Cabins near Rushford, Minnesota provide outdoor access to the limestone bluff country of southeastern Minnesota, where elevations range from 660 to 1,300 feet. Accommodation options throughout the Root River Valley include rentals with varying amenities from rustic to modern with full utilities. Several properties offer rental units situated along waterways for direct river access.
What to do
Tubing adventures: The Root River offers gentle floating experiences at Eagle Cliff Campground and Lodging, where tubing rentals include shuttle service. "They offer kayak, canoe and tube rentals and shuttles. They also have bike rentals," notes one visitor at Eagle Cliff.
Trout fishing spots: Local streams provide excellent fishing opportunities near Beaver Creek Valley. "Small quiet campground with sites that back up to the creek. Very easy walking trail winding through the park and stream. An easy way to trout fish and enjoy the park," explains a guest at Beaver Creek Valley State Park Campground.
Cycling on paved trails: The extensive Root River Trail System connects several small towns and runs directly through some campgrounds. "It's nice to have a place this nice only 35 minutes from Rochester. Short drive to White Water State Park. A lot of great trout fishing spots along the river," shares a camper who stayed at Aefintyr.
Cave exploration: Mystery Cave offers guided tours through underground passages with formations and pools. "We took the scenic tour, and our guide Kip was fantastic! Hey let everyone ask all the questions they wanted to, and didn't rush us at all!" reports a visitor to Forestville Mystery Cave State Park.
What campers like
Riverside campsites: Many cabin rentals and camping spots sit along waterways for immediate water access. "Stopped here on the way up to Minnesota and our campsite was gorgeous! Everyone was very friendly and the sites were very clean. We stayed right on the water," explains a camper at Eagle Cliff Campground and Lodging.
Bluff country views: The terrain provides scenic vistas from elevated sites. "Beautiful campsite with a lot of amenities. The hike to the site is steep but worth it once you get up there," explains a reviewer about the cabin options at Aefintyr.
Onsite amenities: Multiple properties offer additional facilities beyond basic camping. "They have a great restaurant and outside bar, pool, baseball and a playground," notes a visitor to The Old Barn Resort, where cabin accommodations complement diverse recreational options.
Spring-fed waters: Natural springs and clear waterways characterize the region. "The creek is absolutely beautiful," shares a camper at Beaver Creek Valley State Park, where cabin options provide access to natural water features.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most cabin rentals close during winter months. "We visited the resort over a long weekend and had an absolute blast. It really is a treat that the Root River Bike Trail System runs right along the campground," states a visitor at The Old Barn Resort, which operates from April through October.
Cell service limitations: Many properties have limited or no connectivity due to the valley topography. "The only thing to know is there is no cell reception because of the valley. This great if you want to get away from it all, but if you're staying a while and need to work, this isn't the place to do it," advises a camper at Beaver Creek Valley.
Reservation requirements: Advance booking becomes essential during peak summer months. "Last minute call and they had opening for us. Great camp site, wonderful bar and food," mentions a visitor about The Old Barn Resort, suggesting that availability varies seasonally.
Quiet enforcement: Some properties maintain strict noise policies. "They are sticklers on the quiet time after 10 or 11pm. My friends and I have been given warnings about being quiet, so it's definitely more of a family campground," notes a camper at Eagle Cliff.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access options: Several properties offer swimming facilities for children. "This campground was really good. It had an indoor/outdoor heated pool, a big barn with a restaurant and bar, and clean restroom and shower facilities," shares a visitor to The Old Barn Resort.
Nature activities: Wildlife viewing opportunities abound throughout the region. "Nice campground, busy most of the summer. Call ahead for reservations. Kids love the man made pool. Been going here since since 1980!" reports a camper at Money Creek Haven.
Playground facilities: Many cabin rental locations include recreational structures. "For the families - there's a couple small playgrounds on site, which is a good opportunity for the littles to burn some energy," explains a visitor to The Old Barn Resort.
Educational options: Some properties offer structured learning activities. "There are fun free activities for kids to check out from the park office and a playground," notes a camper at Forestville Mystery Cave State Park Campground, where cabin rentals provide family-friendly accommodations.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing considerations: Property layouts vary significantly between locations. "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," reports a visitor to The Old Barn Resort, where cabins and RV sites share common areas.
Access road conditions: Some properties require driving through water crossings or navigating steep terrain. "A lot of electric sites. Tent sites further back in the campground through multiple water crossings (ok for cars). Campsites beautiful wooded sites in the bluffs," shares a camper at Beaver Creek Valley State Park Campground.
Hookup availability: While cabins typically provide at least electrical service, RV site amenities vary. "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," notes a visitor at Eagle Cliff.
