This park was great. I site 6 is large enough for two tents and has soft flat ground. Not footy or rocky. They trees are way out so it is not an ideal spot for hammock camping. It was a small park you can hike it in about 4 hours. Some of the trails are overgrown. The river crossing can be a little tough you might get wet. But the hike is worth it. We hung our hammocks in the little open field by the river during the day. It’s really close to white water so we hiked their day 2. At night the fireflies come over the river and it is amazing. Absolutely beautiful. It rained most of the weekend and was still a great trip.

A very small, but great state park right by the more-touristy-Whitewater state park. We lucked out with booking a group site for Labor Day weekend at the last minute. There are two group sites that share one vault toilet. Site #2 is further down a path with 4 picnic tables and room for 4-5 tents. The site is right at the park border, with farm land/prairie just on the other Side of the trees.

Hiking was great with plenty of hills along the whitewater river, as well as a few places to jump in the VERY cold river. Highly recommend this park - and only 1.5 hours from Mpls! Only downside is there is no firewood within the park, so plan ahead there.

Nice spots fairly wooded sites seemed small more fit for tents versus rvs. Quiet campground some interesting spots on the hill

The campsite we stayed at was OK. Very close to neighbors and they were loud. Not much privacy but I am used to hike-in sites so that may be wear my feelings are steming from. MN Hiking Club Trail was very nice. Get ready to have wet feet though! There are two water bridge crossings and the waters were high when we were there.

Very quiet and secluded state park. Comfortable and rustic.

Carley State Park is located near Whitewater State Park in southeastern Minnesota. Carley state park is extremely neglected. When walking through the trails, they were overgrown and the bridges were broken down and dangerous. This park could be great with a little TLC.

There is no running water FYI!!! But it's a pretty place

We went to Carley State Park for a short day outing from Whitewater State Park. Less than 10 minutes away, it's a cozier, smaller campground with a more private and deeper part of the River. I would think you could start floating/canoeing here and end up at Whitewater State Park by boat. We went on the Wildflower hike, and saw many flowers and berries even in the middle of July. The camp sites were a bit smaller, but all were heavily shaded, private, and would be enough for 1 tent or small RV. There was a huge green space and pavilion so family gatherings or day picnics would be perfectly accommodated. This would be the perfect spot for cross country skiing in the winter.