95% (89) • 3 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Fort Ripley
The Forest Container
1. The Forest Container
86%
(37)
31mi from Fort Ripley · 1 site · Lodging
Tree house, tiny home, shipping container, luxury hotel - the Forest Container is a bit of each of these things. Set in a lush forest valley, this is an incredible and unique place to stay. The property is within the Cuyuna mountain bike area, between the Yawkey and the Cruser's Kettle trailheads. There is a fire ring as well as a great deck upon which you can camp or otherwise relax and enjoy the view of the forested valley. The container is heated and cooled, and the container has a luxurious warm tiled shower, sink, toilet (cassette style), power and of course, as pictured, a beautiful small bedroom and living room. Coffee machine and mini fridge included on the deck. 👍🏼
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$120
/ night
The little cabin
2. The little cabin
97%
(34)
50mi from Fort Ripley · 1 site · Lodging
Great quiet location, Wildlife and the sound of the country. You will have the only camp site on the property. You can stay in the small camping cabin in comfort with your own bedding, or sleeping bag for the twin bed in the loft, or the futon on the main level. The cabin only has room for two adults unless you bring a camp pad to sleep on the floor, or squeeze in a child, but you have the comforts of a small electric heater, or A/C if needed, a Weber grill, mini fridge, microwave, and Electricity. Quiet former country farm site, with great wildlife viewing options with walking trails. Only 23 miles to DT St. Cloud and 8 Miles to the Walmart in Princeton for food or supplies. If a shower is desired the Kwik Trip in St Cloud, on Hwy 10 has showers. Just a half mile off Hwy 95 and 5 miles from the large Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge, with trails and lots of wildlife. In the Fall expect to see a large amount of wildlife with many migrating birds come out of the refuge to feed. Expect to hear Pheasant's cackle in the AM, and see Sandhill Cranes or Geese fly over the camp site, or sitting in area fields. Enjoy time around a campfire with folding chairs and a picknick table, with plenty of free dry wood in a storage rack. My feeling on how well the heater will work in cold weather is you are probably good until the temp is in the lower teen. if interested you could bring a larger heater to help with heating. I do no plan to plow the driveway if it snows so keep that in mind if you see a storm forecast. I will block out dates after the first significant snowfall.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$38
/ night
Hay Lake Basecamp Canvas Tent
3. Hay Lake Basecamp Canvas Tent
99%
(35)
25mi from Fort Ripley · 1 site · Lodging
Private campsite on the quaint Hay Lake, near Crosby/Ironton, MN! Within minutes of the Cuyuna State Recreation Area and all it has to offer.
Coming Summer 2025, beautiful new White Duck canvas tent, in sunny yellow! We are also installing electric for your glamping convenience.
This site is adjacent to the public lake access and features a 13 foot bell tent with a queen size bed and two cots for an easy and comfortable trip. The tent comfortably accommodates 2-3 adults, or a family with up to four small children. Enjoy fishing and boating on Hay Lake off your private dock. Canoe and two kayaks available for your use on the site. There are some lifejackets available for your use, but feel free to bring your own fishing and boating gear.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$99
/ night
95% (89) • 3 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Fort Ripley
The Forest Container
1. The Forest Container
86%
(37)
31mi from Fort Ripley · 1 site · Lodging
Tree house, tiny home, shipping container, luxury hotel - the Forest Container is a bit of each of these things. Set in a lush forest valley, this is an incredible and unique place to stay. The property is within the Cuyuna mountain bike area, between the Yawkey and the Cruser's Kettle trailheads. There is a fire ring as well as a great deck upon which you can camp or otherwise relax and enjoy the view of the forested valley. The container is heated and cooled, and the container has a luxurious warm tiled shower, sink, toilet (cassette style), power and of course, as pictured, a beautiful small bedroom and living room. Coffee machine and mini fridge included on the deck. 👍🏼
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$120
/ night
The little cabin
2. The little cabin
97%
(34)
50mi from Fort Ripley · 1 site · Lodging
