Richard J Dorer Memorial Hardwood Forest features several campsites with elevation changes between 1,100 and 1,300 feet above sea level. The forest terrain creates natural windbreaks in most camping areas, providing protection during southern Minnesota's sometimes gusty weather conditions. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing from November through March, while summer daytime highs typically range from 75-85°F.
What to do
Explore mystery caves: Take a guided tour at Forestville Mystery Cave State Park to see underground formations. "The cave was around 12-13 miles long and there was water and different formations. The floor was really wet so bring shoes you won't slip in," advises Kevin T.
Float the Root River: Spend a few hours on the water at Eagle Cliff Campground, which offers river access and equipment rentals. "We spent most of our time exploring the trail, visiting Lanesboro and Whalen," says Jason S., who camped there with family.
Hike to elevated viewpoints: Trails within Whitewater State Park lead to scenic blufftop views. "I hiked up Chimney Rock and then looped back to tackle part of the Dakota trail! The hiking paths were well taken care of," shares Sarah C., who visited for a day trip.
What campers like
Minimal insects: Uncommon for Minnesota, certain areas have fewer mosquitoes. "Best part: very few mosquitoes!! The cold, constantly moving water helps keep them away," notes Leda T. about Whitewater State Park.
Clean shower facilities: Maple Springs maintains excellent bathroom facilities. "The shower house is the newer style - individual shower rooms and then separate mens/women/handicapped bathroom. Showers were clean," reports Jim C. about Maple Springs Campground.
Water activities: Between fishing and tubing, water recreation options abound. "Tubing the river is the highlight here. You drop in one side of the campsite and an hour later pull out on the other side," explains Lee G. about The Old Barn Resort.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Many campgrounds have limited connectivity. "There is NO CELL SERVICE in the campground - no Verizon, ATT or T-Mobile. Wifi down at the ranger office," notes Jim C. about Forestville Mystery Cave.
Terrain challenges for tents: Some tent areas require strategic site selection. "The biggest gripe is the slope of the tent sites. The majority of the tent sites are on an incline around a pond," explains Jake L. about Sylvan City Park.
Quarter-operated showers: Several campgrounds require quarters for showers. "Showers are not free, 4 quarters for 5 minutes," notes Renee H. about Sylvan City Park in Lanesboro.
Tips for camping with families
Dog-friendly trail options: Chester Woods Park offers pet-friendly hiking trails with minimal restrictions. "Has many walking trails that you can take your dog on and just a couple that you can't," explains Mark N. about Chester Woods Park.
Indoor activities for rainy days: When weather turns bad, have backup plans. "Despite the rain we had a great time! Because of the rain we went to the eagle center near Wisconsin. A must see if your looking for something indoors!" suggests Kate H. about Whitewater State Park.
Quiet camping areas for families: Some parks enforce quiet hours strictly. "They are sticklers on the quiet time after 10 or 11pm. My friends and I have been given warnings about being quiet, so it's definitely more of a family campground," notes Jennifer M. about Eagle Cliff.
Tips from RVers
Filling stations and dump locations: Plan water management carefully. "Only electric hooks ups at each site. They do have a fresh water filling station and a dump station," notes Kirk J. about Chester Woods Park.
Site selection for larger vehicles: Some campgrounds have limitations for big rigs. "Sites are gravel, fairly level. Water and electric available at RV sites," reports Renee H. about Sylvan City Park, adding, "Tight access at dump station might make it difficult for larger rigs."
Winter camping considerations: For off-season RV camping, prepare accordingly. "We visited in winter (February) and while there was snow on the ground, the spaces were kept plowed with easy access to the electric boxes," reports Amy G., who visited Whitewater State Park with a teardrop trailer.
Traveler
