Thick vegetation creates a damp, dewy environment at this wooded state park campground where campers find themselves tucked away in the forest. The campground operates three distinct loops: a primitive area with pit toilets, a tent loop with shower access but no electricity, and a full-hookup section for RVs. Cell service remains nonexistent across all major carriers, though the ranger office provides WiFi access.
Level gravel tent pads mark most sites, with reviewers consistently noting the quality of the camping surfaces. The electric loop sites appear particularly well-graded, while some tent sites like #4 sacrifice levelness for direct river access. jim C. found that "all the ones in the electric loop looked pretty level" during a three-night stay. Individual shower rooms in the newer-style bathhouse maintain cleanliness standards, with separate restroom facilities.
The Root River flows alongside portions of the campground, offering cold-water trout fishing and shallow wading opportunities during warmer weather. Trail networks connect campers to the historic Forestville townsite via a 4.5-mile round-trip hike, while varying difficulty paths wind through predominantly wooded terrain. Mystery Cave tours operate on weekends with advance reservations recommended, providing underground exploration opportunities that require jackets due to cool cave temperatures.
Sandy soils ensure quick drainage after rain events, though the dense forest canopy retains moisture that creates consistently damp conditions. Television reception picks up approximately 15 stations for those camping in the electric loop. GoWhereYouAreDraw N. notes that "trails were well maintained but difficult to understand in some places as signage was lacking."
For additional camping variety, Schmidt Farm by Forestville sits 2.2 miles east. This campground works best for campers comfortable with minimal cell connectivity who enjoy extensive hiking and don't mind the forest's naturally humid conditions.
Description
Campground is open April 1 - November 30
Arrive prepared. Go to mndnr.gov/forestville for visitor alerts and seasonal updates.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundForestville Mystery Cave State Park Campground is located in Minnesota
Directions
Park Entrance: Approximately 5 miles south of Wykoff. Entrance to the park is 4 miles south of State Highway 16 on Fillmore County Road 5, then 2 miles east on Fillmore County Road 118. Mystery Cave Entrance is 6 miles south on County Road 5 from State Highway 16. Right-hand turn on 180th street west, 3/4 mile, turn right on Old Cave Road, travel 1/2 mile north. On your left is Mystery Cave Entrance Road.
Address
21071 County 118
Preston, MN 55965
Coordinates
43.62925697 N
92.22073744 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Showers
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- 30 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 41 min from Rochester, MN
- 1 hr 20 min from La Crosse, WI
- 1 hr 27 min from Waterloo, IA
- 2 hrs 14 min from Eau Claire, WI

































