150 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"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."
from $25 - $90 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $30 - $46 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $35 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $25 - $250 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $17 - $30 / night
Check Availability"Love the drive in and walk in sites"
"Nice sites there was some trash around but it is right on the Root river bike trail."
from $17 / 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."
from $35 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"Direct access to trails that go to town."
RangerThis campground has large private sites, most are shady or partially shaded. Bathrooms are large and well maintained. There’s lots of good hiking trails and the historic town of Forestville was interesting to explore. Absolutely no cell coverage for T-Mobile or AT&T but luckily our site had a good opening in the trees for our Starlink. Would definitely recommend.
TravelerLast year this was free dispersed camping...this year they put a fee of 17.00 on a site a night...probably the same at the other dispersed camping in the Dorer State Forest...
TravelerWe tent camped one night, midweek late August. Our site was private, close enough to the shower house but far enough away that we didn't hear any noise from the exhaust fans. Was a lovely quiet night. On a tight schedule so we weren't able to sample any of the hikes. Would stay here again. #33 also looked like a prime tent camp spot.
GuideOctober 12, low of 63° high around 78°.
We arrived here on Sunday around noon and there were maybe 4 other trailers. We self registered and chose one of the many spots and headed to decorah for lunch. When we got back around 5 pm everyone was gone. We enjoyed the creek rushing next to us and the quiet park!
Water was shut off but vault toilets were available.
GuideNice campground sites are smaller & you will need to level. Nice clean flush toilets & showers. Can hear the highway below. Road in is gravel & narrow not for big rigs.
ScoutWe selected "best available" site and showed up two hours later to a disgusting mess. There was a pile of garbage in our site. There was a busy railroad track right next the the site not shown in the campground map. They offered other sites but they were not any better.
GuideQuiet, beautiful and good facilities. Showers .25 for 5 minutes. We are here midweek in September so even the occupied sites only have people staying there in the weekends.
TravelerI go there every year for hunting. Everyone is friendly and everyone is responsible for cleaning up the place. First come first serve. No reservations.
GuideEasy check in. Self serve. Staff and hosts are great.
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 150 campgrounds and RV parks near Preston, MN and 8 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 4.4-star rating from 20 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Preston, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 free dispersed camping spots near Preston, MN.
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