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Prairie Creek Forest Campground

99%

· Nerstrand, Rice, Minnesota

60 acres hosted by Stephen S.

4 tent sites

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.

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.

Activities

Biking

Hiking

Horseback riding

Paddling

Natural features

Forest

River, stream, or creek

Waterfall

99%

766 ratings · 342 reviews

Scott H.recommends

November 3, 2024

Site 1 - Creek Side

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.

Kelly L.recommends

November 1, 2024

Site 2 - In the Pines

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.

Evan B.recommends

October 28, 2024

Site 4 - Hilltop

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!!!

Julie J.recommends

October 27, 2024

Site 3 - Creek View

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.

Weston S.recommends

October 18, 2024

Site 4 - Hilltop

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.

Elizabeth H.recommends

October 13, 2024

Site 4 - Hilltop

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