Best Campgrounds near Chatfield, MN

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Chatfield, MN is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Find the best campgrounds near Chatfield, MN. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Chatfield, Minnesota (129)

    1. Minneiska Campground — Whitewater State Park

    50 Reviews
    Elba, MN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 932-3007

    "Whitewater is by far one of the top state parks in Minnesota. Their camping facilities are clean with running water and free showers. The campsites are quite spacious but not too wooded."

    "Easy access to hiking trails. My site was close in distance to adjacent ones, but was on the edge by the creek, so it was pretty quiet."

    2. Forestville Mystery Cave State Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    Preston, MN
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 352-5111

    $35 / night

    "Mystery Cave State Park is surrounded in in a lush green forest with huge oak and maple trees that hang over the road like a huge living canopy."

    "On top of that it has this awesome living history 1800's village managed by the Minnesota Historical Society."

    3. Eagle Cliff Campground and Lodging

    16 Reviews
    Lanesboro, MN
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 467-2598

    $30 - $46 / night

    "Stopped here on the way up to Minnesota and our campsite was gorgeous! Everyone was very friendly and the sites were very clean. We stayed right on the water."

    "They have several on the rivers edge which are by far the best! The campground rents out tubes as well as provides a shuttle to the starting point and you float down to the campground."

    4. The Old Barn Resort

    10 Reviews
    Lanesboro, MN
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 467-2512

    "It was located right on the Root River Trail System which we liked for biking and running."

    "Beware, the office and bar/restaurant are located inside the barn. I say beware because there are barn swallows that nest on the outside of the barn. TONS of barn swallows."

    5. Maple Springs Campground

    11 Reviews
    Preston, MN
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 352-2056

    $35 / night

    "Beautiful spaces of various size, a river runs next to it and they have duck races."

    "Had a river to walk along and playground and animals for kids to enjoy. Staff were really nice and helpful."

    6. Rochester-Marion KOA

    5 Reviews
    Marion, MN
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 288-0785

    "We got back on the Interstate & got off on exit 224. Took Co Rd 7 to HWY 52. This is a lot easier than the directions the KOA gave.

     "

    "It has convenient access to the freeway and the city of Rochester.

    Bathrooms are cleaned frequently and we'll stocked."

    7. Chester Woods Park

    6 Reviews
    Eyota, MN
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 285-7050

    "It has a campground and man-made lake (created when Bear Creek was dammed for a flood control project) with hiking trails, a horse trail, picnic shelters, a beach, and a playground."

    "Has many walking trails that you can take your dog on and just a couple that you can’t."

    8. Richard J Dorer Memorial Hardwood Forest Isinours Management Unit

    2 Reviews
    Preston, MN
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 206-2847

    "There are a few spaces with views you can hike in to but I opted for a spot next to my car. And ideal spot for a one nighter."

    "The site has a shelter for the tent as well as other places outside for it. A fire spot and picnic table. Worth the hike."

    9. Carley State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Plainview, MN
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 932-3007

    "Carley State Park is easy to overlook in favor of nearby Whitewater State Park. Whitewater has an actual visitor center, the dramatic scenery, the flush toilets, and spacious/level sites."

    "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."

    10. Sylvan City Park

    4 Reviews
    Lanesboro, MN
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 467-3722

    $17 - $30 / night

    "Walking distance to downtown and easy access to Root River Trail. RV sites were close to each other with little privacy. Many tent sites around the perimeter. Short walk to bathhouse."

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Recent Reviews near Chatfield, MN

517 Reviews of 129 Chatfield Campgrounds



Guide to Chatfield

Camping near Chatfield, Minnesota, offers a great escape into nature with plenty of options for outdoor fun. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled weekend, there are campgrounds nearby that cater to all kinds of campers.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Whitewater State Park. One visitor mentioned, "We hiked a trail with lots of steps," which adds a bit of a workout to your adventure.
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, Beaver Creek Valley State Park is known for its trout fishing. A reviewer said, "Good trout fishing here, some sites are primitive, some have electric and water."
  • Cave Tours: At Forestville Mystery Cave State Park, you can take cave tours that many campers rave about. One camper noted, "Love the cave tours! Some trails in the park are horse trails also."

