The Root River Valley near Spring Valley, Minnesota sits within the driftless region, an area untouched by glaciers that created the dramatic limestone bluffs and valleys characteristic of this area. Winter temperatures often drop below 0°F while summer days typically reach the 80s, requiring campers to pack accordingly. The region's combination of hardwood forests and meandering rivers makes it particularly well-suited for paddle sports in warm months.
What to do
Tubing experiences: At The Old Barn Resort, visitors can float down the Root River. "Tubing the river is the highlight here. You drop in one side of the campsite and an hour later pull out on the other side. So much fun," notes Lee G. The resort also offers golf and swimming options.
Cave exploration: Forestville Mystery Cave State Park Campground provides guided tours through extensive underground formations. "I came here to explore the caves and it blew me away. 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," advises Kevin T. Tour prices run $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 5-12.
Bike trails: The Root River Trail System connects several area campgrounds. "This campground was really good. It was located right on the Root River Trail System which we liked for biking and running," shares Cindy B. about her stay at The Old Barn Resort. Most trail sections are paved and relatively flat, making them accessible for cyclists of various skill levels.
What campers like
Private sites: Eagle Cliff Campground offers waterfront camping options. "This is an amazing campground. The Root River goes right alongside most of the campsites which creates a really peaceful space," writes Jen H. Riverside sites tend to book first, especially during summer weekends.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention shower and bathroom quality. "The bathrooms and shower house we pristine clean and close and easy to walk to," reports Erik O. about Chester Woods Park. Most campgrounds in the area offer coin-operated showers requiring quarters.
Limited connectivity: For those seeking a technology break, note that cell service varies dramatically. "There is NO CELL SERVICE in the campground - no Verizon, ATT or T-Mobile. Wifi down at the ranger office," reports Jim C. about Forestville Mystery Cave State Park. Some campgrounds provide WiFi near office buildings only.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most glamping close to Spring Valley operates between April and October due to harsh winters. The Old Barn Resort specifically runs from April 1 to October 31, while others may have limited shoulder season availability.
Reservation requirements: During peak summer weekends, advance booking is essential. For popular attractions like Mystery Cave, "if you go on weekend probably need to make reservations," advises Jim C.
Weather considerations: Spring can bring flooding along the Root River, while summer humidity often intensifies. "We had some wet weather come through, but because of the sandy soils, things dried out and drained very quickly," shares ERolf P. about their Forestville experience.
Wildlife encounters: Whitewater State Park has remarkably few mosquitoes compared to typical Minnesota campgrounds. "Best part: very few mosquitoes!! (The cold, constantly moving water helps keep them away)," explains Leda T.
Tips for camping with families
Natural playgrounds: Oakwoods Trails Campground provides family-friendly amenities despite its smaller size. "For the families - there's a couple small playgrounds on site, which is a good opportunity for the littles to burn some energy," mentions Joe W., describing recreational options at The Old Barn Resort.
Swimming options: Look for campgrounds with dedicated swimming areas. "The beach was great and clean. Fishing was great," writes Erik O. about Chester Woods Park, noting the dual recreation options available.
Educational opportunities: Mystery Cave tours provide learning experiences beyond traditional camping. "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!!" shares TyAnn J.
Kid-friendly glamping: Several campgrounds near Spring Valley offer luxury camping accommodations suitable for families not ready for traditional tent camping. Safari tents and yurts provide comfortable alternatives with proper beds and electricity.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Myre-Big Island State Park offers electric-only sites. "We had an electric site. Very level and clean. Nice fire pit and located right next to the lake. Only downside was the site was electric only. No option for full hookup but water was located between the sites," explains Julian B.
Dump station access: "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," advises Kevin about Chester Woods Park. Most campgrounds provide dump stations rather than full sewer connections.
Site size considerations: "The interior roads are dirt roads with a few potholes they are very narrow. The camping sites are nice sized and relatively private," reports Cheryl W. about Myre-Big Island State Park, noting access challenges for larger rigs.
Leveling requirements: Several campgrounds feature uneven terrain requiring leveling blocks. "Good level campsite and in walking around all the ones in the electric loop looked pretty level," notes Jim C. about sites at Forestville Mystery Cave State Park.
