Rochester / Marion KOA Journey: Your Premier Camping Hub in Southeast Minnesota

Rochester / Marion KOA Journey Introduce

Introduction / Overview

Welcome to Rochester / Marion KOA Journey, a highly recommended camping destination conveniently located in Rochester, Minnesota. For local Minnesotans, especially those visiting the renowned Mayo Clinic or exploring the beautiful southeastern region of our state, this campground offers an ideal blend of comfort, convenience, and a truly peaceful setting. Praised by guests for its quiet ambiance and friendly atmosphere, Rochester / Marion KOA Journey is more than just a place to stay; it's a welcoming retreat where you can unwind and feel at home, even while on the road.

As a KOA Journey campground, we are designed to be your perfect oasis after a day of travel or exploration. We understand the importance of having a clean, well-maintained, and welcoming environment, and our dedicated team, including gracious hosts like Barb and Roger, strives to provide exceptional service. From spacious RV sites nestled among beautiful pine trees to cozy cabins, we offer a variety of accommodations to suit every camper's needs. Whether you're seeking a quiet place to recharge, a basecamp for local adventures, or a comfortable stay during a visit to the Mayo Clinic, Rochester / Marion KOA Journey is committed to making your experience relaxing, enjoyable, and memorable. Come discover the serene and "very green" location that makes us a top choice for campers across Minnesota and beyond.

Location and Accessibility

Rochester / Marion KOA Journey is conveniently situated at 5232 65th Ave SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA. This prime location places it just a short distance from the heart of Rochester, one of Minnesota's most significant cities, particularly known for the world-renowned Mayo Clinic. For local Minnesotans, this means excellent accessibility without sacrificing the peaceful, country setting that makes for an enjoyable camping experience.

The campground’s location is highly advantageous for a variety of visitors. For those heading to the Mayo Clinic, it boasts an "easy 15-20 minute drive," offering a comfortable and welcoming alternative to traditional hotel stays, as many guests have noted the appeal of returning to a "private and quiet campground" after appointments. It is also conveniently located off major routes like I-90 and Highway 52, making it an ideal stop for travelers passing through southeastern Minnesota. This strategic positioning allows for quick access to Rochester’s many amenities, including shopping, dining, and other city attractions, while still providing a serene escape from urban noise (with no planes or trains directly overhead). Furthermore, its proximity enables easy day trips to other popular Minnesota destinations such as the Amish communities in Harmony, the Root River bike trail and trout streams, and even iconic regional attractions further afield like the Mall of America (approximately a two-hour drive). The blend of city convenience and peaceful country ambiance truly makes Rochester / Marion KOA Journey an accessible and desirable location for all Minnesotans.

Services Offered

RV Sites: Spacious, clean, and level asphalt pads accommodating RVs up to 80 feet in length, with excellent spacing between lots for privacy. Available with 30-amp and 50-amp electrical hookups, water, and sewer connections. New concrete luxury lots with solo fire pits and furniture are also available.
Tent Sites: Premium designated areas for traditional tent camping.
Camping Cabins: Cozy cabins available for rent, some featuring a dorm-sized fridge and air conditioning. These offer a more comfortable camping experience with beds and basic amenities (guests typically bring their own bedding).
Swimming Pool: A large, heated swimming pool available seasonally (typically open from late May to early September), offering a refreshing way to cool off and enjoy.
Restrooms and Showers: Exceptionally clean and well-maintained restroom and hot shower facilities.
Laundry Facilities: Coin-operated laundry facilities are available for guest convenience.
Wi-Fi: High-speed internet access available throughout the campground.
Propane: LP gas available for purchase on-site.
Firewood: Bundles of firewood available for purchase.
Picnic Tables and Fire Pits: Provided at every campsite for outdoor dining and campfires.
Playground: A well-equipped playground for children to enjoy and burn off energy.
Game Room: Featuring billiards, darts, and other games for indoor entertainment.
Outdoor Games: Opportunities for games like horseshoes, Frisbee golf, badminton, and volleyball.
Bicycle Rentals: Bicycles available for rent to explore the campground and nearby areas.
Kamp K9® Pet Park: A designated area for pets to play and exercise.
Grocery/Supply Store: A convenience store on-site offering camping essentials, limited groceries, and supplies.
Mail Service: Gracious hosts may offer services like hand-delivering mail for extended-stay guests.
Accessibility: Camping accessible to people with disabilities, including flush toilets.
Lodge/Central Building: A central building that may include a lodge or meeting facilities.

Features / Highlights

"Very Private and Quiet Campground": A consistent highlight from guests, emphasizing the peaceful and serene atmosphere, even with full hookups and amenities.
"Beautiful Pine Trees" and "Very Green, Peaceful Location": The natural setting, adorned with attractive landscaping and ample foliage, enhances the sense of tranquility and privacy.
Exceptional Hospitality from Camp Hosts: Guests frequently praise the "extremely gracious" and "super nice" hosts (like Barb and Roger, and Louisa) who go above and beyond, offering personalized service and making visitors feel truly welcome.
Convenient to Mayo Clinic: A significant draw for many, offering a comfortable and cost-effective alternative to hotels with an easy 15-20 minute commute.
Spacious and Level RV Sites: The asphalt pads are noted for being clean, level, and well-spaced, accommodating large RVs (up to 45 ft coaches).
New Luxury Concrete Lots: Recent additions of premium sites with concrete pads, solo fire pits, and furniture provide an upgraded experience.
Clean and Large Pool: The swimming pool is a popular amenity, noted for being large and clean, providing a refreshing escape.
Exceptionally Clean Restrooms: Guests consistently highlight the cleanliness of the restroom facilities.
Pet-Friendly Environment: Welcomes pets, with a dedicated Kamp K9® dog park, making it ideal for those traveling with furry companions.
Variety of Accommodations: Offers flexibility with RV sites, tent sites, and cabins to suit diverse camping preferences and needs.
Family-Friendly Amenities: With a playground, game room, and various outdoor activities, it caters well to families, ensuring entertainment for all ages.

