Looking for the best campgrounds near Marion, MN? Marion is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Marion, MN. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.
"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."
"It has a campground and man-made lake (created when Bear Creek was dammed for a flood control project) with hiking trails, a horse trail, picnic shelters, a beach, and a playground."
"Has many walking trails that you can take your dog on and just a couple that you can’t."
"It has convenient access to the freeway and the city of Rochester.
Bathrooms are cleaned frequently and we'll stocked."
"I would definitely stop here for the evening again if I was driving through."
"Carley State Park is easy to overlook in favor of nearby Whitewater State Park. Whitewater has an actual visitor center, the dramatic scenery, the flush toilets, and spacious/level sites."
"Site #2 is further down a path with 4 picnic tables and room for 4-5 tents. The site is right at the park border, with farm land/prairie just on the other Side of the trees."
$35 - $45 / night
"There were 2 options for camping - the upper site and lower near the river. We opted to camp and hang out down by the river."
"Shade on most, stick to the outsides of camp for better shade."
$35 / night
"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."
"On top of that it has this awesome living history 1800's village managed by the Minnesota Historical Society."
$25 - $30 / night
"There is an awesome park near the sites for children."
"The zoo is amazing, the campground is well cared and a ton of hiking trails!!"
$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."
GuideNice grass for your tent. Sites away from the water have beautiful shade. Near the water no shade. The whole tent camping area is in the middle of a frisbee golf course so lots of foot traffic by the sites.
TravelerMy dogs favorite, including the dog swim beach. Not best for dogs not good with a busy place in the summer. Showers clean, firewood, elec on every site! Shade on most, stick to the outsides of camp for better shade.
TravelerThese people are wonderful and accomodating.
TravelerDuring a cross country trip we were tired and looking for a place to rest. Found this campground it was clean. Nice bathrooms and easy access. Found a site paid on line.
TravelerFirst time camping of the season here! Brian in the office was SO nice and generous. It was pretty quiet there, he upgraded us to a nicer spot and threw in an extra bundle of wood. The facilities were clean, graveled pull through spots were so nice. Other campers there were very nice. It’s pretty close to the interstate, so just be aware you’ll hear that noise, it might be better once the trees have leaves on them. Would stay again!
GuideWe had a reservation on the North Shore, but switched it to Whitewater when we saw the ice and snowstorms in the forecast.
Our site was large and easy to back into, all sites have a picnic table and fire ring. We had no cell service at our site, but 2 bars plus WIFI outside the visitor center. A water spigot was there, too, since the water and bathhouse are off/closed for the winter season. Firewood is available for $8 per bundle, you can pay by QR code if you have enough service. Or you can grab wood and pay in person at the other end of the park - a small shop is there near picnic areas and trailheads.
The wood was small pieces of mill offcuts, but it burned better that we expected, enough to warm up and to cook. It started drizzling, so we didn’t sit out by an evening fire. We think our bundle was oak. In any case, it was good, dry hardwood. It exceeded our first disappointing impression.
We had great weather our first day and saw few other people on the trails. It got colder and rainy and most of the campers left.
Overall, this was a great spot to get away into the fresh air. We’ll be back another time for fishing.
RangerAs with most State Parks, the campground sites are really close together and you have very little privacy. The hikes were beautiful and the variety of old growth trees was spectacular.
RangerI thought I was getting punked. I had the entire State Park to myself. It was super cool be eerie. Great hikes and the view from the top was worth it. Campsites in the campground are really close together, so when full, I imagine that is a downside. Didn’t matter to me, there were zero other campers.
GuideMy husband had a fall break at the beginning of October, and we were looking for beautiful fall colors a short drive from the twin cities for a one night camping trip. We wanted a quiet, secluded campsite, but one we wouldn't have to backpack into. Several people recommended Whitewater State park for fall colors close to the twin cities, and I cannot thank all the people who recommended it enough!
We stayed in a cart in campsite and it was perfect. The sites were quiet, woodsy and secluded... We could see site 4 from our site, but all we could hear was the stream. Our campsite was perfect in October, with sun and golden leaves and the sound of the water. We were in site 3, which was very spacious. If we came again just the two of us, we would book site 4 because it was the most private and right next to the water, although the area to pitch a tent was small, so if we came with a larger group we would book site 2 (right on the water and very spacious). The cart in sites felt woodsy and secluded, but it was a fairly short walk back to the parking lot, bathrooms, and water. For those that want to take a shower, you could drive up to one of the electric campgrounds at the park and use the very clean, nice bath houses. I love backpacking, but my husband had never been, so carting in was a good first camping trip for us as a couple.
The hiking at Whitewater State Park is great. We did the 4 mile loop and it was perfect for us- a beautiful and challenging hike that wasn't too punishing. There were lots of scenic views, and a good variety of terrain to keep it interesting. Fantastic for fall colors.
This was the perfect trip for a relaxing, beautiful 24-hour getaway in the woods. We may make it an annual tradition!
Camping near Marion, Minnesota, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds nearby that cater to different tastes.
Camping around Marion, MN, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, Marion, MN offers a wide range of camping options, with 124 campgrounds and RV parks near Marion, MN and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Marion, MN is Minneiska Campground — Whitewater State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 50 reviews.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Marion, MN.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 parks near Marion, MN that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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