Isinours Station Campground

For Minnesota adventurers who embrace rustic camping and the freedom of the open trail, Isinours Station Campground in Preston offers a unique, no-fee experience directly on the celebrated Root River State Trail. This small, primitive campground is a hidden gem for those seeking a back-to-basics outdoor escape, particularly favored by cyclists and hikers exploring the picturesque blufflands of southeastern Minnesota. If you're a local who values simplicity, direct trail access, and a quiet, natural setting over extensive amenities, Isinours Station Campground could be the perfect spot for your next journey. This article will provide a detailed overview of its distinct location, accessibility, the basic services it offers, its key features, and why it's a suitable choice for Minnesotans who prefer a more unadorned camping adventure.

Isinours Station Campground, also referred to as part of the Isinours Management Unit within the Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest, stands out precisely because of its primitive nature and lack of fees. While some past visitors have noted challenges with maintenance and limited facilities, its appeal lies in its authenticity and strategic location. It’s a place where you can pitch a tent on a flat spot, build a campfire in a designated ring (when available), and immediately access miles of scenic trails. It’s important to manage expectations: this is not a full-service RV park or a manicured state park campground. Instead, it offers a raw, unfiltered camping experience, perfect for those who are self-sufficient and appreciate the quiet solitude of nature, making it a distinctive option for the adventurous Minnesota local.

Isinours Station Campground is precisely located at 29604 246th St, Preston, MN 55965, USA. This places it within Fillmore County, in the scenic bluff country of southeastern Minnesota. Crucially, the campground is situated directly on the Root River State Trail, a significant asset for its accessibility.

Accessibility to Isinours Station Campground is primarily designed for those exploring the Root River State Trail. It’s a popular stop for bicyclists and hikers. While the provided address is accurate, relying solely on GPS can be misleading, as one reviewer noted: "Following the brown road signs is a better idea than following Google Maps or you will miss the turn in." These brown signs are typical for Minnesota State Forest facilities and guide visitors directly to the site. The campground is about three miles north of Preston, a charming town that serves as a hub for the Root River Trail system, offering services like outfitters, restaurants, and shops. The direct trail access is a major highlight, allowing campers to easily bike or hike in. It's important to note that two of the more shaded sites require a short hike up a hill, as they are designated "No Motorized Vehicles," meaning campers will need to "bring a wagon or set up in a sunny site" if they have a lot of gear. This indicates that while accessible by car to a point, the experience is largely geared towards non-motorized trail users. This balance of being within reach of a small town while offering a distinctly trail-side, primitive experience makes it ideally accessible for Minnesota locals seeking adventure on the Root River Trail.

As a primitive, no-fee campground, Isinours Station Campground offers very basic services. It’s essential for campers to be self-sufficient and prepared for a minimalist experience. Based on user reviews and typical state forest primitive site offerings:

• Limited Campsites: There are only a few designated campsites (reviews indicate 3, though potential for 8) available on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning no reservations are taken.

• Fire Pits: Some campsites are equipped with fire pits for campfires and cooking, though their availability can be inconsistent due to theft or damage.

• Picnic Tables: A limited number of picnic tables are present, but their condition and availability can vary.

• Vault Toilets: Two "stinky vault toilets" are available, but they are emptied infrequently (only twice a year according to a review), so campers should be prepared for basic conditions or bring their own sanitation solutions.

• Non-Potable Water: The "water pump is broken," meaning campers must "bring your own water" for drinking, cooking, and washing. This is a critical point for planning.

• No Fees: There are no fees to camp at Isinours Station Campground, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers.

• Direct Trail Access: The primary "service" is direct, immediate access to the Root River State Trail for biking, hiking, and in-line skating.

• Minimal Maintenance: As noted by reviews, the campground is "not maintained well because there are no fees," indicating that campers should not expect manicured grounds or regularly serviced amenities.

Given these limitations, Isinours Station Campground is best suited for experienced campers who are comfortable with primitive conditions and are fully prepared to be self-reliant.

