The best river, stream, or creek camping near Cottonwood

25mi from Cottonwood · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Montevideo, MN

(106)

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.

2. Moon valley camping

22mi from Cottonwood · 1 site · Lodging · Montevideo, MN

(7)

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.

3. Mn River Valley Sanctuary

97%

(75)

43mi from Cottonwood · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · Franklin, MN

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.

4. Upper Sioux Agency State Park

73 sites · Sacred Heart, Minnesota

(1)

Discover the natural splendor of Upper Sioux Agency State Park.

Electrical Hookup

5. Camden State Park

93 sites · Russell, Minnesota

(7)

Discover Camden State Park's natural beauty and outdoor activities.

6. Pleasant Valley

40mi from Cottonwood · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Gary, SD

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.

7. Prairie Grace Stays

49mi from Cottonwood · 1 site · Tent, RV · Correll, MN

(2)

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.

8. Lac Qui Parle State Park

69 sites · Watson, Minnesota

Discover Lac Qui Parle State Park's natural beauty and outdoor fun.

Electrical Hookup

31 sites · Gary, South Dakota

9. Lake Cochrane Recreation Area

Discover Lake Cochrane's serene waters and vibrant outdoor activities.

Campfires

10. Fort Ridgely State Park

22 sites · Fairfax, Minnesota

(2)

Discover Fort Ridgely State Park's rich history and scenic landscapes.

Electrical Hookup

13mi from Cottonwood · 33 sites · in Upper Sioux Agency State Park

Public campgrounds near Cottonwood

Horserider Campground

We stayed here Halloween weekend along the river . The sites were not private but we had the entire campground to ourselves .

14mi from Cottonwood · 6 sites · in Upper Sioux Agency State Park

(1)

Riverside Campground

Yellow Medicine River Campground

14mi from Cottonwood · 34 sites · Tents, RVs · in Upper Sioux Agency State Park

21mi from Cottonwood · 46 sites · Tents, RVs · in Camden State Park

(1)

Camden Lower Campground

Camden Equestrian Campground

22mi from Cottonwood · 12 sites · in Camden State Park

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 .

22mi from Cottonwood · 35 sites · Tents, RVs · in Camden State Park

(6)

Camden Upper Campground

Lac Qui Parle Lower Campground

30mi from Cottonwood · 26 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lac Qui Parle State Park

Lac Qui Parle Upper Campground

32mi from Cottonwood · 43 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lac Qui Parle State Park

Lake Cochrane Campground

40mi from Cottonwood · 31 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lake Cochrane Recreation Area

48mi from Cottonwood · 22 sites · Tents, RVs · in Fort Ridgely State Park

(2)

Fort Ridgely Campground

Stories from the community

A

Ashlyn

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Auntie's Grove at Moonstone

Lovely hosts! This was my first camping experience and they made me feel incredibly welcome - thanks guys for the experience & sharing your space!

Spring view of the creek by the campsite

B

Brian

October 2025

30 ft toy hauler

With pets

Weekend Trip to Prairie Grace Stays

Exactly as described and what we were looking for!

Natasha

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at The Auntie's Grove at Moonstone

Awesome little pull in campsite. Audrey was very nice and helpful! Beautiful land/space she has created. Especially the beach just a short walk from the 2 sites. My dog absolutely loved his time there!

S

Sue

September 2025

With pets

We couldn't find a single thing to complain about during our stay at Audrey and Richard's farm. This was easily one of the most comfortable, well-organized, and spotless places we visited on our entire cross-country journey from Boston to Seattle. Beyond the beautiful property itself, we were delighted by our conversations with both hosts. They're genuinely fascinating and inquisitive people – the kind you could happily chat with for hours! Their thoughtfulness extended right to our departure, when they sent us off with fresh fruit for the road – such a sweet and generous touch. One night wasn't enough time to fully enjoy such a wonderful place, and we're already planning our return visit.

M

Michelle

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Auntie's Grove at Moonstone

This was one of the best camping experiences we have ever had. From booking, arriving, & to leaving the Moon Stone Farm, Audrey’s communication was amazing. She made our camping experience so easy! We accidentally forgot to pack butter and sugar, she kindly invited us to her summer kitchen and provided us with everything we needed for our stay. She also gave us fresh herbs and peppers for our supper that night. She would check up from time to time to see if we needed anything. When we where here we rented bikes and enjoyed a nice canoeing experience at her little beach on her land. This place gives such a beautiful zen and peaceful vibe. We would 100% percent visit this place over and over again.

T

Toby

August 2025

Tent

Really nice farm, with cows a vineyard and small lake and warm welcome from the host.

L

Leah

August 2025

With pets

4 nights at The Auntie's Grove at Moonstone

We visited again, 2 years after our first visit! We had a lovely time. Incredibly relaxing, beautiful, and peaceful. Even better than we remembered!

S

Stacia

July 2025

Tent

3 nights at The Auntie's Grove at Moonstone

The land is absolutely beautiful. The pond felt like swimming in a magic hidden grove. The camp fire wood was freshly split and bone dry. Burned long and hot. The only bad thing were the BUGS. Be prepared in every possible way to combat them. We camp a lot and it was probably the worst we have ever encountered. We left a day early because of how much worse the bugs got after a night of rain. The only refuge was inside the hot tent. Richard and Audrey were lovely hosts, checking in with us to make sure we had everything we needed every once in a while. Would highly recommend this stay, but maybe in a less buggy time of year.

J

Jaime

June 2025

14 ft campervan

Cool place & kind people! We loved relaxing down by the river and singing to the cattle.

J

Joe

June 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Mn River Valley Sanctuary

Super relaxing place. If you don't mind the roosters. Lots of area to pitch a tent. The property is super funky and the owners are super people. We have camped there 2 times and we will be back. Thank you Ed for sharing your place.

A

Amy

June 2025

Weekend Trip to Moon valley camping

The wooden pod was more than I expected! It was cozy, comfortable, and just the right size. I rained the whole time I was there and I was able to relax and read book’s while enjoying the sound of the rain. I will definitely be back for another stay.

G

Grace

June 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Auntie's Grove at Moonstone

The land was beautiful and the pets running around were such a sweet surprise. It felt very homey and comfortable and we would definitely come back!

N

Ned

June 2025

16 ft car

Gorgeous and peaceful— Audrey is a great host and the site is beautiful. I’ll definitely be back!

L

Luke

May 2025

Tent