Great quiet location, Wildlife and the sound of the country. You will have the only camp site on the property. You can stay in the small camping cabin in comfort with your own bedding, or sleeping bag for the twin bed in the loft, or the futon on the main level. The cabin only has room for two adults unless you bring a camp pad to sleep on the floor, or squeeze in a child, but you have the comforts of a small electric heater, or A/C if needed, a Weber grill, mini fridge, microwave, and Electricity. Quiet former country farm site, with great wildlife viewing options with walking trails. Only 23 miles to DT St. Cloud and 8 Miles to the Walmart in Princeton for food or supplies. If a shower is desired the Kwik Trip in St Cloud, on Hwy 10 has showers. Just a half mile off Hwy 95 and 5 miles from the large Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge, with trails and lots of wildlife. In the Fall expect to see a large amount of wildlife with many migrating birds come out of the refuge to feed. Expect to hear Pheasant's cackle in the AM, and see Sandhill Cranes or Geese fly over the camp site, or sitting in area fields. Enjoy time around a campfire with folding chairs and a picknick table, with plenty of free dry wood in a storage rack. My feeling on how well the heater will work in cold weather is you are probably good until the temp is in the lower teen. if interested you could bring a larger heater to help with heating. I do no plan to plow the driveway if it snows so keep that in mind if you see a storm forecast. I will block out dates after the first significant snowfall.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$38
/ night
Hay Lake Basecamp Canvas Tent
3. Hay Lake Basecamp Canvas Tent
99%
(35)
25mi from Fort Ripley · 1 site · Lodging
Private campsite on the quaint Hay Lake, near Crosby/Ironton, MN! Within minutes of the Cuyuna State Recreation Area and all it has to offer.
Coming Summer 2025, beautiful new White Duck canvas tent, in sunny yellow! We are also installing electric for your glamping convenience.
This site is adjacent to the public lake access and features a 13 foot bell tent with a queen size bed and two cots for an easy and comfortable trip. The tent comfortably accommodates 2-3 adults, or a family with up to four small children. Enjoy fishing and boating on Hay Lake off your private dock. Canoe and two kayaks available for your use on the site. There are some lifejackets available for your use, but feel free to bring your own fishing and boating gear.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$99
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
Kara
October 2025
With pets
Joaquin (the dog) and I had the best time at this tiny cabin! It was cozy and charming, with a little campfire that made our night feel magical. Joaquin loved having space to roam and sniff every corner like the king of the woods. For me, it was pure bliss—a quiet spot to kick back and rest my head. If you’re looking for peace, fresh air, and a happy pup, this is the place!
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Joel
October 2025
Weekend Trip to The little cabin
Love how easy they make first getting there and then leaving. All the staff were super kind and helpful as well. We plan to come back someday soon!
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A
Amanda
September 2025
With pets
This was a fabulous spot for a long weekend trip! The tent was super cozy and clean, and it included a nice air mattress with bedding, a mini fridge, and a coffee maker insider (there is electricity, which was super convenient when needed). The site itself had great amenities like a picnic table, canoe/kayaks/paddleboards to use off of the private dock, and hammocks that were already set up for use. Really lovely touches like solar lights lining the path from the parking area to the campsite/the path to the bathroom and a bin with wood for the firepit. There was some occasional noise in the early mornings from people unloading their boats at the public lake access nearby (a couple hundred feet away from the tent with woods in between, you can see the cars from the campsite through the trees), but not too bad. There was also hunting fairly close by one of the mornings we were there if that's something that you or any dogs you might camp with are bothered by and you're visiting during hunting season. Overall this was a super nice campsite, we would absolutely return and recommend it!
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N
Nicole
September 2025
1 night at The little cabin
This was my second stay. It’s a lovely place to spend some time, and very convenient just off the highway. Thanks for making it so affordable.
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Kathleen
September 2025
With pets
Great little spot for a solo getaway just my dog and I. Love the proximity to Sherburne Nat'l Wildlife Refuge. Enjoyed various hikes there and the nature drive twice. The cabin was cozy and we enjoyed the shelter as there were intermittent showers. The porch overhang is nice to enjoy a quiet rain while staying dry. Loved having the mini fridge and microwave too. Just enough creature comforts yet simple and relaxed. Thanks for sharing your space Troy! Hope to be back next spring or fall!
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K
Kasey
September 2025
Weekend Trip to Hay Lake Basecamp Canvas Tent
This camp was well-equipped and had all the essentials. It was located a short walk-in from the parking area. We enjoyed fishing from the private dock and using the kayaks and the canoe. The site was clean and comfortable. We did have rain off-and-on, and it was chilly at night; the thick tent did help us stay warm(er) and dry. We had beautiful views of the sky, and the sunsets were spectacular.
