The best camping near Lake Pepin, MN

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Stories from the community

Kathy

2 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Edge

This was my 4th time at the Edge and no less lovely than the other 3 times. I ended up back at the cabin, but would happily stay at any of the tent sites on Edward's property. Can hardly wait to return next spring!

William

3 weeks ago

Tent

3 nights at The Edge

The Edge is a great spot to camp. This land is close to any stores you would need to get supplies from and could be a great spot for a quick camp.

Spencer

3 weeks ago

2 nights at Rustic Log Cabin with Stunning View

A lovely place at a great price! The pictures don't do the view justice. Everything was better than described, and the hosts were wonderful and communicative. Highly recommended for a rustic + cozy getaway!!

Keith

October 2025

Tent

1 night at The Double J

Very private and peaceful. Jeff was super friendly. It was great to have the whole place to myself! Will be recommending!

Nikolas

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to The Double J

Beautiful scenery right on a river with great trees for hammocks, a pretty field for games, well kept outhouse, and very friendly and responsive owners.

Ben

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Prairie Creek Campground

Great place beautiful if you like camping you will like this area.

Andrew

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Bluff Hollow Camp on the Root River

Highly recommend! A beautiful, secluded place! Owner is very responsive too!

Gloria

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Prairie Creek Campground

The site was beautiful and easy access. We loved our weekend here!

Cindy

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Edge

Great camper cabin. We loved our weekend getaway with the dogs. We would definitely stay here again!

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

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.

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!

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!

Jeannie

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Bluff Hollow Camp on the Root River

5 STARS! Will stay again. Drove down the hill and camped at the river. It was perfect.

Bobby is taking his afternoon nap in the fresh air and sunshine🤓

Gloria

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Double J

It was clean, private, flat enough for two tents. It sits next to a flowing river and has a picnic table and nice fire pit. Jeff was responsive and cordial …I had plenty of wood. It was a very nice getaway and I have it listed as one of my favorites. The Peninsula has electric that Jeff runs down the hill for you.

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.

Stephanie

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Double J

Lovely spot, well marked and host very organized. Would absolutely stay there again.

Jeremy

October 2025

Tent

With kids

3 nights at Two Bees & A Bud, Flower Farm Camp

We had a wonderful time camping here with our kids! Secluded, quiet, and great for stargazing when the sky’s clear. Our kids loved it, and having plenty of split firewood waiting for us was a nice treat!

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!

Top-rated campgrounds

The Edge

96%

(308)

40mi from Lake Pepin · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Rochester, MN

This 160 acre farm used to be a sod farm, and then a Christmas tree farm. Camping provided is in the remnants of the uncut Christmas tree forest which is about 6 acres. Small little get away from Rochester. Airport traffic, but it is enjoyable. 10 minutes to downtown Rochester. PLEASE KEEP DOGS OFF OF THE BEDS IN THE CABIN.

Aefintyr

98%

(60)

27mi from Lake Pepin · 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.

Honeyberry Minnesota working farm

99%

(92)

46mi from Lake Pepin · 2 sites · RVs · Stillwater, MN

Small working farm of 25 acres with roughly 1/3 wooded. Bring cash if you want to buy fresh produce. Half-way between Hudson WI and Stillwater MN. Tons of activities to do, including the St Croix River. Mowed trails on the property, campfire wood provided. Site 1A has electric. Walk up to our two-acre Haskap orchard.

Bending River Cove Tiny Homes

86%

(7)

7.2mi from Lake Pepin · 6 sites · Lodging · Lake City, MN

Unique tiny homes, using local reclaimed materials overlooking Lake Pepin/Mississippi River with stunning views. The tiny homes have decks and patios with fire pits, perfectly situated to watch all lake activity and beautiful sunrises or sunsets. We are in the MN River Valley and close to many state parks for hiking, wineries and restaurants, antique, boutique or thrifting shops, National Eagle Center, sailboat cruises, kayak/paddle board rental, motocross track and the list goes on and on. Homes are suited for mostly couples and have capability to sleep 4. We are also dog friendly up to 2 pups. So much to see and do!

Prairie Creek Campground

99%

(855)

46mi from Lake Pepin · 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.

Belle Creek Bluff

99%

(447)

24mi from Lake Pepin · 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.

Gilles Family Dairy & Woodland

100%

(496)

50mi from Lake Pepin · 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.

field view campsite

94%

(62)

47mi from Lake Pepin · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Northfield, MN

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

The Double J

99%

(341)

23mi from Lake Pepin · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · Zumbrota, MN

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!

