- Waterside Camping
The best lakeside camping near Arcadia
100% (240) • 621 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Arcadia
Shady Rest Acres
1. Shady Rest Acres
100%
(316)
40mi from Arcadia · 3 sites · Tents, Lodging
Once the site of the historic V.J. Fetzner Brewery from the late 19th Century. The land is now used as a hobby farm, honey bee sanctuary and nursery to a unique tree species normally not found in Southeastern Minnesota.
Remnants of the brewery are still visible. Foundation walls outline the massive structure of the brewery. Nestled in the center of the foundation is the entrance to
the sixty-seven foot deep cave that
once held barrels of beer and can be accessed by canoe only.
Hops have been located on the property and are believed to be ancestors of those raised to make the beer once stored in the cave. The pond that provides access to the cave was dug out in the early 1990's to create a fish out for the Spring Falls Trout Farm that used to exist across the highway. Some of the original brood stock still exist and continue to naturally stock the pond. It is not uncommon to see fish that are five to ten pounds in size. We do not allow fishing from our pond.
The residents house is built to scale to the original brew master's house. While the house is only twenty-four years old it looks as though you have taken a step back in time. The name Shady Rest was given to the house by
the Brew Master's wife.
We thought it was appropriate to keep the name alive.
Shady Rest Acres is comprised of twenty-three acres of beautiful woodlands and pasture that are protected forever
in the
Minnesota Land Trust. The pasture is home to Scottish Highlander cows, two miniature donkeys, five sheep, four goats, honey bees and a flock of chickens. Scottish Highlanders
were selected for both their grazing and browsing abilities. They are very docile and make excellent pasture mates to the smaller species sharing the pasture. The cows are excellent forest managers. They
clear out invasive species such as Honey Suckle, Buckthorn, and Barberry which can often be difficult to manage. A guided tour with the host can be taken to meet the pasture animals.
The forest is comprised of many tree species. Some are unique in that they normally do not grow in this region of Minnesota. The yellow birch is a species normally found in Northern Minnesota. It's bark is golden in color and glistens when the sun hits it just right. We have a cluster of several yellow birch including one that is so big that the bark no longer looks golden but instead is grey and very rough. Years ago the largest of these trees made excellent wood for turning bowls. Blue Beech (musclewood) can also be found on the property. As the name indicates the bark is shaped like muscles. Songbirds and some other species will use different parts of the tree as a food source. Towering white pines also speckle the landscape. Mother pine requires at least two humans arm lengths to encircle the whole tree. She is a favorite resting spot for the barred owl. There is oak, elm, maple, ceders, poplars and numerous other species.
Honey bees are an integral part of the landscape. We partnered with a friend and
started raising honey bees two years ago in order to do our part to keep pollinators thriving.
Their hives are located in the pasture where it has the perfect amount of early morning sun to get them moving and afternoon shade to balance out the summer heat. It is not uncommon to see them pollinating garden plants, trees and wild flowers around the property. One of their favorite feeding spots is the acre and a half prairie which offers a range of plants including big blue stem, wild indigo and baby blue stem, to name a few. Not only are honey bees essential to the food chain but they also provide a very enriching experience when they are observed moving about their hives. There is nothing more relaxing and fascinating than watching these amazing creatures.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
$40
/ night
The Flipping RV
2. The Flipping RV
100%
(3)
49mi from Arcadia · 2 sites
Get outdoors and reconnect with nature with either one of our RV site. Penny is the perfect travel trailer so book your campground site today and we will take care of all that funny business. Darlene is a stationary camper that provides lake access on Lake Zumbro.
Additional offerings include ice and firewood.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$111
/ night
Hok-Si-La Municipal Park
3. Hok-Si-La Municipal Park
43mi from Arcadia
Hok-Si-La Park stands out as a remarkable 252-acre municipally owned park on the scenic Minnesota side of Lake Pepin, offering breathtaking views of the Mississippi River and the surrounding bluffs. This park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, providing a perfect blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
Visitors can immerse themselves in the joys of tent camping, launch their boats from the public ramp, or unwind on the sandy beach. A mile-long stretch of Mississippi River shoreline invites exploration, while the interpretive center offers educational insights into the local ecosystem. Families can enjoy the playground, engage in volleyball or basketball games, and savor picnics in picturesque settings, including a charming chapel.
