12 Best Private Campsites Near Rochester, MN, US 2025

Looking for a camping adventure near Rochester, Minnesota? Hipcamp has you covered with over 110 private campsites to choose from. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a history buff, there's something for everyone. Check out top campsites like Gilles Family Dairy & Woodland (239 reviews), Prairie Creek Forest Campground (202 reviews), and Shady Rest Acres (171 reviews). With popular amenities like campfires, trash disposal, and potable water, you'll have everything you need for a comfortable stay. And the average price per night is just $42, with options as low as $18. So, grab your hiking boots and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience!

98% (323)

Top-rated campgrounds

Looking for a camping adventure near Rochester, Minnesota? Hipcamp has you covered with over 110 private campsites to choose from. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a history buff, there's something for everyone. Check out top campsites like Gilles Family Dairy & Woodland (239 reviews), Prairie Creek Forest Campground (202 reviews), and Shady Rest Acres (171 reviews). With popular amenities like campfires, trash disposal, and potable water, you'll have everything you need for a comfortable stay. And the average price per night is just $42, with options as low as $18. So, grab your hiking boots and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience!

98% (323)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Aefintyr

98%

(60)

23mi from Rochester · 19 sites · Lodging · Altura, MN

Wilderness inspired campground specializing in hike-in rustic glamping, treehouse cabins and outfitting. Located on Whiskey Hill in the Whitewater River Valley near the town of Elba, MN. The cabins are easy to access with close parking. The hike-in rustic glamping sites offer a rugged backpacking like experience with spacious, secluded sites, creature comforts for a good night's sleep and no equipment required, all designed to immerse guests in the surrounding woodland. The land was used for personal recreation for several years. I've spent countless hours hiking and enjoying observing the seasons, plants, fungus and animals. The vision of a campground was inspired by many camping and backcountry spots throughout the United States, all of the amazing things in the woods, the beautiful blufftop valley views, proximity to a multitude of outdoor activities and adventures.

2. Gossman Goat Ranch

99%

(147)

28mi from Rochester · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Preston, MN

We have a lovely piece of property to come enjoy a getaway at. We enjoy all of the peace and quiet around here. The night sky is unbeatable in my eyes. We have a small hobby farm with lots of very tame animals. We have 42 acres to roams with lots of trails within the woods that are filled with aged oak trees and many young maple trees. Our property is filled with lots of wild flowers and wildlife. We are locate 3 miles from the root river if you enjoy fishing or going for a float down the river. There are two caves in our area that are a must see while you are visiting. I you like to hike there is a state park 14 minutes from us that have many miles of hiking trails and horse trails. If you are more the small town strolling type of person we have lots of small towns around us that are filled with shops and lots of great food! There is a large system of bike trails in our area that make a very fun way to check out some of the small towns. If you have a family with kids we have a lot of fun activities you can do with your kids, like spending time with the goats, chickens and ducks, playing on our playground, or taking a nice walk through the woods looking for fossils!

3. Brookside Meadows

100%

(16)

38mi from Rochester · 3 sites · Tents · Nerstrand, MN

Tired of the traffic? Can't stand all the continuous noise from the craziness of the cities? Do we have a place for you less than an hour away from the twin cities or Rochester! It is a 35 acres site with walking trails (3 miles). This property has a creek flowing through the property. It is the middle of nowhere. We are on a gravel road with very little traffic. We have 3 spots for tents and 1 for RV/campers. Each has a stone fire-ring & picnic table/wood table. We would love to have you out here. Restore & renew at what we consider to be our own retreat-like oasis. Pets are welcome and children will love playing by the brook and walking the trails. Check in after 3 (no entrance after sunset), Check Out at Noon Pack in Pack out- no littering please We are Rustic so no public restrooms/showers No smoking 2 vehicles max unless prior approval with management Pets OK- on leash in public areas/trails, off leash at campsite OK ***No entrance to grounds after sunset Onsite: Firewood available ($5 a bundle cash preferred or Venmo) Dennison (2 miles): Gas station & Fireside restaurant (check out their ribs, wings & waffle fries!) Nerstrand (2 miles): Gas station & Boots & Lu restaurant (breakfast on weekends) ***Nerstrand Big Woods Park! Walk to their waterfalls- Northfield (8 miles): Breweries, grocery, and antiquing Can't wait to meet you!

4. Belle Creek Bluff

99%

(447)

39mi from Rochester · 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.

5. Prairie Creek Campground

99%

(855)

41mi from Rochester · 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.

