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The best camping near Whitewater State Park MN

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Whitewater adventure.

100% (7 reviews)
100% (7 reviews)

Hike a mountain, hit the beach, or fish for trout at this popular park.  

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Whitewater State Park MN

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Whitewater State Park MN

100%
(10)

Aefintyr

13 sites ¡ Lodging, Tents14 acres ¡ Altura, MN
Aefintyr is a campground located on Whiskey Hill in the Whitewater River Valley near the town of Elba, MN. The land was used for personal recreation for several years. I've spent countless hours hiking and enjoying observing the seasons, plants, fungus and animals. The vision of a campground was inspired by many camping and backcountry spots throughout the United States, all of the amazing things in the woods, the beautiful blufftop valley views, proximity to a multitude of outdoor activities and adventures. Camps are spacious, secluded and designed to immerse guests in the surrounding woodland.
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$37
 / night
88%
(13)

Lionheart

3 sites ¡ RVs, Tents36 acres ¡ Millville, MN
Our land is a unique find with a little bit of everything. With river access, you can enjoy swimming/water activities and wind down with the wildlife sounds and campfire crackle. We have a few standup paddle boards, and river tubes available to rent and farm fresh eggs to purchase and enjoy with your morning campfire breakfast. The best on the Zumbro! Come experience life outdoors on the river :)
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$39
 / night
99%
(250)

Bluff Hollow Camp on the Root River

1 site ¡ RV, Tent8 acres ¡ Stewartville, MN
The property is one of a kind. The Driftless Region starts right here in SE Minnesota. It is secluded with mature trees, beautiful bluffs, fishing, kayaking! It is a nature lovers dream!
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$55
 / night
97%
(263)

The Edge

7 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents160 acres ¡ Rochester, MN
This 160 acre farm used to be a sod farm, and then a Christmas tree farm. Camping provided is in the remnants of the uncut Christmas tree forest. 
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$25
 / night
100%
(360)

Gilles Family Dairy & Woodland

4 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres ¡ Houston, MN
Welcome ; Located in southeast Minnesota's Driftless region of hills, valleys, fields and forests, we are a grass based working dairy farm with over 100 acres of woodland, including an extensive trail system and campsites in our wooded acres. What makes this woodland special is it's quiet, secluded setting and over 6 miles of hiking / skiing trails. Our farmstead sits three quarter of a mile off the paved county highway on our well maintained gravel driveway. Each of our campsites are secluded from the others with their own sawdust compost toilets, picnic tables, fireplaces, and firewood. Two of our sites require 4WD with a minimum of 6 inches ground clearance to access, and two are accessible with 2WD. If you do not have 4WD we can help transport your gear while you enjoy the walk in. There are plenty of woodland birds, deer, turkeys, raccoons and squirrels sharing the woods with you. At night it is common for owls to visit the campsite area to say hello, and coyotes talking in the distance. The winding trails through 100 acres of woodland offer a variety of woodland habitats, from Old growth Maple to mixed hardwood, to dense brush, to the edges of open pastureland. Bring your fat bike or mountain bike for an enjoyable ride. For winter users there is a mix of easy, moderate, and challenging winter cross country skiing or snowshoeing / hiking on the property. However the Rock Bottom Cabin is our only heated and insulated site and is available for winter booking. Winter access is walk in only with snow on the ground or in the forecast. We can help transport gear. This property is part of a working pasture-based dairy farm and guided tours of the dairy and cattle are available when scheduling allows. Children 12 and younger are free at our campsites. No need to be counted as guests , but please let us know when requesting to book. We do not allow non-booked visitors to our campsites due to the secluded, remote location, and accessibility.
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$30
 / night
100%
(335)

Quarry in the Mississippi Bluff

4 sites ¡ RVs, Tents20 acres ¡ Dakota, MN
This is a very private location. In its former life this property was a limestone quarry. Evidence of it's history remain with high rock walls on both ends of the property. In the center of the property is about 5 acres that is flat and covered with wildflowers and small trees. There are several good options for camping in this area. Surrounding this area is another 15 acres of hills and trees great for hiking and enjoying the beautiful view of the Mississippi River below. There is a boat ramp just a mile down the hill for boating or fishing on the Mississippi and the city of La Crosse, WI and La Crescent, MN are each only about a five minute drive. Great River Bluffs State Park and countless other recreational opportunities are just minutes away.
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$29
 / night
100%
(7)

Frickson Family Farms, LLC.

