96% (1.2K) • 762 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Waterville
Prairie Creek Campground
1. Prairie Creek Campground
99%
(875)
22mi from Waterville · 4 sites
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.
Thank you for a great 2025 camping season! We hosted more Hipcampers than any year before and are excited to have been honored again with a Best in Minnesota award. Every year we have more and more returning campers; we are honored that you make us part of your memories. Thank you and we look forward to a great 2026 season!
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.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
field view campsite
2. field view campsite
94%
(64)
22mi from Waterville · 1 site · Tent, RV
Learn more about this land:
You"ll camp right next to the pasture and on our field drive with wonderful views and sunsets. The field is surrounded on three sides by Rice County Wilderness Park so it is very private and quiet.if you have a tent or small vehicle park down next to fire ring. If you have an RV park on the field drive next to the site
We do not use pesticides sprays, the ticks are prolific this year all throughout MN. Bring repellents for yourself
Porta potty is a five minute walk to front of barn, there is also water available at the barn bring your own container
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Brookside Meadows
3. Brookside Meadows
100%
(16)
28mi from Waterville · 3 sites
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!
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
Sakatah Lake State Park
4. Sakatah Lake State Park
100%
(1)
State park 1.9mi from Waterville · 69 sites
Discover Sakatah Lake State Park's natural beauty and outdoor activities.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park
5. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park
83%
(3)
State park 25mi from Waterville · 54 sites
Discover the serene beauty of Nerstrand Big Woods State Park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Champion Valley
6. Champion Valley
91%
(76)
29mi from Waterville · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Champion Valley is a 150-acre outdoor adventure park in Lakeville, MN featuring ax-throwing, airsoft, paintball, escape rooms & archery tag. We are located 5 minutes off of Interstate 35W. It is situated on 150 acres of beautiful hills and waterways covered with thousands of trees.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Walker's Ranch
7. Walker's Ranch
98%
(23)
31mi from Waterville · 1 site
Learn more about this land:
Come stay and make memories on the Walker ranch, you can't beat the scenery and location. Explore the Walker trail that leads to the creek and lounge in the woods in the hammock. Possibilities are endless!
Pets
Campfires
Cozy Lakeside Cottage Guestroom
8. Cozy Lakeside Cottage Guestroom
100%
(12)
33mi from Waterville · 1 site
Spend some cozy downtime enjoying a fire and the peacefulness of 4 acre lake property.
Take a hot shower and sleep in a comfortable bed- all for less than a hotel room! It’s like glamping.
**We do require a photo of a valid government ID from all members of your party, immediately after booking. The host will tell you how to send this. If not received within the specified time frame, your booking will be cancelled and you will not receive check in information.
This property:
Cozy lakeside cottage that sleeps two, with level lawn space nearby that will fit two additional tents in your group. Dedicated private space is in lower level backyard with access to dock* (*May -September), lake and wildlife wetlands with boardwalk. You'll see the setting sun from the end of the dock and have access to a paver patio firepit. Private 3/4 bath and comfortable TV room is 60 steps away in the house. Mostly private spaces with some shared spaces such as driveway, hallways, sometimes we cross paths in the yard. Mystic Lake Casino, Canterbury Downs, Renaissance fest, Valleyfair, & many other area lakes besides the 600 acre all sports lake that the property is located on are in the immediate area. For location purposes, we are located 3.7 miles of the Prior Lake, MN McDonald's.
The price per night includes up to two campers inside or outside of the
cottage, but up to two additional campers and tents can be added to the reservation for $20 per person/ per night.
A limit of two persons inside of the cottage and four persons total are allowed per reservation.
All persons must be declared ahead of reserving the space and ID’d for insurance purposes. Please note that all persons on the reservation must submit a copy of their valid picture government ID to the host (via platform) prior to arrival (but
after booking), and sign a property liability waiver upon check in.
The host will discuss the procedure with you as HC supports pictures only after booking.
Please ask prior to booking if you have any questions about this- this is a requirement of our short term rental insurance, and part of our self check in procedure.
We are a non smoking, non vape, no party/no unregistered guest, owner occupied property. No children and quiet people only please.
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Toilets
Showers
Campfires
Private entrance Apple Orchard
9. Private entrance Apple Orchard
100%
(16)
37mi from Waterville · 1 site
Learn more about this land:Private entrance and parking for campers on the back sections of our 3.5 acre property. Grassy area near woods and amongst our apple trees. Fire pit for your use. Great location, just a mile off the freeway. Within walking distance to Bar & Grill and bowling alley. Within 10 minutes to all the local attractions, including: Valley Fair, Renaissance Festival, Mystic Lake Casino, Wilds Golf course, Stonebrooke Golf course, Canterbury Park, Lake O'dowd, Prior Lake, downtown Shakopee, downtown Chaska, downtown Jordan, as well as many shops, bars and restaurants.
