Tent camping near Goodview, Minnesota offers sites along the Mississippi River bluffs where temperatures range from 35°F to 80°F during the peak season of May through September. The area sits at elevations between 650-1300 feet, creating varied camping experiences from riverside lowlands to scenic bluff-top sites. Camping spots in the river valley can be buggy in summer months while higher elevation sites offer cooler temperatures and better breezes.
What to do
Cycling access: At Houston Nature Center, campsites are positioned at the trailhead of the Root River State Bike Trail, offering direct access to one of the region's premier cycling routes. A camper noted, "This campsite is at the trailhead for the Root River Bike Trail. This bike trail is so awesome and by far the best in the tri-state area!"
Fishing spots: Oak Ridge in R.J.D. Memorial Hardwood State Forest offers primitive camping with nearby fishing access, though facilities are minimal. The area remains quiet except during hunting seasons. According to one visitor, "Small campground, usually no one here except during hunting season. Not much to this place."
Wildlife viewing: Aefintyr offers excellent stargazing from its high-elevation sites. The property features both cabin and tent camping options with varying degrees of seclusion. "Beautiful campground with great amenities available. The hike to the site is steep but worth it once you get up there... Very peaceful campground, great view of the stars on clear nights!" reports one camper.
What campers like
Secluded walk-in sites: Gooseberry Glen Cart-in Campground at Whitewater State Park provides cart-in sites that balance accessibility with seclusion. One camper shares, "The sites were quiet, woodsy and secluded... We could see site 4 from our site, but all we could hear was the stream."
Waterfront camping: Hok-Si-La City Park offers tent sites with Lake Pepin views and a swimming beach. The park prohibits vehicles at campsites, creating a quieter experience. A visitor explains, "The sites have benches and fire pits and are large enough for a good sized group. There is also plenty of parking at each of the sites and they are fairly private."
Clean facilities: Houston Nature Center maintains exceptionally clean restrooms and free showers for campers. "Wonderfully quiet and safe. Had bathrooms and showers. Right at the end of the root river state trail. Singing toads at night. Very flat. Sites are spread out. Within walking distance to grocery store," writes one camper.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds around Goodview operate from May through October, with limited or no services outside this window. Whitewater State Park cart-in sites remain open longer for fall color viewing. One visitor shares, "My husband had a fall break at the beginning of October, and we were looking for beautiful fall colors a short drive from the twin cities for a one night camping trip."
Reservation requirements: Shady Rest Acres requires advance booking for their limited sites. The farm-based camping area offers just two tent sites plus a cabin option, all with fire pits and wood access. A camper notes, "There are 2 campsites, if you wish. One is in the middle of the pasture (that's right...near the goats). They will pen up the larger animals if you stay at that site, but it's perfect for stargazing! The other is nestled in the woods."
Terrain challenges: Several campgrounds feature steep terrain requiring proper footwear. Aefintyr's hike-in sites require a steep uphill trek. "If you are up in the bluff, be sure to wear good shoes for the hike up," advises one camper who stayed at their bluff-top site.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds: Houston Nature Center includes a natural playground featuring adventure elements for children near the tent camping area. A reviewer mentions, "Trail Head Park has a 1 acre natural playground near the campsite. The playground has a zip line, tree house, small rock wall, and more."
Farm experiences: Shady Rest Acres offers unique camping near farm animals, which children often enjoy. "They have donkeys, Scottish Highland cows, sheep, goats, chickens, bees, horses, ducks, cats and dogs. You have to be 'pet friendly' if you stay here, because the chickens roam, the dogs make friends and the cats meander," writes one visitor.
Group sites: Hok-Si-La offers spacious group sites that work well for families camping together. A camper reports, "If you're staying with friends or have a large family, the group sites G0 and G2 offer views and lots of space for multiple tents. We've stayed here with a group of about 20 people with plenty of room."
Tips for RVers
Limited RV options: Most tent camping areas near Goodview have few or no RV accommodations. Northend Campground in Rushford offers one of the few sites accepting both tents and RVs. "Small lil park that they allow people to camp in. I've seen RV's and tents here. Nice sand bottom creek to swim in right behind campground, pool is a few blocks away," notes a visitor.
Parking restrictions: Many tent-focused campgrounds restrict vehicle access to campsites. At Hok-Si-La, vehicles must remain in the main parking lot except during loading/unloading. A camper explains, "This campsite also doesn't allow cars or generators on any of the camping spots, so be sure to keep that in mind!"
