Southeastern Minnesota's bluff country surrounding Preston features diverse camping options within the scenic Root River Valley. Forestville Mystery Cave State Park Campground, located just outside Preston, offers year-round camping with tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and glamping accommodations nestled among oak and maple forests. The Old Barn Resort provides full-service camping from April through October with amenities including a restaurant, bar, and heated pool, situated along the popular Root River Trail System. More rustic options exist at Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood Forest, where dispersed camping provides a more primitive experience for those seeking solitude.
Most campgrounds in the region require reservations during peak season (May through September), though some smaller sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Minnesota state parks require entrance permits in addition to camping fees, with most sites ranging from $20-35 per night depending on amenities. Winter camping is available at select locations like Forestville Mystery Cave State Park, where plowed sites with electrical hookups accommodate cold-weather visitors. According to one camper at Whitewater State Park: "The best part about Whitewater are the trails and views. It is located in a carved glacier valley and is surrounded by limestone. I recommend moderate to experienced hikers due to the intense climb to get to the popular views."
The Root River Trail System connects many campgrounds in the area, providing excellent biking and hiking opportunities. Riverside campsites are particularly popular, with Eagle Cliff Campground offering sites along the water that visitors describe as "gorgeous" despite being close together. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound throughout the region, with campers reporting sightings of deer, eagles, and various bird species. Trout fishing is excellent in local streams, though some areas require a Minnesota fishing license. Mosquitoes can be problematic in wooded areas during summer months, with one reviewer noting: "Since the park is in a heavily wooded area you do have to watch out for the Minnesota state bird (the mosquito)." Family-friendly campgrounds predominate, with many enforcing quiet hours after 10 PM.
$25 - $90 / 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."
$30 - $46 / night
"Stopped here on the way up to Minnesota and our campsite was gorgeous! Everyone was very friendly and the sites were very clean. We stayed right on the water."
"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."
"It was located right on the Root River Trail System which we liked for biking and running."
"Beware, the office and bar/restaurant are located inside the barn. I say beware because there are barn swallows that nest on the outside of the barn. TONS of barn swallows."
$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."
$25 - $250 / night
"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."
$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."
$35 / night
"If you're looking for a simpler camping experience focused on getting away from everything and solitude, then this is the place for you. "
"This location offers the opportunity to explore both private trails and less traveled areas of Forestville State Park. Secluded campsites so you are not camping side by side with others."
"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."
$17 / night
"Nice sites there was some trash around but it is right on the Root river bike trail."
"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."
LegendThis is a larger county campground that has nice sized sites that look very well maintained. It runs along the Cedar River and has a put in for paddlers nearby. It is situated right off the blacktopped road.
LegendThis campground is at the park where the dam on the Cedar River is. This is a fairly popular fishing spot. Campground has basic and essential facilities. There is a pavilion, playground and shower/bathroom. There is a bar and grill a short walk up the incline to the other side of the road.
LegendThis is a nice campground that has basics/essentials available. It is easy to get to and has many river front sites. There is a playground and boat access on the property. It is on the Cedar River waterway. There is a loop for tents as well.
LegendThis small campground is situated on the riverbanks of the Cedar River. It has basic essential amenities and has a playground. The river is a very nice place to paddle. There are campsites located along this waterway.
LegendThis is a very small campground in the middle of town across from the high school track/football field. It has a handful of grassy sites. River is behind the property. It is located off a fairly busy road. The bike trail and root river (paddling route) is close by. Pretty area.
LegendThis is a small primitive campground that has 1 vault toilet. (no shower) Horses are allowed. Fairly close together sites, but a beautiful area to get into nature or go camping at a reasonable price.
LegendThis area is getting more developed as the Owl Center will be moving here from the current location on Main Street. You do need to walk several hundred feet to the tent sites. Nature center, natural playground, biking trails, root river with paddling opportunities. This area is part of the drift-less region and known for its rolling landscape.
LegendLocated on state forest land there are 2 separate areas right next to each other. The first loop is for smaller vehicles and tents and the larger area should be reserved for larger vehicles with horse trailers. There are hiking and equestrian trails present into the state forest land. There is one vault toilet. No other amenities. Beautiful area!
LegendThis is a tucked away campground off a few miles of gravel near Spring Grove, MN. It has a pool and activities found at many KOAs. There is a beautiful creek going through the property and is a very beautiful area known as the driftless region.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Preston, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, Preston, MN offers a wide range of camping options, with 143 campgrounds and RV parks near Preston, MN and 5 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Preston, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Preston, MN is Forestville Mystery Cave State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 18 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Preston, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Preston, MN.
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