The best river, stream, or creek camping near Cottonwood

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In Cottonwood, camping by the river means you wake up to the rush of water and spend your days spotting herons or dipping your toes in the current. With over 290 sites to choose from, you’ll find spots where the water’s just a stone’s throw away—some for as little as $15 a night. Average sites run about $38. The top picks? Mn River Valley Sanctuary (55 reviews) is known for quiet mornings and easy river access, while The Auntie’s Grove at Moonstone (48 reviews) offers shaded nooks and a thick canopy overhead. Moon valley camping (7 reviews) has open skies and a short trail down to the banks. Most sites allow campfires, have showers, and toilets you won’t mind using. Bring your swim gear and a pair of sturdy shoes—swimming, hiking, and wildlife-watching are the main draws here. Don’t forget bug spray; river country means plenty of critters.

99% (127) 17 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Cottonwood

The Auntie's Grove at Moonstone

1. The Auntie's Grove at Moonstone

100%
(106)
25mi from Cottonwood · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Moonstone Farm is a perennial polyculture (no annual crops, lots of diversity) on the bluffland of the Upper Minnesota River Valley. A family-based farm specializing in grass-fed organic beef production, we also maintain a vineyard, an edible forest, occasional farmstore, farmstay guest cottage and a full-shade camping area, the Auntie's Grove within walking distance of our pond, little beach, water points and restrooms.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$41
 / night
Mn River Valley Sanctuary

2. Mn River Valley Sanctuary

97%
(75)
43mi from Cottonwood · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome, we have a small flock of waterfowl and chickens and a herd of goats to interact with, volunteer some time in our organic garden, peer up into endless night skies or use us a s a base camp to go exploring the several county and state parks, Natural and Scientific areas, hiking trails and local communities. We are located about 5 miles from either Franklin or Fairfax and less than 20 minutes to Redwood Falls, Jackpot Junction and New Ulm.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$13
 / night
Moon valley camping

3. Moon valley camping

100%
(7)
22mi from Cottonwood · 1 site
Hi, located in the heart of the Minnesota river valley. This wooden tent offers a unique camping retreat. Seclusion, privacy and river front access within walking distance of boat landing and in town amenities like gas stations and the like.
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$34
 / night
Upper Sioux Agency State Park

4. Upper Sioux Agency State Park

100%
(1)
State park 14mi from Cottonwood · 73 sites
Discover the natural splendor of Upper Sioux Agency State Park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Camden State Park

5. Camden State Park

100%
(7)
State park 21mi from Cottonwood · 93 sites
Discover Camden State Park's natural beauty and outdoor activities.
Pleasant Valley

6. Pleasant Valley

40mi from Cottonwood · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Pleasant Valley is located Eastern Dakotas and is a beautiful oak savannah nestled in a valley with Cobb Creek running through the property. Guests have commented on it being one of the most scenic places in this prairie region. Nature trails abound along with wildlife and many different types of plants and birds. Tent site and RV site with electrical, water and sewer. Also have cabins just a few few from the babbling creek. Full bathroom with shower located on site.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$30
 / night
Prairie Grace Stays

7. Prairie Grace Stays

100%
(2)
49mi from Cottonwood · 1 site · Tent, RV
This secluded acreage offers a tranquil escape, tucked away in a serene grove of mature trees, surrounded by expansive prairie fields. A winding creek meanders through the property, adding to the peaceful, natural setting. The land is teeming with wildlife, creating a perfect retreat for nature lovers. Conveniently located just off the Minnsota Highway 7, the property offers easy access while maintaining its sense of privacy. It’s also in close proximity to fishing at numberous lakes and rivers and hunting spots for water fowl, pheasants and deer, making it an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts seeking both seclusion and adventure. The area around Appleton, MN, is known for its hunting and wildlife, particularly waterfowl, but also deer. The Lac qui Parle Wildlife Management Area (WMA), located near Appleton, is a popular spot for observing migrating flocks of geese and ducks, and it also supports a deer population.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
$43
 / night
Lac Qui Parle State Park

8. Lac Qui Parle State Park

State park 30mi from Cottonwood · 69 sites
Discover Lac Qui Parle State Park's natural beauty and outdoor fun.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Lake Cochrane Recreation Area

9. Lake Cochrane Recreation Area

State park 40mi from Cottonwood · 31 sites
Discover Lake Cochrane's serene waters and vibrant outdoor activities.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Fort Ridgely State Park

10. Fort Ridgely State Park

100%
(2)
State park 47mi from Cottonwood · 22 sites
Discover Fort Ridgely State Park's rich history and scenic landscapes.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets

