- Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest
The best cabins in Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest, MN
100% (6)
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Read millions of real reviews from campers like you—so you know what to expect.Top-rated campgrounds near Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest
Twin Folk Farms
Twin Folk Farms
98%
(101)
10mi from Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$39
/ night
Serenity Valley
Serenity Valley
91%
(11)
14mi from Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest · 1 site
Come escape to 40 acres of peaceful Wisconsin wilderness—a true getaway from the noise and stress of city life. This is off-the-grid living at its finest. Nestled on this beautiful land is a charming 2015 Amish-built cabin that offers a cozy, rustic retreat surrounded by nature.
Enjoy your morning coffee or evening sunsets on the wrap-around porch, where you’ll likely spot plentiful wildlife in their natural habitat. During the summer, the land bursts with wild raspberries and blackberries for you to pick and enjoy.
Inside, you’ll find a warm and inviting space with a wood-burning stove, sitting area, and taxidermy décor that adds to the authentic rustic cabin atmosphere. The cabin comfortably sleeps up to six, with two double beds in the loft and one double bed on the main floor.
Step outside to cook over the outdoor fire pit, or take a peaceful walk along several private hiking trails on the property. Beyond our land, you’ll find picturesque lakes, charming local shops, and cozy restaurants just a short drive away.
We hope you enjoy this special place as much as we do—our little slice of paradise.
2-night minimum stay required.
Please note: There is no electricity or running water. There is an outhouse for guest use. There is also taxidermy inside the cabin, contributing to its rustic, nature-inspired charm. This is 12x24 cabin with a loft.
Pets
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Campfires
from
$76
/ night
Belle Creek Bluff
Belle Creek Bluff
99%
(447)
14mi from Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest · 4 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
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from
$48
/ night
Aefintyr
Aefintyr
98%
(60)
36mi from Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest · 19 sites
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.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$49
/ night
Whippletree Farm & Nature Trail
Whippletree Farm & Nature Trail
100%
(181)
42mi from Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Welcome to Whippletree! This is our sixth-generation family farm, and while it's more of a hobby farm now, it has been in continuous agricultural production since 1869!
Besides tillable farm land, we are stewards of native prairie, small wooded areas, a remnant of an oak savanna and wetlands, with trails throughout. We consider this our sanctuary and enjoying sharing it with others looking for a place of retreat to connect with the natural world.
Stop by for a visit!
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires
from
$31
/ night
Kickback’s Angler Shack
Kickback’s Angler Shack
100%
(33)
43mi from Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest · 1 site
This cabin is nestled on the banks of Elk Creek. The creek wraps around the entire property and is a Class 1 trout stream. The camp site is completely secluded and private. There is a tri-pod for cooking. The cabin comes equipped with 3 cots and a full futon. It sleeps up to 4 people. No linens or pillows are provided, so be sure to pack your sleeping bag. No running water or electricity as it is off grid. Site utilizes a composting toilet for sanitation purposes.
Toilets
Campfires
from
$120
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
K
Kate
1 week ago
Weekend Trip to The Loft at Strawberry Hill Farm
Beautiful space! Many times pictures make a place look pretty, but you get there and everything is flimsy. Not here! The couches and bed were very comfortable, the kitchen was very well stocked etc. We stayed in winter, so didn't explore the grounds too much, but could see there was a lot to do.
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J
Jasmine
November 2025
1 night at Aefintyr
These cabins are perfect for a winter get away! Watching the first snow of the year come down while comfy on the porch was incredible! It is close to the road, but the traffic generally sounds far off and ambient in the background. The cabins are warm, the bunk beds are fun even if you’re grown ups, and the windows on the ceiling are incredible for watching snowfall. The hiking around this area is incredible!
We really appreciated the quick response and availability of a cabin short notice. Another place had double booked and cancelled our booking a few days before our intended night away and Chelsi really came through and saved our Thanksgiving week!