Open from mid-April to mid-October, the park features various facilities, including a dining hall and screened shelters, making it an ideal venue for gatherings such as family reunions, birthday celebrations, and corporate picnics. Throughout the year, Hok-Si-La Park remains accessible for hiking, bird watching, and leisurely beach strolls. In winter, visitors can take advantage of groomed cross-country ski trails, ensuring that this park is a year-round destination for outdoor fun and relaxation.
Whitewater State Park MN
4. Whitewater State Park MN
100%
(7)
State park 31mi from Arcadia · 114 sites
Hike a mountain, hit the beach, or fish for trout at this popular park.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Black River State Forest
5. Black River State Forest
100%
(3)
State forest 43mi from Arcadia · 99 sites
Discover the natural splendor of Black River State Forest.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Goose Island Park
6. Goose Island Park
100%
(1)
Park 38mi from Arcadia · 400 sites
Discover Goose Island Park's natural beauty and outdoor fun.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
100% (240) • 621 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Arcadia
Shady Rest Acres
1. Shady Rest Acres
100%
(316)
40mi from Arcadia · 3 sites · Tents, Lodging
Once the site of the historic V.J. Fetzner Brewery from the late 19th Century. The land is now used as a hobby farm, honey bee sanctuary and nursery to a unique tree species normally not found in Southeastern Minnesota.
Remnants of the brewery are still visible. Foundation walls outline the massive structure of the brewery. Nestled in the center of the foundation is the entrance to
the sixty-seven foot deep cave that
once held barrels of beer and can be accessed by canoe only.
Hops have been located on the property and are believed to be ancestors of those raised to make the beer once stored in the cave. The pond that provides access to the cave was dug out in the early 1990's to create a fish out for the Spring Falls Trout Farm that used to exist across the highway. Some of the original brood stock still exist and continue to naturally stock the pond. It is not uncommon to see fish that are five to ten pounds in size. We do not allow fishing from our pond.
The residents house is built to scale to the original brew master's house. While the house is only twenty-four years old it looks as though you have taken a step back in time. The name Shady Rest was given to the house by
the Brew Master's wife.
We thought it was appropriate to keep the name alive.
Shady Rest Acres is comprised of twenty-three acres of beautiful woodlands and pasture that are protected forever
in the
Minnesota Land Trust. The pasture is home to Scottish Highlander cows, two miniature donkeys, five sheep, four goats, honey bees and a flock of chickens. Scottish Highlanders
were selected for both their grazing and browsing abilities. They are very docile and make excellent pasture mates to the smaller species sharing the pasture. The cows are excellent forest managers. They
clear out invasive species such as Honey Suckle, Buckthorn, and Barberry which can often be difficult to manage. A guided tour with the host can be taken to meet the pasture animals.
The forest is comprised of many tree species. Some are unique in that they normally do not grow in this region of Minnesota. The yellow birch is a species normally found in Northern Minnesota. It's bark is golden in color and glistens when the sun hits it just right. We have a cluster of several yellow birch including one that is so big that the bark no longer looks golden but instead is grey and very rough. Years ago the largest of these trees made excellent wood for turning bowls. Blue Beech (musclewood) can also be found on the property. As the name indicates the bark is shaped like muscles. Songbirds and some other species will use different parts of the tree as a food source. Towering white pines also speckle the landscape. Mother pine requires at least two humans arm lengths to encircle the whole tree. She is a favorite resting spot for the barred owl. There is oak, elm, maple, ceders, poplars and numerous other species.
Honey bees are an integral part of the landscape. We partnered with a friend and
started raising honey bees two years ago in order to do our part to keep pollinators thriving.
