Camping options surround Rochester, Minnesota, within the distinctive driftless region characterized by steep limestone bluffs and spring-fed rivers. This area escaped glaciation during the last ice age, creating a unique landscape with valleys carved 500-600 feet deep into ancient bedrock. Winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that regularly drop below 0°F, while summer brings humid conditions with occasional severe thunderstorms.
What to do
Underground exploration: Forestville Mystery Cave State Park offers cave tours with spectacular formations. A visitor noted, "The cave was around 12-13 miles long and there was water and different formations. The floor was really wet so bring shoes you won't slip in." Tours cost $15 for adults and $10 for children 5-12.
Tubing on Root River: Eagle Cliff Campground provides river access and equipment rentals. According to a camper, "The Root River goes right alongside most of the campsites which creates a really peaceful space. The campgrounds also offer canoe, kayak, and tubing rentals to go down the river."
Biking trails: The Old Barn Resort connects directly to the Root River Trail System. A reviewer mentioned, "It really is a treat that the Root River Bike Trail System runs right along the campground. We spent most of our time exploring the trail, visiting Lanesboro and Whalen."
Stargazing opportunities: Clear night skies offer excellent visibility for star watching. Rice Lake State Park hosts occasional star gazing events, with one camper sharing, "We sat and watched the sun set and join in on the star gazing event that was going on in the park. We got to look at the moon and Saturn through a few big telescopes."
What campers like
Few insects: Whitewater State Park has minimal mosquitoes due to its moving water. A camper reported, "Best part: very few mosquitoes!! (The cold, constantly moving water helps keep them away.) One of my favorite parks in the state of Minnesota."
Spacious sites: Chester Woods Park provides well-separated camping spots. One reviewer appreciated that "The 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."
Wildlife viewing: Campgrounds throughout the area offer opportunities to spot native wildlife. At Myre Big Island State Park, a camper shared, "So much wildlife to see at this park. Seeing large groups of deer was a daily/nightly thing!" Visitors also frequently report seeing bald eagles.
Clean facilities: Most area campgrounds maintain high standards for bathrooms and shower facilities. At Chester Woods, a reviewer noted, "Nice park for everyone's type from tents, cabins and all size RV's. Clean bathrooms and showers. Best value I've seen for fire wood."
What you should know
Cell service varies: Many campgrounds have limited or no coverage. At Forestville Mystery Cave State Park, a visitor warned, "There is NO CELL SERVICE in the campground - no Verizon, ATT or T-Mobile. Wifi down at the ranger office."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly during summer weekends. Sites at Kruger Campground cannot be reserved and cost only $17 per night, with a camper describing it as a "beautiful, secluded, affordable" option.
Yurt camping in Rochester, Minnesota: Several campgrounds offer yurt accommodations as alternatives to tents or RVs. The Old Barn Resort provides yurt rentals that stay available later in the season than standard tent sites, offering a comfortable option for extended-season camping near Rochester.
Seasonal shower access: Winter campers should note that water systems shut down in colder months. A visitor to Whitewater State Park explained, "This time of year, water is not on in the campground, but there is a spigot right across the road at the visitor center that is on (easy 2 min walk)."
Tips for camping with families
Off-peak visits for privacy: Many families find midweek camping provides a quieter experience. A visitor to Whitewater State Park shared, "I had the entire State Park to myself. It was super cool be eerie. Great hikes and the view from the top was worth it."
Kid-friendly activities: Many parks offer regular naturalist programs. At Whitewater, fishing opportunities abound with one visitor noting, "Awesome hiking, nice swimming beach. Big nature store with lots of great stuff. Lots of spots for great fishing."
Nearby attractions: Myre Big Island State Park offers family-oriented amenities. A visitor explained, "The park offers geocashing (and free GPS rental), as well as canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, and a small fishing boat that can be rented!"
Swimming options: Not all parks have swimming areas. At Rice Lake State Park, a camper noted the limitation: "A nice small park but nothing special. There is also no place to swim at this lake which is a bit disappointing, but it is a very beautiful lake with lots of wildlife!"
Tips from RVers
Hookup limitations: Most state parks offer electric-only sites. At Chester Woods Park, an RVer explained, "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."
Navigating narrow roads: Some campgrounds have tight access points. At Myre Big Island, a camper cautioned, "The interior roads are dirt roads with a few potholes they are very narrow. We were able to drive through the campground with our 40 foot fifth wheel. But just barely, be careful!"
Winter access: Electric sites remain available year-round at some parks. At Whitewater State Park, a winter camper noted, "We were in a teardrop trailer. Plenty of space for the car and the teardrop in space #202, but all spaces that were plowed had plenty of room to pull in."
