Best Campgrounds near Rochester, MN

Camping near Rochester, Minnesota, offers a mix of beautiful scenery, outdoor activities, and family-friendly environments. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled weekend, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

• Hiking Trails: Many campgrounds, like Whitewater State Park, have extensive hiking trails. One visitor mentioned, "We hiked to Chimney Rock and Inspiration Point and found the trails more challenging than we expected from their descriptions."
• Wildlife Watching: Campers at Afton State Park enjoyed the local wildlife. A reviewer noted, "Lots of birds, butterflies, and squirrels visited our campsite daily."
• Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, Beaver Creek Valley State Park is known for its trout fishing. One camper said, "Good trout fishing here, some sites are primitive, some have electric and water."

What campers like:

• Privacy: Campers appreciate the spacious sites at Afton State Park. One review highlighted, "Our site was mighty large and for the most part secluded from those near and on the path."
• Clean Facilities: Many visitors rave about the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A camper at Frontenac State Park mentioned, "Bathrooms are VERY CLEAN. Trails are well maintained."
• Scenic Views: Campgrounds like Great River Bluffs State Park offer stunning views. A visitor shared, "The elevation you get up on the bluffs gives you great views of the river and foliage."

What you should know:

• Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have spotty cell service. A camper at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park noted, "No cell/ very patchy cell signal and could only get WiFi signal when standing next to Ranger station."
• No Alcohol Allowed: Some parks, like Afton State Park, do not allow alcohol. A reviewer mentioned, "Not overly crowded, clean showers and family friendly."
• Seasonal Availability: Check the season for each campground. For example, Sakatah Lake State Park is open from April to October.

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Family-Friendly Parks: Parks like Whitewater State Park are known for being family-friendly. A camper said, "Beautiful lookouts on trails, quiet camp sites, and very nice amenities."
• Plan for Activities: Look for campgrounds with nearby activities. One family at Afton State Park enjoyed the swimming beach, stating, "Swimming beach about half a mile from campground."
• Pack for Comfort: Bring along items for comfort, like hammocks or extra blankets. A visitor at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park mentioned, "The outer non-electric sites... are much nicer."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Frontenac State Park noted, "Plenty of space to park a 21 ft trailer."
• Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups, like Perrot State Park. One camper said, "Camping spots are large and private, the bathroom facilities and showers are clean."
• Dump Stations: Ensure there’s a dump station nearby. A visitor at Beaver Creek Valley State Park mentioned, "A bit of a tight turn to get to the dump station."

Camping around Rochester, Minnesota, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. With beautiful parks and plenty of activities, it’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors!