The best camping in Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area, MN

·
50% (2)

Discover the natural splendor of Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area.  

The best camping in Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area, MN

Public campgrounds here are often sold out.
Cozy Lakeside Cottage Guestroom

3. Cozy Lakeside Cottage Guestroom

100%
(12)
11mi from Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area · 1 site · Lodging · Prior Lake, MN
Spend some cozy downtime enjoying a fire and the peacefulness of 4 acre lake property. Take a hot shower and sleep in a comfortable bed- all for less than a hotel room! It’s like glamping. **We do require a photo of a valid government ID from all members of your party, immediately after booking. The host will tell you how to send this. If not received within the specified time frame, your booking will be cancelled and you will not receive check in information. This property: Cozy lakeside cottage that sleeps two, with level lawn space nearby that will fit two additional tents in your group. Dedicated private space is in lower level backyard with access to dock* (*May -September), lake and wildlife wetlands with boardwalk. You'll see the setting sun from the end of the dock and have access to a paver patio firepit. Private 3/4 bath and comfortable TV room is 60 steps away in the house. Mostly private spaces with some shared spaces such as driveway, hallways, sometimes we cross paths in the yard. Mystic Lake Casino, Canterbury Downs, renaissance fest, Valleyfair, & many other area lakes besides the 600 acre all sports lake that the property is located on are in the immediate area. For location purposes, we are located 3.7 miles of the Prior Lake, MN McDonald's. The basic price of $80 per night includes up to two campers inside or outside of the  cottage,  but up to two additional campers and tents can be added to the reservation for $20 per person/ per night.  A limit of two persons inside of the cottage and four persons total are allowed per reservation. All persons must be declared ahead of reserving the space and ID’d for insurance purposes. Please note that all persons on the reservation must submit a copy of their valid picture government ID to the host (via platform) prior to arrival (but after booking), and sign a property liability waiver upon check in.   The host will discuss the procedure with you as HC supports pictures only after booking.  Please ask prior to booking if you have any questions about this- this is a requirement of our short term rental insurance, and part of our self check in procedure. We are a non smoking, non vape, no party/unregistered guest owner occupied property. Quiet private guests only please .
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$80
 / night
Waterfall in the adjacent park is a 500 foot walk down the trail.

7. Prairie Creek Campground

99%
(855)
35mi from Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area · 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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$27
 / night
Brookside Meadows

8. Brookside Meadows

100%
(16)
38mi from Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area · 3 sites · Tents · Nerstrand, MN
Tired of the traffic? Can't stand all the continuous noise from the craziness of the cities? Do we have a place for you less than an hour away from the twin cities or Rochester! It is a 35 acres site with walking trails (3 miles). This property has a creek flowing through the property. It is the middle of nowhere. We are on a gravel road with very little traffic. We have 3 spots for tents and 1 for RV/campers. Each has a stone fire-ring & picnic table/wood table. We would love to have you out here. Restore & renew at what we consider to be our own retreat-like oasis. Pets are welcome and children will love playing by the brook and walking the trails. Check in after 3 (no entrance after sunset), Check Out at Noon Pack in Pack out- no littering please We are Rustic so no public restrooms/showers No smoking 2 vehicles max unless prior approval with management Pets OK- on leash in public areas/trails, off leash at campsite OK ***No entrance to grounds after sunset Onsite: Firewood available ($5 a bundle cash preferred or Venmo) Dennison (2 miles): Gas station & Fireside restaurant (check out their ribs, wings & waffle fries!) Nerstrand (2 miles): Gas station & Boots & Lu restaurant (breakfast on weekends) ***Nerstrand Big Woods Park! Walk to their waterfalls- Northfield (8 miles): Breweries, grocery, and antiquing Can't wait to meet you!
Pets
Campfires
from 
$26
 / night
Peaceful & Secluded Sanctuary

