Camping in Rice Lake State Park

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Discover Rice Lake State Park's scenic trails and diverse wildlife.

Top public campgrounds in the park

Public campgrounds here are often sold out.

1. Rice Lake Campground

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50 sites · RVs, Tents · In Rice Lake State Park

Once a harvesting ground for the Native Americans populating its shoreline, Rice Lake is a popular meeting point for numerous species of both resident and migratory waterfowl, inundating the surrounding vegetation with melodious courtships and aerial acrobatics

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Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Rice Lake State Park adventure.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Rice Lake State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Rice Lake State Park

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The Double J

6 sites · RVs, Tents71 acres · 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!

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Prairie Creek Campground

7 sites · Tents60 acres · Nerstrand, MN

Hello 2025, Camping Season is Here! Pitch your tent at one of our Walk-In campsites on 60 acres of forest or hilltop prairie along Prairie Creek in Rice County, MN. Explore the creeks, trails, forest, our enormous granite "split rock", 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. Vehicles: Our main parking area by sites 1, 2, & 3 is easily accessible. The road to the secondary parking area beside site 4 is up a steep gravel road (but it is accessible). We do not have firewood available at the campground; please plan ahead to bring firewood with you. Sites are priced for one tent, please let us know if you need to have more than one tent. Kids under 16 camping with their parents do not count in pricing. 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. This campground is managed by Stephen and Molly on land owned by them and their father Ted. In 1961, Ted's parents 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 25 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.

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Belle Creek Bluff

4 sites · Lodging, Tents28 acres · 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.

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Mended Tree Drive

1 site · RV1 acre · Spring Valley, MN

50ft gravel drive with water and electric hookups available. Close walking distance to restaurants, trout stream, bait shop, park + playground, pickleball courts, and the bowling alley! Must be self-contained. We currently have no sewer hookup, toilet or shower available for use. There is a free public dump a couple blocks down. Firepit is available for use. Sometimes we have wood, but when we do not- there is DNR approved stuff available at the bait shop just a couple blocks down. The gas grill on the patio is available for guest use as well. Like firewood, I usually have some propane in the tank but not always! There is a Kwik Trip a few blocks down where you can exchange the tank that's here, or you're welcome to bring your own. My yard can be a bit lumpy in certain places, but has plenty of space for tent(s) if you need additional sleeping space. Parking is available in the drive or on the street. Additional parking space can sometimes be made available if you would prefer off street parking for your vehicle. Pets are welcome, but they must be dog friendly! A small and VERY friendly French Bulldog owns the place and will make himself known as he would love to say hi to you and/or your dog loving critter(s). Please make me aware if you have any concerns and I can try to accommodate. The house next door is abandoned and acts as a green screen in the summertime creating a decent amount of privacy! We can (and will) often be found out in the yard and/or the garden most evenings and on weekends, but can (and will) try to mind our own business if you prefer! The camper you see is mine. I have hopes of renovating it for guest use, but you can rest assured noone will be staying in it while you're here. Later in the year, our garden may provide food. If this is the case while you're here- you are always welcome to pick some as usually there is an abundance!

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Champion Valley

4 sites · RVs, Tents150 acres · Lakeville, MN

Champion Valley is a 150-acre outdoor adventure park in Lakeville, MN featuring ax-throwing, airsoft, paintball, escape rooms & archery tag. We are located 5 minutes off of Interstate 35W. It is situated on 150 acres of beautiful hills and waterways covered with thousands of trees.

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The Edge

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents6 acres · 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.

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Twin Folk Farms

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents120 acres · 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.

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Bluff Hollow Camp on the Root River

1 site · RV, Tent8 acres · Stewartville, MN

The property is one of a kind. The Driftless Region starts right here in SE Minnesota. It is secluded with mature trees, beautiful bluffs, fishing, kayaking! It is a nature lovers dream!

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Harbor Bar

12 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Hager City, WI

Located at Harbor Bar across from Red Wing MN. said to be on one of the prettiest spots on the Mississippi river. Fish from shore in one of the best fisheries in the country. Full restaurant & bar with live music on weekends. Learn more about this land: Pitch your tent along the banks of the mighty Mississippi river. bar, restaurant, outdoor music festivals, fishing. View pretty Red Wing from across the river. Located on one of the prettiest spots on the Mississippi river.

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Spring Valley Ponds

7 sites · Lodging, Tents28 acres · Spring Valley, MN

Plenty of outdoor spaces to hike, bike, fish, canoe, and paddleboard! Property adjoins to a bike trail that will take you into town and varies other places including a newly installed 18 hole Frisbee Golf Course. From Turtles, to Eagles, chances are you will see both during your stay, along with a deer or 2. A nature lover's paradise, you'll have the opportunity to fish or simply relax and take in the serene surroundings. Guests are welcome to fish the ponds, but it is limited to catch and release only. We trust that all guest will be respectful of this policy and of the land. Spring Valley creek Runs along the property and guests are welcome to fish that as well. There are seven camping sites to choose from - one of which is even located on its own island! Imagine waking up to the sound of birds chirping and the gentle rustle of leaves as you take in the breathtaking views. Located in Spring Valley just a half a mile outside of town, and just a 30 minute drive to the charming, quaint town of Lanesboro. Plenty of shopping and places to eat! This is the perfect place to unwind and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. But If you want more of the city experience, Rochester is an easy 35-minute drive away and offers all the amenities and experiences of a bigger city.

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Camp Crimson Turtle

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents8 acres · 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.

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field view campsite

3 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · 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.

The best camping near Rice Lake State Park guide

Overview

About

The watering hole at Rice Lake State Park is so named because for centuries Native American tribes harvested boatloads of wild rice from these shallow, marshy waters. Not ideal for swimming, this southeastern Minnesota lake is a happy place for boaters and fishers looking to bask in seclusion. Small and private, this major wetland blooms with wildflowers in the spring, making it a pretty magical spot for picnics. Walk-in, cart-in, and even canoe-in sites are available—paddling across the pond to one of the rustic cabins is your best option for a solitary retreat.

Looking for a little taste of society and culture? Head into nearby Owatonna, where the Village of Yesteryear, an historic 1800s town, offers tours to history buffs. Before you head back to your tent, grab a pint at Reggie’s Brewhouse, a Cheers-like spot with billiards and live bands, where locals make the newcomers feel plenty welcome.

When to go

The best time to visit Rice Lake State Park is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural beauty is at its peak. Summer offers warm days perfect for water activities, though it can be busy. Winter transforms the park into a snowy wonderland, ideal for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, but be prepared for cold temperatures.

Know before you go

Highway 67 is permanently closed; follow alternative routes provided by the park for access.
Check the park's official website or contact the office for the latest updates on road closures and detours.
Remember that GPS apps may not have updated information; use the park's directions for reliable navigation.
For campers, proceed directly to your site; park staff will assist with check-in.
Stay connected with event updates by signing up for the park's newsletter.

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