Contact Information

Address: 5232 65th Ave SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA

Phone: (507) 288-0785

Mobile Phone: +1 507-288-0785

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Minnesotans seeking a convenient, comfortable, and truly welcoming camping experience, Rochester / Marion KOA Journey stands out as an exceptional choice. Its strategic location in Rochester offers the perfect balance: a peaceful country setting ideal for relaxation, combined with rapid access to the amenities and attractions of a major city. This proximity is particularly beneficial for those visiting the Mayo Clinic, providing a serene and home-like environment just a short 15-20 minute drive away – a far more appealing option than impersonal hotel rooms, as many long-term guests attest. The ease of access from major highways also makes it an excellent base for exploring the rich cultural and natural wonders of southeastern Minnesota, from scenic bike trails to charming Amish communities.

What truly makes Rochester / Marion KOA Journey suitable for locals is its commitment to hospitality and a high-quality camping experience. The "extremely gracious hosts" and consistently "private and quiet campground" atmosphere ensure that every visit feels like a true escape and a welcoming return. The range of accommodations, from spacious, level RV sites nestled among beautiful pine trees (some with new luxury concrete pads) to comfortable cabins and tent sites, caters to diverse preferences. Families will appreciate the clean, large pool, playground, and game room, ensuring there's always something to keep everyone entertained. For Minnesotans, choosing Rochester / Marion KOA Journey means supporting a local business that provides excellent value, a clean and green environment, and a genuine sense of community. It's a place where you can easily unwind, reconnect with nature, and create cherished memories, all within the familiar and beautiful landscape of your home state.

Rochester / Marion KOA Journey Photos

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Rochester / Marion KOA Journey Location

Rochester / Marion KOA Journey

Minnesota Olmsted County Rochester 65th Avenue Southeast

5232 65th Ave SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA

Rochester / Marion KOA Journey Reviews

We have stayed here on and off three months for the Mayo Clinic. We highly recommend the location. (We don’t have kids with us so I cannot speak to those amenities, but the pool was always busy when we walked by.) We have a 45 ft coach. Enjoyed our clean, level asphalt pad looking at beautiful pine trees. All the lots have good spacing, ours had a fire pit. Very private and quiet campground. They just installed three new concrete luxury lots with solo fire pits and furniture. If you are going to Mayo Clinic this is the place to be, easy 15-20 minute drive. It was so welcoming to come back and have a campfire at our own place vs. staying at a hotel. Barb and Roger were extremely gracious hosts, even hand delivering our mail. The service they gave us was so appreciated. A very green, peaceful location. We will be back.
Jul 05, 2025 · Shug Bury
Our family of 5 stayed in a cabin at this KOA for one night. Check-in was a breeze and they were very friendly and welcoming. The cabin and site were fine. I was disappointed to find the last guest’s trash hadn’t been removed from the cabin, but easy to fix. There was a dorm-sized fridge in the cabin that was unplugged when we arrived. This made it useless, as it never reached a cold temperature during our stay. The A/C worked well. The pool is large and the restrooms were exceptionally clean. $9 for a bundle of firewood is a bit steeper than we’ve paid anywhere else, but it served its purpose. We would stay again.
Jun 28, 2025 · Carrie Peters
Do not camp here. KOA should pull their association with this campground as it is a disgrace to the name. First, their park is a lawsuit waiting to happen. They were missing ladder steps, creating massive gaps that kids will easily fall through. The slide had a sandpaper texture, surely to hurt any legs going down. It did not look anything like the pictures. Second, the “race track” was completely grown over with grass and weeds making it unusable. Third, the pool was very outdated, and closed when we camped due to “glass all over” but no one seemed willing to clean it up.There was absolutely nothing here to do for kids in working order. The grass was very overgrown, and overall the place was run down. We will be contacting KOA as well to report this.
Jun 08, 2025 · Brenna Stalsberg
Worst KOA ever!I had a late call to a guy employee.. I paid $38.66 for a tent setup.Everything, was good and I usually have good interactions at other KOA's I've stayed at. Well, I was rudely woken up at 9am by by a different woman employee. Yelling until I woke up asking me what the hell I was doing there.I woke up and crawled out of my tent. To find her standing next to her Grey SUV telling me to leave and that I shouldn't be there because I didn't pay! I politely told I was a late arrival. She angrily told me that I wasn't and I need to leave. So, I told her the exact amount and which lot I paid for.She, still angrily responded telling I need to go because I didn't pay!I said: check your receipts, it's there. I'm going back to bed. She said NO YOU DIDN'T AND YOU NEED TO LEAVE! I'M GOING CALL THE COPS!She then jumped in her truck went over to the office and went to go open it.I wasn't wanting to deal with anymore unnecessary issues. So, I grabbed my tent with everything inside it and threw it in the back of my truck and left immediately!The most Horrible KOA experience EVER!
Apr 29, 2025 · Round Dance & Powwow Vids
Rude and uninterested in accommodating customers. Went to a different park. First ever KOA we have been to that was so rude. Also note worthy is the office is open at the leisure of who ever is here. They are not open at 9am as advertised. Office opens at 10.
Jun 21, 2025 · Spiro Olympidis