Eyota, Minnesota sits in the Driftless Area, a unique region untouched by glaciers with deep river valleys, limestone bluffs, and hardwood forests. The terrain provides shelter for numerous camping options within a 30-mile radius, especially from May through October when temperatures range from 50-80°F. Winter camping options remain available at select locations for those prepared for Minnesota's colder months.
What to do
Hiking trails: Chester Woods Park features walking paths through wooded areas with wildlife viewing opportunities. "This is a county campground near Rochester. It is in a county park that has a swimming beach, boat docks, fishing piers, hiking trails, playground, biking trail," notes Crystal B. of Chester Woods Park.
Cave exploration: Mystery Cave at Forestville State Park offers guided tours through underground passages. "I spent a day here hiking and had a blast! 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. about Whitewater State Park.
Cycling access: Multiple parks connect to regional bike trail systems. "This campground was really good. It was located right on the Root River Trail System which we liked for biking and running," explains Cindy B. about The Old Barn Resort.
River activities: Tubing and kayaking options available at multiple locations. "This campground is small and quaint. Lots of sites to choose from. 50 amp service, sewer hook up and of course water. If you're close enough to the office wifi available. If you're a bicyclist, campgrounds on great paved trail," reports Dan K.
What campers like
Seasonal weather advantages: Forestville Mystery Cave State Park offers natural mosquito protection. "Best part: very few mosquitoes!! (The cold, constantly moving water helps keep them away.) One of my favorite parks in the state of Minnesota," shares Leda T.
Privacy levels: Kruger Campground provides secluded sites. "I love this place. Nice and tucked away. Sites are very private. Has beautiful trails. Next to the river great for exploring and fishing," explains Nick G. about Kruger Campground.
Value pricing: State forest campgrounds offer affordable options. "Beautiful woodsy spot, so pretty! And only $17," reports Rachel A. about Kruger Campground.
Water access: Fishing opportunities exist at multiple parks. "Great campground! Awesome hiking, nice swimming beach. Big nature store with lots of great stuff. Lots of spots for great fishing," notes Leda T. from Whitewater State Park.
Multi-activity options: The Old Barn Resort provides diverse recreation options. "Nothing but good things here, if you're a bike riding family, there are a lot of trails! If you want to float the river they got it! If you just want to lay by the pool, you can do it! If you don't want to cook they got you covered in their restaurant! If you're a golf person, guess what they got their own course!" describes Jeremiah B.
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds operate between April and October. "This is in a rural area and has many seasonal sites. Transitional sites too. There is a restaurant/bar on site. The river is behind the property," explains Crystal B. of Whippoorwill Ranch Kampground.
Shower facilities: Availability varies by campground. "Sites are nice sized and it's quiet $6 for firewood. Will come back for a weekend the staff we have seen seem very nice. As of now NO showers," notes Ed W. about Rice Lake State Park.
Cell service limitations: Coverage can be spotty throughout the region. "We had no cell service at our site, but 2 bars plus WIFI outside the visitor center. A water spigot was there, too, since the water and bathhouse are off/closed for the winter season," shares Karla J. B. about Whitewater State Park.
Noise factors: Some parks experience transportation noise. "Highway noise from the highway running along the river and from I-90 (while not really noticeable during the day) is ridiculously loud at night. Added to this were the half dozen trains that ran through the night (horns going off too) AND the light aircraft flying into Lacrosse airport," reports Bryan P. about Great River Bluffs State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Multiple parks offer beach access for children. "The beach was great and clean. Fishing was great. Would definitely come back," reports Erik O. about Chester Woods Park.
Educational opportunities: Ranger programs available seasonally. "We had a blast--there were so many fun things to do! We hiked, took trout fishing lesson, sat at the beach and had relaxing evenings by the fire," describes Melissa H. about Whitewater State Park.
Playground access: Several parks provide play structures. "Not too expensive and good things to do. Swimming in the lake, lots of fishing, hiking, nature center, free activities, and other things to do. There are water and septic hook ups and pets are fine, they have bathrooms as well. Lots of other campers and area to run around," explains Ash V. about Chester Woods Park.
Off-season activities: Winter options available at select parks. "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," notes Amy G.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Eagle Cliff Campground offers full-service sites. "Overall great experience! Located on the Root River. Cliff View has very clean bath houses. Lots of sites to choose from. 50 amp service, sewer hook up and of course water," explains Dan K.
Campsite sizing: Site dimensions vary significantly between parks. "Nice place but it is a campground not an rv park, 30 & 50 amp service but no water hookup (fill when you come in) and dump tanks when leaving," notes Kevin about Chester Woods Park.
Winter camping access: Some sites maintain winter accessibility. "Plenty of space without being too close to your neighbors. Super easy to social distance here. 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," shares Amy G. about Whitewater State Park.
Reservation timing: Book early for prime spots. "Sites are large and easy to back into, all sites have a picnic table and fire ring. We had no cell service at our site, but 2 bars plus WIFI outside the visitor center," describes Karla J. B.