Camp Crimson Turtle

72%

(34)

30mi from Lake Pepin · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Hastings, MN

Established by naturalists in the 1920's this parcel features a waterfront cabin (currently being restored), a two acre spring fed pond that is stocked with fish, a small stream and great privacy. We have had this as our family paradise and now we are sharing it with you! We now offer a bohemian wagon if you would prefer to get up off the ground! Available at site 1. Learn more about this land: 8 acres of wooded privacy. Spring fed 2 acre pond, fishing, swimming, boating. Clothing optional if total site is rented. Extremely private. Electric available upon request for site number 2, other sites are quite far from electric hook up. New toilet facilities available!! We now have a flush toilet and exterior shower available for use onsite.

Twin Folk Farms

98%

(101)

19mi from Lake Pepin · 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.

The Back 20

93%

(20)

44mi from Lake Pepin · 1 site · Lodging · Utica, MN

The Back 20 is is a cute and secluded place to rough it. Completely private half mile off the road. Please read entirety of description and how to access property before booking.The Back 20 is an ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK PROPERTY!!!!! There is uneven ground/terrain, trip hazards, valleys, loose stone, brush hazard to vehicles, no way for emergency vehicles to enter this property successfully type of hazards. We are not responsible for any injury/death you or your guests may incur while navigating property and by entering property you agree to such terms. This is a No Trespassing without permission property. Access To the Back 20: This is a HIKE IN ONLY PROPERTY! You are also welcome to ATV or Snomobile back there. Cabin is half mile off road, be prepared in case of inclement weather or tough conditions for the hike. There is parking area located just off the road before the trail starts to right.No HUNTING without permission!!! We manage this land properly for all hunters and non hunters to enjoy. That being said no hunting will be allowed on property of any sort unless you have prior permission. Guests caught hunting without permission will be considered Trespassers.This is a Dry cabin. There is no water on property. In warm conditions the water barrels may/may not be full. Feel free to use the water from them for dishes or bathing outside. It is not drinkable water and bringing your own drinking water in is necessary. There is an outhouse and a small boat toilet in the home. We prefer you to use the outhouse overall. If use inside toilet, you must rinse it outside and clean before leaving. No exceptions.Learn more about this land:Enrich yourself in this private retreat nestled away from the road within a beautiful hardwood valley. No internet, no tv, limited cell service with property..Deer, Fox, coyote, and eagles are just a small amount of wildlife you will see here. Great for a weekend unplugged to relax among the stars. Small dry cabin with 1 queenbed, and two cots with sleeping bags. Room for extra tents as well. Pit toilet with outside shower available in summer. Nearby trout stream 1 mile away. Cute and comfy spot to unwind and unplug. Bring your flashlight! It’s dark back here but oh the stars you’ll see on a clear night! Solar power will keep your phone charged in case of emergency. Large deck with picnic table and no one around. Completely private! Great spot to be in nature. Clothing optional!This property is like camping with a cabin. You will need to bring pots pans dishes cutlery as it is not provided.. Wood stove heat in winter. Must bring your own wood or scavenge on land. Very homey and wonderful way to rough it!

The best camping near Lake Pepin, MN guide

Overview

About

One of the most serene stops along the Mississippi River, Lake Pepin's waters are home to the birthplace of waterskiing and possibly a lake monster to boot. 2 miles wide and 22 miles long; there's plenty of space for the many watercraft that frequent the lake. With its vast surface, it is easy to see how Lake Pepin has cemented itself in the boating culture and watersports history. In 1922 Ralph Samuelson tied two boards to his feet and a length of clothesline to the back of a boat. Nowadays this odd behavior is called waterskiing, and it's best done atop the waters of Lake Pepin. Just keep a lookout for "Pepie" the rarely spotted lake creature that roams the depths, as an encounter with them could either make or break your camping adventure.

When to go

Visit Lake Pepin during the warm embrace of summer or the crisp, colorful canvas of fall for the ideal experience. Summer offers a bustling array of water sports and vibrant trails, while autumn's fiery hues provide a tranquil backdrop for reflection. Winter's chill may deter some, but the brave are rewarded with serene, frost-kissed landscapes. Spring's unpredictable temperament suggests caution for those seeking outdoor escapades.

Know before you go

Check weather conditions before your visit, as Lake Pepin's charm shifts with the seasons.
Wear appropriate attire for hiking or water activities to ensure a comfortable adventure.
Be mindful of local wildlife; observe from a distance and do not disturb.
Review the park's rules and regulations to preserve its natural beauty for all.
Facilities may vary by location; plan accordingly to make the most of your visit.

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