11. Peaceful & Secluded Sanctuary

99%
(47)
47mi from Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Nowthen, MN
Fall is quickly arriving! We are a small, 15 acre property, that's located within one hour from Minneapolis/St. Paul. Our farm has wooded trails, bonfire pits, with amazing sunrises and sunsets. It is quiet and very peaceful. Our little town is 10 minutes from most shopping, with multiple restaurants minutes away. It's also very close to lakes and rivers for kayak/canoe enthusiasts, boaters, or visiting those parks for hiking, swimming and more. We offer multiple locations to camp on the property. There is a concrete pad with (2) 30-amp electric and (2) water hookups. The 2 sites with hookups are very level and easy to park on. There are many other areas to park and camp, with access to water for filling up tanks, and an outhouse for bathroom needs. Beanbag toss, basketball hoop, and ladder game are available upon request. Firewood available for a small fee. Pets are welcome, but must be leashed and under owner's control at all times when outside. Maximum of two pets per site. The sunrises and sunsets are absolutely amazing with abundant wildlife all around to gaze at and enjoy.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$25
 / night
Site 1

14. The Oaks at Oakwood Farm

98%
(225)
49mi from Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Oak Grove, MN
Enjoy 10 acres shared between 2 sites! The two campsites are large and can accommodate approximately 6 tents comfortably at each. If more is needed let us know we have room and can accommodate. There is a shared bathroom/changing room and trash/recycling between the sites. There is a water point in the barn if you need to fill up on drinking water just make sure you have a container for it. Site includes a picnic table and firepit and many acres with downed trees to salvage. Bundles of firewood can be purchased if needed. This area includes a back pasture and woods with trails throughout for walking/mountain biking. There are many horse trails in the area, if you want to bring your horses that is fine as long as you bring containment for them and clear it with us first. We are approximately 1 mile from a rum river access. There are multiple river trip options from our property. We are also 3 mins from lake george and the Rum River Regional Park for swimming, biking, fishing, boating, and more paddling. There is a Bills gas n grocery as well as a G-will liquors less than a minute from the property. The Ponds golf course is about 4 mins away as well. If you are looking to hit downtown Anoka that is a straight shot and approx 12 mins away. This site is on an active hobby farm that has dogs, cats, horses, chickens, goats, turkeys, and multiple gardens. We have a farm stand by the road where we sell items such as fresh roasted coffee, eggs, BBQ sauce, pickles, maple syrup, hot sauce, and more! We are very pet friendly and like to meet new furry faces, so feel free to bring them along!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$32
 / night
Fire pit and picnic table for guest use

19. Kinni Croix Farms

100%
(3)
47mi from Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area · 3 sites · RVs · River Falls, WI
Farm Stay, On-site Trails, Bon Fires, Wildlife, Sunsets and Starry Nights, Pet Friendly, and Organic Produce! Kinni Croix Farms is a four-season regenerative farm. We grow vegetables, fruits, herbs, flowers, and Christmas trees and greenery using no-till and organic methods. The farm is 78 acres and has 3 spots for self-contained RVs. All three sites are leveled, mulched and include 50 amp hook ups. The farm is next to Kinnickinnic State Park where you will find miles of hiking and biking trails. The State Park is located on the pristine St Croix and Kinnickinnic Rivers and has public beach access and fantastic trout fishing locations. The Kinni is also known for fantastic kayaking. Our farm also includes walking trails for the use of our guests and their pets. Especially near dusk, you are likely to see many deer, turkeys, rabbits and pheasants. The sunsets are gorgeous at the farm and on cloudless nights the stars in our dark sky are amazing. This is the perfect place for a peaceful get away with loads of outdoor activities available just down the road. Additionally, the farm is equidistant from the towns of Prescott and River Falls, WI- about 10 minutes to either. Prescott is near the confluence of the St. Croix and Mississippi Rivers and has several restaurants with both great food and water views. River Falls is on the Kinni River and has excellent food options as well as 3 breweries, a distillery and two wineries nearby. This is a working farm. We are happy to welcome you onto our land and would love to show you around. Informal tours showcasing our organic and regenerative growing methods are available as time permits. We also offer 20% discounts on organic produce to our guests. Please let me know if you would like a current list of offerings upon arrival.
Pets
Campfires
from 
$31
 / night
Ham Lake Resort