Electrical hookup
Pets
Minneopa State Park
10. Minneopa State Park
80%
(5)
State park 27mi from Waterville · 72 sites
Discover Minneopa State Park's scenic vistas and diverse activities.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Rice Lake State Park
11. Rice Lake State Park
100%
(2)
State park 27mi from Waterville · 50 sites
Discover Rice Lake State Park's scenic trails and diverse wildlife.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area
12. Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area
State park 31mi from Waterville · 6 sites
Discover the natural splendor of Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
Myre - Big Island State Park
13. Myre - Big Island State Park
100%
(5)
State park 42mi from Waterville · 93 sites
Discover Myre-Big Island State Park's natural beauty and outdoor fun.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Stadings Farm & Ranch
14. Stadings Farm & Ranch
96%
(45)
39mi from Waterville · 2 sites
Enjoy a peaceful campsite alongside a prairie lake in Southern MN, where towering oaks shade and fill the landscape.
Sit by the lake with a campfire as you watch for Bald Eagles and Swans.
We have a paddle boat and canoe available to explore the lake or bring your kayak or paddle board.
Our farm is designed for RV's, Campers, any thing that is self contained.
Water and electricity are available for an additional $25 per day for both. We offer firewood to purchase $10, place payment donation box.
With a mile of lake shore, you can camp in secluded Grass fields, to Oak Savanna.
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
Pets
Marks the Spot
15. Marks the Spot
100%
(13)
40mi from Waterville · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
We live on a 10 acre property with many mature trees and a walking path cut through the middle. We do not have any farm animals but there are some in area so the normal farm smells blow through on occasion. We have a 7 hole disc golf course on the property. We have six 30 amp/110 electric hook ups and 2 water hook ups. There is plenty of room to play yard games. The historic Dodd Ford bridge just 3 miles away. The small town of Amboy is just 4 miles away. There is a Casey's gas station and Dollar General in town and a couple different other dining options. The stars are amazing at night out here.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Hidden Spring Hideaway - Glamping
16. Hidden Spring Hideaway - Glamping
100%
(10)
43mi from Waterville · 1 site
Hidden Springs Hideaway is a little oasis, nestled in the woods. Located in southeastern Minnesota's driftless region, where you are surrounded by rolling green hills, the Zumbro River and limestone bluffs.
Only a half-mile to the quaint town of Mantorville (some call it the Stars Hollow of Minnesota) where you'll find a cute coffee shop, antique stores, a breakfast spot in an old school house, a park on the river, a restaurant built in the 1850s and a saloon with drinks and live music.
The Hidden Spring Hideaway is an off-grid, sustainable glamping experience set on a 25-acre working homestead just 15 miles west of Rochester, MN. Along with forest views and trails, don’t be surprised if a few friendly chickens wander by to say hello. Enjoy a pot of coffee or a bottle of wine, among the trees.
The bell-shaped canvas tent provides private sleeping accommodations for two (a real queen bed, not an air mattress), an outdoor kitchen space and a gravel patio to relax with a campfire. The property offers walking trails throughout the 25-acre woods with mature trees, an array of birds, flowers, a food forest, wildcraft medicinal herbs and the Zumbro River for guest enjoyment. If you would like a tour of the woodland property, one of the site hosts - Steve (a tree expert), would gladly show you around the land. Please send a message and we will arrange this for you.
Please note, the Hidden Spring Hideaway has no running water or electricity. Everything is run on solar, rechargeable batteries and propane. There is adequate lighting inside and outside, plus lanterns, flashlights and headlamps for your use. For drinking, cooking and washing, there is a three-gallon cooler full of water for you. You're welcome to bring more of your own water as well or there is a convenience store a half-mile down the road (Casey's). There is a new outhouse on the property that includes a bench seat toilet. There is compostable material provided to sprinkle in after you finish your business. Handwashing supplies are provided.
Firewood is available for purchase. $5 a bundle. Please message me at least a day before your stay to reserve and it will be delivered to the site.
Add-on a sauna + cold plunge experience for $75.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
The Double J
17. The Double J
99%
(349)
46mi from Waterville · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to the Double J!
Of the 71 acres we own, about half is tillable and the other half is woods and pastures for our horses. Within that, there is a beautiful secluded 3-acre meadow nestled down along along a beautiful 1,200 foot stretch of the Zumbro River where we have 5 spacious tent/RV campsites. While the campsites are all adjacent to each other along the river, they are each very spacious (the smallest being 100' wide and 75' deep), with some mature trees scattered around. Each sites (except Site #1) is able to accommodate up to 8 people and more than one tent or RV. There is a small meadow above all the sites where campers can play catch or other games. We provide and maintain a centrally located outhouse and keep the entire area mowed throughout the year. All sites offer great shade trees (perfectly spaced for hanging up a hammock) and access to the river - great for those hot summer days!
