Camping sites near Plainview, Minnesota scatter across valleys carved by ancient waterways where limestone bluffs rise 500-600 feet above river bottoms. The area's driftless topography creates distinct camping experiences with greater elevation changes than typical Minnesota terrain. Spring temperatures can vary widely, with campsites along waterways prone to flooding during heavy rainfall periods.
What to Do
Trout fishing access: Whitewater River in Whitewater State Park offers prime fishing spots with minimal mosquitoes. "Great campground! Awesome hiking, nice swimming beach. Big nature store with lots of great stuff. Lots of spots for great fishing. Best part: very few mosquitoes! The cold, constantly moving water helps keep them away," notes Leda T.
Trail exploration: Carley State Park features a wildflower hiking trail popular during spring. "We went on the Wildflower hike, and saw many flowers and berries even in the middle of July. This would be the perfect spot for cross country skiing in the winter," shares Emily G., though visitors should check trail conditions as some paths can be overgrown.
Water activities: The Whitewater River offers tubing and swimming opportunities during summer months. "We had so much fun playing on the river and exploring the park! Everything is right there and the river is so pretty! Despite the rain we had a great time," reports Kate H. about her experience at Whitewater State Park.
What Campers Like
Secluded cart-in sites: The cart-in campsites at Gooseberry Glen Cart-in Campground offer privacy with stream access. "We stayed in one of the cart-in sites. Right when you park you see the push carts and it is a very short walk to the campsite. You are able to slightly see 1 cart-in site neighbor, but besides that it was very private and quiet," Molly Y. explains about this section of Whitewater State Park.
Year-round options: Several campgrounds remain open throughout winter, offering solitude. "I 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," Erik R. shares about winter camping at Whitewater State Park.
Budget-friendly rustic sites: Forest campgrounds provide affordable alternatives to state park camping. "This is a well maintained campground with private feeling sites. Some with firewood provided. Fire rings have attached grills. Lovely walking trails. Near Lake Pepin. One negative was orange/rusty water from hand pump well. $14 a night!!! We plan to camp there again," notes Neen K. about Kruger Campground.
What You Should Know
Wildlife interactions: Raccoons are common visitors to campsites, requiring food storage precautions. "Really nice campground in a beautiful state park. There is lots of hiking trails, and a beach to swim in the river. The campground is semi private with lots of trees and shade. The bathrooms are very nice. There are a ton of raccoons however that stole all our food from our sealed plastic tub containers," Victor S. warns about Cedar Hill Campground.
Site selection strategy: Campgrounds feature varied privacy levels between inner and outer loops. "The inner ring sites are fairly close together and don't offer a ton of privacy from site to site. Though a couple of families took advantage traveling together. If I was to stay here again, site 42 and 44 would probably be the ones I'd try for in terms of views and privacy," advises Mandee L. about Frontenac State Park.
Water sources: Seasonal water availability varies by campground, with some offering limited access. "This time of year, water is not on in the campground, but there is a spigot right across the road at the visitor center that is on (easy 2 min walk)," Amy G. mentions about winter camping at Whitewater State Park.
Tips for Camping with Families
Swimming options: Beach areas provide safe water recreation for children. "The campground is very clean and nice. The bathrooms and showers we pristine clean and close and easy to walk to. The beach was great and clean. Fishing was great," shares Erik O. about Chester Woods Park.
Indoor alternatives: The National Eagle Center provides a nearby rainy day activity option. "Because of the rain we went to the eagle center near Wisconsin. A must see if your looking for something indoors!" recommends Kate H. after camping at Whitewater State Park.
Quiet campgrounds: Some smaller parks offer less crowded family experiences. "Very quiet and secluded state park. Comfortable and rustic," Dani B. notes about Carley State Park, making it suitable for families seeking fewer neighbors.
Tips from RVers
Electric site considerations: Electric hookups vary in availability and amp service between campgrounds. "Campground Design: I like that it's split into 4 small loops (1-11, 12-28, 29-38 and 39-59). There shouldn't be much traffic in any one loop. Some electric sites ($31) in the first 2 loops; the map has an 'e' next to the site number and so does the post at the site," details Mary S. about Frontenac State Park.
Fill and dump logistics: Most campgrounds require filling water tanks upon arrival. "Nice place but it is a campground not an rv park, 30 & 50 amp service but no water hookup (fill when you come in) and dump tanks when leaving," Kevin points out about Chester Woods Park.
Winter camping access: Seasonal plowing makes some sites accessible year-round. "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," Amy G. observes about Whitewater State Park's winter accommodations.
