerstrand, MN

Thank you for a great 2025 Camping Season! This was our best year yet! We hosted more Hipcamers than any year before and are excited to have been honored again with a Best in Minnesota award. Thank you and we look forward to 2026. 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 outside your tent; this campground truly offers a large amount of remote forest for recreation right on site. Big Woods State Park is less than 2 miles away. Faribault is 8 miles and Northfield is 9 miles from our driveway; they offer dining, boutiques, and all other amenities. Nerstrand is 4.5 miles east and has a gas station and a fantastic meat market. Numerous Cannon River put-ins are within 10 miles. 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). Kids under 16 camping with their parents do not count in pricing. 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.

3. Camp Crimson Turtle

72%

(34)

43mi from Chaska · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Hastings, MN

Established by naturalists in the 1920's this parcel features a waterfront cabin (currently being restored), a two acre spring fed pond that is stocked with fish, a small stream and great privacy. We have had this as our family paradise and now we are sharing it with you! We now offer a bohemian wagon if you would prefer to get up off the ground! Available at site 1. Learn more about this land: 8 acres of wooded privacy. Spring fed 2 acre pond, fishing, swimming, boating. Clothing optional if total site is rented. Extremely private. Electric available upon request for site number 2, other sites are quite far from electric hook up. New toilet facilities available!! We now have a flush toilet and exterior shower available for use onsite.

4. Walker's Ranch

100%

(21)

18mi from Chaska · 1 site · Tent · Lakeville, MN

Learn more about this land: Come stay and make memories on the Walker ranch, you can't beat the scenery and location. Explore the Walker trail that leads to the creek and lounge in the woods in the hammock. Possibilities are endless!

Public campgrounds near Chaska

Equestrian Campground

13mi from Chaska · 6 sites · in Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area

100%

(18)

Afton Campground

41mi from Chaska · 31 sites · Tents, RVs · in Afton State Park

83%

(3)

Nerstrand Big Woods Campground

41mi from Chaska · 54 sites · Tents, RVs · in Nerstrand Big Woods State Park

A quick snapshot my awesome friend, Kyle took of me admiring the scenery and waterfall.

92%

(13)

Willow River Campground

48mi from Chaska · 154 sites · Tents, RVs · in Willow River State Park

Stories from the community

B

Ben

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Prairie Creek Campground

Great place beautiful if you like camping you will like this area.

G

Gloria

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Prairie Creek Campground

The site was beautiful and easy access. We loved our weekend here!

K

Kris

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Belle Creek Bluff

Such a beautiful location, we felt so secluded! We saw deer, an eagle and a little downy woodpecker gave us a show on a tree just outside the screened in porch which was a favorite spot for our morning coffee and to listen to the rain. So peaceful . The water crossing was indeed a challenge with glacier cold water I decided to take a wrong step on a slippery rock and do a face plant in the cold water! With pretty much only my pride hurt (and a video my hubby happened to be taking of me at the time) it definitely made a memorable trip! We would definitely come back! And I were not to step now! ;)

J

Joni

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Prairie Creek Campground

Stephen was a great host. We made a scheduling error and he worked hard to accommodate us. Peaceful beautiful property, nearby amazing nature parks and quaint town of Northfield. It was just the solitude and time away we needed.

R

Rachel

October 2025

Tent

3 nights at Prairie Creek Campground

Place was beautiful. Site was private and the stars were beautiful. Stephen is as friendly and accommodating. Weather didn't cooperate, so I look forward to coming back and exploring the area more

K

Kay

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Prairie Creek Campground

Stephen’s place is beautiful! Trails right from the campsites into Caron park which has a lovely little waterfall. I hope to go back and see it in the spring. Historic towns, biking trails, and state parks close by. Campsites were great, outhouse was clean and convenient. We stayed in site 2. Loved it!

D

David

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Belle Creek Bluff

We had a great time. The adventure crossing the stream was fun for the kids. Felt very private at the cabin spot. The short trails to hike around were fun and the kids explored and were very excited when they found the old car in the woods. Would definitely recommend!

J

Jody

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Belle Creek Bluff

The place was beautiful. It was private and the water was crystal clear. We had an amazing time!

B

Benjamin

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Belle Creek Bluff

Fantastic spot. very quiet and beautiful! My dog loved it

Jonathan

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Prairie Creek Campground

Great campsite! Site 3 was beautiful right by the creek. Easy walk from parking lot with large cart to help. Definitely recommend!

K

Kassi

October 2025

Tent

With pets

4 nights at Prairie Creek Campground

What can I say that hasn't been said already in all their glowing reviews? It's wonderful and you should definitely camp here.

R

Ricky

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Prairie Creek Campground

Very peaceful and quaint. My daughter and I had our first camping trip together and it was a great time. Instructions were perfect, I didn’t have any questions.

Split Rock. Much larger in person. A short hike in Caron Park near the camp sites.

J

Joanna

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Prairie Creek Campground

I spent 2 beautiful nights here. Stephen is very helpful in making sure any questions are answered and making sure you’re settled in. The sites are private feeling and next to Caron Park. I got a couple hikes in and just enjoyed the peaceful nature sounds. It was my first time camping by myself and I really found out how wonderful it is to disconnect from social media. I will definitely be back.

C

Chris

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Prairie Creek Campground

This was our second time at this site. The privacy is great. Being right on the creek is something you don't get at most places. The trails connecting to the campground are fun to walk and explore. You have waterfalls, the split rock and many other things to see. Our dog loves it here as well. We'll definitely be back next year.

P

Phuong

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Prairie Creek Campground

The place was amazing! Site 4 was very secluded and was very nice during the fall. Plenty of space to tent. Will definitely be back soon! Thank you for the amazing location.

T

Ted

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Prairie Creek Campground

Site 3 was wonderful and immersed in nature. Caretakers were wonderful and accommodating! Everything was accessible and larger towns were 15 minutes away or less. Highly would recommend!!

B

Brent

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Prairie Creek Campground

We chose this spot for our first time camping together, and it was a great pick. We really enjoyed the short hiking area right next to the campsite, with a very cool little waterfall!

C

Caitlin

September 2025

Tent

2 nights at Prairie Creek Campground

Beautiful, private property with access to trail to waterfall. The hosts were so nice and welcoming. I loved hearing all the animals at night.

N

Nicole

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Prairie Creek Campground

I stayed at campsite #3 and absolutely loved it! The creek provided such relaxing white noise and was so peaceful. The site is pretty decently sized and felt very private. The grounds were kept really nicely and loved that we were able to cut through the owners yard to get to the waterfall and split rock. Definitely make sure to take a picture of the trails on the shed before going though! I checked out all the sites when I was there and I think they are all pretty great, but #3 was the best in my opinion, because of the creek. It’s not far from town if you want to go out and explore or get supplies. I’d definitely recommend booking here!

D

David

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Prairie Creek Campground

Great little campsite nested in a lovely homestead property! Beautiful little waterfall. Went here to soak in some silence and definitely could. Very little traffic noise if any at all. Had some neighbors but still felt very private and tucked away in the trees. Trails were easy to follow and were very beautiful. A big thanks to the hosts!