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H
Hikma
November 2025
Weekend Trip to Sonder Schoolhouse
Sonder Schoolhouse was such a beautiful place to stay for the weekend! Super quaint and had everything we needed & we loved how secluded it was while also being close to the Twin Cities. The host was also reliable and available for any questions. The only downside - there were a lot of flies inside that could be annoying at times.
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S
Spencer
November 2025
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!!
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T
Tracy
November 2025
Weekend Trip to Whippletree Farm & Nature Trail
Such a unique place to get away for a day or 2. Love the farm and the animals. We had the opportunity to meet the property owners, they were super nice too. We had a unique request for this retreat and we were accommodated. Would definitely return and recommend.
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Ryan
October 2025
Group trip
Peter was an amazing host!! We loved the cabin. It was old timey which we really liked and the indoor fireplace was awesome.
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Cindy
October 2025
With pets
Great camper cabin. We loved our weekend getaway with the dogs. We would definitely stay here again!
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K
Kris
October 2025
With pets
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! ;)
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L
Lindsey
October 2025
With pets
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!
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Scott
October 2025
With pets
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.
See moreJ
Jill
October 2025
4 nights at The Loft at Strawberry Hill Farm
We stayed here for our anniversary weekend and had a great time. The dwelling is a well renovated and spacious loft in a barn at the back of a property. Although physically near other hobby farms, it felt secluded and private.
It’s a short drive, about 20 minutes, north to Stillwater and all the amazing dining options or the same distance south to Afton State Park with its hiking trails.
See moreJ
Julia
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Rustic Log Cabin with Stunning View
The view of rolling hills, fields and forest was indeed lovely, especially with the Autumn colors. We loved the dark night sky, and could see all kinds of stars, milky way, meteors, satellites. The cabin is cozy and comfy and the beds were too! We enjoyed cooking over the fire outside, and using the propane griddle. Hosts are super warm, friendly and positive. Thank you for a lovely stay!
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K
Karla
October 2025
With kids
We loved staying on Candace’s land! Our kids and dogs felt right at home. It was upscale tent camping. We had a great outdoor fire for breakfast, dinner, and s’mores and a great indoor fire to keep us warm on the cool fall nights.
The beds were comfortable - especially when you’re used to a tent and a camping pad! And the house heated up so nicely. It was really nicely stocked - we normally bring tongs, spatula, etc. but there were some hung on the cabin which was a nice touch. It was really nice not to get service for a few days, enjoy the scenery, and bum around local towns. We’d absolutely stay again. ❤️
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Kathy
October 2025
With pets
Third time at The Edge charming rustic cabin since earlier this summer. It was wonderful to see the seasonal differences of the surrounding corn and soy bean fields over the months. Other than the host Edward stopping by on the day of arrival to show me the ropes of the wood stove, my dog and I had complete solitude for four nights. Like my last two visits, I hit the weather jackpot with sunny breezy days near 65-70 degrees and mild nights. Hard to imagine tiring of this sweet place. Edward has been timely in responding to all my questions and for those who aren't familiar with the general area, everything you can imagine for your camping/cabin/food needs are about 10 minutes away (Fleet Farm, Menards, various fast and slow food restaurants, etc.).
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D
David
October 2025
With pets
We had a great time. The adventure crossing the stream was fun for the kids. Felt very private at the cabin spot. The short trails to hike around were fun and the kids explored and were very excited when they found the old car in the woods. Would definitely recommend!
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Stephanie
October 2025
With pets
This cabin is so magical and had so many comforts it’s hard to consider it rustic. The views are beautiful, Lyndsey and Brad were so wonderful and kind and we loved walking the trails with our pups. Highly recommend and can’t wait to be back!
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S
Scott
October 2025
With pets
This cabin was wonderful and exactly what we were looking for to unplug and unwind for a few days. Perfect for what we were looking for
and very serene and cozy. Our dogs absolutely loved the being able to run around and play on the land and there was tons of exploring for them to do. Thank you for having us! We can’t wait to visit again!