20. Ham Lake Resort

90%
(5)
48mi from Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area · 7 sites · RVs · Ham Lake, MN
Ham Lake Resort in Minnesota, just a short drive from the Twin Cities, is an excellent choice for a camping getaway. The resort boasts over 100 RV sites with full hookup options, tent sites, and cabin rentals, providing a range of accommodations to suit different preferences. The amenities at Ham Lake are top-notch, including boat docks, laundry facilities, a picnic area, and a dedicated play area for dogs. For recreation, campers can enjoy swimming, fishing, boating, horseshoes, a playground for kids, and numerous planned activities throughout the weekends. The beautiful lake offers opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boating, ensuring that there's never a dull moment. Beyond the resort, there are plenty of exciting activities to explore nearby. Nature lovers can go horseback riding or visit the stunning state parks in the area. Families can have a blast at Bunker Beach Water Park, while those looking for a more relaxed day can visit Willow Tree Winery for some wine tasting. The Mall of America, just a short drive away, offers endless entertainment with dining options, the Crayola Experience, Sea Life Aquarium, and Nickelodeon Universe. For a cultural outing, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden features over 50 unique sculptures perfect for a leisurely stroll and some great photos. The nearby Como Park Zoo and Conservatory is another fantastic spot, offering a chance to see a variety of animals and enjoy an amusement park.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$61
 / night
50% (2)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area adventure.

Camper favorites near Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Calendar icon
Snag sold-out campsites.
Get notified the instant a national park campsite becomes available, for free.
Van icon
See the best spots in one place.
Explore 500K+ public lands, RV resorts, and private sites you won't find anywhere else.
Star icon
Book with confidence.
Read millions of real reviews from campers like you—so you know what to expect.

Stories from the community

Top-rated campgrounds

Cozy Lakeside Cottage Guestroom

100%
(12)
11mi from Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area · 1 site · Lodging · Prior Lake, MN
Spend some cozy downtime enjoying a fire and the peacefulness of 4 acre lake property. Take a hot shower and sleep in a comfortable bed- all for less than a hotel room! It’s like glamping. **We do require a photo of a valid government ID from all members of your party, immediately after booking. The host will tell you how to send this. If not received within the specified time frame, your booking will be cancelled and you will not receive check in information. This property: Cozy lakeside cottage that sleeps two, with level lawn space nearby that will fit two additional tents in your group. Dedicated private space is in lower level backyard with access to dock* (*May -September), lake and wildlife wetlands with boardwalk. You'll see the setting sun from the end of the dock and have access to a paver patio firepit. Private 3/4 bath and comfortable TV room is 60 steps away in the house. Mostly private spaces with some shared spaces such as driveway, hallways, sometimes we cross paths in the yard. Mystic Lake Casino, Canterbury Downs, renaissance fest, Valleyfair, & many other area lakes besides the 600 acre all sports lake that the property is located on are in the immediate area. For location purposes, we are located 3.7 miles of the Prior Lake, MN McDonald's. The basic price of $80 per night includes up to two campers inside or outside of the  cottage,  but up to two additional campers and tents can be added to the reservation for $20 per person/ per night.  A limit of two persons inside of the cottage and four persons total are allowed per reservation. All persons must be declared ahead of reserving the space and ID’d for insurance purposes. Please note that all persons on the reservation must submit a copy of their valid picture government ID to the host (via platform) prior to arrival (but after booking), and sign a property liability waiver upon check in.   The host will discuss the procedure with you as HC supports pictures only after booking.  Please ask prior to booking if you have any questions about this- this is a requirement of our short term rental insurance, and part of our self check in procedure. We are a non smoking, non vape, no party/unregistered guest owner occupied property. Quiet private guests only please .
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$80
 / night

Prairie Creek Campground

99%
(855)
35mi from Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area · 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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$27
 / night