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Lindsey
September 2025
With pets
This place was absolutely perfect. The little cabin was perfect, very clean. Plenty of firewood. Troy is extremely nice, respectful and responds very quickly to any questions you have. Highly recommend.
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D
Donny
August 2025
With pets
Leah’s site is certainly a treat! Very well maintained with a gorgeous bell tent onsite just feet from the lake- which we had to our selves for the entire Labor Day weekend. Paddle boards, kayaks, even a canoe- all included! There’s a wonderful little hammock / chair spot up on a ridge overlooking the lake. Had I known it would be this romantic of a set up I would have taken just my lady friend and left the dogs at home!
And as for dogs- if you have a pup that prefers to run on land, this may not be the best location for you. More than enough water, though- if that’s what your pet is in to. Also expect decent mosquitoes with all that water- however, the tent is more than roomy enough if you need a bug break.
So if you’re looking for a quiet spot with some extra comforts beyond those most often found on Hipcamp, give this one a try!
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N
Nicole
August 2025
1 night at The little cabin
Super nice, great for what I needed. I’m hoping to spend more time there next time.
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Samuel
August 2025
Weekend Trip to The little cabin
Amazing cabin for someone wanting to get away without needing a lot of amenities. The cabin is small and was perfect for what I was looking for. I throughly enjoyed my stay! The owner was great.
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Maggie
August 2025
With pets
I loved staying at the Little Cabin! It was peaceful, secluded, the directions were easy, and the location was near local amenities. Couldn’t get much better.
See moreK
Katy
August 2025
5 nights at The little cabin
The place was nice and clean. We really enjoyed having plenty of firewood to use. It was hot and humid while we were there so it was really nice having a/c. It was very peaceful there and we would highly recommend! Troy is super nice and responds quickly if there are any questions.
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Grizzly Moose
August 2025
8 nights at The little cabin
Great little spot. Good location. Had a blast. Not as minimalist as camping, not a one or two star stay. Finds a sweet spot right in the middle.
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C
Carla
August 2025
With kids
Leah’s land was as described and was a very nice place to stay for what my husband referred to as “camping-lite”: not full blown glamping but not totally roughing it. We had our kids along for their first camping trip. The tent provided was nice and roomy and the added amenity of electricity and a fridge with separate freezer was great. We really appreciated the potable water, the out-house and all of the equipment for some fun on the lake. The lake was very pretty, we did some fishing and we enjoyed spotting the loons, but I would not consider it swimable off of the dock considering all of the lily pads. One thing I wish I would have brought were some folding camping chairs for around the fire pit, but none of this took away from how much we enjoyed our stay. We would absolutely recommend this property.
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A
Andy
August 2025
With kids
Spent most of our time mountain biking in cuyuna. We slept well. Place was kept clean. Great cozy spot
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T
Theresa
July 2025
Weekend Trip to Hay Lake Basecamp Canvas Tent
Beautiful camping spot on the lake. The kayaks were a huge plus. The glamping tent had everything that we needed. We will defintely be back.
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Kyle
July 2025
With kids
This camping spot is amazing! The hut is very clean and there is a blow up mattress with sheets all ready made up. There is electricity with a small fridge and freezer that is very convenient! Theres a couple of hammocks on top of the overlook that my kid absolutely loved. They have 2 paddle boards, 2 kayaks, and 1 canoe that are available for use, and we used the canoe entire time. The fishing is awesome!!! Sunfish are very very active. One after another for most of the weekend. Caught a bass, crappie, and perch. We had a great time and the hosts are very responsive and clearly run this spot with a lot of pride. I wouldn’t hesitate to stay here again and would recommend this spot to anyone.
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K
Katie
July 2025
With pets
Awesome site!! Two people and two dogs and we had plenty of room. Not to mention very clean, responsive hosts, and perfect blend of privacy and not being in the middle of nowhere. Would absolutely stay here again!
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E
Ericka
July 2025
3 nights at Hay Lake Basecamp Canvas Tent
We had a wonderful relaxing time. The view was beautiful and we loved hearing the lake sounds at night.
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J
Joaquin
June 2025
With kids
Staying at what I would call an art installation during a heat wave made our weekend at Cayuna a trip to never be forgotten! Finding solace in an AC shelter was an amazing experience in 90° weather.
I will definitely come here again!
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