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.
"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."
"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."
$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!!"
"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."
$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."
"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."
$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."
"Shade on most, stick to the outsides of camp for better shade."
"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."
GuideThree loops: north (with electric service), island (walk-to, tent only) and south (dry camping). We toured the north loop; sites are pretty close together and not that well screened from each other. We stayed in the south loop, all of which sites are well spaced and decently screened from each other. Half face toward the Mississippi and half face toward the shore, but all are right on the water. The river was high when we visited, and some of the river-facing sites were flooded out. Not crowded on the south loop, even in the run-up to the 4th of July weekend, with reservations available facing the river (even the dry ones!). Vault toilets, one each for men and women, separated by 50 (?) yards, plus two accessible porta-potties in the loop--seemed meager for the possible number of campers in high season. Some train noise, and many motor boats--fishing and skiing--but the boat noise, of course, calmed down as the sun set. Overall, a bit ill-kept, but right on the water!
GuideThis park is beautiful. It’s as green as green gets. Lots of room. Only electric hooks ups at each site. They do have a fresh water filling station and a dump station. Well worth the $30 per night charge.
GuideNice grass for your tent. Sites away from the water have beautiful shade. Near the water no shade. The whole tent camping area is in the middle of a frisbee golf course so lots of foot traffic by the sites.
TravelerMy dogs favorite, including the dog swim beach. Not best for dogs not good with a busy place in the summer. Showers clean, firewood, elec on every site! Shade on most, stick to the outsides of camp for better shade.
TravelerThese people are wonderful and accomodating.
TravelerDuring a cross country trip we were tired and looking for a place to rest. Found this campground it was clean. Nice bathrooms and easy access. Found a site paid on line.
TravelerFirst time camping of the season here! Brian in the office was SO nice and generous. It was pretty quiet there, he upgraded us to a nicer spot and threw in an extra bundle of wood. The facilities were clean, graveled pull through spots were so nice. Other campers there were very nice. It’s pretty close to the interstate, so just be aware you’ll hear that noise, it might be better once the trees have leaves on them. Would stay again!
GuideWe had a reservation on the North Shore, but switched it to Whitewater when we saw the ice and snowstorms in the forecast.
Our site was large and easy to back into, all sites have a picnic table and fire ring. We had no cell service at our site, but 2 bars plus WIFI outside the visitor center. A water spigot was there, too, since the water and bathhouse are off/closed for the winter season. Firewood is available for $8 per bundle, you can pay by QR code if you have enough service. Or you can grab wood and pay in person at the other end of the park - a small shop is there near picnic areas and trailheads.
The wood was small pieces of mill offcuts, but it burned better that we expected, enough to warm up and to cook. It started drizzling, so we didn’t sit out by an evening fire. We think our bundle was oak. In any case, it was good, dry hardwood. It exceeded our first disappointing impression.
We had great weather our first day and saw few other people on the trails. It got colder and rainy and most of the campers left.
Overall, this was a great spot to get away into the fresh air. We’ll be back another time for fishing.
RangerAs with most State Parks, the campground sites are really close together and you have very little privacy. The hikes were beautiful and the variety of old growth trees was spectacular.
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.
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
According to TheDyrt.com, Rochester, MN offers a wide range of camping options, with 122 campgrounds and RV parks near Rochester, MN and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
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.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots 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.
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