Great River Bluffs State Park
Mary S.
Reviewed Aug. 17, 2018

Visit here in the fall after the mosquitoes leave

What's Appealing?

This campground is nestled in the woods above the Mississippi River. There's a beautiful view from King's Bluff Overlook which is about a 2.5 mile roundtrip from the parking area. You could make it about 5.5 miles if you hike from campground. There are also short walks to a few other overlooks.

We were just spending the night but I'm not sure there's anything else to do. The information sheet says there are 7 miles of hiking trails, but there really isn't anything interesting other than the overlooks. It was a quiet place for a one night stay.

I think fall would be the best time to visit after the mosquitoes are gone and when the leaves have turned. Winter would also be good. There are 9 miles of groomed X-country ski trails; you need a MN Ski Pass.

The Basics

There are 31 pull in/back in sites (38 is the highest number but some numbers are skipped), 4 cart in sites, and 5 sites for bicyclists (off the Great River Road bike route below the campground across from the Mississippi River). The sites are spacious and shaded and have a picnic table and fire pit.

Very Basic Campground

There's a bathroom with toilets, showers, and sinks. The showers are push button so you get no heat control and the water shuts off after about 30 seconds. There are also pit toilets that may be closer to your site. Drinking water and trash dumpsters are near the bathroom.

Cost

It's $19 plus the $7 MN state park fee. There was no camp host on site, but I saw a ranger drive through. We have a MN parks sticker on our window and paid online the day we came in because the office was closed. There was no online reservation fee when we paid online on the day of our stay.

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Site21
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Great River Bluffs State Park by Mary S., August 17, 2018
  • Review photo of Great River Bluffs State Park by Mary S., August 17, 2018
  • Review photo of Great River Bluffs State Park by Mary S., August 17, 2018
  • Review photo of Great River Bluffs State Park by Mary S., August 17, 2018
  • Review photo of Great River Bluffs State Park by Mary S., August 17, 2018
  • Review photo of Great River Bluffs State Park by Mary S., August 17, 2018
  • Review photo of Great River Bluffs State Park by Mary S., August 17, 2018
  • Review photo of Great River Bluffs State Park by Mary S., August 17, 2018