Water activities to be enjoyed include fishing, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding and tubing (equipment not included). Some campers will drop in upstream at the Covered Bridge Park and float down to their campsite. The Zumbro River, especially in the fishing hole, offers great fishing including Trout, Small-mouth, Red-horse, and an occasional Northern or Sauger.
Campers are welcome to to meander out into our pastures to pet our two horses, Shiloh and Champ. Also, we are just over a mile from town where you can visit Covered Bridge Park which has a Frisbee golf course and a nice play area for younger kids.
Reserving adjacent sites, or all of the sites, makes for the ideal setting for a large family or group camp-out. In order to prevent overcrowding, we do reserve the right to limit number of sites, or campers per site based on overall parties/campers in the camping area. We will notify you if there are any limits at the time of your booking.
We enjoy being able to share our property with others, and it is our desire to promote a safe, peaceful, family-friendly environment, therefore, be sure to note, we do have a NO ALCOHOL policy.
PLEASE NOTE: Be sure to read the "RV Details" on the site information page as the road to the camping area may limit the type or size of RV due to a couple dips, a sharper curve, and it's steeper slope. Also, keep in mind, we reserve the right to cancel any reservations due to heavy rains or floods that may require our sites some additional time to dry out sufficiently.
For updates and notice of last minute cancellations be sure to follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/DoubleJCamping
As is customary for most campgrounds, we ask that if you bring in your own firewood that it be kiln dried. Dry firewood can be purchased for $5.00/bundle.
TIP - Being we do not reimburse campers in the event of rain (unless campground is flooded or too muddy), we highly recommend campers take advantage of Hipcamp’s Weather Guarantee option when booking. With Minnesota’s unpredictable weather it allows you to get reimbursed for any days it rains over a specified amount, even if you choose to stick out the rain! The cost is very reasonable making it almost a no-brainer!
Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions! We look forward to being able to serve you!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Happy Camping Snapshot Farm
18. Happy Camping Snapshot Farm
97%
(119)
46mi from Waterville · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
Learn more about this land:
Start your morning with a perfect view of the sunrise (site 2), or a more shaded, sleep-in a bit (site 1) along with your favorite morning beverage. Site 3 is a large grassy area with tree cover for tents or small vehicles, and a sunrise/sunset view. Feel free to explore the property and you will find a wooded grove and dirt walking path, native plants, wild life--deer, squirrels, pheasants, eagles, hawks, fox, coyote, raccoon, etc. We have 2 fire pits on the property, one at site 1, the other at site 2. You are welcome to bring a portable fire ring or BBQ. We have a vegetable garden you we welcome to admire or get veggies from if they are ripe. We also have a trampoline with surrounding net if there is anyone interested in jumping on that. There is a basketball hoop located by site 1. The outdoor bathroom and guest patio area is also located near site 1. We have a few animals that roam the land, a black lab named Emma, she is 13 years old and friendly as can be but if she is outside she will greet you with barks and running with excitement to see who you are. She does not jump on people. Sometimes she will get territorial with other dogs but is fine after an introduction. So if you are traveling with dogs, a heads up is appreciated! We also have farm cats and egg laying chickens. Take a walk on our country road or into town, approximately a mile and a half to restaurants, visitors center at the Jolly Green Giant Statue, hardware stores, Shell gas station & food mart or access to miles of paved trails around the town. Explore and have fun locating the dozens of "Little Sprouts" (baby Green Giants) around town. There is a very nice City swimming pool with diving board, slide, lap pool, zero depth pool all the water features, lounge chairs, umbrella's, concession stand, showers... located on the South end of Main Street in Blue Earth. Very easy entrance and exit to Blue Earth, site is located at the intersection of Interstate 90 & HWY 169.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Belle Creek Bluff
19. Belle Creek Bluff
99%
(456)
48mi from Waterville · 3 sites · Tents, Lodging
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Shady Oaks Campground
20. Shady Oaks Campground
31mi from Waterville · 35 sites · Tents, RVs
Shady Oaks Campground is located in Garden City, the home of the Blue Earth County Fair.
Peaceful, quiet, and relaxing, the campground is located on the banks of the Watonwan River and is especially suited for private, quiet camping or for group gatherings.
• Canoe landings
• Fishing
• Hiking trail
• Biking
• Playground equipment
• Other Activities
Holiday weekends at the campground feature a variety of special activities, including bingo, nature walks, and family games, to name a few.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
Jorden
2 weeks ago
Tent
Stephen has a little slice of paradise here! We enjoyed a wonderful weekend at site #3 creekside. Stephen greeted us and answered any questions we had. The sites are spaced out nicely. The walk from the car to the site wasn’t too bad, even with tons of gear thanks to the Gorilla Wagon provided. Mosquitoes were almost non existent, tho the biting flys definitely made themselves known. I would love to camp here again! If I had to change 1 thing about our site, I’d say it would be add some fine gravel or something to the tent area so it’s not so muddy when it rains. Other than that it was hard to find something not to like!
