Best Campgrounds near Rochester, MN

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Rochester, MN is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Rochester. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Rochester camping trip.

Best Camping Sites Near Rochester, Minnesota (121)

    1. Minneiska Campground — Whitewater State Park

    50 Reviews
    Elba, MN
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 932-3007

    "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."

    2. Chester Woods Park

    5 Reviews
    Eyota, MN
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 285-7050

    "Chester Woods is a county park just east of Rochester, MN."

    "Has many walking trails that you can take your dog on and just a couple that you can’t."

    3. Autumn Woods RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Stewartville, MN
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 990-2983

    4. Oxbow County Park

    6 Reviews
    Byron, MN
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 775-2451

    $25 - $30 / night

    "There is an awesome park near the sites for children."

    "The zoo is amazing, the campground is well cared and a ton of hiking trails!!"

    5. Rochester-Marion KOA

    4 Reviews
    Marion, MN
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 288-0785

    "It has convenient access to the freeway and the city of Rochester.

    Bathrooms are cleaned frequently and we'll stocked."

    "I would definitely stop here for the evening again if I was driving through."

    6. Hidden Meadows RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Pine Island, MN
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 356-8594

    $38 - $45 / night

    "The lower area of this park is so nice and right near a river. The owners are really nice, bathrooms/showers clean and everybody is friendly."

    "Portable toilets spaced around and a centralized bath house by the office. There are seasonal guests and everyone was friendly."

    7. Carley State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Plainview, MN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 932-3007

    "Carley State Park is easy to overlook in favor of nearby Whitewater State Park. Whitewater has an actual visitor center, the dramatic scenery, the flush toilets, and spacious/level sites."

    "Site #2 is further down a path with 4 picnic tables and room for 4-5 tents. The site is right at the park border, with farm land/prairie just on the other Side of the trees."

    8. Bluff Hollow on Root River

    1 Review
    Marion, MN
    8 miles

    $35 - $45 / night

    "There were 2 options for camping - the upper site and lower near the river. We opted to camp and hang out down by the river."

    9. Chester Woods Patk

    1 Review
    Marion, MN
    8 miles

    "Shade on most, stick to the outsides of camp for better shade."

    10. Tilly's American Travelers RV Resort

    1 Review
    Pine Island, MN
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 367-2499

    "It's a nice stop if you need close to Rochester. Not badly priced. Grill and Bar on site with good food. The store, bath, and laundry are still closed due to Covid."

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Showing results 1-10 of 121 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Rochester, MN

475 Reviews of 121 Rochester Campgrounds



Guide to Rochester

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!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Rochester, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, Rochester, MN offers a wide range of camping options, with 121 campgrounds and RV parks near Rochester, MN and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Rochester, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Rochester, MN is Minneiska Campground — Whitewater State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 50 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Rochester, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Rochester, MN.

What parks are near Rochester, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 parks near Rochester, MN that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.