Camping sites near Preston, Minnesota offer diverse outdoor experiences in the unique landscape of southeastern Minnesota's karst topography. The limestone bluffs and spring-fed streams create a terrain distinctly different from most of Minnesota's flat or lake-dominated regions. Many campgrounds in the area maintain a no-generators-after-10pm policy due to the way sound carries through the valleys, and sites can fill quickly during trout fishing opener in April.
What to do
Explore limestone caves: Visit Mystery Cave at Forestville Mystery Cave State Park Campground, stretching 12-13 miles with unique formations. "I came here to explore the caves and it blew me away... The floor was really wet so bring shoes you won't slip in. This was worth the time and an experience you won't forget," notes Kevin T.
Tube the Root River: The Old Barn Resort offers river tubing experiences right from the campground. "The highlight is the location on the Root River. Tubing the river is the highlight here. You drop in one side of the campsite and an hour later pull out on the other side. So much fun," according to Lee G.
Visit historic sites: Take a short drive from your camping site to explore local history. "If you get the chance, go do 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," recommends Jim C. from Forestville Mystery Cave State Park Campground.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention the well-maintained showers and restrooms at Eagle Cliff Campground. "This is an amazing campground. The Root River goes right alongside most of the campsites which creates a really peaceful space. The grounds are super clean including the showers and porta-potties that are available for campers," shares Jen H.
Abundant wildlife viewing: The natural environment supports diverse wildlife observation opportunities. "We didn't do our homework, but if we would have known, we would have brought our fishing rods as the rivers were full of trout!" notes TyAnn J. about Mystery Cave State Park.
Dark skies for stargazing: The remote location of some camping areas provides exceptional night sky viewing. "All in all this is a great get away for our family... I came here to explore the caves and it blew me away," writes Kevin T. at Forestville Mystery Cave State Park Campground.
What you should know
Limited or no cell service: Many camping sites near Preston, Minnesota have poor connectivity. "There is NO CELL SERVICE in the campground - no Verizon, ATT or T-Mobile. Wifi down at the ranger office," warns Jim C. about his stay at Forestville Mystery Cave State Park.
Water crossings required: Some campground sections require driving through water. "Be warned that in order to get to sites #27 through #37 you have to drive through some water. In September it was only about 8"," notes Anne K. about Beaver Creek Valley State Park.
Spring-fed waters can be cold: The streams and rivers in the area remain cold even in summer. "Beaver Creek Valley is a great getaway to escape from the city. Located not too far from Caledonia, the small town has many camping essentials to offer if you forget anything," reports Dillan K.
Tips for camping with families
Pack water shoes: Many campgrounds offer water access, requiring appropriate footwear. "The best features are the huge playground for kids and the river tubing option right from the campground," says Bridget M. about Highway 250 Campground.
Consider hike-in sites for older kids: While challenging, these sites can provide memorable experiences. "The hike up the hill to the overlook is a daunting one. We used a collapsible wagon to haul all the supplies up the hill. There are two hike in sites here at overlooks that give spectacular views," shares Stephanie K. about Richard J Dorer Memorial Hardwood Forest.
Look for campgrounds with activities: Some locations offer organized events for children. "There are so many activities to do both within the park and surrounding areas, but my most favorite thing to do was walk the endless miles of hiking trails," writes TyAnn J. about Forestville.
Tips from RVers
Watch for dump station locations: Plan accordingly for wastewater disposal. "Dump station was in odd spot, if it were busy it wouldn't be good," cautions Andy C. about Maple Springs Campground.
Know your site dimensions: Some campgrounds have size restrictions. "Sites are decent size, drove in and got a site, no reservation," mentions Roni J. about Maple Springs Campground.
Respect quiet hours: Many campgrounds in the area strictly enforce noise restrictions. "They are sticklers on the quiet time after 10 or 11pm. My friends and I have been given warnings about being quiet, so it's definitely more of a family campground," advises Jennifer M. about Eagle Cliff Campground.
