Southern Minnesota Campgrounds

Myre-Big Island

• Situated around the shores of sprawling Albert Lea Lake, the versatile terrain of this campground provides for a variety of camping experiences. Wet lowland marshes and oak savanna woodland combine for a unique habitat for a variety of wildlife. Campers can choose from the grassy prairies of the White Birch campground, or immerse themselves in the forest of the Big Island campground. There are 93 sites available, only 23 providing electrical hook-ups. Four backpack sites are a two-mile hike away and provide a peaceful retreat along the remote lake shore. A group camp accommodating up to 50 people rests on a seven-acre island.

  Myre-Big Island State Park
  19499 780th Ave.
  Albert Lea, MN 56007
  507-379-3403

Forestville/Mystery Cave

• With three blue-ribbon trout streams flowing through the bluffs and valleys of this picturesque campground, many of the campsites are inhabited by anglers wading the waters of the spring-fed streams. Forestville/Mystery cave offers non-fishing campers a myriad of other recreational opportunities. Cool off during the summer months by visiting Mystery Cave. The twelve-miles of accessible underground passages remain at a constant 48 degrees. Visit Forestville, a restored 1800's era village that is operated by the Minnesota Historical Society. Horse enthusiasts will find 15-miles of riding trails and 60 campsites dedicated to those bringing in their horses to ride. 73 wooded sites ring the main campground, 23 with electrical hook-ups. Two group camps can host up to 50 people each.

  Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park
  21071 County 118
  Preston, MN 55965
  507-352-5111

Nerstrand-Big Woods

• Year round opportunities await campers in the rolling terrain of Nerstrand Woods. Rare wildflowers, including the dwarf trout lily, provide a fragrant garden atmosphere in the spring. Cooling waters from Bear Creek beckon hikers to refresh themselves at Hidden Falls in the summer months. A vibrant color show lures campers in the fall to view the blaze red, yellow, and orange leaves of the maple-basswood forests. Winter campers brave the elements to travel the trails by snowmobile and skis. There are 51 campsites in the park, 27 with electrical hook-ups. Four walk-in sites provide a remote haven. Three group camps can hold up to 32 people each.

  Nerstrand-Big Woods State Park
  7700 170th St. E.
  Nerstrand, MN 55053
  507-333-4840