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Houston Nature Center

5 Reviews

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Houston Nature Center, near Houston, Minnesota, is a fantastic spot for those who love the outdoors, especially cyclists. This campground offers a peaceful atmosphere with spacious, level sites that are perfect for pitching a tent or parking an RV.

Visitors rave about the clean facilities, including spotless showers and bathrooms. One camper highlighted the “great” $10 per night fee, making it an affordable option for a night under the stars. The campground is also pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry friends along for the adventure.

Located right at the trailhead for the Root River Bike Trail, this place is a dream for biking enthusiasts. The trail is often described as the best in the tri-state area, and the nearby International Owl Center adds a unique touch to your stay. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the natural playground, complete with a tree house and climbing wall.

While the campground is tent-only and reservations are recommended, it typically doesn’t get too crowded, allowing for a more relaxed experience. Whether you’re here for a quick stop or a longer stay, Houston Nature Center is a solid choice for a memorable camping trip.

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Location

Houston Nature Center is located in Minnesota

Coordinates

43.76600068 N
91.57200028 W

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Access

Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

WiFi
Unknown
Verizon
Good
AT&T
Available
T-Mobile
Unknown

Site Types

Tent Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group

Features

For Campers

Market
Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Phone Service
Reservable
Showers
Drinking Water
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

25 min from La Crosse
54 min from Rochester
1 hr 44 min from Eau Claire
2 hrs 13 min from Waterloo

April S.

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 20, 2025

Peaceful

Wonderfully quiet and safe. Had bathrooms and showers. Right at the end of the root river state trail. Singing toads at night. Very flat. Sites are spread out. Within walking distance to grocery store.

Site#4

Month of VisitJuly

Steve S.

Scout

Reviewed Sep. 15, 2023

Great Campground for Cyclists

Spacious, level, well kept, quiet. $10/night, which is great. Spotless showers and bathrooms, access to drinking water. The International Owl Center was a welcome discovery. Best tent campground on the Root River Trail.

Site8

Month of VisitSeptember

Michael V.

Ranger

Reviewed Aug. 11, 2022

Bike trail campground with parking near by.

Has very clean showers and toilets. Owl center at office. Tent sites only and not many. Must make reservations but typically not many people here camping.

SiteNA

Month of VisitJuly

Alison

Traveler

Reviewed Sep. 18, 2018

Root River Bike Trail

This campsite is at the trailhead for the Root River Bike Trail. This bike trail is so awesome and by far the best in the tri-state area!

The nature center is tent camping only but they do have nice spots with picnic tables and grills. Even though I'm not a kid, I thought the park was AWESOME. They litterally have a tree house to play in!!!! The Nature Center also has a bike servicing station, showers, and bathrooms. Everything is extremely clean and the town of Houston is so sweet. I will visit again!

GoWhereYouAreDraw N.

Legend

Reviewed Sep. 14, 2018

Great location!

The Nature Center campsite is located at the trail head for the Root River State Bike Trail. Trail Head Park is a nice tent only campground with walk-in sites. A majority of the sites have picnic tables and fire pits. The Nature Center has clean bathrooms and free showers. They recommend donations for the use of the showers.

$20 per night camping fee. You can pay inside the Nature Center or at the slot between the restroom mirrors. The sites are first come, first serve. Local firewood is available near the restrooms as well; take what you need and leave the center a donation.

Trail Head Park has a 1 acre natural playground near the campsite. When I visited during the week, I only saw a small group of people using the playground. The playground has a zip line, tree house, small rock wall, and more. Inside the Nature Center, they have interactive and interesting displays. The highlight of this campground is the Root River State Bike Trail and the Owl Center in the town of Houston.

I'd give the campsite 4/5 review. The location, the bluffs, the bike trail, and center get 5/5 review.

Month of VisitSeptember

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are fires allowed at Houston Nature Center?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Houston Nature Center, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Does Houston Nature Center have wifi?

No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Houston Nature Center does not have wifi.

Is there cell phone reception at Houston Nature Center?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is good, AT&T is available, and T-Mobile is unknown.

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