99% (325) • 14 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Cottonwood
Camping on private lake
1. Camping on private lake
99%
(370)
48mi from Cottonwood · 10 sites · Tents
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 walleye, northern, bass 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
from
$40
/ night
The Auntie's Grove at Moonstone
2. 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
3. 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
Painted Prairie Vineyard
4. Painted Prairie Vineyard
37mi from Cottonwood · 2 sites · Lodging
Nestled in the rolling prairies of southwest Minnesota, Painted Prairie offers a serene escape surrounded by scenic farmland and vineyard views. Just minutes from Lake Shetek State Park and the historic home of Laura Ingalls Wilder, the property is ideally located for exploring natural beauty, history, and charming local attractions.
Guests can enjoy peaceful strolls through the vines, romantic sunsets, and easy access to nearby state parks, shopping, and one-of-a-kind experiences. Whether you're seeking a quiet retreat or a destination filled with discovery, Painted Prairie is a place worth visiting.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$160
/ night
Kandiyohi County Park East
5. Kandiyohi County Park East
46mi from Cottonwood · 99 sites
Welcome to Kandiyohi County, a unique vacation destination where outdoor enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the beauty of numerous freshwater lakes, perfect for boating, fishing, and camping. With easy access from any of the six county parks, Kandiyohi County offers a serene escape into nature.
Rich in history, Kandiyohi County invites you to explore its deep-rooted Indian culture. The name "Kandiyohi" originates from an Indian word meaning "where the buffalo fish abound." This area was historically a vital hunting and fishing ground for both the Sioux and Chippewa tribes, providing a fascinating glimpse into the past.
One of the highlights of the county is Big Kandiyohi County Park East, located on the eastern shore of Big Kandiyohi Lake. This park features a beautiful sandy swimming beach and excellent shoreline fishing opportunities. Anglers can expect to catch walleye, northern pike, crappies, and bullheads from both the shore and boats. The park boasts 80 campsites and two new camper cabins, with seasonal rates available for those looking to extend their stay. Conveniently situated just 18 miles south of Willmar and 6 miles north of Lake Lillian on County Road 8, Big Kandiyohi County Park East is the perfect spot for
99% (325) • 14 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Cottonwood
Camping on private lake
1. Camping on private lake
99%
(370)
48mi from Cottonwood · 10 sites · Tents
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 walleye, northern, bass 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
from
$40
/ night
The Auntie's Grove at Moonstone
2. 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
3. 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
Painted Prairie Vineyard
4. Painted Prairie Vineyard
37mi from Cottonwood · 2 sites · Lodging
Nestled in the rolling prairies of southwest Minnesota, Painted Prairie offers a serene escape surrounded by scenic farmland and vineyard views. Just minutes from Lake Shetek State Park and the historic home of Laura Ingalls Wilder, the property is ideally located for exploring natural beauty, history, and charming local attractions.
Guests can enjoy peaceful strolls through the vines, romantic sunsets, and easy access to nearby state parks, shopping, and one-of-a-kind experiences. Whether you're seeking a quiet retreat or a destination filled with discovery, Painted Prairie is a place worth visiting.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$160
/ night
Kandiyohi County Park East
5. Kandiyohi County Park East
46mi from Cottonwood · 99 sites
Welcome to Kandiyohi County, a unique vacation destination where outdoor enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the beauty of numerous freshwater lakes, perfect for boating, fishing, and camping. With easy access from any of the six county parks, Kandiyohi County offers a serene escape into nature.
Rich in history, Kandiyohi County invites you to explore its deep-rooted Indian culture. The name "Kandiyohi" originates from an Indian word meaning "where the buffalo fish abound." This area was historically a vital hunting and fishing ground for both the Sioux and Chippewa tribes, providing a fascinating glimpse into the past.
One of the highlights of the county is Big Kandiyohi County Park East, located on the eastern shore of Big Kandiyohi Lake. This park features a beautiful sandy swimming beach and excellent shoreline fishing opportunities. Anglers can expect to catch walleye, northern pike, crappies, and bullheads from both the shore and boats. The park boasts 80 campsites and two new camper cabins, with seasonal rates available for those looking to extend their stay. Conveniently situated just 18 miles south of Willmar and 6 miles north of Lake Lillian on County Road 8, Big Kandiyohi County Park East is the perfect spot for
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
A
Ashlyn
October 2025
Tent
With pets
Lovely hosts!
This was my first camping experience and they made me feel incredibly welcome - thanks guys for the experience & sharing your space!
See more
Natasha
October 2025
Tent
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!
See more
C
Christina
October 2025
Tent
With kids
We really enjoyed our stay — the campsite was peaceful and right by the water with everything we needed (kayaks/canoe/boat available). The host was very caring, friendly, and welcoming, even giving us fresh farm eggs, which was such a nice touch. The spot felt private and relaxing. The amenities are excellent: power at all sites, warm showers, flushing toilets, and well-maintained grounds.
Unfortunately, we had to cut our trip short because of the high winds, but we’d love to come back when the weather is calmer!
See more
E
Emily
October 2025
20 ft pop-up camper
With kids
My littles loved it here! Plenty of room to roam, their animals were friendly but not too friendly, and lots to explore. We’ll definitely be back.
See more
Charles
October 2025
21 ft campervan
Nice quiet experience and enjoyed all the animals.
See more
M
M.M.