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M
Mikala
2 weeks ago
Tent
With pets
This place was AMAZING!! The people were so nice and everything was very clean. We had site #4 and it was very spacious for a big tent, 2 people and a pup, and definitely for more people if you’re bringing a group! We will for sure be coming back!!
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D
Dane
2 weeks ago
15 ft truck camper
Jeff and Julie were great. It was a cute, peaceful campsite right along a nice river. Stayed two nights and had a great time chillin in the water and hanging around the site. Both were very accommodating and fun to talk with. Facilities were clean and well maintained. No complaints
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R
Rachel
2 weeks ago
Tent
With pets
We LOVED this little spot. It does say that there’s a toilet but the only one we found was an out house across the creek. The toilet is the only down side to this place. It was very private and quiet we will definitely stay again soon if we can find the availability.
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C
Chandra R
2 weeks ago
Weekend Trip to Belle Creek Bluff
We had a short and relaxing girls weekend at the Green Canopy Cabin. Crossing the creek was so much fun. The cabin was perfect and the property was so beautiful!
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A
Abby
2 weeks ago
34 ft travel trailer
With kids
Camping at Chelsey’s was perfect for our weekend needs. We were in the area for a baseball tournament so the location was perfect and quiet. Chelsey was welcoming and really helpful. The location is easy to find.
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M
Mark
2 weeks ago
Tent
The campsite was perfect for biking on the Cannon Valley trail within 100 yards from the entrance. My favorite part was taking a cold plunge in the creek after biking.
We will be back (for sure)
Thanks JT !!
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C
CHRISTOPHER
2 weeks ago
Tent
Beautiful quiet property. Jeff and Julie are fantastic host. Friendly and helpful. I stayed 2 nights and had a relaxing time just hanging around camp. I give The Double J 5 star positive review.
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J
Jay
2 weeks ago
Tent
With kids
Beautiful campsite and there's a waterfall nearby the property.
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P
Paige
2 weeks ago
Tent
I loved camping at this site! Was easy to navigate and find things around the site. Will 100% be returning for another stay!!
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j
joslyn
2 weeks ago
Tent
This site was absolutely amazing! Stephen was a great host and came to say check in the first night. The trails nearby were fantastic and the property is just beautiful. I can’t wait to go back!
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Alyssa
2 weeks ago
Tent
With kids
The property was private, safe and clean. Chelsey was extremely helpful when part of our group first arrived. We would love to stay again if we pass through that area in the future.
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E
Erika
2 weeks ago
2 nights at Hidden Spring Hideaway - Glamping
Such a great and beautiful place to stay! Amanda was super accommodating and the site was perfect. :)
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Elyssa
3 weeks ago
Tent
With kids
We loved camping here! No one bothered us it was a very simple and easy stay.
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V
Valarie
3 weeks ago
26 ft travel trailer
Beautiful land on a lake. Lot was nice and level on a concrete slab with a beautiful view of the lake. We saw an eagle, swans, ducks and geese. Nice and relaxing weekend.
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K
Kate
3 weeks ago
Tent
With pets
This place is absolutely beautiful. Hummingbirds, chickens, and ducks around during the day and frog sounds at night. My daughter and I had such an amazing trip with time to recharge and just be together. The camp site is perfect, the bathroom/shower facilities made my daughter exclaim “this is like glamping!” The location is close to so many great places. Emily and Ryan are hosts that make you feel at ease and are available for whatever you need.
We feel like we stumbled into something with just a bit of magic to it. We highly recommend this place.
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c
connor
3 weeks ago
Tent
With kids
Overall good experience while tent camping. Ticks weren’t too bad. Good location if you’re looking to explore northfield for the weekend
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Melanie
3 weeks ago
Tent
With kids
Love this place so much! Jeff and Julie are wonderfully nice people and are so on top of everything and super helpful! We brought our twin grandsons over Memorial Day weekend...love it even when it rains. It's so calming and beautiful.
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H
Hanna
3 weeks ago
With kids
The green cabin was the perfect retreat for our family (2 kids + 2 dogs). The creek crossing plus the hike up the hill was a little bit of work to get all the gear across, but well worth it for the spacious and private site. Water was a little high early in the season so water shoes or wet boots were a must. All round very memorable trip.
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Phong
3 weeks ago
4 nights at Belle Creek Bluff
A Gem, easy to access and beautiful spot to camp. Went memorial day weekend: no biting bugs, carts were available for us, and firewood was available for purchase.
Bring your own lugaloo/toilet.
Close enough to travel into town for supplies and to explore nearby hikes. Lots of pretty birds and animals <3
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