Great River Campground

Hey there, fellow Minnesotans! Are you looking for a tranquil escape into nature, where towering bluffs meet the majestic Mississippi River, offering breathtaking views and peaceful nights under a canopy of stars? Then let us introduce you to Great River Campground, a true gem nestled within Great River Bluffs State Park, just a stone's throw from Winona, MN. This isn't your average bustling RV park; it's a serene, wooded sanctuary designed for those who appreciate the quiet beauty of the outdoors and direct access to some of the most stunning vistas in our state.

Great River Campground, part of the larger Great River Bluffs State Park, offers a refreshing return to a more authentic camping experience. Imagine waking up to the sounds of nature, surrounded by lush, mature trees that provide ample shade and a sense of privacy. This campground is celebrated for its well-maintained facilities and friendly staff, making it a reliable choice for a relaxing getaway. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a birdwatching enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat to reconnect with family and friends, Great River Campground provides the perfect setting to immerse yourself in Minnesota's unique bluff country landscape.

Great River Campground is located on Campground Road, within the beautiful Great River Bluffs State Park, in Winona, MN 55987, USA. This prime location places it in southeastern Minnesota, directly overlooking the scenic Mississippi River Valley. Winona, a charming city known for its vibrant arts scene and picturesque setting between the bluffs and the river, is just a short drive away, approximately 17 miles to the northwest.

The park is conveniently situated off I-90 and near Highway 61 (the Great River Road Scenic Byway), making it quite accessible for visitors traveling from various parts of Minnesota and beyond. While the immediate area around the campground offers a sense of seclusion and wilderness, the proximity to Winona means that essential services, dining, and additional attractions are within easy reach. The park entrance is typically off Winona County Road 3, part of the scenic Apple Blossom Scenic Drive.

Access within the park itself generally involves well-maintained gravel roads leading to the campground loop. While some roads in the broader bluff country can be steep, the direct route to the campground is typically manageable. For those with larger RVs, it's worth noting that some sites are more spacious than others, and while big rigs up to 60 feet can be accommodated, the campground maintains a rustic feel with no hookups. The park's design allows for excellent accessibility to trails and overlooks directly from the camping area, encouraging campers to explore on foot or bike.

Great River Campground, as part of Great River Bluffs State Park, focuses on providing essential, well-maintained services to support a comfortable and authentic camping experience. While it emphasizes immersion in nature, it doesn't skimp on the basic comforts that make a trip enjoyable:

• Developed Campsites: The campground offers 31 drive-in, back-in campsites suitable for tents, trailers, and RVs (up to 60 feet). Each site typically includes a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill grate, perfect for cooking and campfires.

• Primitive Tent Sites: In addition to drive-in sites, the park also features rustic cart-in sites (tent only) and dedicated bike-in sites for those arriving on two wheels. These offer even greater seclusion.

• Immaculate Restrooms and Free Showers: A significant highlight repeatedly praised by campers is the "immaculate new restroom with free showers that is cleaned daily." These modern bathhouses provide flush toilets and hot showers, a welcome luxury in a more rustic camping setting.

• Potable Water Access: Drinking water taps are available within the campground, ensuring campers have access to fresh water for cooking and hydration.

• No Hookups: It's important to note that the campground is primitive in terms of utilities; no electric, water, or sewer hookups are available at the individual campsites. This contributes to the quiet, natural ambiance.

• On-Site Firewood Sales: Firewood is available for purchase at the park office, adhering to regulations to prevent the spread of invasive species.

• Vault Toilets: In addition to the main bathhouse, vault toilets are also available in certain areas, providing convenient access.

• Trash Collection: Designated areas for trash collection help campers maintain the cleanliness of the park.

• Vehicle Permits Required: As with all Minnesota State Parks, a daily ($7) or annual ($35) vehicle permit is required for entry and can be purchased at the park office or online.

Great River Campground's true appeal lies in its distinctive natural features and the immersive experiences it offers:

• Stunning Mississippi River Overlooks: The park boasts multiple scenic overlooks, including King's Bluff and Queen's Bluff, providing breathtaking, panoramic views of the mighty Mississippi River Valley and the surrounding blufflands. These are easily accessible via short hikes from the campground.

• Wooded and Shaded Campsites: Campers consistently highlight the beautiful, heavily wooded, and shaded campsites. The mature trees offer excellent privacy between sites, contributing to a quiet and secluded atmosphere.

• Extensive Hiking Trails: With approximately 6.5 miles of hiking trails, including the 1.25-mile King's Bluff Nature Trail, visitors have ample opportunities to explore diverse ecosystems like oak-hickory and maple-basswood forests, pine plantations, and unique "goat prairies." Trails are well-maintained and offer varying levels of challenge, with many providing direct access to scenic vistas.

• Wildlife and Birdwatching: The Mississippi River Valley is a major flyway, making the park a paradise for birdwatchers. Expect to spot waterfowl, eagles, hawks, and various songbirds. Deer, wild turkeys, and coyotes also inhabit the area.

• Quiet and Peaceful Ambiance: Reviewers frequently note the campground's quiet nature, making it ideal for those seeking a break from noise and crowds. This is enhanced by the primitive camping style (no hookups).

• Fall Colors Spectacle: In autumn, the hardwood forests explode with vibrant colors, offering a truly spectacular display that draws visitors from far and wide.

• Winter Recreation: During the colder months, the park transforms into a winter wonderland, offering groomed cross-country ski trails (8.7 miles) and snowshoeing opportunities.

• Geological Interest: The blufflands of southeastern Minnesota are part of the unique Driftless Area, providing fascinating geological features and formations to observe.

Address: Campground Rd, Winona, MN 55987, USA

As Great River Campground is part of Great River Bluffs State Park, the primary contact information is for the park itself:

Great River Bluffs State Park

43605 Kipp Drive

Winona, MN 55987

Park Office Phone: (507) 312-2650 (This number is for the park office and can provide the most current information regarding conditions, availability, and specific regulations.)

Minnesota DNR Information Center (for general state park inquiries):

Phone: 1-888-646-6367 (MN Toll Free)

Reservations for campsites can be made online through the Minnesota DNR's reservation system (mndnr.gov/reservations) or by calling 1-866-857-2757.

For us Minnesotans, Great River Campground stands out as an exceptional choice for a genuine outdoor escape, particularly for those residing in the southern part of the state. It embodies the very essence of Minnesota's natural beauty, offering a unique blend of serene wooded camping and awe-inspiring vistas of our iconic Mississippi River. This campground is perfectly suited for locals who appreciate a quieter, more immersed experience in nature, away from the hustle and bustle of more commercialized parks.

The consistent praise for the campground's clean, modern restrooms and free hot showers, despite the lack of individual site hookups, highlights a commitment to visitor comfort without sacrificing the rustic charm. This balance is often exactly what local campers are looking for – a comfortable base from which to explore without feeling disconnected from the wild.

Furthermore, the direct access to an extensive network of well-maintained hiking trails right from your campsite is an enormous advantage. These trails lead to the spectacular Mississippi River overlooks, providing some of the most breathtaking views available in Minnesota. For those of us who love to stretch our legs and soak in panoramic scenery, Great River Campground offers an unparalleled opportunity close to home. The sense of privacy and seclusion provided by the well-spaced, shaded sites ensures a truly relaxing and restorative experience. It's a place where families can reconnect with nature, where birdwatchers can find their bliss, and where anyone can simply unwind and appreciate the natural heritage of our great state.

Great River Campground

Campground Rd, Winona, MN 55987, USA