September 2025
Tent
With pets
A Little Slice of Heaven – Peaceful Lakefront Camping with an Amazing Host
This place went above and beyond my expectations! I stayed for 2 nights and had an unforgettable experience. Jim is by far one of the most gracious, friendly, and welcoming hosts I’ve ever met. From the moment I arrived, he greeted me, showed me around, and made sure I had everything I needed. He even brought firewood right to my site and surprised me with a dozen fresh farm eggs—talk about hospitality!
His land is a true hidden gem. The quiet lake is perfect for paddling or fishing, with a trolling motor boat, canoe, and kayaks available for guests. My campsite had electric hookups, a firepit, patio table with chairs, plus a mini fridge—a thoughtful touch that made camping feel effortless. There’s also access to a shower, flushing toilet, and outdoor bathroom, so comfort is never sacrificed.
I loved that my two dogs could run around freely and enjoy the space—it was as much their vacation as mine! Nights were the highlight: no city light pollution, just millions of stars sparkling in the sky. Absolutely breathtaking.
This place is serene, clean, and peaceful, with everything you need for a relaxing escape. I’ll definitely be back. Huge thanks to Jim for sharing his beautiful property and making my trip so memorable. This one’s a 5⭐️+ stay all the way!
See more
K
Keo
September 2025
Tent
With kids
Highly recommend! Such a great little spot. We stayed at Site 4, which was spacious and set a bit farther from the others—perfect for us with two dogs and a toddler. The site came with a fire pit, table, chairs, and even a hammock. We loved the lake view and really appreciated the access to kayaks, a canoe, and a boat with a trolling motor. You can hear some traffic but that's to be expected due to it's location but it didn’t take away from how enjoyable the stay was. We didn’t get to use everything this place offers, but that just means we’ll be back again. The host was very friendly and welcoming, showed us where everything was, and made sure we were comfortable settling in. We came in from Sioux Falls, and it was absolutely worth the drive and the money.
See more
S
Shirlee
September 2025
30 ft Class C
With kids
Awesome stop over and sweet host!
We really loved the farm, the animals and the vibe. Great place if looking for a convenient stop for the night..
See more
P
Pin-Kuan
September 2025
Tent
I had my best camping experience here. I also went kayaking and fishing. The host is friendly and helpful.
See moreM
MICHAEL
September 2025
Tent
Highly recommend! Plenty of options for traversing the lake, have to say that's the first time I've heard cows while being out on a lake. Farmland nearby, nice and quiet and great for stargazing. Jim is an awesome host and very accommodating; mosquitoes can be a bid bad in early September.
See more
Keith
September 2025
Tent
With pets
Great little private place to stay. Very quiet, beautiful lakeside sites that are pretty nice and big. Would definitely recomend.
See more
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.
See more
Erica
September 2025
Tent
With pets
This was an awesome campsite. The view was great, right by the lake. It was a cold weekend so we didn’t get to enjoy the water, but it seems clean and I want to go back there in the summer. We had a lot of space. Jim was very friendly and helpful, since we were the only ones there, we were able to switch site, and Jim provided a little space heater for us and it helped a lot overnight since it got pretty cold. We were there on the opening day for bird hunting, and we woke up on Sat and Sun morning with gun shots, not super fun since we don’t like hunting and my dog gets scared of the noise, but besides that, it is an awesome place and I plan on going back. 10/10 recommend it.
See more
Logan
September 2025
Tent
With pets
Jim was awesome host! Awesome property! Nice lake with kayaks and boats for use. Had a great weekend and will definitely return one day.
See more
C
Chandra
September 2025
Tent
With pets
Hands down one of the BEST little hidden gems of a camping spot that we have ever come across! Jim is an incredible host and provides boats and kayaks for his guests to enjoy on the private lake, the sites are absolutely beautiful and offer the perfect secluded get away for couples, families and large groups. The lake is absolutely gorgeous and perfect for fishing/swimming/cruising in the fishing boat or paddling out and enjoying the sun and each campsite is right on the water with its own private access points. Jim really did create a perfect little slice of narures heaven for people to enjoy here! We LOVED our time here and will be making this a yearly spot for our group!!
See more
Pache
September 2025
Tent
My friends and I absolutely loved staying at this campsite! Jim is an awesome guy! He welcomed us in, gave us a quick tour of where everything was, and even gifted us some of the eggs from his chickens :) He’s super thoughtful and has pretty much everything you’d need. He has a table, a grill-top for the campfire, chairs/seats, and even a hammock set up in the trees! I also love that he had kayaks/canoes available to use for free as well. My friends and I definitely enjoyed our time on the lake paddling in those! Of course, his dog Rocky, just the sweetest girl! We definitely recommend this place and we ourselves would come here again! Thanks Jim!
See more
M
Michelle
August 2025
Tent
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.
See more
J
Josephine
August 2025
Tent
Edwin and his dogs, Sugar and Mulberry, were very welcoming and kind. Lots of goats, geese, chickens and ducks rambling around too! 🐐🪿🐓🦆🌞 The wide open sky and sunset were beautiful across the rolling fields. And there were also Fireflies! ✨ A simple and easy environment to rest and relax.
See moreT
Toby
August 2025
Tent
Really nice farm, with cows a vineyard and small lake and warm welcome from the host.
See moren
nicholas
August 2025
Tent
This is a great place. Jim is an amazing host. I am definitely going back. Highly recommend if you are looking for a quiet and relaxing place right on the lake.
See more
