Aefintyr, near Whitewater State Park, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying some cozy comforts. With options for both tent camping and cabin stays, it caters to a range of preferences, whether you want to rough it or kick back in style.

This campground is known for its beautiful surroundings and great amenities. Each site comes with its own fire pit and firewood, perfect for roasting marshmallows and sharing stories around the fire. Visitors have raved about the cozy cabins, especially during winter, making it a year-round destination. One camper noted, “The cabin was cozy even during winter,” highlighting the comfort you can expect.

The hike-in sites offer a bit of adventure, with some reviewers mentioning the steep trails that lead to stunning views. If you’re up for it, the hike is worth it, and you’ll be rewarded with a peaceful atmosphere and a chance to stargaze on clear nights. Plus, you’re just a short drive from the scenic trails and trout fishing spots of Whitewater State Park, making it easy to fill your days with outdoor activities.

With a friendly vibe and a community space for socializing, Aefintyr is a great choice for those looking to connect with fellow campers. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer retreat, this campground has everything you need for a memorable experience.

Aefintyr campground is located in the scenic woods of the Whitewater River Valley in the Driftless Area of Southeastern Minnesota. We offer beautiful blufftop hike-in camping and glamping and cozy treehouse inspired camper cabins. The hike-in camp/glamp sites offer a backpacking like experience (1460 ft hike with a 230 ft elevation gain) and are great for people who like to get some exercise and want to immerse themselves in a woodland setting. Perfect relaxation destination or home base for your Whitewater Valley adventures. Aefintyr is a small operation that values peace, quiet and quality over quantity. Get away from crowds and get into the woods! Onsite, enjoy a campfire, stargazing, hiking and observing the amazing animals, plants and fungi.

**Nearby recreation opportunities include:**

Within 2 miles of Whitewater State Park, the Elba Fire Tower, Whitewater State Wildlife Management Area (hunting, trout fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing) and the Whitewater River State Water Trail (canoe/kayak/tube). There is a gas station (bait and fishing supplies, convenience store items), 2 bars and a restaurant within a mile in the town of Elba. Whitewater Wines Winery is also just a few miles up the road!

**Shared amenities:**

Bathhouse with individual rooms, with a hot shower, vanity and composting toilet

Outhouse with composting toilet on top of the bluff within 400 feet of each campsite

Community area (requires short hike) with tent shelters (2, each 10' x 20'), outdoor furniture, tables, chairs, propane grill w/ side burner, firepit w/ cooking grate/skillet.

Propane Gas Grill (at base of the hill by the bathhouse)

Stargazing area with reclining chairs

**Cell service:** AT&T typically works well, Verizon works intermittently, and T-mobile doesn't have a good signal.

**Wi-fi:** Available at the bathhouse and parking area, data speeds up to 25 Mbps.

**Parking: **On site, 2 vehicle limit, no vehicles larger than a full-size truck, no trailers.

**Host accessibility: **Available 24/7/365 via phone and email/messaging, frequently on site.

**Security: **Campground community areas are under video surveillance.

**Setting:** Aefintyr campground is located in the hilly, wooded, blufflands of the Whitewater River Valley just north of the tiny town of Elba, MN. Views are primarily of the woods and valleys. The campground is off of a 2 lane county highway so there is some intermittent road noise. It is otherwise very peaceful and filled with the sounds of nature, including lots of birds and other wildlife.

Aefintyr is a peaceful place with chill vibes and we like to keep it that way! It is not a place for parties or rowdy groups. We like to listen to nature, not loud music or rowdy people blabbering into the night. Please see our [rules/polices](<https://www.aefintyroutdoors.com/en/rules-policies>) to know what to expect.

20240824

Aefintyr

Join the fun near Elba. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Elba is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Find the best campgrounds near Elba, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Elba

The Best Camping Near Elba, Minnesota

Ashley here with The Dyrt. We're so excited to have this unique property on our platform. Offering hike in sites with Bell Tents or pitch your own, this is a great place to view the stars. Each site has a bundle of firewood so you can roast your s'mores and cook your food. Book your site today and come here to leave them some love.

Peace, Quiet & Quality

Its nice to have a place this nice only 35 minutes from Rochester. Beautiful campground with great amenities available. The hike to the site is steep but worth it once you get up there. I stayed at the Talia bell tent site so I didn't have to bring much so it made the hike a lot easier. Short drive to White Water State Park. A lot of great trout fishing spots along the river. Very peaceful campground, great view of the stars on clear nights! Will definitely be back.

Beautiful campsite with a lot of amenities. 

Amazing time spent at Aefintyr! We stayed at the bring your own gear site and it was amazing! We explored the land and other sites! Staff are amazing and helpful! Totally on my list to go back!

Amazing Hike-in site!

Aefintyr has it all!

A beautiful cabin, hike-in glamping or bring your own gear.

  

I was able to stay in the cabin for a couple nights with two friends. The cabin was cozy even during winter. The space was perfect for us. 

  

I also brought my own gear and camped up on the bluff. It was so fun to socialize in the shared space around the fire and play games. 

  

If you are up in the bluff, be sure to wear good shoes for the hike up. 

  

I love that each site has it's own fire pit with fire wood.

  

The Whitewater area is so beautiful, I enjoy hiking in the area.

  

Looking forward to going back!

Photos of Aefintyr

Real photos from real campers