Best Campgrounds near Lanesboro, MN

Southeastern Minnesota's bluff country surrounding Lanesboro features diverse camping options within a landscape of rolling hills, limestone formations, and river valleys. Eagle Cliff Campground and Lodging offers riverside sites with tubing access, while The Old Barn Resort provides full hookups adjacent to the popular Root River Trail System. Sylvan City Park offers convenient in-town camping with walking access to downtown Lanesboro's shops and restaurants. State parks within 30 minutes include Forestville Mystery Cave and Whitewater, both offering a mix of tent and RV sites in more natural settings. The Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood Forest provides limited dispersed camping options for those seeking a more primitive experience.

Most campgrounds in the Lanesboro area operate seasonally from mid-April through October, with a few state park facilities remaining open year-round. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and holiday periods when the Root River Trail draws numerous cyclists. As one visitor noted, "The campground is located right on the Root River Trail System which we liked for biking and running." Weather conditions are typically mild in summer with occasional thunderstorms, while spring can bring higher water levels in the Root River. Cell service is generally reliable near town but may be limited in deeper valleys and more remote state forest areas. Many campgrounds enforce quiet hours after 10 PM, with Eagle Cliff described by one camper as "definitely more of a family campground."

The Root River serves as a focal point for many camping experiences in the region. Riverside sites at Eagle Cliff are particularly sought after, with one visitor noting they "have several on the river's edge which are by far the best!" Wildlife viewing opportunities include deer, various bird species, and occasional river otters. Campers report varying levels of site privacy, with state parks generally offering more separation between sites than private campgrounds. Forestville Mystery Cave State Park receives high marks for its unique attractions, with one visitor recommending: "I highly recommend going to the caves. They are very intriguing but bring a jacket because it is quite cold down there." Whitewater State Park is noted for having "very few mosquitoes" due to its cold, moving water.

Best Camping Sites Near Lanesboro, Minnesota (132)

    1. Eagle Cliff Campground and Lodging

    16 Reviews
    Lanesboro, MN
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 467-2598

    $30 - $46 / night

    "Close to Lanesboro. If I needed bathroom or showers, I would have been disappointed at the port a pots and showers far away from my site."

    "They have several on the rivers edge which are by far the best! The campground rents out tubes as well as provides a shuttle to the starting point and you float down to the campground."

    2. The Old Barn Resort

    10 Reviews
    Lanesboro, MN
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 467-2512

    "It was located right on the Root River Trail System which we liked for biking and running."

    "It really is a treat that the Root River Bike Trail System runs right along the campground. We spent most of our time exploring the trail, visiting Lanesboro and Whalen."

    3. Forestville Mystery Cave State Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    Preston, MN
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 352-5111

    $35 / night

    "It can be a little confusing because the camping and mystery caves are a distance apart. I highly recommend going to the caves."

    "Mystery Cave State Park is surrounded in in a lush green forest with huge oak and maple trees that hang over the road like a huge living canopy."

    4. Minneiska Campground — Whitewater State Park

    50 Reviews
    Elba, MN
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 932-3007

    "Whitewater is by far one of the top state parks in Minnesota. Their camping facilities are clean with running water and free showers. The campsites are quite spacious but not too wooded."

    "Easy access to hiking trails. My site was close in distance to adjacent ones, but was on the edge by the creek, so it was pretty quiet."

    5. Maple Springs Campground

    11 Reviews
    Preston, MN
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 352-2056

    $35 / night

    "Beautiful spaces of various size, a river runs next to it and they have duck races."

    "Had a river to walk along and playground and animals for kids to enjoy. Staff were really nice and helpful."

    6. Beaver Creek Valley State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Caledonia, MN
    20 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. Sylvan City Park

    4 Reviews
    Lanesboro, MN
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 467-3722

    $17 - $30 / night

    "Walking distance to downtown and easy access to Root River Trail. RV sites were close to each other with little privacy. Many tent sites around the perimeter. Short walk to bathhouse."

    8. Richard J Dorer Memorial Hardwood Forest Isinours Management Unit

    2 Reviews
    Preston, MN
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 206-2847

    "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."

    "The site has a shelter for the tent as well as other places outside for it. A fire spot and picnic table. Worth the hike."

    9. Peterson City RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Rushford, MN
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 875-2222

    $30 / night

    "There is also an RV dump behind the bathrooms. The sites are very close together, but there is room in the grass behind the sites to hang out."

    "The park and campground are right on the trail, so very handy.  I was amazed that sewer hookup is included, along with water and electricity, although my sewer hose was not long enough. "

    10. Highway 250 Campground

    1 Review
    Lanesboro, MN
    0 miles
    +1 (507) 467-3395

    "Great location on the bike trail and Root River. You can easily walk or ride into town. Bathrooms and showers are clean and centrally located."

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Recent Reviews near Lanesboro, MN

483 Reviews of 132 Lanesboro Campgrounds


  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Lake Hendricks Co Park

    Paved sites, simple Accomodations

    A good place for a place to stop next to a lake. Good hookups and picnic tables

  • 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.

  • Cynthia K.
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Rochester-Marion KOA

    In transition

    The direct road to the KOA was all jacked up due to a large construction project that closed the whole road. We got back on the Interstate & got off on exit 224. Took Co Rd 7 to HWY 52. This is a lot easier than the directions the KOA gave.

     This is a small KOA Journey we stayed in 1 night on our way up North. It's an established campground, but well kept. We stayed on the office side of the road. The other side has newer sites & the pool. Our site was a buddy site, which I dislike. It was close to the bathrooms/showers though, which helps out my mobility challenged husband. I can put up with it for 1 night. 

