Minneiska Campground

4.50

10 reviews

19041 Highway 74, Altura, MN 55910

SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

817 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

No Pets

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (Whitewater State Park) site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

817 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

No Pets

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (Whitewater State Park) site

Official Website

Get Directions

Minneiska Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Reservations are required for all campsites. Online reservations can be made up to 120 days in advance (24 hours/day except the first day it becomes...

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

4.50

Recommended

Based on 10 reviews

8 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanshowersrestrooms

"Reviews and site reports are generally positive: visitors praise scenic bluffland, abundant hiking trails, good trout fishing, spacious sites, clean restroom/shower facilities, and a peaceful atmosphere. Common notes include spotty cell service and some variability in toilet types (vault vs. modern restrooms)."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

19041 Highway 74, Altura, MN 55910

Minneiska Campground

19041 Highway 74, Altura, MN 55910

Best Time to Camp at Minneiska Campground

Each season transforms the park into a new adventure. Spring awakens the forest floor with waves of wildflowers—trillium, bloodroot, and wild ginger—while summer draws swimmers to the cool river beach and anglers to the productive trout streams. As temperatures drop, the park's beauty only intensifies: winter blankets the ravines in snow, opening miles of trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing beneath frost-covered bluffs. The visitor center welcomes guests year-round from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm daily, and the park itself is open 8:00 am to 10:00 pm, ensuring you can experience the magic of sunrise over the bluffs or a starlit evening by your campfire.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Below Average

Beach, swimming hole and trails are popular with families in summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Below Average

Bluffland and forested areas likely offer strong fall colors and views.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Top 14% in MN

Spring-fed creeks and trout fishing make spring an attractive season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

No winter amenities mentioned; cold MN winters likely reduce appeal.

Planning Tips

About Minneiska Campground

Nestled within 2,700 acres of southeastern Minnesota's bluffland country, Whitewater State Park is a four-season destination where towering limestone cliffs frame spring-fed waters teeming with trout. Whether you're casting a line into crystal-clear streams, hiking ridgeline trails with sweeping valley views, or cooling off at the sandy river beach, this park invites you to explore dramatic landscapes shaped by ancient geological forces.

Minneiska offers a mix of developed campsites with a combination of tent and RV-capable sites; some sites are cart-in. The park also includes separate group camp and modern group center facilities elsewhere in the park.

Historical SignificanceThe park has a human history interpreted through visitor center exhibits and programs; the historic Elba Fire Tower is a park feature with historical interest and panoramic views (more information available at the front desk).

Weather and SeasonsEach season transforms the park into a new adventure. Spring awakens the forest floor with waves of wildflowers—trillium, bloodroot, and wild ginger—while summer draws swimmers to the cool river beach and anglers to the productive trout streams. As temperatures drop, the park's beauty only intensifies: winter blankets the ravines in snow, opening miles of trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing beneath frost-covered bluffs. The visitor center welcomes guests year-round from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm daily, and the park itself is open 8:00 am to 10:00 pm, ensuring you can experience the magic of sunrise over the bluffs or a starlit evening by your campfire.

Natural Features and SceneryDramatic limestone bluffs rise hundreds of feet above the valley floor, their weathered faces telling stories of ancient seas and millennia of erosion. The spring-fed Whitewater River and Trout Run Creek wind through deep ravines, their cold, clear waters creating perfect habitat for brown, brook, and rainbow trout. In spring, the forested hillsides burst with wildflowers carpeting the forest floor, while the sandy river beach offers a natural retreat where bluff walls tower overhead and the gentle current creates a picturesque swimming spot unlike any typical lake.

Geological RegionSoutheastern Minnesota bluffland — limestone bluffs and deep ravines along the Whitewater River

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsOnline state parks reservation system (web) and call center 866-857-2757 (call center hours listed on state parks site).

Cancellation PolicyA non-refundable reservation fee is charged for advance reservations; specific cancellation/refund terms are not provided on the park page.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Minneiska provides access to bluffland hiking, trout fishing, a sandy swimming beach, interpretive programs, and wildlife viewing; the nearby visitor center offers exhibits and program information.

HikingMultiple trails access bluff overlooks (Chimney Rock, Meadow Trail, Dakota Trail) ranging from easy to challenging.

FishingExcellent trout fishing year-round on the spring-fed Whitewater River and tributaries; park is noted for brown, brook, and rainbow trout.

SwimmingSandy swimming beach on the Whitewater River for seasonal swimming.

Wildlife viewing

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsTrails include rugged and steep sections; visitors should be prepared for strenuous hiking in bluff terrain. Seasonal conditions (snow/ice) can affect trail safety and access. Follow park rules regarding firewood to prevent spread of pests.

Weather at Minneiska Campground

Reviews

4.5

10 reviews

Recommended

Minneiska Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews and site reports are generally positive: visitors praise scenic bluffland, abundant hiking trails, good trout fishing, spacious sites, clean restroom/shower facilities, and a peaceful atmosphere. Common notes include spotty cell service and some variability in toilet types (vault vs. modern restrooms).

Review Summaries

Based on 10 reviews

What Campers Love

Scenic location with bluff and river views, numerous hiking trails and overlooks, strong trout fishing, clean modern restrooms and showers, spacious campsites with picnic tables and fire rings,...

Based on 10 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive at the office well before closing; bring a cart for cart-in sites; bring fishing gear for trout; expect low mosquito presence; plan for spotty cell service in parts of the campground; check...

Based on 10 reviews