Main Campground

Star4.93
14 reviews
21071 County 118, Preston, MN 55965

Quick Facts

Price

$8 - $10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Minnesota State Parks (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources) site

Official Website

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026
Main Campground
$8.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Non-refundable reservation fee for advance reservations: $10 by call center, $8 online. Per-night campsite fees vary by park and site—check...
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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
888-646-6367; 651-296-6157
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What Campers Say

4.93

Top-Rated

Based on 14 reviews

16 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanspacioushiking

"Visitor feedback is strongly positive overall: campers praise the quiet, scenic setting, spacious and well‑screened sites, clean modern bathhouse, and the unique combination of camping with Mystery Cave and Historic Forestville. Common negatives are very limited or no cell service, no campground Wi‑Fi, occasional cold/lukewarm showers in shoulder seasons, horse droppings on multi‑use trails, and lack of an on‑site store for ice or supplies."

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Campground Map

21071 County 118, Preston, MN 55965
No map location available
Nearby supplies
Maple Springs Campground store (nearby for ice/basic supplies)
Preston and Spring Valley for additional services

Best Time to Camp at Main Campground

The campground truly comes alive from late spring through early fall, when warm days invite you to explore miles of trails and descend into the cool depths of Mystery Cave. Summer brings the full experience with daily cave tours and costumed interpreters bringing Historic Forestville to life, though you'll find quieter trails and more available sites during the shoulder seasons. If you're camping in spring or fall, pack an extra layer for those brisk mornings and be prepared for cooler shower conditions—but the trade-off is fewer crowds and stunning seasonal colors.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Campers note a very green, shady, and serene summer setting under hardwoods.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Hardwood bluffs/valleys in Minnesota imply strong fall color potential.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Description of 'very green' and spring growth suggests pleasant spring visits.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

No winter services or activities mentioned; Minnesota winters are severe.

Planning Tips

    About Main Campground

    Nestled in the heart of Minnesota's stunning Driftless Area, Main Campground offers the perfect blend of natural wonder and living history. Your stay puts you within easy reach of the mysterious underground passages of Mystery Cave and the immersive experience of Historic Forestville, where the 1800s come alive. Modern amenities including hot showers and potable water keep you comfortable, though you'll want to reserve your spot ahead of time and plan to unplug from the digital world.
    The park campground includes electric, non‑electric and rustic loops, plus a separate horse camp, group camp, and camper cabins (cabins accessed from a parking lot with wagons used to haul gear). Reservations are used for many sites and cabins.
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    Amenities available

    Showers
    Potable water
    Electricity hookups
    Flush toilets
    Picnic tables
    Vault toilets

    Activities you can enjoy

    The campground is a base for hiking, cave tours, horseback riding, fishing, historic-site visits, and wildlife viewing. Guided Mystery Cave tours and access to Historic Forestville are park highlights coupled with multi-use trails (including horse trails) and river access.
    HikingMultiple trails lead through wooded ravines, to a scenic overlook and cemetery, and along the South Branch Root River; some trail sections have been reported as poorly marked.
    FishingAccess to the South Branch Root River offers trout and fly‑fishing opportunities.
    Wildlife viewing
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    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & AlertsVery limited or no cell phone reception in much of the park. Trails are multi-use (including horses), so hikers may encounter horse traffic and droppings on some routes. Cave tours and trails can have uneven footing—bring a flashlight or headlamp for cave sections and appropriate footwear.
    No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

    Weather at Main Campground

    Reviews

    4.9
    14 reviews
    Top-Rated
    Top-Rated
    Main Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Visitor feedback is strongly positive overall: campers praise the quiet, scenic setting, spacious and well‑screened sites, clean modern bathhouse, and the unique combination of camping with Mystery Cave and Historic Forestville. Common negatives are very limited or no cell service, no campground Wi‑Fi, occasional cold/lukewarm showers in shoulder seasons, horse droppings on multi‑use trails, and lack of an on‑site store for ice or supplies.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 14 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Quiet, scenic valley setting with mature hardwoods; spacious, relatively private sites (electric loop highlighted); clean, modern main bath/shower building; easy access to guided Mystery Cave tours...
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    Based on 14 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Bring a flashlight/headlamp for cave tours; buy firewood before the office closes; plan without cell service and bring maps/GPS for trails; cabin guests should be prepared to haul gear from the cabin...
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    Based on 14 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    Visitors describe many sites as "spacious and private" (site 59C was specifically praised) and call the main bathhouse "incredible… very clean and modern."
    Based on 14 reviews

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    Last updated February 17, 2026
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