The Mississippi River basin offers multiple camping options near Homer, Minnesota where the terrain ranges from 650 to 1,300 feet in elevation across the bluff country. The region features limestone formations with natural springs feeding numerous creeks that flow into the Mississippi River. Water levels fluctuate seasonally, with fall offering drier campsites than spring or early summer.
What to do
Hiking through bluffs: Great River Bluffs State Park Campground offers 7 miles of hiking trails with viewing areas like King's and Queen's Bluff. "The trail system is very well labeled with maps along each trail. The trail system is mostly level and I would label as easy hiking with rolling hills," notes one visitor to Great River Bluffs State Park Campground.
Trout fishing: Beaver Creek Valley State Park Campground provides access to cold, clear streams ideal for beginning anglers. "Small quiet campground with sites that back up to the creek. Very easy walking trail winding through the park and stream. An easy way to trout fish and enjoy the park," writes one camper of their experience at the park.
Water activities: Merrick State Park Campground offers multiple access points for kayaking and canoeing. "We liked having our site right on the river; our dog loved this. The campsites were very open and train tracks were nearby," reports one reviewer. The park includes three camping loops with varying amenities and river proximity.
What campers like
Private campsites: Money Creek Haven offers spacious camping spots with various accommodation options. "Great campsite girlfriend and I stayed here last summer it was great friendly staff and very clean also very spacious," mentions one visitor to Money Creek Haven Inc. The campground includes a man-made lake that's popular with families.
Accessible waterfront: Prairie Island City Campground provides direct river access for boaters and paddlers. "Spacious campsites on the Mississippi River. Nice wooded area allows for shade. Clean bath house and convenient outdoor bathroom buildings around the grounds," notes one camper at Prairie Island City Campground.
Fall colors: Seasonal campers praise the autumn landscape at several area campgrounds. "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!!!" shares a visitor to Great River Bluffs.
What you should know
Limited cell coverage: Some campgrounds in the area have poor or no cellular service. "There is no cell reception because of the valley. This is great if you want to get away from it all, but if you're staying a while and need to work, this isn't the place to do it," cautions a camper at Beaver Creek Valley State Park Campground.
Seasonal water quality: Some campgrounds report water issues during certain times of year. "There were signs posted that the drinking water cannot be boiled, nor can it be given to babies or elderly due to high nitrates. But we brought our own water anyways," reports a visitor to Perrot State Park.
Train noise: Several campgrounds near Homer experience railroad disturbances. "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)," mentions a camper at Great River Bluffs.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple area campgrounds feature play structures for children. "The campground has plenty of playground equipment and some organized activities for children. There was a nice beach," mentions a visitor to Prairie Island City Campground.
Farm experiences: For a unique overnight stay, Frickson Family Farms offers camping with agricultural activities. "Neat to see baby pigs and also grill some tasty steaks from the cool farm store!!" reports a visitor to Frickson Family Farms LLC, which operates as a Harvest Host location.
Educational activities: Some parks provide interpretive programs for young visitors. "The Saturday we were there they had a heritage camp set up to learn about how things were done in the past," notes a camper at Perrot State Park Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site access challenges: Some campgrounds have limitations for larger vehicles. "The road along the river is narrow making it hard to back your camper into the riverfront sites if you have neighbors," cautions a visitor to Prairie Island City Campground.
Electric site availability: Whitewater State Park offers reliable electric hookups year-round. "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 a winter visitor to Minneiska Campground — Whitewater State Park.
Off-season camping: Many campgrounds near Homer remain open with limited services in winter. "As with State Parks in MN, it's best to make the reservation online, especially with office staff being spotty these days. Price is $35 for the space/night with electric, and this time of year, there are no other options besides electric spaces," advises a camper at Whitewater State Park.
