The driftless region near Houston, Minnesota sits on unique terrain formed by ancient glacial activity, creating deep valleys and dramatic limestone formations. Winter temperatures often drop below 10°F while summers average 80°F with higher humidity. The Root River runs through much of this area, providing water recreation options at several campgrounds from April through October.
What to do
Explore underground cave systems: Forestville Mystery Cave State Park offers guided cave tours with knowledgeable staff. "The cave tours are well done and the sites are scenic and tucked into the woods. There is also a winery (Four Daughter) not far away that's more than worth stopping at," explains a visitor to Forestville Mystery Cave State Park.
Bike the Root River Trail: This paved trail connects multiple towns and campgrounds in the area. "It's Minnesota's little Switzerland. The park isn't much to look at and there's only a few look-out point onto the Mississippi but its a nice little campground," notes a camper from Great River Bluffs State Park.
Paddle the Upper Iowa River: The limestone bluffs create stunning backdrops for canoeing and kayaking. "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," reports a visitor to Eagle Cliff Campground.
What campers like
Waterfront camping spots: Several campgrounds offer sites directly alongside rivers. "We stayed right on the water. Sites are close together but we reserved a few to have some space," writes a camper about their experience at Eagle Cliff Campground.
Yurt accommodations: The Old Barn Resort near Preston offers yurt camping options with heat for cooler Houston, Minnesota nights. "This campground was really good. It was located right on the Root River Trail System which we liked for biking and running. It has an indoor/outdoor heated pool, a big barn with a restaurant and bar," shares a visitor to The Old Barn Resort.
Low mosquito populations: Unlike many Minnesota camping destinations. "Great 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!! (The cold, constantly moving water helps keep them away)," notes a camper from Minneiska Campground — Whitewater State Park.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have spotty or no coverage. "We had no cell service at our site, but 2 bars plus WIFI outside the visitor center," reports a visitor to Forestville Mystery Cave State Park.
Noise factors: Some campgrounds experience road and train 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," warns a camper from Great River Bluffs State Park.
Winter camping limitations: While some yurt camping near Houston, Minnesota remains available in winter, services are reduced. "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."
Tips for camping with families
Indoor options for rainy days: "Despite the rain we had a great time! Because of the rain we went to the eagle center near Wisconsin. A must see if your looking for something indoors!" suggests a family that stayed at Whitewater State Park.
Campgrounds with dedicated kid activities: Some locations offer organized events. "From golf to tubing to an indoor swimming pool and restaurant. This place has a lot to offer," notes a visitor to The Old Barn Resort, which offers yurt camping options near Houston, Minnesota.
Swimming areas with varying depths: "There's a nice covered pool, but we didn't use it because the most shallow point was 4'6", which is great for bigger kids, but with little ones, it's a bit more difficult," advises a family that visited Bluffton Resort.
Tips from RVers
Site positioning considerations: Many campgrounds have varied terrain. "Some sites are tight for large motor homes, 5th wheelers and travel trailer. If your close enough to the office wifi available," notes an RVer who stayed at Eagle Cliff Campground.
Dump station availability: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. "We were in a teardrop trailer. Plenty of space for the car and the teardrop in space #202, but all spaces that were plowed had plenty of room to pull in. Some were even 'pull through' which would be extra nice if you wanted it."
Electric hookup specifications: Different campgrounds offer various power options. "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 a camper at Eagle Cliff Campground.