What campers like:

  • Privacy: Campers appreciate the spacious sites at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park. A visitor shared, "Sites are wooded so you don’t have neighbor issues."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campers highlight the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. One reviewer at Frontenac State Park said, "Great showers with DRY AREAS to dress after taking a shower."
  • Natural Beauty: Campers love the scenic views, especially at Great River Bluffs State Park. A visitor mentioned, "The elevation you get up on the bluffs gives you great views of the river and foliage."

What you should know:

  • Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell service in many areas. A camper at Perrot State Park noted, "TMobile has no service while AT&T has average to poor service."
  • Mosquitoes: Depending on the season, mosquitoes can be a nuisance. One camper at Myre-Big Island State Park mentioned, "Bugs were in full force."
  • Trail Access: Some campgrounds have limited access to trails. A visitor at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park pointed out, "There is only water/toilets at the campground or picnic area."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Family-Friendly Amenities: Look for campgrounds with good facilities. A reviewer at Whitewater State Park said, "Restroom with showers also available in campground."
  • Activities for Kids: Choose a campground with nearby activities. One camper at Pulpit Rock Campground mentioned, "Great camping for tent. Bike trails and good trout fishing."
  • Quiet Sites: Opt for non-electric sites for a quieter experience. A camper at Beaver Creek Valley State Park noted, "The electric sites are on the smaller side but are fairly secluded from each other."

Tips from RVers:

  • Site Size: Check the size of the sites before booking. A reviewer at Great River Bluffs State Park mentioned, "The sites are short and tree branches low."
  • Dump Station Access: Make sure the campground has a convenient dump station. A camper at Myre-Big Island State Park said, "Easy dump station."
  • Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups if you need them. A visitor at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park noted, "All have large pea gravel tent pads - very nice."

Camping near Chatfield, Minnesota, has something for everyone, from families to seasoned RVers. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the reservation requirements for Chatfield State Park camping?

Chatfield State Park camping reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance through the Colorado Parks and Wildlife reservation system online or by phone. During peak season (May-September), reservations are strongly recommended as sites fill quickly, especially on weekends. Similar to Minneiska Campground — Whitewater State Park, Chatfield requires payment at the time of reservation, and cancellations typically need to be made at least 3 days in advance for a partial refund. A valid parks pass is also required in addition to the camping fee. Some sites may be available on a first-come, first-served basis during off-peak seasons, but this is not guaranteed.

What amenities are available at Chatfield State Park campground?

Chatfield State Park campground offers modern amenities including flush toilets, hot showers, and drinking water. The campground provides electrical hookups at most sites, and many include picnic tables and fire rings. Similar to Forestville Mystery Cave State Park Campground, Chatfield features a variety of recreational opportunities with access to hiking trails, biking paths, and water activities on the reservoir. There are also playgrounds, a dump station, and laundry facilities. Some sites have shade while others are more open. Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground similarly offers wooded sites with good spacing between them, though Chatfield tends to have more developed infrastructure and amenities suitable for extended stays.

What are the RV camping options at Chatfield State Park?

Chatfield State Park offers excellent RV camping options with over 150 sites that can accommodate various RV sizes. Most sites feature electrical hookups (30/50 amp), and there are pull-through sites available for larger rigs. Similar to Sylvan City Park, the RV sites at Chatfield are relatively close together with limited privacy, but they provide convenient access to amenities. The campground includes a dump station, potable water fill stations, and some sites offer partial hookups. Rochester-Marion KOA offers similar big-rig-friendly sites, though Chatfield provides a more natural setting with reservoir views. Reservations are highly recommended for RV sites, especially during peak season, as they fill quickly.