Waterfall camping in Minnesota with wildlife watching
Four seasons of outdoor adventures await campers in the Land o' Lakes.
91% (687 reviews)
- Minnesota
91% (687 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Minnesota
Dog-friendly getaways
Available this weekend
6 top waterfall campgrounds in Minnesota with wildlife watching
99%
(745)
Prairie Creek Forest Campground
7 sites · Tents60 acres · Nerstrand, MN
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 course. 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 hill.
Kids under 16 camping with their parents do not count in pricing.
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.
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.
Site 1 is near the creek. Approximately 200 feet from main parking area. Steel fire ring and grill grate, picnic table.
Site 2 is in the pines. Approximately 200 feet from main parking area. Steel fire ring and grill grate, picnic table, this site has good hammock trees.
Site 3 is by the creek. Approximately 300 feet from main parking area. Steel fire ring, steel grill ring, picnic table, this site has good hammock trees.
Site 4 is on the hilltop. Site 4 has parking for 2 vehicles at the site. Steel fire ring with grill grate, stone fire ring, picnic table, this site has good hammock trees. There is NOT room to park a trailer.
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. Over the years, the arable land has been sold but we retained the wooded area which is crossed twice by a stream. About 20 years ago, a 60 acre county park was created to the south and west. The property is bordered on two sides by this county park.
When Ted was in high school, the family sold the dairy cows and started a bare bones horseback riding ranch using trails in these woods as riding trails. We are very excited to host campers as a way to preserve and share this beautiful property.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Cooking equipment
from
$22.50
/ night
99%
(372)
Belle Creek Bluff
3 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$36
/ night
90%
(5)
Cloverdale Cabins
5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Hinckley, MN
Cabin is shared with 2 other tiny home options on the same property. Contact me to host up to 16 guests. Cabin hosts 8 guests and the other 2 tiny homes host up to 4 guests each. Inquire about booking your large party group as our calendar is filling up for the summer and into the fall.
Charcoal Grill available for your use on site. Guests supply the charcoal. There is a fire pit on site as well. Guests supply the firewood.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
$35
/ night
99%
(218)
Stone Creek Farm
6 sites · Lodging36 acres · Taylors Falls, MN
Situated on 36 acres, this working farm is 2 miles West of Taylors Falls. Dan and Danielle bought this property with the intention of growing stone fruits (plums, peaches, apricots and cherries) using sustainable and organic practices because health and wellness matter to them! They are still in the process of improving their property. Many of the building on the property were in poor condition, including the old barn foundation which is now one of Dan and Danielle favorite places to keep cool in the summer. After they had excavated all the debris (which took years) they were able to transform it with gardens and fire pit for all to enjoy. They love sharing what they have been blessed with! They hope you enjoy their place as much as they do! Feel free to ask them to show you around or even get your hands dirty with them as they plant or harvest.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Trash
from
$36
/ night
75%
(4)
Goldmine Resort
8 sites · Lodging45 acres · Orr, MN
Remote fishing camp in Northern Minnesota, on Vermilion River only place on river, private inexpensive and very relaxing! Great times had by all!!!!Learn more about this land:Remote fishing camp in Northern Minnesota. If you want to get away, this is the place for you! Featuring unmatched fishing and scenery, the Gold Mine Camp is located on the Vermilion River and is nestled between two portage "waterfalls" in the wilderness. Private and inexpensive, Gold Mine Camp is a great place for fishing, hunting, and wildlife watching!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
$126
/ night
Patagonia Cabin: Lake Superior View
1 site · Lodging3 acres · East Cook, MN
A 2020 build, this dovetail log cabin overlooks Lake Superior from a hilltop, a perfect vantage point to see the Aurora.
Whether you are catching the sunset on the deck, exploring the endless surrounding woods, or playing a card game by the fire, this space offers the ultimate cabin experience.
⋇Lake Superior Views
⋇2 min Walk to The Lake Superior Beach
⋇9 miles from Downtown Grand Marais
⋇Backyard Access to Superior Hiking Trail
⋇Backs Superior National Forest
The space
This primitive build has a natural way of connecting its guests to the simple pleasures of simpler times. Enjoy first-hand the awe-inspiring vistas, sunrises and long lingering sunsets, relaxation, and unpretentious hospitality of this cabin retreat.
Patagonia Cabin was crafted by local polar explorer Lonnie Dupre and us, the owners.
At just over 300 sq ft this the cabin is both quaint and spacious boasting an open floor plan and cathedral ceiling.
Built for travelers seeking a retreat in a sustainable stay, we designed this cabin to offer all the necessities one would need in thoughtfulness of nature: solar power for lighting and charging electronics, gas fireplace and stove, A-frame outhouse and rain barrels for wash water.
The inspiration for Patagonia Cabin came from our time spent living in Argentina, which is where our story together began. Our hope is that travelers can enjoy the same serenity from nature in this rustic refuge that our journey’s brought us.
The interior has been thoughtfully curated with unique decor from Patagonia, Argentina and local Grand Marais artists.
Inside
+ Dishes, pots, pans, cutlery, kettle & all basic necessities for cooking.
+ Linens & Towels
+ Gas Fireplace
+ 2 Burner Gas Stove
+Drinking water in jugs
+Ground Coffee, tea & hot cocoa
+ Premium Memory Foam Mattress
Outside
+ 2 Pairs of Snowshoes
+ Fire Pit
+ Propane Grill (summer only)
+ Hammock
+Lake Kits - Please enjoy our complimentary packable lake kits which include two packable fold out chairs, a cooler tote and weatherproof picnic blanket.
