Whitewater State Park is a 2,700-acre playground for the outdoor enthusiast. Reservations are recommended, as the park fills up fast in peak season. Rugged hiking trails span the bluff country. Fishing for brook, rainbow and brown trout in the Whitewater River and Trout Run Creek attracts swarms of anglers. The park features 104 campsites. Just under half of those are equipped with electrical hookups. There are also three group camps that can accommodate up to 50 people.
Whitewater State Park
19041 County Highway 74
Altura, Minnesota, 55910
(507) 932-3007
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/whitewater/index.html
Family campers revel in variety at Lazy D Campground. It is nestled among the bluffs in the Whitewater River Valley, and visitors to the Lazy D can experience opportunities for canoeing, tubing, trail rides and fishing on site. The campground has a large heated pool and activity programs for the kids during the summer months. A camp store is conveniently located on site for any needs. Camper cabins accommodating up to nine people are available with a reservation.
Lazy D Campground
18748 County Road 39
Altura, Minnesota, 55910
(507) 932-3098
http://www.lazydcampground.com/index.htm
Camping in the RJ Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest isn't for those used to air-conditioned RVs, but it does offer plenty of activities. Campsites in Minnesota's State Forests are considered "primitive," supplying only a fire ring and pit-toilet. Reservations are not accepted. No electric or shower facilities are provided. All camping is on a first-come, first-served basis. Hiking, biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing and ATV trails are plentiful, and access to fishing, hunting, canoeing and boating make this 1,000,000-acre forest a top area resource.
RJ Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
500 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, Minnesota, 55155
(651) 296-6157
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_forests/index.html
Located in the Hiawatha Valley, the Pioneer CampSite Resort is a family-oriented facility that supplies full-service amenities along the banks of the mighty Mississippi River. There are 240 campsites that provide visitors with the opportunity for fishing, swimming, wagon rides and miniature golf on site. Canoeing and boating in the expansive Mississippi backwaters are popular excursions.
Pioneer CampSite Resort
64739 140th Avenue
Wabasha, Minnesota, 55981
(651) 565-2242
http://pioneercampsite.com/index.html
This intimate county park is a secret gem. Built along the shores of Chester Lake--a dammed reservoir along Bear Creek--Chester Woods offers campers some reliable largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish angling. A large sandy beach is great for sunning and playtime with the kids. Canoe rentals and paddle boat rentals are available from the park ranger station. Chester Woods offers 48 sites, all with electric. Facilities are clean and centrally located in the campground.
Chester Woods
8378 Highway 14 E.
Eyota, Minnesota, 55934
(507) 287-2624
http://www.co.olmsted.mn.us/parks/chester_woods.asp
