Forestville Mystery Cave State Park offers camping among tall oaks and maples in southeastern Minnesota's bluff country. Located near Preston, the park sits in an area of rolling hills carved by the Root River. Summer temperatures range from 65-85°F, while winter months can drop below freezing with occasional snowfall. The camping area features sandy soils that drain quickly after rain.
What to do
Cave exploration: Tour underground passages at Forestville Mystery Cave State Park, where the cave stretches approximately 12 miles underground with various formations and water features. "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," advises Kevin T., who recommends the experience as "worth the time and an experience you won't forget."
Bird watching: Spot native species in the wooded areas and near water sources. The tree canopy at Great River Bluffs State Park provides excellent opportunities for birdwatching. "We saw a cardinal and 3 hummingbirds because they came to hang out right in our campsite! The fireflies at night were an added bonus," shares Mi S.
History exploration: Visit preserved sites near the campgrounds to learn about regional history. "I loved the campground area which nestled in a small valley. On top of that it has this awesome living history 1800's village managed by the Minnesota Historical Society," notes Jason S. from Forestville Mystery Cave State Park.
What campers like
Peace and quiet: Weekday camping at Eagle Cliff Campground offers a more tranquil experience. "Camping during the week is quite! Overall great experience! Located on the Root River," explains Dan K., who appreciates the clean facilities and pet-friendly policies.
Water activities: Tubing and kayaking are popular during summer months. The Root River provides gentle currents ideal for beginners. "This is a very nice campground with a variety of sites. 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," says Jennifer M.
Hiking trails: Well-maintained paths through varied terrain allow for exploration of the bluff country. Whitewater State Park offers numerous trail options. "Lots of hiking - down to historic village and back is about 4.5 miles round trip," notes Jim C., who stayed at Forestville and enjoyed the varied terrain.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Reception varies significantly between campgrounds. At Whitewater State Park, campers report minimal cell coverage. "There is NO CELL SERVICE in the campground - no Verizon, ATT or T-Mobile. Wifi down at the ranger office," warns Jim C. after staying at Forestville.
Shower facilities: Quality and availability differ across parks. Some require quarters for operation. "They have a shower house with individual shower rooms and then separate mens/women/handicapped bathroom. Showers were clean," reports Jim C.
Weather preparedness: The region experiences rapid drainage after rainfall due to sandy soil composition. "We had some wet weather come through, but because of the sandy soils, things dried out and drained very quickly," notes ERolf P. about Forestville.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Consider parks with accessible water features. "This campground is very clean and nice. The bathrooms and showers were pristine clean and close and easy to walk to. The beach was great and clean. Fishing was great," says Erik O. about Chester Woods Park.
Educational opportunities: Combine camping with learning experiences at historical sites and nature centers. "Fun visit to the park and historic Forestville. We did not see the caves. Camp ground was nice. Adequate shower facilities. Very nice trail system, very will maintained trails all through park," shares ERolf P.
Glamping options near Preston, Minnesota: For families seeking more comfortable accommodations, several parks offer luxury camping alternatives. "I've been here twice and it's always been great. The cave tours are well done and the sites are scenic and tucked into the woods," notes Elisabeth M. about Forestville's glamping options.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Choose locations based on hookup needs and space requirements. "Overall great experience! Located on the Root River. Cliff View has very clean bath houses. Lots of sites to choose from. 50 amp service, sewer hook up and of course water. Some sites are tight for large motor homes, 5th wheelers and travel trailer," advises Dan K. at Bluffton Resort.
Seasonal access: Most RV parks in the area operate from April through October. "Our site was very large, which was nice as it gave us more than enough room to set up our tent, leaving space between us and the neighboring sites," shares Joe W., noting the spacious layout at Old Barn Resort.
Hookup availability: Electric-only sites are common in county parks, with water and dump stations centrally located. "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," notes Kevin about Chester Woods Park.