4 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs180 acres ¡ Dakota, MN
The farming lifestyle, and knowing that this is how we intended to raise our family, led us to transition into the farm-to-table business, selling our products to our family, friends and the public. Together Andy & Darienne, along with their 3 children, work as a team to raise all of the animals and crops. Our land and animals are all handled with proper care. There is no other way we could envision our life than right here on the farm with our children, raising wholesome food for ourselves and others. Come enjoy the beauty overlooking our crop land, shop our farm store, and look at all the livestock. Including cattle, pigs, chickens & goats. We are conveniently located off of Interstate 90 along the Mississippi between MN & WI. Our Farm store is stocked with our home raised fresh & frozen meat - beef, pork, chicken and many other locally sourced food items including honey, Maple syrup, dried goods, dairy, eggs, and more. Seasonal produce as available (Sweet corn & pumpkins in fall) •Electric available for 4 RV’s •Water for 4 RV's not available winter months - hiking trails through our forest new for 2023 (Fire wood provided, donations appreciated.) We Accept all major cards (credit/debit), cash, check or Venmo. Things to do: •Enjoy our state park located 3 miles from our farm if you enjoy hiking or biking. 30 acres of hiking trails through our woods new for 2023 •Feel free to bring your utv and cruise our county roads. •Enjoy an amazing burger (provided by our farm) & drinks at THE SHED Bar and Grill located 4 miles from our farm. •Schedule a tour of the historic Pickwick Mill located about 5 miles from our farm. *Please keep in mind this is a working family farm, there are kids, tractors and equipment running daily, and the smell of farm fresh air. Campsites are located in a private area to allow our campers privacy. Thanks, Andy & Darienne Frickson Frickson Family Farms
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from 
$30
 / night
100%
(26)

New Hartford trout camp

1 site ¡ RV, Tent48 acres ¡ Dakota, MN
Secluded valley site located where two trout streams come together. There is a large section of private access, as well as 1 mile of public access to the trout stream.
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from 
$30
 / night
100%
(66)

Gossman Goat Grazing Ranch

3 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents42 acres ¡ Preston, MN
We have a lovely piece of property to come enjoy a getaway at. We enjoy all of the peace and quiet around here. The night sky is unbeatable in my eyes. We have a small hobby farm with lots of very tame animals. We have 42 acres to roams with lots of trails within the woods that are filled with aged oak trees and many young maple trees. Our property is filled with lots of wild flowers and wildlife. We are locate 3 miles from the root river if you enjoy fishing or going for a float down the river. There are two caves in our area that are a must see while you are visiting. I you like to hike there is a state park 14 minutes from us that have many miles of hiking trails and horse trails. If you are more the small town strolling type of person we have lots of small towns around us that are filled with shops and lots of great food! There is a large system of bike trails in our area that make a very fun way to check out some of the small towns. If you have a family with kids we have a lot of fun activities you can do with your kids, like spending time with the goats, chickens and ducks, playing on our playground, or taking a nice walk through the woods looking for fossils!
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from 
$30
 / night
99%
(316)

Ranch Retreat

4 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres ¡ Winona, MN
Our ranch has been in our family for 14 years and prior to that belonged to one family for over 200 years. Jolene (me, - owner) and my two sons, Riley and Logan put a lot of time and dedication into our ranch. Our ranch is located on 40 acres where anyone can find their little piece of “peace.” We pride ourselves on taking excellent care of our guests, making them feel at home the instant they step onto our land. We will do our best to accommodate your needs in any way possible. Our WIFI is not always 100% reliable. If you absolutely need WIFI at all times during your stay, please bring another option with you, such as a hotspot on your cell phone, in case ours is not dependable. From the crew who loves to share a little piece of our life on Stone Roller Road, – Jolene, Riley, Logan, Scotch (the yellow lab) Hops (the chocolate lab) and Scrappy (the late ranch dog)
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$32
 / night
92%
(18)

