Lower Cedar Hills Campground

Welcome to Lower Cedar Hills Campground, a truly special corner of Whitewater State Park, nestled in the stunning bluff country of southeastern Minnesota. For Minnesotans who cherish the raw beauty of nature but also appreciate comfort and cleanliness, Lower Cedar Hills Campground offers an exceptional experience. Unlike some busier campgrounds, this section is celebrated for its serene atmosphere and the privacy it affords. We understand that local campers often seek places where they can truly disconnect and immerse themselves in the outdoors without feeling cramped or exposed. Lower Cedar Hills provides just that – a tranquil setting where "the spots are all in a forest and are all mostly private from each other so you feel like you're really camping." With beautifully wooded campsites, impeccably clean facilities, and direct access to incredible natural features, it’s a premier destination for families, anglers, and hikers alike who want to experience the best of Minnesota's natural wonders.

Lower Cedar Hills Campground is perfectly situated within Whitewater State Park at 19041 MN-74, Altura, MN 55910. This prime location in the heart of Minnesota's Driftless Area offers both easy access and a profound sense of natural immersion. For Minnesotans traveling from major hubs like Rochester or even the Twin Cities, the journey is straightforward and scenic, leading you directly into the unique landscape of rolling bluffs and spring-fed valleys. While Whitewater State Park is a popular destination, Lower Cedar Hills Campground, often reached by crossing a bridge from Gooseberry Campground, offers a more secluded feel within the park's expansive beauty. Its strategic position means you are within walking distance of key park features, including a beautiful creek and a groomed sandy beach on the Whitewater River. This excellent accessibility ensures that you can spend less time navigating and more time enjoying the fishing, hiking, and swimming that make Whitewater State Park a beloved local treasure. The park roads are well-maintained, ensuring a smooth arrival for campers in various types of vehicles.

Lower Cedar Hills Campground, as an integral part of Whitewater State Park, provides essential services and amenities that enhance the camping experience, ensuring comfort and convenience amidst the natural beauty. The park's commitment to well-maintained facilities is a standout feature for visitors.

• Wooded and Private Campsites: The campsites at Lower Cedar Hills are predominantly wooded, offering a natural canopy and a sense of seclusion. Guests consistently praise the "beautiful wooded campsites" and note that spots are "mostly private from each other so you feel like you're really camping."

• Clean and Updated Bathrooms: A significant highlight of the campground is its "really clean" and "very clean" bathrooms. The park takes pride in maintaining its facilities to a high standard, which greatly contributes to a comfortable stay for all campers.

• Family Showers: The presence of "individual units of family showers" is a particularly valued service, making it significantly easier for families with babies or small children to manage their personal hygiene needs efficiently and privately.

• Access to Potable Water: Fresh, potable water is available within the campground area, ensuring campers have convenient access for drinking and cooking.

• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, allowing for enjoyable outdoor meals and traditional campfires, perfect for evenings under the stars.

• Sanitary Dump Station: For RV campers, a sanitary dump station is available within Whitewater State Park (typically available mid-April through October), providing a convenient solution for waste disposal.

• Visitor Center Access: Campers have access to the Whitewater Valley Visitor Center, which offers park information, educational exhibits, and a nature store where essentials like firewood and ice can be purchased.

• Firewood Sales: Firewood is available for purchase at the park office, ensuring that campers have access to approved wood for their campfires and aiding in the prevention of invasive species spread.

• Proximity to Recreational Areas: The campground’s design places campers within easy walking distance of the nearby beach, a gorgeous creek, and numerous hiking trails, maximizing opportunities for immediate engagement with park activities.

Lower Cedar Hills Campground, as a cherished part of Whitewater State Park, boasts an array of features and highlights that make it a top-tier choice for outdoor enthusiasts in Minnesota. Its natural beauty, coupled with thoughtful amenities, creates a memorable camping experience.

• Deeply Wooded and Private Campsites: A standout characteristic praised by visitors is the natural seclusion of the campsites. Being "all in a forest" means sites are "mostly private from each other," offering a genuine "really camping" feel. This is a significant advantage for those seeking quiet and personal space in nature.

