Best Campgrounds near Marion, MN

Campgrounds near Marion, Minnesota range from state parks to private RV facilities, creating a varied landscape for overnight stays. Rochester-Marion KOA provides convenient access to Interstate 90 and electric hookups for RVs, along with shaded tent sites. Approximately 14 miles east, Chester Woods Park offers spacious sites suitable for tent and RV camping on the shores of a man-made lake. Autumn Woods RV Park caters primarily to travelers visiting Rochester with full hookup capabilities. The area supports both cabin rentals and traditional campsites, with several locations offering pull-through sites for larger rigs.

Seasonal operations vary significantly across Marion-area campgrounds, with most facilities operating from mid-spring through mid-October. Chester Woods Park typically opens the third weekend in May and closes the second weekend in October, while Autumn Woods RV Park extends its season from February through mid-October. Electric hookups are standard at most established campgrounds, though water connections are less common. Several campgrounds feature shower facilities and dump stations for RVs. Cell service remains reliable throughout most of the region. One visitor noted that Chester Woods Park offers "large sites" with "electric only at the camp sites but have water and dump station on site. Clean bathrooms and showers."

Proximity to medical facilities makes several campgrounds particularly appealing to Mayo Clinic patients. Autumn Woods RV Park accommodates these visitors with flexible departure policies. Campers frequently mention the fishing opportunities at Chester Woods Park, where the man-made lake supports panfish, catfish, and bass populations. Reviewers consistently praise the cleanliness of bathroom facilities at Rochester-Marion KOA and Chester Woods Park. The landscape features a mix of wooded sites and open areas, with shade trees available at most locations. A camper at Rochester-Marion KOA described it as having "lots of shade and grassy sites" that are "very well maintained." Several parks include hiking trails, fishing access, and swimming areas, making them suitable for multi-day stays rather than just overnight stopovers.

Best Camping Sites Near Marion, Minnesota (127)

    1. Minneiska Campground — Whitewater State Park

    50 Reviews
    Elba, MN
    17 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."

    2. Chester Woods Park

    6 Reviews
    Eyota, MN
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 285-7050

    "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."

    3. Rochester-Marion KOA

    5 Reviews
    Marion, MN
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 288-0785

    "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.

     "

    "It has convenient access to the freeway and the city of Rochester.

    Bathrooms are cleaned frequently and we'll stocked."

    4. Autumn Woods RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Stewartville, MN
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 990-2983

    5. Carley State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Plainview, MN
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 932-3007

    "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."

    6. Bluff Hollow on Root River

    1 Review
    Marion, MN
    3 miles

    $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."

    7. Chester Woods Patk

    1 Review
    Marion, MN
    3 miles

    "Shade on most, stick to the outsides of camp for better shade."

    8. Forestville Mystery Cave State Park Campground

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

    $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."

    9. Oxbow County Park

    6 Reviews
    Byron, MN
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 775-2451

    $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!!"

    10. Maple Springs Campground

    11 Reviews
    Preston, MN
    22 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."

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Recent Reviews near Marion, MN

540 Reviews of 127 Marion 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

  • 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.

  • D
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Holden Park Campground

    Peaceful, Friendly Camping

    A friendly campground host and wonderful county staff keep this little campground in good shape. Updated in 2025 with a new shower/restroom facility, fire rings, paved drive, and playground equipment. There are 20 sites, most of them will need some leveling for rvs. Generous firewood available for $5. Not many mosquitoes. ATT LTE cell 3 bars.

  • 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.

  • Deb M.
    Aug. 1, 2025

    Lake Byllesby Regional Park

    Great park

    Lakeside sites are close together, with W/E hookups, but they’re right in the lake with a wonderful view. The facilities are very clean and well-kept. Cannon Falls is a nice town to explore, and it’s close to home and work. Cell service was good also.


Guide to Marion

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.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Whitewater State Park. One visitor mentioned, "We hiked to Chimney Rock and Inspiration Point and found the trails more challenging than we expected from their descriptions."
  • Cave Tours: Check out the unique cave tours at Forestville Mystery Cave State Park. A camper shared, "Love the cave tours! Some trails in the park are horse trails also, so you may encounter the occasional horseback rider."
  • Fishing and Swimming: Enjoy the water at Merrick State Park. One reviewer noted, "There was a really nice view of the lake, and a nice clearing up towards the skies, but still adequate trees."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Eagle Cliff Campground said, "Facilities were clean and well-maintained."
  • Wildlife: Many enjoy the natural surroundings and wildlife. One camper at Rice Lake State Park mentioned, "We heard Barred Owls and Sandhill Cranes. The cranes flew over making strange LOUD calls. Cool."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Old Barn Resort are noted for being great for families. A reviewer said, "If you're a bike riding family, there are a lot of trails! If you want to float the river they got it!"

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially in the warmer months. A camper at Rice Lake State Park warned, "This is also a wildlife preserve so they do not do anything for pest control."
  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have spotty cell service. One visitor at Whitewater State Park noted, "Spotty cell service."
  • Reservations Recommended: Popular spots can fill up quickly, so it's wise to reserve your site in advance. A camper at Maple Springs Campground mentioned, "The state park was just down the road with great hiking."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Merrick State Park that offer activities for kids. One family shared, "Swimming beach about half a mile from campground."
  • Plan Group Activities: Bring games and plan group activities. A camper at Prairie Island City Campground said, "This campground always has something to do. Whether it’s a movie night, live music, food trucks, or kayak rentals."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for the kids. A visitor at Old Barn Resort mentioned, "If you don’t want to cook they got you covered in their restaurant!"

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your site can accommodate your RV. A camper at Forestville Mystery Cave State Park noted, "The site was private with partial shade and a very nice and level gravel tent pad."
  • Use Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups, like Eagle Cliff Campground. One reviewer said, "Great spot in the Root River Valley."
  • Be Mindful of Dump Stations: Know where the nearest dump station is located. A visitor at Rice Lake State Park mentioned, "Dump station was in odd spot, if it were busy it wouldn't be good."

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

What camping is available near Marion, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, Marion, MN offers a wide range of camping options, with 127 campgrounds and RV parks near Marion, MN and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Marion, MN?

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.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Marion, MN.