In Cottonwood, camping by the river means you wake up to the rush of water and spend your days spotting herons or dipping your toes in the current. With over 290 sites to choose from, you’ll find spots where the water’s just a stone’s throw away—some for as little as $15 a night. Average sites run about $38. The top picks? Mn River Valley Sanctuary (55 reviews) is known for quiet mornings and easy river access, while The Auntie’s Grove at Moonstone (48 reviews) offers shaded nooks and a thick canopy overhead. Moon valley camping (7 reviews) has open skies and a short trail down to the banks. Most sites allow campfires, have showers, and toilets you won’t mind using. Bring your swim gear and a pair of sturdy shoes—swimming, hiking, and wildlife-watching are the main draws here. Don’t forget bug spray; river country means plenty of critters.

99% (127) 17 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Cottonwood

The Auntie's Grove at Moonstone

1. The Auntie's Grove at Moonstone

100%
(106)
25mi from Cottonwood · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Moonstone Farm is a perennial polyculture (no annual crops, lots of diversity) on the bluffland of the Upper Minnesota River Valley. A family-based farm specializing in grass-fed organic beef production, we also maintain a vineyard, an edible forest, occasional farmstore, farmstay guest cottage and a full-shade camping area, the Auntie's Grove within walking distance of our pond, little beach, water points and restrooms.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$41
 / night
Mn River Valley Sanctuary

2. Mn River Valley Sanctuary

97%
(75)
43mi from Cottonwood · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome, we have a small flock of waterfowl and chickens and a herd of goats to interact with, volunteer some time in our organic garden, peer up into endless night skies or use us a s a base camp to go exploring the several county and state parks, Natural and Scientific areas, hiking trails and local communities. We are located about 5 miles from either Franklin or Fairfax and less than 20 minutes to Redwood Falls, Jackpot Junction and New Ulm.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$13
 / night
Moon valley camping

3. Moon valley camping

100%
(7)
22mi from Cottonwood · 1 site
Hi, located in the heart of the Minnesota river valley. This wooden tent offers a unique camping retreat. Seclusion, privacy and river front access within walking distance of boat landing and in town amenities like gas stations and the like.
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$34
 / night
Upper Sioux Agency State Park

4. Upper Sioux Agency State Park

100%
(1)
State park 14mi from Cottonwood · 73 sites
Discover the natural splendor of Upper Sioux Agency State Park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Camden State Park

5. Camden State Park

100%
(7)
State park 21mi from Cottonwood · 93 sites
Discover Camden State Park's natural beauty and outdoor activities.
Pleasant Valley

6. Pleasant Valley

40mi from Cottonwood · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Pleasant Valley is located Eastern Dakotas and is a beautiful oak savannah nestled in a valley with Cobb Creek running through the property. Guests have commented on it being one of the most scenic places in this prairie region. Nature trails abound along with wildlife and many different types of plants and birds. Tent site and RV site with electrical, water and sewer. Also have cabins just a few few from the babbling creek. Full bathroom with shower located on site.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$30
 / night
Prairie Grace Stays

7. Prairie Grace Stays

100%
(2)
49mi from Cottonwood · 1 site · Tent, RV
This secluded acreage offers a tranquil escape, tucked away in a serene grove of mature trees, surrounded by expansive prairie fields. A winding creek meanders through the property, adding to the peaceful, natural setting. The land is teeming with wildlife, creating a perfect retreat for nature lovers. Conveniently located just off the Minnsota Highway 7, the property offers easy access while maintaining its sense of privacy. It’s also in close proximity to fishing at numberous lakes and rivers and hunting spots for water fowl, pheasants and deer, making it an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts seeking both seclusion and adventure. The area around Appleton, MN, is known for its hunting and wildlife, particularly waterfowl, but also deer. The Lac qui Parle Wildlife Management Area (WMA), located near Appleton, is a popular spot for observing migrating flocks of geese and ducks, and it also supports a deer population.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
$43
 / night
Lac Qui Parle State Park

8. Lac Qui Parle State Park

State park 30mi from Cottonwood · 69 sites
Discover Lac Qui Parle State Park's natural beauty and outdoor fun.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Lake Cochrane Recreation Area

9. Lake Cochrane Recreation Area

State park 40mi from Cottonwood · 31 sites
Discover Lake Cochrane's serene waters and vibrant outdoor activities.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Fort Ridgely State Park

10. Fort Ridgely State Park

100%
(2)
State park 47mi from Cottonwood · 22 sites
Discover Fort Ridgely State Park's rich history and scenic landscapes.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field