The Houston, Minnesota area sits within the Driftless Region, characterized by steep limestone bluffs and deep river valleys carved during the last ice age. While summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F during the day, camping in river valleys can create cooler overnight conditions even in July. Most campgrounds in the area sit at elevations between 650-850 feet above sea level.
What to do
Trout fishing access: Beaver Creek Valley State Park offers excellent opportunities for beginning trout 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," notes Bruce C. The park's clear, cold creek provides ideal habitat for native brook and brown trout.
Kayaking the Root River: Eagle Cliff Campground offers river-based recreation with equipment rentals. "They offer kayak, canoe and tube rentals and shuttles. They also have bike rentals," explains Kayla S. The campground provides transportation to launch points, allowing for stress-free river enjoyment without coordinating multiple vehicles.
Hiking local bluffs: Take on challenging terrain at Great River Bluffs State Park with trails leading to scenic overlooks. "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," explains one reviewer. King's Bluff Overlook provides panoramic views of the Mississippi River Valley after a 2.5-mile roundtrip hike from the parking area.
What campers like
Level, spacious sites: The Houston Nature Center campground provides well-maintained tent sites. "Spacious, level, well kept, quiet. $10/night, which is great. Spotless showers and bathrooms, access to drinking water," notes Steve S. The affordability and cleanliness make it a favorite for cyclists and tent campers seeking basic amenities.
River access: Chushons Peak Campground provides direct river frontage. "It's a beautiful campground with river access on a nice beach, and hiking galore," explains Daniel H. Many campers appreciate the sandy bottom river area that allows for barefoot wading without special footwear.
Wildlife viewing: Goose Island Campground offers excellent wildlife observation opportunities. "Eagles, geese, pelicans, barred owls, ducks, deer, rabbits, raccoon, possum, etc. are abundant," reports Frank G. The campground's location in the Mississippi floodplain creates ideal habitat for diverse animal species, particularly birds.
What you should know
Seasonal flooding: Pettibone Resort and other Mississippi River campgrounds experience periodic flooding. "We got flooded out the only day we stayed. Got our money back for second night," recounts Theresa. Before booking, check water levels if planning spring visits when snowmelt and rainfall can cause water levels to rise rapidly.
Cell service limitations: Many campgrounds in the river valleys have limited or no cell reception. "The only thing to know is there is no cell reception because of the valley. This 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," advises Kat C. about Beaver Creek Valley State Park.
Mosquito preparation: The river valleys create ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes. "The bugs and mosquitos were almost unbearable. We fogged the site daily, had thermacells, and coated ourselves in bug spray - still came home completely bit up," warns Jennifer S. about Perrot State Park. Pack appropriate repellents, especially for evening hours during summer months.
Tips for camping with families
Natural playgrounds: Perrot State Park offers family-friendly amenities beyond standard camping. "This Campground offered beautiful views of the Mississippi river Trempealeau bay, rock formations And most excellent hiking trails," notes Jill G. The interactive nature signs provide educational opportunities for children to learn about local ecology.
Beach access: Money Creek Haven provides swimming opportunities at their man-made lake. "The lake is murky And there are a lot of frogs, but that's camping. There are chairs And a shaded area available," explains Erica H. Children particularly enjoy the swimming area during hot summer days.
Quiet hours enforcement: Many campgrounds strictly enforce evening quiet hours. "They are sticklers on the quiet time after 10 or 11pm. My friends and I have been given warnings about being quiet," shares Jennifer M. about Eagle Cliff Campground. This makes it ideal for families with younger children needing consistent sleep schedules.
Tips from RVers
Water crossing access: Some campgrounds require driving through water to reach certain sites. "Tent sites further back in the campground through multiple water crossings (ok for cars)," notes Stephanie K. about Beaver Creek Valley State Park. Check water depths with campground staff before attempting in larger RVs or trailers.
Limited hookup options: For pet-friendly camping near Houston, Minnesota, plan for limited full-hookup availability. Money Creek & Vinegar Ridge campground in R.J.D. Memorial Hardwood State Forest provides primitive camping with only basic facilities. "Not much to it. Pit toilets, usually slow except during hunting season. Camp sites are decent but primitive," explains Michael V. RVers needing full hookups should target larger private campgrounds instead.
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the bluff region feature sloped terrain. "Site was a little unlevel," notes David B. about his experience at Pettibone Resort. Bring adequate leveling blocks and chocks, especially for sites along hillsides or river banks.
