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Best Campgrounds near La Crescent, MN

577 Reviews

Camping options near La Crescent, Minnesota range from established developed campgrounds to more rustic tent sites, with many facilities situated along the Mississippi River. Great River Bluffs State Park Campground, located about 15 miles north of La Crescent, offers tent, RV, and glamping accommodations with year-round access. Other nearby developed campgrounds include Pettibone Resort in La Crosse, Wisconsin, just across the river, and Beaver Creek Valley State Park Campground southwest of La Crescent, which features tent, RV, and cabin camping options.

La Crescent area campgrounds provide varying levels of amenities and accessibility depending on location and season. Most developed campgrounds feature drinking water, picnic tables, and fire rings, while facilities like Pettibone Resort and Goose Island offer electric hookups and sanitary dump stations for RVs. "This county run location is a nice place to stop. Good amenities. They do pack you in but I've been in tighter spots where I had to pay more, so we didn't mind," noted one visitor about Goose Island. Weather conditions affect camping experiences year-round, with some facilities like Pettibone Resort operating seasonally from April to October, while others such as Great River Bluffs State Park remain open throughout the year.

The Mississippi River forms a central feature for many campgrounds in the La Crescent region. Riverside sites typically fill quickly during summer months, especially at mixed-use campgrounds like Goose Island and Pettibone Resort. Several visitors mentioned water activities as major attractions, with one camper describing Goose Island as "excellent place to kayak and explore the backwaters of the Mississippi." Some developed campgrounds feature boat launches and designated swimming areas. Campers should note that proximity to water means insect activity can be significant during summer months, and periodic flooding affects low-lying campgrounds. Family-friendly amenities are common at larger developed campgrounds, with playgrounds, hiking trails, and nature centers available at facilities like Houston Nature Center and Beaver Creek Valley State Park.

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Best Camping Sites Near La Crescent, Minnesota (146)

    1. Great River Bluffs State Park Campground

    28 Reviews
    Dakota, MN
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 643-6849

    "I enjoy camping away from the hub bub of the family campground and opting for the backpack or cart in sites. Luckily, Great River Bluffs has some of the nicest cart ins I have encountered."

    "What a beautiful & peaceful gem of a place in south eastern Minnesota!"

    2. Perrot State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Trempealeau, WI
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 534-6409

    $39 / night

    "There is a rail line that runs along between the Mississippi and the park edge, campsites are away from this but still can be heard as well as motor boats on the River."

    "The nice little town of trempealeau is close by with a cool old hotel and some fun bars. Highly recommended."

    3. Pettibone Resort

    12 Reviews
    La Crescent, MN
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 782-5858

    $28 - $30 / night

    "We stayed one night on our way to Minnesota. There is plenty of shade. The park streets are asphalt with two concrete strips for your tires in the sites."

    "We stayed one night on our way to Minnesota. There is plenty of shade. The park streets are asphalt with two concrete strips for your tires in the sites."

    4. Goose Island

    14 Reviews
    La Crosse, WI
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 788-7018

    $22 - $34 / night

    "Goose Island has very friendly staff and a nice little camp supply store at the entrance where you can also purchase firewood in two sizes of tubes. You’ll need a way to haul the wood to your site."

    "The sites are close together near the entrance. The spread out as you get deeper into the park. Beautiful grounds. Good communication from the camp rangers when we had to switch sites."

    5. Veterans Memorial Park & Campground

    8 Reviews
    Onalaska, WI
    10 miles
    +1 (608) 789-8599

    "Vet's Park has direct access to the La Crosse Great River Trail where you can connect onto Elroy/Sparta Trail to the east and it directly to La Crosse Great River Trail to the northwest."

    "Great location!"

    6. Beaver Creek Valley State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Caledonia, MN
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 724-2107

    "The park has a lot of very well maintained trails. The only thing to know is there is no cell reception because of the valley."

    "Water, garbage and recycling (separated) were all close by. There as no cell signal, so we went to town for that. The park has nice trails that are pretty well marked."

    7. Neshonoc Lakeside

    9 Reviews
    Bangor, WI
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "It was spacious and very well kept, with a great view of the lake. Wry easy to back in and get set up, almost level and took very little adjustment to get our spot in order."

    "They are pretty open, so you’re close to you neighbors and little shade or privacy. All RVs here, some tents as overflow for kiddos whose parents are staying in the RV."

