Yurt and glamping options abound throughout the valleys near Goodview, Minnesota, a region characterized by limestone bluffs and spring-fed rivers. The area maintains mild summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F from June through September, with nighttime temperatures dropping to 55-65°F. During peak season, reservations for rustic accommodations should be made 3-6 months in advance, especially for weekend stays.
What to do
Trout fishing access: Multiple camping locations provide direct access to premier trout streams. At Minneiska Campground — Whitewater State Park, visitors can fish for various species in constantly moving water. "GGreat campground! Awesome hiking, nice swimming beach. Big nature store with lots of great stuff. Lots of spots for great fishing. Best part: very few mosquitoes!" notes Leda T.
Winter cave exploration: The region offers year-round camping opportunities with winter activities. Forestville Mystery Cave State Park Campground features underground tours regardless of surface weather. "Mystery Cave State Park is surrounded in a lush green forest with huge oak and maple trees that hang over the road like a huge living canopy. We took the scenic tour, and our guide Kip was fantastic! The rate is $15.00 for adults, $10.00 for kids 5-12, and kids under 5 go for free," shares TyAnn J.
River floating experiences: Many campgrounds offer equipment rentals and shuttle services for river activities. Campers at Great River Bluffs State Park can travel to nearby rivers for tubing. "The campground rents out tubes as well as provides a shuttle to the starting point and you float down to the campground. The campground is minutes away from downtown Lanesboro, which a cute little town with shops, restaurants, and bars," explains Jennifer M.
What campers like
Minimal insects: Unlike many Minnesota camping areas, several locations report fewer mosquitoes. "Best part: very few mosquitoes!! (The cold, constantly moving water helps keep them away.) One of my favorite parks in the state of Minnesota," writes a visitor about Whitewater State Park.
Off-grid relaxation: Some campgrounds offer true disconnection from technology. "I had the entire State Park to myself. It was super cool be eerie. Great hikes and the view from the top was worth it," reports Erik R. about his experience at Whitewater State Park, adding, "Campsites in the campground are really close together, so when full, I imagine that is a downside."
Fall foliage viewing: The bluff region transforms during autumn months. As Tori K. describes Great River Bluffs State Park: "Stayed here in the fall. Had a site right next to the bathroom big enough for 2 tents and 2 vehicles. Hikes here offer great views of the river and bluffs and the fall colors are gorgeous!!!" The park features multiple overlooks with views of the Mississippi River Valley.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have minimal or no connectivity. As one camper at Forestville Mystery Cave State Park notes: "There is NO CELL SERVICE in the campground - no Verizon, ATT or T-Mobile. Wifi down at the ranger office."
Noise considerations: Despite natural settings, some campgrounds experience noise disruption. Bryan P. warns about Great River Bluffs: "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."
Shower facilities vary: Bathroom and shower quality differs significantly between locations. At The Old Barn Resort, Tracy B. reports: "Only complaint - the coin operated shower in the women's shower house was ice cold and couldn't be adjusted and the men's shower house in same building was scolding hot and couldn't be adjusted." Bring quarters for pay showers at many campgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
Multi-activity resorts: Families benefit from campgrounds with diverse recreational options. Jeremiah B. describes The Old Barn Resort: "Nothing but good things here, if your 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!"
Educational programs: Several parks offer ranger-led activities for children. "We hiked, took trout fishing lesson, sat at the beach and had relaxing evenings by the fire," shares Melissa H. about her experience at Whitewater State Park.
Clean swimming options: Chester Woods Park provides a maintained swimming beach that's family-friendly. "The beach was great and clean. Fishing was great. Would definitely come back," notes Erik O. The park also features "many walking trails, a horse trail, picnic shelters, a beach, and a playground."
Tips from RVers
Water hookup limitations: Several campgrounds offer electric-only sites. Mark N. explains about Chester Woods Park: "Electric only at the camp sites but have water and dump station on site. Clean bathrooms and showers. Best value I've seen for fire wood."
Site selection for privacy: Yurt camping near Goodview offers more seclusion than standard RV sites. At Kruger Campground, Nick G. notes, "Nice and tucked away. Sites are very private. Has beautiful trails. Next to the river great for exploring and fishing."
Winter camping accessibility: Year-round camping is available with varying amenities. "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. Price is $35 for the space/night with electric, and this time of year, there are no other options besides electric spaces," reports Amy G. about winter camping at Whitewater State Park.
