Trailside Campground: Your Friendly Gateway to the Root River Trail in Rushford Village, MN

Trailside Campground Introduce

For Minnesotans seeking a welcoming and well-appointed campground that truly feels like part of a community, Trailside Campground in Rushford Village offers an exceptional experience. Located along the scenic Root River Trail in Southeast Minnesota's picturesque bluff country, this campground has become a cherished "home away from home" for many, particularly its seasonal campers. Known for its reasonable prices, generously sized sites, and a friendly, supportive atmosphere, Trailside Campground provides a peaceful and enjoyable retreat for both short-term visitors and long-term residents.

This is a campground that prides itself on fostering positive relationships and a respectful environment. As echoed by long-time campers, the owner and manager are "well liked by all," creating a cozy group where friendships flourish. Trailside Campground is not just a place to park your RV or pitch a tent; it's a base for outdoor adventures and a community where you're always welcome. It stands as a testament to what makes a campground truly special: clean facilities, ample space, and a genuine sense of belonging, all set against the stunning backdrop of Minnesota's natural beauty.

Location and Accessibility

Trailside Campground is ideally situated at 43293 MN-16, Rushford Village, MN 55971, USA. This location places it perfectly within the scenic Root River Valley, nestled between dramatic bluffs and expansive state forest land in Southeast Minnesota. Rushford Village is an incorporated city that actually surrounds the cities of Rushford and Peterson, providing a unique blend of rural charm and access to small-town amenities.

Accessibility to the campground is straightforward, as it is located just off State Highway 16, also known as the Historic Bluff Country National Scenic Byway. This main highway runs east and west through Rushford Village, often paralleling the Root River State Trail and the Root River itself. For Minnesotans, this means an easy and scenic drive from various parts of the state:

From Rochester: Approximately 45 minutes to an hour.
From Minneapolis/St. Paul: Roughly 2.5 to 3 hours, offering a manageable weekend getaway.
From La Crosse, WI: Around 30-40 minutes, making it a convenient destination for cross-border visitors as well.

The campground's direct proximity to the Root River State Trail is a significant advantage, providing campers with immediate access to one of Minnesota's premier biking, walking, and snowmobiling trails. This allows for seamless transitions from campsite relaxation to active outdoor exploration. Furthermore, being close to the towns of Rushford and Peterson means easy access to local groceries, restaurants, shops, and other essential services, blending the tranquility of nature with everyday conveniences.

Services Offered

Trailside Campground is dedicated to providing a comfortable and well-equipped camping experience, offering a range of services that cater to both seasonal and overnight guests.

Large, Grassy Sites: The campground boasts generously sized, grassy sites that provide ample space for campers, ensuring privacy and comfort. These sites are suitable for both RVs and tents.
Full Hookups with 50 Amp Power: Many sites are equipped with full hookups, including water, sewer, and 50 amp electric service. This is a significant convenience for RV campers, providing all the comforts of home.
Restroom and Shower Facilities: Campers have access to a large picnic shelter with a dedicated bathroom and shower facilities. These are maintained to be clean and tidy for guest use.
Seasonal and Overnight Camping: Trailside Campground accommodates both seasonal campers, who consider it their "home away from home," and those looking for shorter, overnight stays, offering flexibility for various travel plans.
Reasonable Pricing: Seasonal campers consistently highlight the "reasonable price" of sites, making it an economical choice for extended stays or regular visits.
Playset for Grandkids: A dedicated playset is available on-site, providing entertainment for visiting children and grandchildren, making it a family-friendly destination.
Pet-Friendly Environment: Pets are allowed at the campground, ensuring that furry family members can join in on the outdoor fun (with responsible pet ownership expected).
Community Atmosphere: While not a tangible "service," the strong sense of community, friendly seasonal campers, and supportive management create an invaluable positive environment that enhances the camping experience for all.
Parking Area: A suitable parking area is available for guests, ensuring convenient and accessible parking.

Features / Highlights

Trailside Campground's appeal extends beyond its basic services, offering several key features and highlights that make it a truly special place for campers in Minnesota.

Direct Access to Root River Trail: This is a major highlight. The campground's location "just off of State Hwy 16 and the Root River Trail" provides unparalleled access to one of Minnesota's most beloved paved trails, perfect for biking, walking, and exploring the scenic bluff country.
Idyllic Root River Valley Setting: The campground is nestled within the beautiful Root River Valley, surrounded by rolling bluffs and state forest land. This provides a picturesque backdrop for camping and numerous opportunities for nature appreciation.
Welcoming Community & Management: Customer reviews overwhelmingly praise the "wonderful experiences," "friendships," and the fact that the "owner and its manager are well liked by all." This strong, positive community vibe is a significant draw, especially for seasonal campers.
Large, Roomy, and Well-Maintained Sites: The campsites are noted for being "large" and "roomy," offering plenty of space for campers to spread out. The entire area is described as "clean and tidy," reflecting a commitment to upkeep.
Family-Friendly Amenities: The presence of a "playset for visiting grandkids" makes it a welcoming spot for families, ensuring children have dedicated areas for fun and play.
Proximity to Rushford Village Amenities: Being close to town means campers have easy access to local businesses, including "groceries, restaurants, shopping, and more activities," providing convenience without sacrificing the outdoor experience.
Pet-Friendly Policy: The campground's allowance of pets means that campers don't have to leave their furry companions behind, making it a more inclusive destination for many families.
Variety of Recreational Opportunities: Beyond the Root River Trail, the surrounding area offers extensive opportunities for fishing (the Root River is known for trout), tubing, canoeing, and exploring the natural beauty of the bluff country.
Seasonal Camping Popularity: The high demand for seasonal sites, quickly filled by current campers' referrals, speaks volumes about the campground's appeal and the satisfaction of its long-term guests.

Contact Information

To inquire about availability, make reservations, or learn more about becoming part of the Trailside Campground community, you can reach out using the following contact details:

Address: 43293 MN-16, Rushford Village, MN 55971, USA

Phone: (507) 429-5580

Mobile Phone: +1 507-429-5580

Given the popularity and the strong community base, especially for seasonal sites, it is advisable to contact the campground directly well in advance, particularly if you are interested in a longer-term stay or during peak camping seasons.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Trailside Campground is exceptionally well-suited for Minnesotans, serving as a quintessential local gem in the heart of the Root River Valley. Its accessibility from major regional hubs makes it a convenient escape for a weekend or an extended stay, allowing locals to maximize their outdoor time without lengthy travel. This convenience is a significant factor for families and individuals seeking frequent getaways.

What truly sets Trailside apart for Minnesotans is its unique blend of practical amenities and a strong, welcoming community spirit. The "large sites" with "full hookups and 50 amp power" cater directly to the needs of modern campers, particularly those with RVs, providing comfort and ease. Yet, it maintains a "peaceful" and "cozy group" atmosphere, fostered by well-liked management and a loyal base of seasonal campers. This sense of belonging is a powerful draw for locals looking for more than just a campsite, but a place where they can forge friendships and create enduring memories.

Furthermore, its direct access to the Root River Trail is a major highlight for active Minnesotans who enjoy biking, hiking, or snowmobiling. The beautiful bluff country provides a stunning backdrop for these activities, and the river itself offers opportunities for fishing and water recreation. For families, the on-site playset and the pet-friendly policy ensure that everyone, including the youngest and furriest members, can enjoy the experience. Trailside Campground truly embodies the friendly, outdoor-loving spirit of Minnesota, making it an ideal choice for any local seeking a reliable, enjoyable, and community-rich camping adventure.

Trailside Campground Photos

Trailside Campground Location

Trailside Campground

Minnesota Fillmore County Rushford Village Minnesota 16

43293 MN-16, Rushford Village, MN 55971, USA

Trailside Campground Reviews

PLEASE READ THIIS BEFORE READING NEGATIVE REVIEWSMy husband and I have had a seasonal camper at Trailside for around 10 years, and had nothing but wonderful experiences! We have developed friendships and casual acquaintances with most of the seasonal campers.The campground, its owner and its manager are well liked by all. When seasonal sites occasionally open up, they are quickly filled because of the reasonable price, large sites, and current campers referrals. We have all had positive experiences!! Imagine my shock then, at seeing a group of poor reviews for this campground! I quickly recognized EACH of these poor reviews are within a small timeframe, AND REPEAT THE SAME COMPLAINT. These reviews were obviously triggered by one person's experience in being asked to leave because they were poor camping neighbors and didn't maintain their campsite. That individual incited friends and family to write additional poor reviews, even without having camped at our peaceful campgrounds. Very deceitful.If you are considering Trailside, feel free to stop and talk to several of the current campers. I firmly believe you will hear nothing but positive, honest comments.
Jun 03, 2025 · Susan LaValla
Clean and tidy area. Cozy group. The parking area is suitable. They have a playset for visiting grandkids. Pets allowed.
Jun 29, 2025 · Jeri Cherkas
Don’t bother calling to inquire about a permanent site if you do not have a brand new fifth wheel. Owner expects top of the line campers but offers poor accommodations. Needs to add more to the property to make it more pleasing to the eye.Not much has been added to this property since opening. One shower and one toilet available (not the greatest condition…but it is a campground after all). One pavilion. And a toddler playground. If you are ONLY looking for easy access to the Root River Trail, this is a great spot. But the campground itself is NOT great. Owner is unprofessional and terrible at communication.
Oct 17, 2023 · Katie Fuller
I love this campsite come check it out very nice people here paul and abdele are great owners
Sep 16, 2017 · Esther Nelson
My family and I are very disappointed in this campground. We were excited at first to have a permanent site at this campground and be able to enjoy the bike trails and root river nearby. However, the owner rubbed us the wrong way from the start. Within the first week of communicating with him about getting set up with the permanent site, he expressed his disappointment to us when he learned that we did not own a 5th wheel camper. Plenty of the other permanent sites did not have 5th wheel campers either, so we were confused about what his problem was. Throughout the summer, we did not have any issues or conflicts with the owner aside from the fact that he was pretty much unavailable most of the time. In September, we received a text from the owner basically stating that he would not be renewing our contract for 2024 due to the “camper’s age” (apparently it isn’t new enough) “lack of upkeep” (we had some weeds underneath the camper) and because we use a “tarp on the ground for a deck.” That comment about the tarp for a deck was unnecessary and unprofessional to say. Not to mention condescending. It made us feel as if we weren’t good enough for his “elite” campground he seems to think he has. The contract we signed did not specify any of these so called “requirements” such as having a newer camper or adding in an actual deck. With all that being said, this campground is nothing special. It’s well kept and it’s a nice quiet area, but it has very few amenities. There’s a small pavilion with one shower and toilet, and a small playground/swing set. Otherwise, it’s just campsites and open field surrounding it.
Oct 17, 2023 · Paige Buytaert