    The bathrooms were clean. The laundry had 2 dryers out of service.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Zumbro Bottoms State Forest

    State Forest Dispersed Camping

    This area is off a low maintenance dirt road. It is best to come in from the south as sometimes the gate on the river bridge to the north is closed.

    There is a parking spot near a known dispersed camping site with easy vehicle access next to it. There are hiking trails that pass by this site.

  • JJ W.
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Bluff Valley Campground

    Great site!

    Pretty good site. Cool playground, pool is a little small and no wifi. Phone reception is choppy and worse on the weekends. Many different-sized sites. Right on the river. Great tubing. Weekend activities are very fun and the concerts are always fun, the band rocks.

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Forestville Mystery Cave State Park Campground

    great camping

    Stayed in site 71 for 3 nights. Good level campsite and in walking around all the ones in the electric loop looked pretty level.  

    The shower house is the newer style - individual shower rooms and then a separate mens/women/handicapped bathroom.   Showers were clean.

    Lots of hiking - down to historic village and back is about 4.5 miles round trip.  

    If you get the chance, go do the the 1 hour walking tour of Mystery Cave - well worth the entry fee.  if you go on weekend probably need to make reservations. 

    and finally need to check out Wykoff - and see Ed's Museum.  Usually open on weekends.  We went over during the week and wasn't open but you can get view inside from the street.

    TV was able to pick up about 15 stations - but there is NO CELL SERVICE in the campground - no Verizon, ATT or T-Mobile.   Wifi down at the ranger office.


Guide to Lanesboro

Camping spots near Lanesboro, Minnesota feature varying terrains within the Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood Forest, offering both established and primitive options. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F during the day, with cooler evenings in the 50s. Flash flooding can occur after heavy rains, particularly in lower campgrounds near the Root River.

What to do

Tubing and kayaking: Eagle Cliff Campground provides equipment rentals and shuttle service for water activities. "They offer kayak, canoe and tube rentals and shuttles. They also have bike rentals," notes one visitor who considered it their "favorite camping spot."

Biking the Root River Trail: The Old Barn Resort provides direct access to this popular trail system. "The campground is 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," explains a camper.

Cave exploration: Forestville Mystery Cave State Park features guided cave tours from spring through fall. "I highly recommend going to the caves. They are very intriguing," states one visitor who explored the cave system's 12-13 miles of passages.

Stargazing: The rural setting provides excellent night sky viewing opportunities. "You're away from the bright lights of the city, so star gazing is amazing!" reports a camper who stayed at The Old Barn Resort.

What campers like

Proximity to downtown: Sylvan City Park offers convenience to Lanesboro's amenities. "It is located in a city park within a couple minutes walk of the downtown area. The bike trail crosses the south end of downtown so close to that too," shares one tent camper.

Swimming options: Multiple swimming areas are available throughout the region. The Old Barn Resort features "a covered swimming pool" while river access points provide natural alternatives.

Fishing access: Trout fishing is popular in local streams. As one visitor to Beaver Creek Valley State Park notes, it's "a great spot for beginning trout fishers" with "very easy walking trail winding through the park and stream."

Fall camping: Seasonal color changes attract autumn visitors. "We had almost entire campground to ourselves. Long weekend of camping, biking and kayaking along the scenic Root River," reports a camper who visited Eagle Cliff in September.

What you should know

Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly by location. "No cell service at all," reports a camper at Beaver Creek Valley, while others note spotty service in valley areas.

Quarter-operated showers: Several campgrounds require quarters for showers. At Peterson City RV Park, "bathrooms are right there, and were clean, with flush toilet and sink," though amenities are basic.

First-come sites: Some campgrounds don't accept reservations. Sylvan City Park operates on a "first come/first serve and doesn't take reservations or online payment. Payment is made at adjacent city office."

Road access challenges: Some campgrounds have water crossings. At Beaver Creek Valley, "in order to get to sites #27 through #37 you have to drive through some water. In September it was only about 8 inches."

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Many campgrounds offer play areas for children. Highway 250 Campground features "a huge playground for kids and the river tubing option right from the campground."

Educational opportunities: Maple Springs Campground offers family activities throughout the season. "The campground had everything we needed including a great little trout stream on the edge of the property, a hayride, movie for the family in the old red barn, and a church service in that same barn on Sunday."

Quiet hours enforcement: Some campgrounds strictly regulate evening noise. Eagle Cliff Campground enforces quiet time rules, with one visitor noting, "They are sticklers on the quiet time after 10 or 11pm."

Level site selection: Consider terrain when choosing a family site. At Sylvan City Park, "the majority of the tent sites are on an incline around a pond," making setup challenging for larger tents.

Tips from RVers

Hookup accessibility: Check hookup locations before setting up. At Peterson City RV Park, "depending on the site and how far you back in, the electric hookup may be a distance."

Dump station access: Facilities vary in accessibility. At Sylvan City Park, "tight access at dump station might make it difficult for larger rigs."

Site spacing: Richard J Dorer Memorial Hardwood Forest offers more secluded options for smaller rigs. "There are a few spaces with views you can hike in to but I opted for a spot next to my car. An ideal spot for a one-nighter."

Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds operate from mid-April through October. "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," reports a winter camper at Whitewater State Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Lanesboro, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, Lanesboro, MN offers a wide range of camping options, with 132 campgrounds and RV parks near Lanesboro, MN and 5 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Lanesboro, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lanesboro, MN is Eagle Cliff Campground and Lodging with a 4.3-star rating from 16 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lanesboro, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Lanesboro, MN.