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Root River Hideaway - Tent Camping

Hosted by Kelly · Houston, Minnesota
14 guests max
100%
·
19 reviews
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Kelly is a Star Host
Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.
All to yourself
100% of recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp felt private.
Get away from it all and take in the fresh air and views at the Root River Hideaway. Camp on the river's edge with instant, 24-hour access to fishing, tubing, or paddling. Enjoy amazing sunsets while listening to a crackling fire - on-site wood available for a nominal fee (please purchase in advance in Extras so we have enough prepared). Ultimate privacy with no other campers and not a house to be seen up and down the river. Our property lies on a quiet stretch of the Root River where you have private access for small hand-carried craft, or you are 5 minutes from a boat launch for flat bottom boats / kayaks and canoes (for longer trips from upriver or downriver). Inquire with owner for rules of the river, estimated trip times and more. Experience some amazing stargazing, while listening to the owls, coyotes or maybe you'll see or hear the Sandhill cranes nesting nearby. Fish to your heart's content for all types of trout, bass, panfish and rough fish - maybe the occasional walleye or sauger! All right from the bank, from your boat or while floating down the river. Soak up the sun while exploring the trails, creek and pond on the property, or cool off while floating down the Root River. The Root's sandy bottom is family friendly, with a generally shallow and straight path with a good current, making for an easy paddle downstream between landings. Please be cautious about dropoffs and tree snags (the current is deceptively strong!) - use river and stairs access at property at your own risk. River does rise and flood occasionally with storm runoff. This property is away from it all yet the convenience of being only 2.5 miles from Houston, with access to the local coffee shop Baristas, the Root River Market and the International Owl Center, plus the Root River bike trail system. The park with trail access also has a nice natural playground, Nature Center, picnic area and amphitheater with occasional music events. In addition, a beautiful 18-hole golf course, Valley High, is set in the bluffs of Southeast Minnesota- just 5 minutes away.A quiet riverside, grassy campsite on the banks of the Root River, for 2-3 tents (2-3 couples or a 1-2 family unit(s) up to 6 people), or a single small campervan (steep driveway entrance does not allow RVs or trailers!!). Additional people allowed for extra cost per night. One large fire ring and picnic table included at this site, with nearby Porta-Potty access. 5+ acres to roam on our lower camping area that will be exclusively reserved for you or your group to camp, explore, play yard games, fish off the bank, and access the Root River for swimming, tubing, paddling and more. Shade of one small tree in the central camping area - canopy recommended for additional sun and rain protection. Just a short walk upriver to the stairs for river entry or launching small craft (canoes, kayaks, tubes). There are no hookups at this site. Garbage and recycling cans will be available at the site, and recycling is required (or an extra garbage charge will be incurred). The site sits across the pond and below our personal use cabin and deck, which is private property and access is not included in the site rental. We may occasionally be there on weekends also enjoying the stars or taking the kids onto the river. Your privacy and space will be respected. Locally there are many State Parks with great hiking trails, the Root River bike trail system, and multiple golf courses - all within a 20 minute drive. La Crosse, WI is 30 minutes away and has lots of great dining, shopping and history to explore. On a rainy day, explore the International Owl Center in Houston, just 2.5 miles away and grab a bite to eat or fun drink from Barista's coffee shop (check out the cute secret garden off the back deck!). The nature center and natural playground is also great for kids and the bike trail starts there also!
What to expect
Tent site
You'll have this Hipcamp all to yourself.
14 guests max
Campfires allowed
Firepit, private. Firewood provided upon request at cost of $6 per bundle (6-7 pieces). Must inform 1 week in advance so we can have prepared.
Toilet available
Portable toilet
Pets allowed
Off leash
Bins available
Recycling bin, trash bin. Must separate garbage (black bin with lid) from recycling (all mixed recycling in yellow can, no bag needed - no trash in yellow can!). If trash found to be burned or mixed in recycling, you will be charged a $25 garbage fee and we will stop offering garbage services!!
Picnic table present
Aged table - bring tablecloth and hold-downs!
No potable water
Bring your own water, purify from river or stream
No showers
Bathe in river or stream. BYO Rainshower can also be set up.
Cooking equipment absent
No wifi
Laundry absent
Hot Tub absent
No playground