6. Twin Folk Farms

98%

(101)

45mi from Rochester · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Hager City, WI

Previously a 100 acre century farm, this fertile land was tended to by generations of old time farmers. Their dairy cows pastured in areas which we now graze sheep. The restored quarry provided gravel for the nearby highway restoration and local projects.The property is currently a mix of hay ground, cropland, pasture, forest, and quarry. Twin sisters, Darla and Kayla, and their families live across the road from each other and own the surrounding 140 acres. They keep busy planting/tending trees, making hay, moving fence for grazing animals, operating a farm business called Twin Folk Farms (pastured meat, camps, etc), and raising their families.Learn more about this land:- This site is at the edge of a restored quarry, sheep pasture, and wooded hillside.- The site is tucked down a flat mowed path, so it feels very private and protected. - You can hike up a path to the sheep pasture. Sometimes sheep are there, sometimes elsewhere on the farm. You can hike the other direction and check out the restored quarry. We have paths all around the property, so feel free to respectfully explore.- You can't see the highway from this site, but you can hear it. It's super handy to be able to hop out of your campsite haven and onto the hwy, but be aware that you will hear vehicles.- There's a Mississippi river boat launch a few miles down the road, so feel free to park your boat at the bottom of the quarry driveway.- The Hay Creek riding trails are 25 minutes away, so contact us if you want to set up a place in the quarry to park your horses and trailer for the night. - We are certified to sell meat straight off of the farm (Twin Folk Farms), so contact us if you want to purchase your meat and have it delivered to your campsite. You can also set up a time to come up to the farm and purchase meat. - The beautiful, historic town of Red Wing is 10 minutes from our farm. You'll find a mix of modern amenities and historic shops to suit your fancy.

7. Gilles Family Dairy & Woodland

100%

(496)

46mi from Rochester · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Houston, MN

Welcome ; Located in southeast Minnesota's Driftless region of hills, valleys, fields and forests, we are a grass based working dairy farm with over 100 acres of woodland, including an extensive trail system and campsites in our wooded acres. What makes this woodland special is it's quiet, secluded setting and over 6 miles of hiking / skiing trails. Our farmstead sits three quarter of a mile off the paved county highway on our well maintained gravel driveway. Each of our campsites are secluded from the others with their own sawdust compost toilets, picnic tables, fireplaces, and firewood. Two of our sites require 4WD with a minimum of 6 inches ground clearance to access, and two are accessible with 2WD. If you do not have 4WD we can help transport your gear while you enjoy the walk in. There are plenty of woodland birds, deer, turkeys, raccoons and squirrels sharing the woods with you. At night it is common for owls to visit the campsite area to say hello, and coyotes talking in the distance. The winding trails through 100 acres of woodland offer a variety of woodland habitats, from Old growth Maple to mixed hardwood, to dense brush, to the edges of open pastureland. Bring your fat bike or mountain bike for an enjoyable ride. For winter users there is a mix of easy, moderate, and challenging winter cross country skiing or snowshoeing / hiking on the property. However the Rock Bottom Cabin is our only heated and insulated site and is available for winter booking. Winter access is walk in only with snow on the ground or in the forecast. We can help transport gear. This property is part of a working pasture-based dairy farm and guided tours of the dairy and cattle are available when scheduling allows. Children 12 and younger are free at our campsites. No need to be counted as guests , but please let us know when requesting to book. We do not allow non-booked visitors to our campsites due to the secluded, remote location, and accessibility.

Camper favorites near Rochester

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Belle Creek Bluff

99%

(447)

39mi from Rochester · 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.

Prairie Creek Campground

99%

(855)

41mi from Rochester · 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.

Twin Folk Farms

98%

(101)

45mi from Rochester · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Hager City, WI

Previously a 100 acre century farm, this fertile land was tended to by generations of old time farmers. Their dairy cows pastured in areas which we now graze sheep. The restored quarry provided gravel for the nearby highway restoration and local projects.The property is currently a mix of hay ground, cropland, pasture, forest, and quarry. Twin sisters, Darla and Kayla, and their families live across the road from each other and own the surrounding 140 acres. They keep busy planting/tending trees, making hay, moving fence for grazing animals, operating a farm business called Twin Folk Farms (pastured meat, camps, etc), and raising their families.Learn more about this land:- This site is at the edge of a restored quarry, sheep pasture, and wooded hillside.- The site is tucked down a flat mowed path, so it feels very private and protected. - You can hike up a path to the sheep pasture. Sometimes sheep are there, sometimes elsewhere on the farm. You can hike the other direction and check out the restored quarry. We have paths all around the property, so feel free to respectfully explore.- You can't see the highway from this site, but you can hear it. It's super handy to be able to hop out of your campsite haven and onto the hwy, but be aware that you will hear vehicles.- There's a Mississippi river boat launch a few miles down the road, so feel free to park your boat at the bottom of the quarry driveway.- The Hay Creek riding trails are 25 minutes away, so contact us if you want to set up a place in the quarry to park your horses and trailer for the night. - We are certified to sell meat straight off of the farm (Twin Folk Farms), so contact us if you want to purchase your meat and have it delivered to your campsite. You can also set up a time to come up to the farm and purchase meat. - The beautiful, historic town of Red Wing is 10 minutes from our farm. You'll find a mix of modern amenities and historic shops to suit your fancy.

