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Nature’s Playground Basecamp

Hosted by Stephanie · Crosby, Minnesota

10 guests max

83%

·

3 reviews

Nomadic camping

Best for self-contained campers. There are no toilets, showers, or potable water at this Hipcamp.

Welcome to our slice of paradise in the heart of Cuyuna Country Recreation Area! Situated on a tranquil 4-acre private lot, our camp offers a serene escape surrounded by the beauty of nature. Nestled on the shores of an environmental lake, you'll be treated to the sights and sounds of local wildlife, including majestic loons, ducks, geese, and various fish species. Feel free to explore the waters with our complimentary canoe and paddle boat, perfect for leisurely paddles or fishing excursions. Conveniently located just 1.25 miles from the Portsmouth Trailhead, outdoor enthusiasts will find themselves at the gateway to endless adventure. Take the paved trail to Ironton for a scenic bike ride, or venture onto the singletrack trails leading to the Rally Center for an adrenaline-pumping mountain biking experience. ATV and OHM trails are also nearby, offering additional opportunities for exploration. County owned public boat ramp down the road. After a day of outdoor fun, unwind at your campsite and hang your hammock by the lake. As the sun sets, gather around the fire pit with the lake as your backdrop, and marvel at the starry skies above. With peaceful nights and breathtaking views, our campground is the perfect place to reconnect with nature and create cherished memories with loved ones. Come join us for a relaxing getaway where adventure awaits at every turn!In the heart of Cuyuna Country Recreation Area. The 4 acre private lot is on an environmental area lake that is home to loons, ducks, geese, and various fish species. The canoe and paddle-boat are free to use. 1.25 miles from the Portsmouth Trailhead where you can take the paved trail to Ironton/Crosby or singletrack to the Rally Center. ATV and OHM are trails nearby. Come hang your hammock and kick up your feet. Enjoy a fire with the lake in the background, starry skies, and peaceful nights. The camping area is mid-hill. Take a leisurely walk down to the lake or a quick hike up to the gravel road.

RV details

Pop-up campers, Class B RVs, Class C RVs, Campervans, and Cars allowed

Vehicles under 30 feet allowed

Drive straight in and reverse 90° to park.

Back-in site

Drive straight in and reverse 90° to park.

Accommodates slideouts

Drive straight in and reverse 90° to park.

Surface type: Loose Gravel

Surface levelness: Requires leveling

No Travel trailers, Fifth wheels, Toy haulers, and Class A RVs

Generators allowed

Allowed between 8am and 8pm

No electrical hookup

No water hookup

Must have own water.

No sewage hookup

Must be self contained w toilet on board or composting toilet/bucket.

No TV hookup

What to expect

RV/tent site

You'll have this Hipcamp all to yourself.

10 guests max

Campfires allowed

Firewood provided, firepit

Pets allowed

Must clean up after pet.

No toilet; campers must bring camp toilets

Picnic table present

No potable water

Bring your own water, purify from lake or pond

No showers

Must be self contained or State park campground 1 mile away.

Pack it out

Leave no trace. Pack it out. No dumping gray out black water on site.

Cooking equipment absent

No wifi

Laundry absent

Hot Tub absent

No playground

Things to know

Getting there

Check in: After 2:00 PM

Check out: Before 12:00 PM

On arrival: Head straight to site

Cancellation policy: Super Strict

Minimum nights: 1 night

Accepts bookings: 12 months out

Park at listing

No wheelchair access

Max 2 vehicles

2WD accessible

During your trip

Follow the

Leave it better

Inclusion policyWe have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp. We are committed to helping our Host and Hipcamper communities be inclusive.

Reviews

83% Recommend3 ratings · 3 reviews

Recommends

· July 2025

Tent · Group trip

This campsite was really beautiful and peaceful. We had no issues with bugs or anything like that. It is quite spacious and the lake is very close by which is nice. It was also helpful that the state park was nearby so we were able to use the beach and showers there. Stephanie was very helpful and accommodating which is always appreciated. Everything in Crosby is only a few minutes away and there’s a lot of cute shops and restaurants there. I would definitely recommend staying here if you want a more private trip surrounded by beautiful nature!

R

Ryleigh P.

2 reviews

Recommends

· September 2024

MTB Base Camp

Tent

For a mountain bike base camp, it worked out great.

T

Terry M.

1 year on Hipcamp

Mixed feelings

· July 2024

Great Location, Needs Attention

Tent

Objectively speaking this site is very close to the Portsmouth pit lake. With the official Portsmouth campground booked solid it was nice that the site was only a mile up the road. If you’re coming to the area for mountain biking or other rec area activities and want to experience an ULTRA primitive site then here you go. Unfortunately that’s where the good times stop. This site is in desperate need of attention. It’s fine that the ground isn’t completely level but it’s the weeds and crabgrass that were shin high, I would have mowed myself as there was a lawn mower but no gas. When it said “…lake in the background” it’s WAAAY in the background, you can’t even see it from the site. The walking path is over grown with kneehigh ferns. When we did get to the lake the “dock” was 3 wood pallets sitting on wonky logs, my son fell in the poop smelling bog water. “Paddling” out into to the lake took over an hour as we had to first clean all the spider eggs, spiders, and debris from the canoe. Luckily we had a machete as the reeds were 6ft high and 10yrds deep. Once we chopped our way out, it WAS beautiful, but wasn’t really worth the intense mosquito attacks and the bushman tactics it took to get to to open water. In the end it served the purpose of a base camp for MTB and being close to the rec area but unless it receives some much needed TLC I prob wouldn’t stay here again.

J

Josh A.

1 year on Hipcamp