Marion, Minnesota camping options vary from primitive tent sites to fully equipped RV parks with seasonal operations typically spanning May through October. The surrounding landscape features both wooded and open areas with easy access to hiking trails, fishing spots, and water activities. Winters close many campgrounds, though some remain open year-round for cold-weather enthusiasts willing to brave Minnesota's colder months.
What to do
Hiking at Whitewater State Park: The park offers well-maintained hiking trails with varying difficulty levels, including the popular Chimney Rock trail. One visitor noted, "I hiked up Chimney Rock and then looped back to tackle part of the Dakota trail! The hiking paths were well taken care of. There were plenty of places to stop and rest if you need to."
Trout fishing: Many streams and rivers near Marion provide excellent fishing opportunities, particularly for trout. Maple Springs Campground features a trout stream right on the property. A camper mentioned, "Fly fishing. Did I mention no mosquitoes!" Another visitor highlighted, "We'll be back another time for fishing."
Cave exploration: The area offers fascinating underground experiences within a short drive from Marion. Forestville Mystery Cave State Park provides guided tours of its extensive cave system. A visitor shared, "I think 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."
What campers like
Low mosquito presence: Unlike many Minnesota camping destinations, some areas near Marion have surprisingly few mosquitoes. At Whitewater State Park, 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."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain excellent bathroom and shower facilities. At Chester Woods Park, visitors consistently mention the cleanliness: "The campground is very clean and nice. The bathrooms and showers were pristine clean and close and easy to walk to."
Wildlife viewing: The natural setting provides opportunities to spot various wildlife. Oxbow County Park even features its own zoo with rescued animals. A visitor stated, "Zoo and nature center are great. Animals are all rescued and given a home. Bison herd and elk and deer too."
What you should know
Cell service varies: While some campgrounds offer reliable connections, others have limited or no service. At Maple Springs Campground, a visitor noted, "There is WiFi there, but little to no phone service unless you have a cell booster."
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds operate from May through October, with specific opening and closing dates varying by location. Carley State Park runs from "Memorial Day to Labor Day weekend," while Whitewater State Park remains open year-round, offering unique winter camping experiences.
Reservation requirements: During peak season, reservations are strongly recommended as campsites fill quickly, especially on weekends and holidays. Many campgrounds allow online booking, and some have specific policies regarding cancellations.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer swimming areas that are particularly suitable for children. At Chester Woods Park, a visitor observed, "The beach was great and clean. Fishing was great."
Playgrounds and activities: Oxbow County Park provides excellent facilities for children beyond just camping. A camper shared, "There is a free zoo and interactive area as well as several play equipment areas. They have activities at the zoo and plenty of hiking trails."
Educational opportunities: Many campgrounds near Marion offer educational programs and nature centers. At Whitewater State Park, visitors can take advantage of "a big nature store with lots of great stuff," according to one review.
Tips from RVers
Hook-up variations: Most RV sites near Marion offer electric hook-ups, but water and sewer connections vary by location. At Autumn Woods RV Park, a visitor noted, "Very clean, quite and friendly helpful people. Easy in and out, that's important to me because we have a large trailer."
Site accessibility: Many campgrounds provide pull-through sites and level pads suitable for larger rigs. One camper at Chester Woods Park mentioned, "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."
Winter RV options: For those camping during colder months, some parks remain open with plowed spaces. At Whitewater State Park, a winter visitor noted, "We visited in winter (February) and while there was snow on the ground, the spaces were kept plowed with easy access to the electric boxes."