Their hives are located in the pasture where it has the perfect amount of early morning sun to get them moving and afternoon shade to balance out the summer heat. It is not uncommon to see them pollinating garden plants, trees and wild flowers around the property. One of their favorite feeding spots is the acre and a half prairie which offers a range of plants including big blue stem, wild indigo and baby blue stem, to name a few. Not only are honey bees essential to the food chain but they also provide a very enriching experience when they are observed moving about their hives. There is nothing more relaxing and fascinating than watching these amazing creatures.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
$40
/ night
The Flipping RV
2. The Flipping RV
100%
(3)
49mi from Arcadia · 2 sites
Get outdoors and reconnect with nature with either one of our RV site. Penny is the perfect travel trailer so book your campground site today and we will take care of all that funny business. Darlene is a stationary camper that provides lake access on Lake Zumbro.
Additional offerings include ice and firewood.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$111
/ night
Hok-Si-La Municipal Park
3. Hok-Si-La Municipal Park
43mi from Arcadia
Hok-Si-La Park stands out as a remarkable 252-acre municipally owned park on the scenic Minnesota side of Lake Pepin, offering breathtaking views of the Mississippi River and the surrounding bluffs. This park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, providing a perfect blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
Visitors can immerse themselves in the joys of tent camping, launch their boats from the public ramp, or unwind on the sandy beach. A mile-long stretch of Mississippi River shoreline invites exploration, while the interpretive center offers educational insights into the local ecosystem. Families can enjoy the playground, engage in volleyball or basketball games, and savor picnics in picturesque settings, including a charming chapel.
Open from mid-April to mid-October, the park features various facilities, including a dining hall and screened shelters, making it an ideal venue for gatherings such as family reunions, birthday celebrations, and corporate picnics. Throughout the year, Hok-Si-La Park remains accessible for hiking, bird watching, and leisurely beach strolls. In winter, visitors can take advantage of groomed cross-country ski trails, ensuring that this park is a year-round destination for outdoor fun and relaxation.
Whitewater State Park MN
4. Whitewater State Park MN
100%
(7)
State park 31mi from Arcadia · 114 sites
Hike a mountain, hit the beach, or fish for trout at this popular park.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Black River State Forest
5. Black River State Forest
100%
(3)
State forest 43mi from Arcadia · 99 sites
Discover the natural splendor of Black River State Forest.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Goose Island Park
6. Goose Island Park
100%
(1)
Park 38mi from Arcadia · 400 sites
Discover Goose Island Park's natural beauty and outdoor fun.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
K
Kyle
October 2025
Tent
Patty and Michelle are awesome hosts. Very available and acommodating if you need anything but totally out of your hair otherwise. Heart's Content was a lovely spot where you could hear the soft trickle of water flowing from pond to pond as you slept. Very close to a lot of cool spots including a great bluff hike in Reno, MN, and great boating/island hopping opportunities at Goose Island in LaCrosse, WI. The farm animals were all very chill and friendly and were very respectful of our space at the campsite, like not wandering in and being all up on us while we prepped meals or anything like that. They'd sometimes graze on the underbrush that rings the site. The goats loved being fed food scraps like carrot/potato skins, banana peels, etc. There was a very clean and well maintained outhouse on the premises and a water spigot nearby with very clean water. Great price on a generous amount of firewood that is stored in a dry shelter. Buy it in person, not through the app. ;)
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E
Ethan
August 2025
Tent
Shady Rest Acres was amazing. I had high expectations and they were exceeded. The donkeys and goats were really friendly when they approached you to check things out and the cows were great to watch. The hosts were super friendly and answered any questions right away with helpful information. Secluded area which was very peaceful and where I could check out the milky way at night. 12/10 would book again
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C
Cortney
August 2025
3 nights at The Flipping RV
We loved being able to have our own getaway at a family reunion. Penny is clean, cute and comfortable with loads of little thoughtful perks. We loved not having to bring our own linens and/or dishes and appreciated the K-cups and dog treats they stocked the camper with. Delivery and pick up were both super prompt and we would highly recommend this to anyone!
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Andrew
August 2025
3 nights at Shady Rest Acres
Perfect place to decompress, with a touch of the farm life. The hosts were kind and available, letting us know how to approach the animals on our own time.
See moreJ
Jeffrey
August 2025
Tent
We asked if they could supply us with some beverages using hipcamp messaging since we bike packed to the location and they gladly helped us out.
The camp site was great, well maintained and easy to find!