Gilles Family Dairy & Woodland

100%

(496)

46mi from Rochester · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Houston, MN

Welcome ; Located in southeast Minnesota's Driftless region of hills, valleys, fields and forests, we are a grass based working dairy farm with over 100 acres of woodland, including an extensive trail system and campsites in our wooded acres. What makes this woodland special is it's quiet, secluded setting and over 6 miles of hiking / skiing trails. Our farmstead sits three quarter of a mile off the paved county highway on our well maintained gravel driveway. Each of our campsites are secluded from the others with their own sawdust compost toilets, picnic tables, fireplaces, and firewood. Two of our sites require 4WD with a minimum of 6 inches ground clearance to access, and two are accessible with 2WD. If you do not have 4WD we can help transport your gear while you enjoy the walk in. There are plenty of woodland birds, deer, turkeys, raccoons and squirrels sharing the woods with you. At night it is common for owls to visit the campsite area to say hello, and coyotes talking in the distance. The winding trails through 100 acres of woodland offer a variety of woodland habitats, from Old growth Maple to mixed hardwood, to dense brush, to the edges of open pastureland. Bring your fat bike or mountain bike for an enjoyable ride. For winter users there is a mix of easy, moderate, and challenging winter cross country skiing or snowshoeing / hiking on the property. However the Rock Bottom Cabin is our only heated and insulated site and is available for winter booking. Winter access is walk in only with snow on the ground or in the forecast. We can help transport gear. This property is part of a working pasture-based dairy farm and guided tours of the dairy and cattle are available when scheduling allows. Children 12 and younger are free at our campsites. No need to be counted as guests , but please let us know when requesting to book. We do not allow non-booked visitors to our campsites due to the secluded, remote location, and accessibility.

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! ;)

Rock Bottom Cabin located in a secluded hardwood forest

D

David

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Gilles Family Dairy & Woodland

My wife and I had such a great stay at the Rock Bottom Cabin. It is a very cozy and secluded place. We particularly enjoyed hiking the great network of trails on their beautiful land. We hope to be back!

Evan

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Aefintyr

Most luxurious hike-in site I’ve stayed at for sure! I stayed at Celtis on top of the bluff at the very end. Was happy I did because in late fall, there didn’t look to be much privacy at the other sites. Celtis was awesome and the bed was super comfortable too. The structure with the screen and tarps worked great for letting in some airflow if unzipped or none if zipped up. A table with 4 chairs, firepit, and the perfectly-spaced trees for a hammock made this site really great. Be prepared for a very steep (but short) hike up. Bathrooms with toilets, running water, and showers at the bottom near the cabins were a nice touch too.

The cabin overlooks the hillside you walk up while entering.

L

Lindsey

October 2025

With pets

2 nights at Twin Folk Farms

We loved "glamping" here! The cabin was adorable and had everything we needed. The location was perfect...secluded, yet so close to several gorgeous hiking spots. The stargazing was incredible. Our pups (one of whom is scared of other dogs and people) were so happy to have the seclusion. It was the perfect spot to spend our days hiking, and our nights being cozy in the cabin!

D

Dave

October 2025

15 ft travel trailer

2 nights at Gilles Family Dairy & Woodland

A great private site in a very scenic area. Mike is great!

B

Becky

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Gossman Goat Ranch

I would definitely recommend Gossman Goat Farm! It has beautiful views and it was fun to see the goats and chickens. The directions were clear and the sites are clean and well organized. Cathy was very helpful and friendly and her boys ran and gathered eggs.. A great family run business, and the handmade soap was a wonderful souvenir!:)

S

Scott

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Twin Folk Farms

Really great little spot. We brought our new lab puppy and she loved the freedom and space to run. Made a few easy runs to Red Wing for hiking and shopping. This place is close to everything and yet has the feel of being a million miles from the rat race.

B

Becky

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Gilles Family Dairy & Woodland

Mike and Joan thought of everything. It was a perfect short stay for us. We appreciated the kindness shown to us and the ride to and from the site. We had our own little spot in nature with everything we needed. Campfires were so easy with the setup provided. Loved the presence of drinking water and wash up water. The compost toilet bathroom was clean and perfect. I’d come back in a heartbeat. Remember to bring warm sleeping bags or blankets if you are headed there in the fall!

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.

J

Jen

October 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Gossman Goat Ranch

The land, cabin, Cathy and family and of course the goats were all amazing. My kids had the best time! Everything was as described and perfect. The cabin worked great for 5 of us and the cabin amenities like games, hammock and fire pit were perfect.

J

Jen

October 2025

With kids

1 night at Aefintyr

This was a fun experience! My kids loved the hike up, the tent, and our own area for games and a fire. They also enjoyed the community area and the fantastic views. Chelsi was such an excellent and accommodating host. We will be back!

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

m

mark

October 2025

1 night at Aefintyr

If you’re looking for the perfect blend of comfort and adventure, this is it. We’ll definitely be coming back!

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!