1 / 100

Prairie Creek Campground

99%
·
· Nerstrand, Rice, Minnesota
60 acres hosted by Stephen S.
4 tent sites
Avatar
Amazing views
Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.
Family-friendly
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.
Best in Minnesota: Finalist
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2023.
Staff verified
Accuracy verified by Hipcamp's on-the-ground team.
Hello 2025, Camping Season is Here! Booking is open for dates from April onward. 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 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. 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 area which is twice crossed by creeks. About 20 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.
Activities
Biking
Hiking
Horseback riding
Paddling
Natural features
Forest
River, stream, or creek
Waterfall
Select a site
Filter by
Reviews
99% Recommend766 ratings · 342 reviews
Stephen's campsite offers a blend of natural beauty and thoughtful amenities, making it a great choice for both seasoned campers and newcomers alike. The site is praised for its well-maintained facilities, such as fire pits with grill grates and accessible hiking trails leading to a charming waterfall and split rock. Guests appreciate the privacy and peacefulness, with some noting the stunning view of the stars and northern lights from the hilltop site. However, it's worth mentioning that access might be challenging for some vehicles, as a steep gravel hill requires careful navigation.
Summary AI-generated from real reviews
Avatar
Scott H.
5 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· November 2024
Wilderness camp near Northfield
You're not gonna wanna miss this absurdly authentic tent camping gem. 1,2,3 babbling brook sites, site 4 WAY up the hill for Sublime Sunsets, total privacy. Stephen & his Dad are hard-working, caring PEOPLE who have worked this family land camp for > 6 yrs.
K
Kelly L.
11 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· November 2024
The site is large and clean. Plenty of space for the tent, chairs at the fire pit, the picnic table and more. Nice space under the trees with some open space. Could hear neighboring sites but not see them well. The cart in distance is short and easy to walk.
E
Evan B.
6 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2024
Stephen was very helpful even though we showed up later than expected. The site was easily accessible and very well taken care of. This was an amazing way to spend my weekend and I would recommend it to anyone. 5 stars!!!
J
Julie J.
7 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2024
Nice site and area
Camping here was terrific. Sites nicely set up with picnic table, cooking grate in a couple marshmallow sticks. Paths leading to the site are rock and they provide a cart to transport your things. Nice wooded area. Stephen was a very polite and informational host. This location has access to a county park, and is in close proximity to the state park.
W
Weston S.
6 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2024
If you are on the fence camp here
Site 4 is an awesome campsite, good size fire pit with built in grill, Room for 3 large tents, beautiful trail to the little waterfall and split rock (which I recommend climbing) the host is really cool too.
E
Elizabeth H.
7 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2024
Gorgeous place, Stephan greeted us and was very kind. Definitely coming back next year!
Location
Nerstrand, Rice, Minnesota, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Očhéthi Šakówiŋ, Wahpeton, and Wahpekute First Nations according to
To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Avatar

Hosted by Stephen S.

Joined in January 2018
Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.