    8. Frickson Family Farms LLC

    3 Reviews
    Trempealeau, WI
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 429-0375

    $30 / night

    "Great Harvest Host location super nice family."

    "We pulled in from a long driving day .we were greeted by our host . She was very friendly and explained where the site was . Had a great night sleep . This is a good over night stop ."

    9. Houston Nature Center

    5 Reviews
    Houston, MN
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 896-4668

    "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."

    "The Nature Center campsite is located at the trail head for the Root River State Bike Trail."

    10. Shady Rest Acres

    2 Reviews
    Hokah, MN
    10 miles

    $40 - $120 / night

    "If you want to meet the barnyard critters, please only look at them from the outside of the fence unless guided and escorted by the owners. "

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Recent Camping Photos near La Crescent, MN

200 Photos of 146 La Crescent Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near La Crescent, MN

577 Reviews of 146 La Crescent Campgrounds

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Pulpit Rock Campground

    Excellent

    The camp ground is split in two separate sections. We camped in the south section and found it to be pretty nice spot. Although the north section looks to be a little nicer. Definitely a popular spot so book in advance! The dump station is really small and kind of wonky but works good. Bathrooms and showers are clean. Definitely would recommend during the fall time! The area is absolutely stunning!

  • Anne P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Blueberry Fields Forever

    Great little spot

    Second time I’ve stayed up on Peach Peak. I’ve never had an issue driving up the hill. Great views of the stars. Plenty of deer this last time! It seems very secluded, but I did hear music from nearby one of the nights on my last trip.

  • Ken B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Great River Bluffs State Park Campground

    Very nice

    I arrived late in the day and the office was closed but they have all the instructions and QR codes for an online reservation and check in. Very clean including the showers and bathroom. View of the Mississippi is amazing!

  • Cynthia K.
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Oakdale KOA

    Shady trees

    KOA Journey. We didn't feel like tackling Illinois at the end of the day, so we planned a stop here. 

    Check in was pleasant. We were in the back by the bathroom, which was my request. Lots of shady trees. This is a well established campground. As others have noted there is Interstate noise. It's easy on- easy off though.

     There's a Loves nearby.

  • Deb M.
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Blackhawk Park

    Another nice COE campground

    Nice mix of sites at this park, many with electric hookups. There’s also lots of unnumbered sites FCFS sites around the park. Only 1 bathroom/shower building, and lots of vault toilets. The west loop sites (where we camped) were a bit close together, but large and level. Even on a busy Labor Day weekend, the campground was quiet and peaceful. AT&T service was good, and T-Mobile service was very spotty. There’s a dump station and potable water on site. We will definitely be back.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Richard J Dorer Memorial Hardwood Forest Isinours Management Unit

    Lovely space

    There are a few spaces with views you can hike in to but I opted for a spot next to my car. And ideal spot for a one nighter. I stopped here after a 12 hour drive got set up and even walked the trails for a few miles before bed.

  • J
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Reicks Lake Park

    Didn’t stay the night

    Based on picture, we planed to stay at this campsite. It is right in the side of the highway, so too much noise and traffic for us. The picture this site provides is actually the other side of highway, over a hill, so you can’t see it from campsite. but there’s a view of marshlands. It’s $20, have showers and toilets. There’s a small playground for kids. We came across people That said they camp there all the time and love it.

  • Jennifer K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Castle Mound Campground — Black River State Forest

    Really beautiful state campground

    Beautiful, clean, peaceful, wooded campground. Its mid-week and there's only a few other campers here. Most are super respectful with the exception of one group that has the occasional outburst but they were mostly quiet otherwise. We saw some bunnies, birds and raccoons. Heard squirrels, owls and other birds. Vault toilets throughout the campground and one building with showers and flush toilets near the visitor center with plenty of parking. Water fill and dump station located at the front near the visitor station as well. We got here around 6pm yesterday and no one was at the check in so we used the kiosk to get the park pass. A bit steep for out of state visitors @ $16 but they seem to keep the park in great shape so for once it was worth it. Lots of space and shade in all spots. Many sites with electric and some without. Plenty of spots can accommodate mid-large campers. Its about half and half pull-thru or back-in/pull-in. We have a 26 foot travel trailer and had no issues. Mostly level spots as well. A lot of trees are close to the road and made it slightly challenging to maneuver the road but nothing too crazy...just pay attention if you have a larger camper. We dont make it though wisconsin a lot but we'd definitely come back here again. Easy and quick to get to from 94 and less than a mile from Walmart. Plenty of stores/restaurants nearby. Really the only complaint besides the high entrance fee for out of state is that it is close to the town and you can definitely hear traffic. It's not too bad considering the surrounding woods definitely deaden the noise. Wish we could have stayed longer to explore the park better.