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A
Abbey Renee
August 2025
Tent
Wonderful site adjacent to a farm featuring goats, donkeys, and ducks. Friendly hosts who were welcoming, providing am overview of the amenities. For a quiet getaway in a great location be sure to book with Michelle & Patty.
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P
Pamela
August 2025
Tent
Camped at Life is good site right by the farm animals which were super friendly. Fairly private and serene with beautiful stars at night and sunrises. There were a lot of flies but that’s to be expected around animals. Hosts were super friendly.
See moreC
Carrie
July 2025
With kids
Another lovely stay at Patty and Michelle's cabin. It is a great way to enjoy all of the beautiful nature of the area with fewer mosquitos! We stargazed, spent quality time with the cats, goats, and made friends with the turkeys. Looking forward to coming back later this fall.
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B
Britt
July 2025
Tent
Group trip
Patty and Michelle were lovely hosts. Gave us lots of ideas upon arrival for local attractions and when there was a possibility of severe weather, briefed us clearly on procedures. Thankfully, we didn't need them!
The campsite is very well maintained and defined; plenty of wood chopped and ready to be used (for a very reasonable fee); delightful cast of critter characters around the farm; in the stillness of the night you can hear the water running into the pond below. Our group of 5 had three tents set up and there was plenty of room. The cooking grate on the fire was clutch!
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S
Sarah
July 2025
With kids
This place is stunning beyond words. It’s absolutely gorgeous. As soon as we arrived, we regretted only booking for two nights and made up our minds right then and there that we’re coming back more prepared next time and booking the place for at least 5 nights.
Patty and Michelle are very kind. They went out of their way to make sure we’re comfortable and have everything we need, and helped us order pizza.
The farm, the animals and the scenery are simply outstanding. This place is perfect for both families and couples. It’s all incredibly beautiful and a real nice retreat from the city.
See moreM
Matt
June 2025
Tent
Group trip
Tremendous experience- lovely place to stay - hosts were great!
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Sara
June 2025
Weekend Trip to The Flipping RV
We loved renting Penny the camper. Aside from Penny being a cute and fully stocker camper, Nicole was an amazing host. We have a few questions during the process and she was always quick ti respond and so helpful!
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Rae
June 2025
Tent
Amazing hosts with an even better property. It was so cozy and peaceful, giving that “in the woods” feel without being too remote. Couldn’t recommend more!
See moreC
Carrie
June 2025
Group trip
A wonderful place to unwind and connect with nature. I enjoyed looking through the reading material and listening to some of the vinyl records. My kids had a nice time petting all the sweet animals. The studio had plenty of space for the 4 of us. Keep in mind that many of the businesses in the small surrounding communities are not open midweek if that is of interest. Would stay here again!
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Sarah
June 2025
Tent
Patrick and I really enjoyed our time at Shady Rest Acres, a beautiful and well cared for nook of field and forest. The hosts were very friendly and we were happy we followed up on the advice they gave us regarding hiking and food in the local area. Their animals were also very friendly and caused us to laugh many times with their antics but did not disturb us. At night the stars were visible when clear, and owls called back and forth. The sunrise over the Mississippi or behind the bluffs is gorgeous if you are up to witness it. A unique experience we had on their land was canoeing into the old beer cellar, which is actually a cave. We would highly recommend this Hipcamp! Thank you Patty and Michelle!
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C
Chris
June 2025
Tent
We had a wonderful stay and would love to return. Their land is gorgeous and extremely well maintained. Patty and Michelle were lovely and helpful hosts.
Also, my girlfriend says that they have the cleanest Porto she has ever seen. 😂
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Mandy
May 2025
With pets
We loved our stay in the RV Penny, and would definitely recommend. Nicole is the best host I've ever encountered (and that's normally a thing that stands out to me); she made everything so easy and was incredibly responsive. She even had a birthday gift waiting for our daughter because I'd mentioned we were celebrating her 5th bday. Penny is adorable and clean and has everything you could need--honestly, just bring your clothes. I thought it might feel complicated rent a camper and then find a site and coordinate everything getting set up, but Nicole took care of it all and it couldn't have been easier. I highly recommend!
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