*Some of the above supplies are seasonal. Please see our FAQ regarding these items.
**Special occasion? Enjoy our concierge services such as laundry, mid-stay cleans, celebration packages, fresh flowers and more! Guests will have access to our store and services upon booking.
Cook County Rental License: 2024-045-VR
Guest access
Guests have access to the entire cabin, grill, fire pit, deck, private parking, and large wooded yard backing the Superior National Forest.
The recreational activities: beach combing, hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, fatbiking, snowmobile...
Other things to note
FAQ:
Is this cabin for everyone? — Not exactly… We want to be clear that this is an off-grid cabin that was meant to be used as a rustic retreat. We know that not everyone digs an outhouse.
Is the bed upstairs? — Yes. The bed is located in the high loft which can only be accessed by a steep ladder. Guests use at their own risk.
Is there Wifi or cell network service? — There is some cell signal. Verizon tends to have much better reception than At&t or T-Mobile.
There is no wifi… some say for an even better connection :)
What is a “dry” cabin? — This means you will be completely off-grid: solar-powered lighting & charging, plumbing free, outhouse, etc.
What about water? — We provide drinking water in larger jugs May-October. Guests will need to bring any drinking or wash water November - April. We have rain barrels in summer months for collecting wash water. In winter snow can be melted for wash water.
What is your bathroom situation? — We have an A-frame outhouse just next to the cabin.
For showering, guests can consider visiting the Grand Marais Rec park for a $4 shower, Sauna at Sisu & Loli in town, or buy a $10 day-pass to the Grand Marais YMCA to take advantage of the gym, workout facility, showers, hot tub, sauna, and pool.
Do you have a coffee maker? — We have a pour over and filters for your use.
Do you have a grill or fire pit? — Yes, May through Oct. We have a propane BBQ. We supply the propane and utensils. There is a fire pit. Wood bundles can be bought in town. Guests are free to use fire pit year round but are responsible for snow removal to use it if they wish to do so.
How remote is the cabin? — The cabin is easily accessed (approx. 300 ft) just off Hwy 61 on a maintained driveway. Your views are woods, nature & Lake Superior. While this cabin is completely private, there are neighbors several hundred feet through the woods. However, just as most cabins close to Lake Superior, you could have some road noise.
Winter Conditions:
We recommend AWD/4WD vehicle from Nov 1 to April 30. 2 wheel drive vehicles are free to use the parking at the bottom of the driveway (300ft from cabin). Due to plowing shortages we cannot guarantee that the road will be plowed on a daily basis.
We have 2 parking spots available at the bottom of the driveway in the case that guests are uncomfortable with driving the steep hill or that the conditions are unfavorable to do so. It is approximately a 300ft walk up to the cabin from the bottom of the driveway.
Pets:
We do not make exceptions to our Airbnb no-pet policy other than service animals. Any pet hair will result in a minimum $250 fine regardless of any circumstances and any additional billing that the cleaners require for excess cleaning due to pet residue.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Trash
from
$259.20
/ night
Star Hosts in Minnesota
Under $50
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Waterfall camping in Minnesota with wildlife watching guide
Overview
The land of 10,000 lakes―11,842 to be exact—is a water-logged paradise for anglers, paddlers, and campers. From the shores of Lake Superior to the banks of the Mississippi, you'll never be more than a short drive from a lake campground or a forest hiking trail. Minnesota's distinct seasons afford plenty of opportunities to get outdoors, whether you're hiking or horseback riding through autumnal woodlands, wild swimming in the lakes in summer, or snowshoeing and cross-country skiing through the long winter months. The best weather for a camping trip is from May through October, but you'll find many Minnesota campgrounds open year-round.
Where to go
Northwest Minnesota
Bordered by Canada to the north, and South Dakota and the Red River Valley to the west, northwest Minnesota is home to some of the state's biggest lakes. Grand Rapids and Bemidji are the gateways to the Leech Lake Recreation Area and the Chippewa National Forest, while nearby Itasca State Park lies at the headwaters of the Mississippi River. To the north, two Minnesota state parks border the Lake of the Woods, known for its walleye fishing and winter snowmobiling.
Northeast Minnesota
Lush state forests, wetlands, and island-studded lakes blanket the northeastern tip of Minnesota, stretching down from the Canadian border to the north shore of Lake Superior. Minnesota camping is at its wildest out here, whether paddling out to island campsites in Voyageurs National Park, RV camping with full hookups in Superior National Forest, or seeking out a tranquil lake campground in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Central Minnesota
On the banks of the mighty Mississippi River, the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul are launchpads for outdoor adventures in central Minnesota. Some of the region's best campgrounds are just a short drive from the city at Mille Lacs Lake, while Frontenac State Park has a mix of drive-in RV sites and cart-in tent sites along the Mississippi. Further north, there's kayak and canoe camping along the St. Croix River at Wild River State Park, or yurt and camper cabin rentals at Afton State Park.
Southern Minnesota
Glacial plains and scenic river valleys give way to the wooded bluffs of the Mississippi River in southern Minnesota. Rochester, Mankato, and Winona provide easy access to the south, where highlights include aptly named Great River Bluffs State Park, Whitewater State Park, and Minneopa State Park, home of Minnesota's tallest waterfall. In the far southwestern corner, Blue Mounds State Park is known for its soaring cliffs—a hotspot for rock climbing—and free-roaming bison.
Safety at Hipcamp
Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.