Winona campgrounds sit in southeastern Minnesota's Mississippi River valley, offering camping options within bluff-lined landscapes that rise 500-600 feet above river level. The region features a continental climate with warm summers and cold winters, with most campgrounds situated on relatively flat terrain near the river. Many campsites near Winona require advance reservations during summer months when temperatures average 75-85°F.
What to do
Trout fishing opportunities: Whitewater State Park provides excellent access to spring-fed streams for anglers. "We had great weather our first day and saw few other people on the trails. It got colder and rainy and most of the campers left. Overall, this was a great spot to get away into the fresh air. We'll be back another time for fishing," notes a camper at Minneiska Campground.
Access biking trails: Peterson City RV Park offers direct access to the Root River bike trail system. "The campground is on the Root River bike trail which is beautiful, shaded, and paved," explains a visitor. "The RV sites have electricity, water, and sewer, and they are level– we were only staying one night and didn't even need to unhook our pickup."
Kayaking on local waters: Lake Neshonoc near West Salem provides kayaking opportunities across its 600-acre surface. "Great place to go kayak, decent place to fish, and good access to bike trail. The lake is about 600 acres in size and about 11 feet deep at the deepest point. Lake Sturgeon, Bass, Muskie, Pike, Walleye, and Bluegill can be caught at this location," reports a camper at Neshonoc Lakeside.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Nelson's Landing RV Park maintains exceptionally clean bathroom facilities. "The best part was the bathroom/shower house! There were 3-4 private shower/toilet/sink rooms with full locking doors. Everything is brand new and pristinely clean: white subway tile, white walls, white fixtures. Great water pressure and temperature. It reminded me of a fancy athletic club like Lifetime Fitness!" shares a visitor at Nelson's Landing RV Park.
Organized activities: Stoney Creek RV Resort offers scheduled weekend events. "This is an amazing place for families to spend time camping. There are so many different planned activities for both the children and the adults to participate in. The theme weeks are all fun and well planned out. You can even order fresh baked donuts on Saturday mornings," notes a reviewer at Stoney Creek RV Resort.
Water recreation: Several rv campgrounds Winona, Minnesota and surrounding areas feature swimming areas. "They also have a beautiful white sand beach around a 1-acre swim pond. The water was the color of the Caribbean with these huge blow-up toys and slides in the middle. Kids loved it," describes a visitor at Whiskey Creek Family RV Park.
What you should know
Cell service variability: Coverage depends on provider and specific location. "This campground is small and quaint...plenty of space without being too close to your neighbors. We had no cell service at our site, but 2 bars plus WIFI outside the visitor center," reports a winter camper at Whitewater State Park.
Seasonal operations: Most Winona RV parks operate between April and October. "This is very convenient if you have Mayo Clinic appointments. The campground was nice with grassy sites along with electric and water hook ups, there was a dump station also," notes a visitor at Hidden Meadows RV Park, which operates April 8 to November 1.
Fire restrictions: Nearly all campgrounds provide fire rings, but availability of firewood varies. "Firewood is available for $8 per bundle, you can pay by QR code if you have enough service. The wood was small pieces of mill offcuts, but it burned better that we expected, enough to warm up and to cook."
Tips for camping with families
Activity options: Select campgrounds with organized children's programs. "We stayed over memorial weekend with a group of friends. With 2 swimming pools, daily activities, movies, and a full ice cream shop you won't be bored here. The owners were super friendly and helpful. If you're looking to escape into nature, this is not your park. If you want full hook ups and a summer camp family experience, this is great," recommends a visitor at Neshonoc Lakeside.
Playground access: Several campgrounds provide play areas for children. "Camp Everyday Winona has a playground for kids near the tent area. We were visiting our daughter in nearby Winona, MN. This place is also close to La Crosse WI. The bathrooms were exceptionally clean," notes a visitor.
Group facilities: Many rv campgrounds near Winona accommodate family gatherings. "We had a great family trip here- we rented 3 cabins and had 2 campers all together which is difficult to accommodate. There is a pool, skate park, sand volleyball, pond and concessions. The roads were perfect for our kids bikes," comments a camper at Stoney Creek RV Resort.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Check whether sites require adjustments. "Sites at Peterson City RV Park are gravel and pretty level. Only a little leveling was needed. Staff/owners were friendly and helpful," shares an RVer at Peterson City RV Park.
Hookup placement awareness: Position your RV strategically for utilities access. "Note that depending on the site and how far you back in, the electric hookup may be a distance. Also oddly spaced power hook up with sewer and water placements," advises a camper.
Campground layout considerations: Spacing between sites varies significantly between locations. "Campsites are very closely spaced together. I was thankful no one was placed near our campsite to give us more room. The permanent campsites are practically on top of one another," notes a recent visitor at Hidden Meadows RV Park.
