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.
"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."
$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."
$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."
"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."
$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."
"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.
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"It has convenient access to the freeway and the city of Rochester.
Bathrooms are cleaned frequently and we'll stocked."
"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."
"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."
"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."
$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."
TravelerA good place for a place to stop next to a lake. Good hookups and picnic tables
GuideThere 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. I stopped here after a 12 hour drive got set up and even walked the trails for a few miles before bed.
ScoutBased on picture, we planed to stay at this campsite. It is right in the side of the highway, so too much noise and traffic for us. The picture this site provides is actually the other side of highway, over a hill, so you can’t see it from campsite. but there’s a view of marshlands. It’s $20, have showers and toilets. There’s a small playground for kids. We came across people That said they camp there all the time and love it.
LegendThe direct road to the KOA was all jacked up due to a large construction project that closed the whole road. 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.
This is a small KOA Journey we stayed in 1 night on our way up North. It's an established campground, but well kept. We stayed on the office side of the road. The other side has newer sites & the pool. Our site was a buddy site, which I dislike. It was close to the bathrooms/showers though, which helps out my mobility challenged husband. I can put up with it for 1 night.
The bathrooms were clean. The laundry had 2 dryers out of service.
ScoutThis area is off a low maintenance dirt road. It is best to come in from the south as sometimes the gate on the river bridge to the north is closed.
There is a parking spot near a known dispersed camping site with easy vehicle access next to it. There are hiking trails that pass by this site.
ScoutPretty good site. Cool playground, pool is a little small and no wifi. Phone reception is choppy and worse on the weekends. Many different-sized sites. Right on the river. Great tubing. Weekend activities are very fun and the concerts are always fun, the band rocks.
TravelerStayed in site 71 for 3 nights. Good level campsite and in walking around all the ones in the electric loop looked pretty level.
The shower house is the newer style - individual shower rooms and then a separate mens/women/handicapped bathroom. Showers were clean.
Lots of hiking - down to historic village and back is about 4.5 miles round trip.
If you get the chance, go do the the 1 hour walking tour of Mystery Cave - well worth the entry fee. if you go on weekend probably need to make reservations.
and finally need to check out Wykoff - and see Ed's Museum. Usually open on weekends. We went over during the week and wasn't open but you can get view inside from the street.
TV was able to pick up about 15 stations - but there is NO CELL SERVICE in the campground - no Verizon, ATT or T-Mobile. Wifi down at the ranger office.
GuideVery nice City owned facility . City water only available central locations otherwise a delight spot in a wonderful town
ScoutThis campground is unique, and very beautiful. The setting is a blueberry farm, and the scenery is gorgeous! It is very quiet, when we were there we were the only campers. Some mornings customers come to the farm to pick blueberries, but there is no bother. The owner, Steve is the best! If we had a need, he did all he could do to meet it. If you are looking for quiet, peaceful and rustic--this is your place
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.
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.
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