Brookside Meadows

100%
(16)
38mi from Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area · 3 sites · Tents · Nerstrand, MN
Tired of the traffic? Can't stand all the continuous noise from the craziness of the cities? Do we have a place for you less than an hour away from the twin cities or Rochester! It is a 35 acres site with walking trails (3 miles). This property has a creek flowing through the property. It is the middle of nowhere. We are on a gravel road with very little traffic. We have 3 spots for tents and 1 for RV/campers. Each has a stone fire-ring & picnic table/wood table. We would love to have you out here. Restore & renew at what we consider to be our own retreat-like oasis. Pets are welcome and children will love playing by the brook and walking the trails. Check in after 3 (no entrance after sunset), Check Out at Noon Pack in Pack out- no littering please We are Rustic so no public restrooms/showers No smoking 2 vehicles max unless prior approval with management Pets OK- on leash in public areas/trails, off leash at campsite OK ***No entrance to grounds after sunset Onsite: Firewood available ($5 a bundle cash preferred or Venmo) Dennison (2 miles): Gas station & Fireside restaurant (check out their ribs, wings & waffle fries!) Nerstrand (2 miles): Gas station & Boots & Lu restaurant (breakfast on weekends) ***Nerstrand Big Woods Park! Walk to their waterfalls- Northfield (8 miles): Breweries, grocery, and antiquing Can't wait to meet you!
Pets
Campfires
from 
$26
 / night

Peaceful & Secluded Sanctuary

99%
(47)
47mi from Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Nowthen, MN
Fall is quickly arriving! We are a small, 15 acre property, that's located within one hour from Minneapolis/St. Paul. Our farm has wooded trails, bonfire pits, with amazing sunrises and sunsets. It is quiet and very peaceful. Our little town is 10 minutes from most shopping, with multiple restaurants minutes away. It's also very close to lakes and rivers for kayak/canoe enthusiasts, boaters, or visiting those parks for hiking, swimming and more. We offer multiple locations to camp on the property. There is a concrete pad with (2) 30-amp electric and (2) water hookups. The 2 sites with hookups are very level and easy to park on. There are many other areas to park and camp, with access to water for filling up tanks, and an outhouse for bathroom needs. Beanbag toss, basketball hoop, and ladder game are available upon request. Firewood available for a small fee. Pets are welcome, but must be leashed and under owner's control at all times when outside. Maximum of two pets per site. The sunrises and sunsets are absolutely amazing with abundant wildlife all around to gaze at and enjoy.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$25
 / night

Other options near Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area

The best camping in Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area, MN guide

Overview

About

Over the valley and through the woods, to Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area we go! So it may not be your grandmother’s house, but these woods are worth the trip, especially since they lie only minutes away from the Twin Cities. Here, you can hike, bike or trot the Minnesota Valley State Trail which will lead you right into the Minnesota River, over marshes and streams, and through meadows and savannas. If you think that’s awesome, you’ve got to go off-the-beaten-path and make the trek to the historic Jabs Farmstead from the 1800’s, a cool settlement of old and abandoned buildings, surprisingly not that well-known to the public.

Traverse the Minnesota headwaters, search the wetlands for beavers and mink, and perhaps keep your watchful eye out for the ever-elusive red fox. There’s over 3,800 acres for you to explore and get lost in! Maybe you’ll have to make this Minnesota Valley the spot for your next date with Grams.

When to go

The ideal time to visit Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural beauty is at its peak. Summer offers a full bloom of activities, though it can be quite busy. Winters are less crowded but prepare for cold conditions. Always check for seasonal closures or events that might affect your visit.

Know before you go

  • Verify your route before departure; Highway 67 is closed, and GPS systems may not reflect this change.
  • For safety, always check weather conditions and park advisories before your trip.
  • Accessibility may vary across different areas of the park; plan accordingly.
  • Remember to pack essentials, as amenities may be distant or unavailable.
  • Respect the park's natural environment by following Leave No Trace principles.
Be the first to review
Share your experience here to help other campers.

Top points of interest near Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area

Top cities near Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area