Carley Campground

Star4.51
50 reviews
Carley State Park c/o Whitewater State Park, 19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MN 55910

Quick Facts

1,070 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Pets Allowed

RV Friendly

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Carley Campground
No fees available
Campsite Fees
Reservations are required for all campsites. A non-refundable reservation fee is charged for each advance reservation ($10 by phone / $8 online)....
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Minnesota State Parks
Provider
507-312-2300
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What Campers Say

4.51

Top-Rated

Based on 50 reviews

48 Google reviews

Most mentioned

shadespacioushikingsites

Some mention

noiseroad noise

"Generally positive reviews praising the park’s quiet, wooded river-valley setting and spring wildflowers; visitors frequently describe the campground as rustic with limited facilities."

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Campground Map

Carley State Park c/o Whitewater State Park, 19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MN 55910

Carley Campground

Carley State Park c/o Whitewater State Park, 19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MN 55910


Best Time to Camp at Carley Campground

Spring reigns supreme here, particularly in May when the woodland awakens with vibrant wildflowers and lush greenery along the river valley. Plan accordingly for seasonal conditions—winter ice and wet-weather slipperiness can make trails and river crossings challenging, so checking current trail conditions before your visit ensures a safe and enjoyable experience year-round.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5
Below Average

Shaded, wooded sites make summer camping pleasant in a quiet setting.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5
Below Average

Hardwood forest in blufflands implies strong fall colors and scenic views.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.5 / 5
Top 1% in MN

Reviewers explicitly state the park 'is fantastic in the spring.'

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5
Below Average

No winter activity mentions; likely cold with limited services and activities.

Planning Tips

    About Carley Campground

    Tucked along the north branch of the Whitewater River, Carley State Park offers an intimate woodland escape where towering white pines stand sentinel over a carpet of spring wildflowers. This hidden gem provides rustic camping near the river corridor, perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat away from crowded campgrounds.
    Small, wooded, rustic campground with individual sites and at least one primitive group site. Sites accommodate tents, trailers and small RVs and are sited near the river and picnic area.
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    Best Campsites

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    Amenities available

    Potable water
    Fire rings
    Picnic tables
    Vault toilets
    Group Sites

    Activities you can enjoy

    Hiking along wooded trails and the Wildflower Trail following the North Fork of the Whitewater River; spring wildflower viewing (notably Virginia bluebells); trout fishing in the designated trout stream; birdwatching and general wildlife viewing; picnicking. Non-motorized boating (canoe/kayak) and biking are noted in the surrounding area.
    HikingTrails wind through wooded ravines and along the North Fork Whitewater River (Wildflower Trail, Hikers Trail). Trail sections include stairs, river crossings and some uneven or rough segments; excellent for spring wildflower viewing.
    FishingThe north branch of the Whitewater River is a designated trout stream and provides habitat for brown trout; anglers fish the river within the park.
    Biking
    Boating
    Wildlife viewing
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    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & AlertsTrails include stairs, steep sections and river crossings that can be icy or slippery; occasional downed trees or rough/uneven trail sections have been reported. Vault toilets near campsites can be odor-prone; road noise from the nearby road may be noticeable at times.
    No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

    Weather at Carley Campground

    Reviews

    4.5
    50 reviews
    Top-Rated
    Top-Rated
    Carley Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Generally positive reviews praising the park’s quiet, wooded river-valley setting and spring wildflowers; visitors frequently describe the campground as rustic with limited facilities.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 50 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Spring bluebells and wildflower displays, secluded shaded campsites near the river, pleasant hiking and birdwatching opportunities, some individual sites (e.g., Site 6 per visitor reports) noted as...
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    Based on 50 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Arrive in daylight to navigate self check-in and signage; bring leveling blocks for trailers and be prepared for uneven/sloped tent sites; use Whitewater State Park for showers; purchase...
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    Based on 50 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    Go when the bluebells bloom! It’s magical!; Nice little primitive park with camping,hiking, fishing ect. Outhouse style toilets but very clean.; Lovely little area along creek.
    Based on 50 reviews

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    Last updated January 5, 2026
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