• Pristine and Modern Facilities: The campground takes immense pride in its cleanliness. Reviews consistently commend the "really clean" and "very clean" bathrooms, along with "very nice" and updated facilities. The "individual units of family showers" are a particularly appreciated feature, providing privacy and convenience.

• Immediate Access to a Gorgeous Creek: "Right in the campground is a gorgeous creek." This natural feature offers a calming ambiance and opportunities for exploration and enjoyment, whether it's for wading, nature observation, or simply enjoying the sound of flowing water.

• Nearby Groomed Sandy Beach: Families especially love the "beach nearby" which is described as "clear" and "sand groomed." This provides a fantastic spot for swimming and sunbathing, offering a refreshing break from hiking or other activities.

• Excellent Trout Fishing: Whitewater State Park is famous for its spring-fed streams, which are prime trout fishing waters. Anglers staying at Lower Cedar Hills Campground have direct access to these excellent fishing opportunities, making it a dream destination for those passionate about fishing.

• Extensive Hiking Trails within Walking Distance: "Tons of hiking trails all within walking distance of the campground" provide endless opportunities for exploration. These trails wind through diverse landscapes of bluffs, forests, and river valleys, catering to various fitness levels and offering stunning scenic views.

• Minimal Annoying Bugs: One notable highlight for campers is the pleasant environment with "didn't have any annoying bugs only some flies during day time." This contributes significantly to a more comfortable outdoor experience, especially during warmer months.

• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: With the nearby playground, easy-on-the-tent grassy floors, and family showers, the campground is exceptionally well-suited for families with children, ensuring everyone can enjoy their time in nature.

• Well-Kept Overall Environment: The general sentiment from visitors is that "the whole place is well kept," reflecting the continuous efforts by park staff to maintain a high standard of cleanliness and natural beauty throughout the campground and surrounding park.

For inquiries, reservations, or to gather more information about Lower Cedar Hills Campground within Whitewater State Park, please use the following contact details. All campsite reservations for Minnesota State Parks, including Lower Cedar Hills, are typically handled through the Minnesota DNR's online reservation system.

Address: 19041 MN-74, Altura, MN 55910, USA

For direct contact with Whitewater State Park:

Phone: (507) 312-2300

Email: whitewater.statepark@state.mn.us

To make reservations online, please visit the Minnesota State Parks Reservation System via the Minnesota DNR website.

For Minnesota locals, Lower Cedar Hills Campground at Whitewater State Park stands out as an absolutely incredible destination, offering an authentic and highly enjoyable camping experience right here in our beautiful state. Its location within the unique bluff country of southeastern Minnesota means you don't have to travel far to immerse yourself in a truly distinctive natural landscape, making it ideal for convenient weekend getaways or longer, rejuvenating vacations.

The core appeal for locals lies in its ability to deliver a "real camping" feel. The "beautiful wooded campsites" that are "mostly private from each other" provide the seclusion and tranquility many Minnesotans seek when escaping city life. This privacy, coupled with the consistently praised "really clean" and updated bathroom facilities, including "individual units of family showers," ensures a comfortable and hassle-free stay, particularly for families with young children. The proximity to a "gorgeous creek" and a "clear, sand groomed" beach within walking distance offers immediate access to swimming, wading, and relaxation, perfect for a summer's day.

Moreover, the abundance of "tons of hiking trails all within walking distance" caters to adventurers of all levels, providing endless opportunities to explore the park's diverse ecosystems. And for the anglers, the renowned trout fishing in the spring-fed streams adds another layer of local appeal. The fact that the "entire family enjoyed fishing, camping and swimming at this amazing site" speaks volumes about its suitability for all ages. For an immersive, comfortable, and truly local camping adventure that captures the essence of Minnesota's natural splendor, Lower Cedar Hills Campground is an unparalleled choice.

Lower Cedar Hills Campground

19041 MN-74, Altura, MN 55910, USA