Things to know

Getting there
Check in: After 2:00 PM
Early or late check-in may be available
Check out: Before 12:00 PM
Late check-out may be available
On arrival: Head straight to site
Cancellation policy: Moderate
Minimum nights: 2 nights
Accepts bookings: 15 months out
Park at listing
No wheelchair access
Max 6 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.

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Riverside Tent Site

100%
(25)
Tent site · Sleeps 14
A quiet riverside, grassy campsite on the banks of the Root River, for 2-3 tents (2-3 couples or a 1-2 family unit(s) up to 6 people), or a single small campervan (steep driveway entrance does not allow RVs or trailers!!). Additional people allowed for extra cost per night. One large fire ring and picnic table included at this site, with nearby Porta-Potty access. 5+ acres to roam on our lower camping area that will be exclusively reserved for you or your group to camp, explore, play yard games, fish off the bank, and access the Root River for swimming, tubing, paddling and more. Shade of one small tree in the central camping area - canopy recommended for additional sun and rain protection. Just a short walk upriver to the stairs for river entry or launching small craft (canoes, kayaks, tubes). There are no hookups at this site. Garbage and recycling cans will be available at the site, and recycling is required (or an extra garbage charge will be incurred). The site sits across the pond and below our personal use cabin and deck, which is private property and access is not included in the site rental. We may occasionally be there on weekends also enjoying the stars or taking the kids onto the river. Your privacy and space will be respected. Locally there are many State Parks with great hiking trails, the Root River bike trail system, and multiple golf courses - all within a 20 minute drive. La Crosse, WI is 30 minutes away and has lots of great dining, shopping and history to explore. On a rainy day, explore the International Owl Center in Houston, just 2.5 miles away and grab a bite to eat or fun drink from Barista's coffee shop (check out the cute secret garden off the back deck!). The nature center and natural playground is also great for kids and the bike trail starts there also!
Campfires allowed
Toilet
No potable water
Pets allowed
No showers
Picnic table