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Kaylee
September 2025
With pets
Hidden Hills is the perfect off-grid escape! Darla and her husband are the kindest hosts — when we couldn’t pull up our email, they welcomed us to their home, and he personally guided us to the cabin with water, firewood, and even help with our bags. That level of hospitality made us feel so cared for from the moment we arrived.
The cabin itself is cozy, clean, and thoughtfully stocked. There were tons of games to play, a coffee maker with coffee ready, and a kitchen with everything we could need: utensils, cutting boards, knives, frying pans, and even a seasoned cast-iron skillet (cooking on it was amazing — nothing stuck!). Linens were also provided, which was such a plus.
There’s a little walk up and down a hill to reach the cabin, but the view and the sense of seclusion make it more than worth it. We loved relaxing with our dogs, cooking over the fire, and just enjoying the quiet beauty of the setting.
We left feeling refreshed, grateful, and already planning our return. If you’re looking for peace, comfort, and thoughtful touches in a secluded setting, this is it. Highly recommend!
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B
Benjamin
September 2025
With pets
Hidden Hills is such a gem for a peaceful getaway! Darla and her husband are the kindest hosts — when we couldn’t get our email pulled up because of service, we went to their house and he happily showed us the way to the cabin. He had firewood and water ready for us, and even helped carry our bags in. That thoughtful hospitality set the tone for our entire stay.
The cabin itself is cozy, clean, and the perfect off-grid escape. We cooked a delicious dinner over the fire — steak, caramelized onions, and foil-packet potatoes from Pepin Country Store — and it was one of the highlights of our trip.
While their farm meats were unfortunately sold out during our visit, the nearby food and wine scene more than made up for it. Villa Bellezza Winery has fantastic wines and gluten-free pizza (11/10!), Cannon River Winery is a must-visit (their wines are incredible and worth joining the club), and Pepin Country Store is a fun, unique stop for produce and goods. For dining, The Wild Hare in Stillwater is a gluten-free dream.
We left feeling grateful, relaxed, and already planning our return. Hidden Hills is one of those special places you’ll want to visit again and again — highly recommend!
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Sean
September 2025
With kids
We loved it. Fording the river was fun! Kids had a great time. Thank you JT!
See more 100%
6 ratings · 6 reviews
Recommends
· June 2025
Travel trailer ·
Kruger Campground and Management Unit
We loved our stay in Penny! It was extremely convenient to have the trailer dropped off and picked up at the location of our choosing. It was also stocked with evening we could need. We would absolutely stay again!
S
Sara M.
3 reviews
Recommends
· August 2019
Trails are easy and challenging in some places. Grandson is 5 and has ridden all the trails on a horse by himself.
Weather has not been good to the trails but all are passable. The Zumbro Bottoms Back Country Horseman just had a clean up day and trails are now cleared of down trees. Plenty of scenic riding there with cell phone coverage in some areas.
Bruce K.
6 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2017
The further walk-in site is nearly hidden behind a wall of bushed and trees, so this one is best to locate during daylight hours. It's worth the hike!
C
Casey W.
2 reviews
Recommends
· September 2017
If you are arriving by use of the Root River Trail, it is much easier to find the trail during daylight. The trail is an unmarked, minimally maintained horse trail. It took some keen navigation skills to find.
C
Casey W.
2 reviews
August 2017
Also! Pets are allowed in the state forest! They' just need to be on a 6 ft leash! :)
Meg L.
8 years on Hipcamp
August 2017
So this was my first time here! I was looking for free camping and solitude. I got both! The first site near the bottom of the trail has a nice view and is nestled among pines. You can see the site from the trail. There are maps at each intersection to help you. The second site is where I stayed. (Fist site I could hear some cows And farm equipment near by, not terrible just not as peaceful) I actually walked right by the second site and had to turn around. The sites are not marked. Just look closely through the trees and you should see a cabin structure. It's awesome! I put my tent in the cabin (which basically has 3 walls) as there was rain one day. Water is only avail near parking lot so fill up well!!! Happy camping!
Meg L.
8 years on Hipcamp