Chester Woods Park Campground

Are you a Minnesotan yearning for a serene escape into nature where peace and quiet truly reign? Chester Woods Park Campground in Eyota, Minnesota, offers precisely that. Managed by Olmsted County Parks, this campground has earned a reputation among locals for its impeccable cleanliness and remarkably tranquil atmosphere. It's a place where you can truly unwind, surrounded by the natural beauty of southeastern Minnesota's bluff country, making it an ideal destination for families, couples, and solo adventurers seeking a refreshing break from the everyday hustle.

Chester Woods Park Campground is more than just a place to park your RV or pitch a tent; it's a well-cared-for natural sanctuary. Its commitment to maintaining a quiet environment, notably with a strict "no fireworks" policy, ensures a restful experience for all guests. The consistently helpful and friendly hosts contribute significantly to the welcoming ambiance, making every visit a pleasant one. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of what makes Chester Woods Park Campground a highly suitable and cherished destination for residents across Minnesota, looking to connect with the outdoors in a calm and inviting setting.

Chester Woods Park Campground is strategically located at 8378 14 Hwy SE, Eyota, MN 55934, USA. This address places it within Olmsted County, just a short drive southeast of Rochester, Minnesota. The park's position in the rugged bluff country of Southeastern Minnesota means visitors are surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, including woodlands, prairies, and the headwaters of Bear Creek. Its accessibility is a significant advantage for Minnesotans, as it's conveniently situated on US 14 (14th Highway SE), providing straightforward routes from Rochester and other regional centers. Despite its proximity to a highway, the campground is praised for its quiet atmosphere, offering a perfect balance of easy access and serene natural seclusion. This makes Chester Woods Park Campground an excellent choice for local residents seeking a convenient weekend getaway or a longer vacation immersed in the beauty of their home state.

Chester Woods Park Campground provides a wide array of services and amenities designed to enhance the comfort and enjoyment of all campers. The focus is on maintaining high standards of cleanliness and offering diverse options to cater to various camping preferences, ensuring a welcoming and functional environment for everyone.

• Fifty Campground Units: The park features 50 campground units, providing ample space for numerous visitors. This includes sites with electricity, ensuring options for different camping styles.
• Two Camper Cabins: For those preferring a more rustic yet comfortable experience without a tent or RV, two camper cabins are available for rent, offering a cozy alternative.
• Restrooms with Showers: Consistently praised in reviews, the restrooms are "always clean," and modern showers are available, providing essential comfort and hygiene for campers. There are also restrooms with showers available at the swimming beach.
• Electric Hookups: Many campsites offer electric hookups (30 and 50 amp service available at some sites), accommodating RVs and trailers. While not all sites have water/sewer hookups directly at the site, fresh water filling stations and a dump station are available on-site.
• Fresh Water Filling Station: A designated area to fill up RV fresh water tanks is available upon arrival.
• Sanitary Dump Station: A sanitary dump station is provided for RV campers to dispose of wastewater conveniently.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, essential for outdoor dining and campfires.
• Firewood Sales: Firewood can be purchased at the park, ensuring campers have access to clean, local wood for their campfires, adhering to park regulations about bringing outside wood.
• Two Sets of Playground Equipment: Children can enjoy dedicated play areas, ensuring entertainment for younger visitors.
• Informal Play Fields: Several open areas are available for informal games and activities.
• Swimming Beach with Beach House: The park features a swimming beach with a beach house (including showers), open seasonally from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, providing a refreshing way to cool off.
• Watercraft Rentals: Rentals for various watercraft are available at the beach house, allowing visitors to enjoy the lake even without bringing their own equipment.
• Dog Play Area with Water Access: For campers with pets, a specific dog play area with water access is provided, highlighting the park's pet-friendly nature.
• Online Reservations: Camping reservations can be conveniently made online through the Olmsted County Parks Reservation website, allowing campers to plan their visits in advance.
• Helpful and Friendly Hosts: On-site campground hosts are consistently noted for being "always helpful and friendly," providing assistance and ensuring a pleasant experience for guests.

