Best Camping in and near Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area

50% (2 reviews)

Discover the natural splendor of Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Book externally

Public campgrounds in the park
Book externally

Stay at a public campground in Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area

Top-rated campgrounds near Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area

100%

(160)

Whippletree Farm & Nature Trail

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Lake Elmo, MN

Welcome to Whippletree! This is our sixth-generation family farm, and while it's more of a hobby farm now, it has been in continuous agricultural production since 1869! Besides tillable farm land, we are stewards of native prairie, small wooded areas, a remnant of an oak savanna and wetlands, with trails throughout. We consider this our sanctuary and enjoying sharing it with others looking for a place of retreat to connect with the natural world. Stop by for a visit!

99%

(381)

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.

98%

(191)

The Oaks at Oakwood Farm

2 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · 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!

99%

(58)

Honeyberry Minnesota working farm

2 sites · RVs25 acres · Stillwater, MN

Small working farm of 25 acres with roughly 1/3 wooded. Bring cash if you want to buy fresh produce. Half-way between Hudson WI and Stillwater MN. Tons of activities to do, including the St Croix River. Mowed trails on the property, campfire wood provided. Walk up to our two-acre Haskap orchard.

97%

(49)

field view campsite

3 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Northfield, MN

Learn more about this land:You"ll camp right next to the Horse 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.

99%

(42)

Rasset Family Farm

3 sites · RVs, Tents160 acres · Maple Lake, MN

We are a working farm. We raise cattle and grow crops.

73%

(28)

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.

96%

(26)

Stadings Farm & Ranch

2 sites · RVs15 acres · Lake Crystal, MN

Enjoy a peaceful campsite along side a prairie lake in Southern MN, where towering oaks shade and fill the landscape. Walk through the woods and tall prairie grass. Sit by the lake with a campfire as you watch for Bald Eagles and Swans. I have paddle boats and canoe available to explore the lake or bring your kayak or paddle board. My farm is designed for RV's, Campers, any thing that is fairly self contained. Water and electricity are available for an additional $25 per day for both. There is a large...very large garden producing a lot, enjoy fresh lettuce, kale, Cucumbers etc and take some for the road. With a mile of lake shore, you can camp in secluded Grass fields, to Oak Savant's.

100%

(17)

Walker's Ranch

1 site · Tent9 acres · Lakeville, MN

Learn more about this land: Come stay and make memories on the Walker ranch, you can't beat the scenery and location. Explore the Walker trail that leads to the creek and lounge in the woods in the hammock. Possibilities are endless!

99%

(766)

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.

99%

(34)

Paquin Farm

5 sites · RVs, Tents14 acres · Nowthen, MN

Spring has arrived and the farm is ready to enjoy! We are a small hobby farm that's located within one hour from Minneapolis/St. Paul. Our farm has wooded trails, bonfire pits, is quiet and very peaceful. Our little town is 10 minutes from most shopping, with multiple restaurants minutes away. 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 wildlife all around to gaze at and enjoy.

Kinni Croix Farms

3 sites · RVs78 acres · River Falls, WI

Kinni Croix Farms is a four-season regenerative farm. We grow vegetables, herbs, flowers, and Christmas trees and greenery using no-till and organic methods. The farm has 3 sites for self-contained RVs. 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. Our farm also includes walking trails for the use of our guests. 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.

The best camping near Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area 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.