Best Campgrounds near Winona, MN
The bluff country surrounding Winona, Minnesota features a diverse range of camping options along the Mississippi River valley and nearby state parks. Great River Bluffs State Park, located just outside Winona, offers both drive-in and cart-in sites with spectacular views from limestone bluffs overlooking the river. Nearby Whitewater State Park in Elba provides year-round camping with tent, RV, and cabin accommodations. Across the Mississippi in Wisconsin, Perrot State Park and Merrick State Park offer additional camping opportunities with boat access. Private options include Camp Everyday Winona, which operates from April through mid-October with full hookup sites and cabin rentals.
Most campgrounds in the region require reservations, especially during summer weekends and fall color season. State park campgrounds typically provide basic amenities including drinking water, picnic tables, and fire rings, while facilities like showers may be closed during colder months. Mosquitoes can be problematic in summer, with one visitor noting, "The mosquitos were very bad when I visited. I suggest going in late fall when the weather is cooler." Cart-in sites at Great River Bluffs require transporting gear from parking areas using provided wheelbarrows, with distances ranging from short walks to half-mile treks. Winter camping is available at several state parks, though with reduced services.
Visitors frequently highlight the scenic beauty and wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the area. The cart-in sites at Great River Bluffs receive particular praise, with one camper noting, "The 5 sites are well spaced out with lots of trees, nice flat tent pads, a newer clean vault and good fresh water both within a short distance of all the sites." Birdwatching is exceptional, with eagles, cranes, and songbirds commonly spotted. Hiking trails provide access to dramatic river valley vistas, though trail difficulty varies significantly between parks. Whitewater State Park features challenging climbs to viewpoints, while Great River Bluffs offers easier, well-mapped trails. The proximity to both the Mississippi River and Root River provides opportunities for fishing, paddling, and swimming during warmer months.