Chester Woods Park Campground offers a range of features and highlights that truly set it apart as a premier camping destination for Minnesotans. These aspects contribute to its reputation for tranquility, natural beauty, and diverse recreational opportunities.

• Consistently Clean and Quiet Environment: A standout highlight, repeatedly emphasized by visitors, is the campground's "always clean and quiet" atmosphere. This commitment to peace ensures a truly relaxing and restorative camping experience, free from disruptive noise.
• No Fireworks Policy: The strict "no fireworks allowed" rule is a significant feature that directly contributes to the quiet ambiance and is highly appreciated by campers seeking a calm environment, especially those with pets or young children.
• Expansive Park with Diverse Habitats: The park encompasses approximately 15 miles of primitive trails winding through a variety of inviting natural habitats, including woodlands, native prairies, and diverse wildlife areas. This offers extensive opportunities for nature immersion.
• Extensive Trail System: With over 16 miles of hiking trails (including primitive trails and a mile-long hard-surfaced trail linking key areas), plus 5 miles of groomed trails for cross-country skiing or fat-tire biking in winter, the park offers year-round opportunities for exploration. Specific trails like Chester Lake Trail and Kisrow Trail are dog-friendly.
• Man-Made Lake for Recreation: Chester Lake (Bear Creek Reservoir), a man-made lake, provides excellent opportunities for fishing (panfish, catfish, bass), swimming at the designated beach, and various watercraft activities.
• Abundant Wildlife Viewing: The park is home to Whitetail Deer, Wild Turkeys, and various native plant and animal species, offering fantastic opportunities for wildlife observation.
• Pet-Friendly Areas: Pets are welcome in the campground, picnic areas, and on specific designated trails (Chester Lake Trail and Kisrow Trail), making it a great option for those traveling with their furry companions. A dedicated dog play area with water access is an added bonus.
• Storm Shelter for Safety: A "Weather Warning Siren and a designated Storm Shelter" located at the campground restrooms provide peace of mind during inclement weather, demonstrating a commitment to camper safety.

For inquiries or to make reservations at Chester Woods Park Campground, you can reach out directly to the Olmsted County Parks Department, which manages the park. Online reservations are also available for convenience.

Address: 8378 14 Hwy SE, Eyota, MN 55934, USA

Phone: (507) 328-7350

Mobile Phone: +1 507-328-7350

For the most current information regarding camping season dates (e.g., May 2 - October 18, 2025), reservation policies, fees, and any park updates, it is highly recommended to visit the official Olmsted County Parks website or call the provided number. Online reservations are a convenient way to secure your spot in advance.

For Minnesotans seeking a consistent, high-quality outdoor experience that prioritizes peace and natural beauty, Chester Woods Park Campground is an exceptionally suitable destination. Its prime location in Eyota, within Olmsted County and just a short drive from Rochester, offers convenient access for residents from across the state. This accessibility means less travel time and more time spent enjoying the tranquil surroundings that this park so reliably provides.

The consistent feedback from visitors praising its "always clean and quiet" environment, coupled with the popular "no fireworks allowed" policy, directly addresses a key desire for many campers: a truly restful escape. The presence of helpful and friendly hosts further enhances the welcoming atmosphere, making every stay a pleasant and memorable one. Moreover, the extensive array of features, from the 16 miles of hiking trails and popular swimming beach to the excellent fishing opportunities and pet-friendly amenities (including a dedicated dog play area), ensures there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy. Chester Woods Park Campground offers a well-maintained, safe, and engaging environment that allows Minnesotans to easily connect with nature, unwind, and create lasting memories without having to venture far from home. It truly stands as a testament to Minnesota's commitment to providing accessible, high-quality outdoor recreation for its residents.

Chester Woods Park Campground

8378 14 Hwy SE, Eyota, MN 55934, USA