Reviews

100% Recommend25 ratings · 19 reviews
Recommends
· August 2026
Tent · With pets ·
Riverside Tent Site
Once again, a great site. Enjoyed canoeing on the Root River two days. Site was mowed and in excellent shape. Only thing is that the new fire ring is very tall and need to sit right next to ring to enjoy the fire. Other than that, was a wonderful stay.
Recommends
· August 2026
Peaceful riverside camping
Tent · With kids ·
Riverside Tent Site
We had a wonderful stay at Kelly’s place! The property was peaceful, spacious, and had plenty of room for our group to spread out and enjoy the outdoors. The porta potties had been cleaned out right before our stay, which we really appreciated. We spent a lot of our time fishing and caught a variety of fish. The stairs leading down to the water made it easy for us to get right into the water. One of our favorite parts was just enjoying the property as a family. There were fireflies everywhere at night, which the kids loved. We even had a huge storm roll through during our stay, and the kids had the best time running around in the rain and getting completely soaked. It ended up being one of those unexpected memories they’ll probably remember for a long time. It was very peaceful overall, although you can hear some road noise in the morning. We had plenty of space for our group, enjoyed fishing, cooking our catch over the fire, and spending time outside together. A really fun, simple camping getaway with lots of great family memories. We’d happily stay again!
Recommends
· June 2026
Tent · With pets ·
Riverside Tent Site
We absolutely loved this site. It was super clean and very well maintained. My 2 dogs loved it as well. Host was wonderful. We can wait to come back next year
Recommends
· June 2026
Tent ·
Riverside Tent Site
Love this place. Second time I’ve been and hope to come back in the future.
Recommends
· April 2026
Tent · With pets ·
Riverside Tent Site
Great spot on the river. Huge mowed area. No complaints.
Recommends
· September 2025
Peace and quiet
Tent ·
Riverside Tent Site
Incredible,peaceful site with awesome river access. Large open grass area that is well maintained making for the ultimate camping experience. Lacrosse is a short drive providing great food options.
Recommends
· September 2025
Tent · Group trip ·
Riverside Tent Site
Awesome place right on the river. Lots of room to stretch out and no other campers to worry about. Highly recommend this place and I’ll be back.
Recommends
· August 2025
Tent · With pets ·
Riverside Tent Site
This is such a great site. Very nicely mowed, wonderful for dogs. We loved that you can get set up so close to the river. Very friendly, communicative hosts!
Recommends
· July 2025
Large clean campsite!
Tent ·
Riverside Tent Site
Clean site with soft grass lots of space to run around! Thousands of lightning bugs made for a wonderful sight as the sun went down. Was great having the river right next to us
Recommends
· June 2025
Spacious, Beautiful and Quiet!
Tent ·
Riverside Tent Site
Very spacious and beautiful! Great view of the stars! Your own little private getaway with plenty of room for games! Wonderful area and quiet!!
Recommends
· May 2025
Beyond Beautiful and Dog Friendly:)
Tent · With pets ·
Riverside Tent Site
My Husband, Myself and My Dogs Colton and Maya Truly enjoyed the peace, serenity and Gorgeous Private spot right on the Root River. Huge Campsite and areas to explore. Kelly was Phenomenal with her promt responses, and Excellent Customer Service! Definitely Five Stars⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Recommends
· October 2024
Tent · With pets ·
Riverside Tent Site
Beautiful spot! Perfect for a private getaway. Thank you so much!
Recommends
· August 2024
Tent · With pets ·
Riverside Tent Site
Site was great! Well taken care of. Was mowed prior to arrival. Thank you for hosting. Will be back.
Recommends
· August 2024
Tent · With pets ·
Riverside Tent Site
The campsite was fantastic. There was lots of space to stretch out and enjoy yourself and the hosts were fantastic. Would highly recommend!
Recommends
· June 2024
Perfect girls trip location!
Tent · Group trip ·
Riverside Tent Site
My girlfriends and I had a great time at Riverside campsite. It was private and a spacious place for the dogs to roam. You can hear the traffic from the road but that didn’t bother me. If you are looking for full remote, just keep that in mind because the site is just off the main road but still very private. We went to La Crosse to shop and ate at 4 Sisters, it was delicious. We had a bit of rain and bad weather but we’re able to enjoy the river when the sun came out! It’s safe to say our girls trip was a major success and so happy we chose Riverside!
Recommends
· June 2024
Tent ·
Riverside Tent Site
Beautiful site right next to the river. Quiet, open, beautiful sunsets, access to the river, and excellent stargazing. Plenty of good firewood available for purchase. Highly recommended.
Recommends
· June 2024
Cool spot.
Tent · With kids ·
Riverside Tent Site
Great spot. Had a great time, would recommend. Great being by the river.
Recommends
· May 2024
Loved This Spot!
Tent ·
Riverside Tent Site
We absolutely love camping at this site! It was beautiful with lots of flowers and open space! There are a pair of bald eagles living in the are that graced us with their presence throughout our stay! It was peaceful though you can still hear some cars driving by every now and again. There was not any direct access to the river as the stairs had not been installed for the season quite yet. But the views (sunrise/sunset) were beautiful! It was awesome that they provided ample firewood for a small fee. We were able to take advantage of some of the state parks nearby that had great hiking! Host was very kind! We would camp here again!
Recommends
· May 2024
Tent · With pets ·
Riverside Tent Site
Kelly was a very accommodating host. Everything was as expected. The campground was perfectly secluded, but still within a 5 min drive for any unexpected needs.

Location

Houston, Houston, Minnesota, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Kelly F.

Joined in March 2024

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