Despite its limited amenities, Isinours Station Campground offers several key features and highlights that appeal to a specific type of camper, particularly those focused on trail adventures:

• Direct Access to Root River State Trail: This is the paramount feature. The campground is right on the 42-mile paved Root River State Trail, which meanders through the scenic Root River Valley, offering outstanding views of limestone bluffs and opportunities for biking, hiking, and in-line skating. This direct connection makes it an ideal overnight stop for multi-day trail excursions.

• Primitive and No-Fee Camping: The lack of fees makes it a highly attractive option for budget travelers and those who prefer a more rustic, uncommercialized camping experience. It offers a true "get away from it all" feeling.

• Quiet and Secluded Atmosphere: With only a few sites, the campground provides a tranquil environment, offering a peaceful night's rest away from crowds, perfect for unwinding after a day on the trails.

• Scenic Location: Situated along the banks of Watson Creek and within the Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest, the campground is surrounded by lush forests, rolling hills, and the natural beauty of Minnesota's blufflands. This offers opportunities for wildlife spotting (deer, wild turkey, hawks, even rattlesnakes) and nature photography.

• Flat Spots for Tents: Reviewers mention "numerous flat spots for tents," which is a practical benefit for tent campers, even if shade is limited.

• Proximity to Root River Trail Towns: While primitive, the campground is strategically located between charming Root River Trail towns like Preston, Lanesboro, and Fountain. These towns offer services such as restaurants, shops, outfitters, and historical sites, providing convenient stops for supplies and additional experiences during a longer trip on the trail.

• Unique Carry-In Sites: The "No Motorized Vehicles" sites require gear to be hiked in, appealing to those seeking a more secluded and challenging primitive camping experience, offering a sense of accomplishment for the adventurous.

• Connection to Historical Railroad Grade: The Root River State Trail is built on an abandoned railroad grade, offering a subtle historical element to the setting.

As Isinours Station Campground is a primitive, no-fee site managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) as part of the Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest, there isn't a dedicated campground office with a direct phone line for reservations. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

For general inquiries about the Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest or the Root River State Trail, or for the most up-to-date information on conditions (such as the status of the water pump or trail closures), it's best to contact the Minnesota DNR directly.

Relevant Contact Information:

Address: 29604 246th St, Preston, MN 55965, USA (Physical location of the campground)

For general information on Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest:

Minnesota DNR Information Center: (651) 296-6157 or (888) 646-6367

Website: Search for "Minnesota DNR Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest" or "Root River State Trail DNR" online for official maps, alerts, and detailed information.

It is crucial to remember that this is a primitive site. There is no on-site staff for direct assistance, and campers should plan to be self-sufficient, bringing all necessary water and supplies. Always check current conditions and potential alerts from the Minnesota DNR before visiting.

Isinours Station Campground is an ideal fit for Minnesota locals who embrace a rugged, self-sufficient camping style and have a deep appreciation for the state's natural landscapes, particularly its extensive trail systems. For Minnesotans who regularly bike or hike the Root River State Trail, this no-fee campground offers an incredibly convenient and budget-friendly overnight stop, allowing for multi-day adventures without the need for extensive planning or costly accommodations. It provides a genuine opportunity to disconnect from modern conveniences and truly immerse oneself in the quiet beauty of the Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest.

While its primitive nature—including a broken water pump and basic vault toilets—requires preparedness, it's precisely these qualities that appeal to seasoned local campers seeking an authentic wilderness experience. The lack of crowds and the direct access to an iconic state trail make it a unique and valuable resource for Minnesotans. It’s a place where you can hear the sounds of nature, enjoy a campfire under the stars, and wake up ready to hit the trail, making it a perfect, albeit rustic, base for exploring one of Minnesota's most beloved recreational corridors. For locals who understand and appreciate "roughing it" in exchange for unparalleled access and natural tranquility, Isinours Station Campground remains a cherished secret.

Isinours Station Campground

29604 246th St, Preston, MN 55965, USA