Map showing campground location near Byron, Minnesota

Camper submitted image from Oxbow County Park

Oxbow County Park

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Sitting along the Zumbro River in Olmsted County, Oxbow County Park runs from early May through early October and draws campers who want riverside sites with full amenities at a county-managed scale. Sites run $25 to $30 per night, with electric hookups available for RVs up to 50 feet. The campground is small enough that facilities stay within easy reach, and the layout keeps both tent and RV campers close to the water.

Site quality and cleanliness come up consistently across reviews. Reviewers have flagged specific spots worth noting: site 10 gets mentioned as a solid tent site along the river, while site 20 works well for RVs. Bathrooms and showers are described as clean and well-maintained. Cell service is limited, though texting tends to work.

One feature that sets Oxbow apart from most county campgrounds is the on-site zoo and nature center, which operates on a donation-based entry model. The animals are rescues, with bison, elk, and deer among the residents. Trails range from riverside walks to routes that climb to prairie overlooks. Firewood is available for purchase on-site. A playground area rounds out the facilities for families.

"The campground is well maintained and right by the river," wrote one returning camper, who has made it a repeat destination. Campers based in Rochester can also browse campsites near Byron or consider Hidden Meadows RV Park & Campground to the northeast if Oxbow fills up. Reservations are available, which is worth using during peak summer weekends.

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Map & DirectionsOxbow County Park is located in Minnesota near Byron

Public Campground

Directions

From Jct of US-14 & CR-5, N 3 mi on CR-5 to CR-105, N 1 mi follow signs (L)

Address

5731 County Road 105
Byron, MN 55920

Coordinates

44.08400023 N
92.65200018 W

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Connectivity

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Cabins

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Phone Service
Reservable
Showers
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Reservations

Make reservation

Drive Time

14 min from Rochester, MN
1 hr 6 min from Mankato, MN
1 hr 16 min from Minneapolis, MN
1 hr 17 min from La Crosse, WI

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Reviews6 Camper Reviews - Oxbow County Park

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.5

out of 5

6 Reviews

Many campers appreciated this well-maintained park for its clean facilities, helpful hosts, and peaceful riverside setting. The on-site zoo with rescued animals and family amenities make it particularly appealing for visitors with children.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Tom

Ranger

Reviewed May. 15, 2023

Beautiful Campground & Park & Zoo!

The campground Host Sherry and John are great!

The campground is well maintained and right by the river. Nice RV spots and nice tent spots along the river. #10 is nice tent spot we like. #20 is good RV spot we use. There is Firewood in a shed for sale.

No cell service but able to text.

Nice clean bathrooms! Great shower heads in men’s bathroom.

Trails are super nice and well maintained, many different levels of hikes going along the River to hikes up on the prairie tops. Some nice overlooks.

Zoo and nature center are great. Animals are all rescued and given a home. Bison herd and elk and deer too.

We will be camping there again!

SiteRV site 20

Month of VisitMay

(7) View All

J.J. F.

Scout

Reviewed Aug. 16, 2020

Quiet and Peaceful

We live close but finally camped here. Quiet and peaceful. Smaller campgrounds so everything is easily accessible. The zoo being on grounds is a great perk.

Allyson H.

Scout

Reviewed Aug. 5, 2020

Always great!

We live close, but everyone should visit Oxbow! The zoo is amazing, the campground is well cared and a ton of hiking trails!!

Lindsay K.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 27, 2020

Quiet and peaceful

In the middle of the pandemic when all of the campsites are booked, there is absolutely no one here. It’s a very well maintained park with clean showers and bathrooms. Very small and quaint. The zoo is just 500 yards away, but you would never know it is there. It’s a donation only entry, so you pay what you can for the zoo. There is an awesome park near the sites for children.

Ash V.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 21, 2018

Great park and zoo

There is a free zoo and interactive area as well as severally play equipment areas. They have activities at the zoo and plenty of hiking trails.

(12) View All

Zak L.

Scout

Reviewed May. 28, 2017

Nice trails, with a zoo

The trails are decent for the size of the park, the picnic areas are big enough for large gatherings as well. The zoo on the grounds is small, but still fun.

Month of VisitMay

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Oxbow Park Campground in Minnesota?

Oxbow Park Campground offers clean shower facilities and restrooms that are well-maintained. The park features extensive hiking trails throughout the grounds, spacious picnic areas suitable for large gatherings, and multiple playground equipment areas for children. A unique amenity is the free zoo and interactive area located just 500 yards from the campground. Visitors can also purchase firewood from an on-site shed. While the campground has limited cell service (texting is possible but calls may be difficult), the natural setting by the river compensates for this minor inconvenience.

How do I find a map of Oxbow Park Campground?

To find a map of Oxbow Park Campground, check the official Olmsted County Parks website, where maps are typically available for download. Maps may also be obtained at the park entrance or from the campground host upon arrival. The park is relatively small and easy to navigate, with clearly marked trails and facilities. For the most detailed and current maps, contact the park office directly or stop by the visitor center when you arrive.

Is Oxbow Park Campground located in Rochester or Byron, Minnesota?

Oxbow Park Campground is located near Byron, Minnesota, though it's often associated with Rochester as well since it falls under the greater Rochester area. The park is maintained by Olmsted County and serves as a natural recreation area for residents of both communities. Its location provides a convenient getaway for Rochester residents while maintaining the peaceful atmosphere of a smaller town setting.

What types of camping are available at Oxbow Park (tent, RV, etc.)?

Oxbow Park accommodates both tent and RV camping. For tent campers, there are designated spots along the river, with site #10 being particularly nice for tents. RV campers will find suitable spots throughout the campground, with site #20 specifically noted as a good RV location. The campground is small and intimate, making all facilities easily accessible regardless of where you set up. The peaceful setting provides a quiet camping experience with the added benefit of being near the park's zoo and hiking trails.

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