The Back 20

1 site ¡ Lodging20 acres ¡ Utica, MN
The Back 20 is is a cute and secluded place to rough it. Completely private half mile off the road. Please read entirety of description and how to access property before booking.The Back 20 is an ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK PROPERTY!!!!! There is uneven ground/terrain, trip hazards, valleys, loose stone, brush hazard to vehicles, no way for emergency vehicles to enter this property successfully type of hazards. We are not responsible for any injury/death you or your guests may incur while navigating property and by entering property you agree to such terms. This is a No Trespassing without permission property. Access To the Back 20: This is a HIKE IN ONLY PROPERTY! You are also welcome to ATV or Snomobile back there. Cabin is half mile off road, be prepared in case of inclement weather or tough conditions for the hike. There is parking area located just off the road before the trail starts to right.No HUNTING without permission!!! We manage this land properly for all hunters and non hunters to enjoy. That being said no hunting will be allowed on property of any sort unless you have prior permission. Guests caught hunting without permission will be considered Trespassers.This is a Dry cabin. There is no water on property. In warm conditions the water barrels may/may not be full. Feel free to use the water from them for dishes or bathing outside. It is not drinkable water and bringing your own drinking water in is necessary. There is an outhouse and a small boat toilet in the home. We prefer you to use the outhouse overall. If use inside toilet, you must rinse it outside and clean before leaving. No exceptions.Learn more about this land:Enrich yourself in this private retreat nestled away from the road within a beautiful hardwood valley. No internet, no tv, limited cell service with property..Deer, Fox, coyote, and eagles are just a small amount of wildlife you will see here. Great for a weekend unplugged to relax among the stars. Small dry cabin with 1 queenbed, and two cots with sleeping bags. Room for extra tents as well. Pit toilet with outside shower available in summer. Nearby trout stream 1 mile away. Cute and comfy spot to unwind and unplug. Bring your flashlight! It’s dark back here but oh the stars you’ll see on a clear night! Solar power will keep your phone charged in case of emergency. Large deck with picnic table and no one around. Completely private! Great spot to be in nature. Clothing optional!This property is like camping with a cabin. You will need to bring pots pans dishes cutlery as it is not provided.. Wood stove heat in winter. Must bring your own wood or scavenge on land. Very homey and wonderful way to rough it!
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$60
 / night
100%
(304)

Belle Creek Bluff

3 sites ¡ Lodging, Tents28 acres ¡ Welch, MN
Belle Creek Bluff is on 28 acres of prime land in Welch. Belle Creek runs through the middle of the property. Walk, swim, paddle, fish and explore the this beautiful spring fed trout stream. There are a number of hiking trails on the property. Bordering state lands to the east of the property provide endless exploration and hiking adventures. Hike to the top of the bluff for a spectacular view of Welch valley and the ski hill. Hiking NE along Belle Creek can you spot the old model A truck along the banks? There are eagles, falcons, finches, and many colorful birds to see.
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from 
$40
 / night

The best camping near Whitewater State Park MN guide

Overview

About

Rocky bluffs and forested ravines flank the Whitewater River in this 2,700-acre park, where outdoor activities abound. Climb the craggy peak of Inspiration Peak, fish for brown and rainbow trout along the river, or head down to the sandy beach to cool off with a swim in the natural lake. More than 10 miles of hiking trails are ready for exploration, and when the seasons turn, you can bring your skis and snowshoes instead. Campers can choose from three campgrounds or check into a cozy cabin, all of them—bonus!—mosquito-free.

Notable campgrounds

  • Best for tent campers: Gooseberry Glen Campground has six cart-in sites with minimal facilities. 
  • Best for hikers: Cedar Hill Campground has 69 sites, some with electric hookups, and easy access to the Coyote Point Trail.
  • Best for winter campers: Minneiska Campground has 39 RV sites with electric hookups, plus walk-in tent sites, group sites, and camper cabins.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. You can reserve one of the park’s campsites or cabins in advance via the Minnesota State Parks website. 
  2. Campsite reservations open 120 days in advance, and same-day bookings are possible. 
  3. Campsites can book up as fast, especially on summer and holiday weekends. Book your spot as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

When to go

Whitewater State Park has something to offer through all four seasons. Come in summer to swim and fish; in spring to admire the wildflowers; or in winter to cross-country ski or snowshoe (rentals are available from the Visitor Centre). April through October is the main season, and many amenities close in winter. Minneiska Campground and cabins stay open year-round; all other campsites are open from March 25 through December 1.  

Know before you go

  • Whitewater State Park is 26 miles east of Rochester or about a 35-minute drive away. 
  • Vehicle permits are required for all Minnesota state parks, in addition to camping reservation fees. Permits can be purchased in advance via the Minnesota State Parks website. 
  • Facilities at Whitewater State Park include a visitor center, gift shop, vault toilets, a fishing pier, and picnic areas. Flush toilets, showers, and a dump station are available in season only. Restaurants and grocery stores can be found in the towns of Elba and St. Charles, just a 15-minute drive from the park.
  • There are accessible campsites, restrooms, and picnic areas at Whitewater State Park. The fishing pier is also wheelchair accessible.

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