  • Kay K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Wildcat Mountain State Park Campground

    Cottontail lane

    We hiked a short distance into our site. We had to pass a grassy area that was always full of bunnies! The site was of good size, dark and quiet. The shower house was close and clean.

Guide to La Crescent

Camping near La Crescent, Minnesota, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Wyalusing State Park Campground. Campers rave about the “great hiking trails” and “amazing sunsets” that make for a perfect day outdoors.
  • Kayaking and Canoeing: The backwaters of the Mississippi River are accessible from Minneiska Campground — Whitewater State Park. One visitor mentioned, “Awesome campground with lots of hiking trails, and access to backwaters of Mississippi.”
  • Wildlife Watching: At Wildcat Mountain State Park Campground, you can enjoy the sights of local wildlife. A camper noted, “We saw turtles, bald eagles, and lots of other wildlife.”

What campers like:

  • Privacy and Space: Campers appreciate the well-spaced sites at Perrot State Park Campground. One review highlighted, “The sites are well spaced and well separated by trees.”
  • Clean Facilities: Many visitors to Minnesota Whitewater State Park praised the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A camper mentioned, “Restroom with showers also available in campground. Site was large and easy to back into.”
  • Beautiful Views: Campers love the stunning views at Pikes Peak State Park Campground. One reviewer said, “Absolutely BEAUTIFUL overlooks above the great Mississippi River!”

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially at Perrot State Park Campground. One camper warned, “Had to pull out the heavy-duty spray right out of the car.”
  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds, like Beaver Creek Valley State Park Campground, have little to no cell coverage. A visitor noted, “There is no cell phone service.”
  • Reservation Fees: Some campers find the fees at Wildcat Mountain State Park Campground a bit high. One review mentioned, “Brought us to $51 for the stay... but I've stayed in better places for less.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with nearby swimming areas, like Minnesota Whitewater State Park. A family camper shared, “Swimming beach about half a mile from campground.”
  • Space for Tents: Choose sites that can accommodate multiple tents, such as those at Great River Bluffs State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, “Each site could comfortably hold 3 to 4 tents.”
  • Plan for Rain: Be ready for changing weather. A camper at Eagle Cliff Campground noted, “Very clean and quiet,” which is great for families looking for a peaceful spot.

Tips from RVers:

Camping near La Crescent, Minnesota, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're hiking, kayaking, or just enjoying the views, there's something for every outdoor enthusiast.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does camping cost in the La Crescent area?

Camping costs around La Crescent vary by amenities and location. At Sylvan City Park, showers require quarters (4 quarters for 5 minutes), indicating reasonable base rates. The Old Barn Resort offers full hook-up sites at moderate prices, with additional value from amenities like heated pools and restaurant access. State parks in the region typically charge $15-30 per night for standard sites, with possible additional vehicle fees. Private campgrounds generally range from $25-45 for basic sites and $35-60 for those with hookups. Always check for seasonal pricing differences.

Where are the best campgrounds near La Crescent, MN?

Several excellent campgrounds surround La Crescent. Minneiska Campground — Whitewater State Park stands out with clean facilities, free showers, and spacious sites plus outstanding hiking trails. For biking enthusiasts, Veterans Memorial Park & Campground offers direct access to the La Crosse Great River Trail with connections to multiple trail systems. Other notable options include Forestville Mystery Cave State Park with its lush forests and cave tours, and Beaver Creek Valley State Park near Caledonia, known for its scenic beauty and trout streams.

What tent camping options are available near La Crescent?

Tent campers have diverse options near La Crescent. Chushons Peak Campground offers tent camping alongside the Root River with beach access and excellent biking opportunities on the Root River State Trail. Forestville Mystery Cave State Park provides tent sites in a lush green forest with oak and maple trees creating natural canopies. Sylvan City Park features numerous tent sites around the perimeter with easy access to downtown. Whitewater State Park has spacious tent sites and a few walk-in options that offer more seclusion but fill quickly. Most locations provide basic amenities like drinking water and restroom facilities.

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