Upper Cedar Hills Campground

Are you a Minnesotan looking for a fantastic camping experience that balances natural beauty with modern conveniences? Look no further than Upper Cedar Hills Campground in Altura, Minnesota. Nestled in a picturesque landscape, this very big and often busy campground is a favorite among locals for its spacious, well-treed sites that offer abundant shade and a surprising amount of privacy, even when the park is full. It’s a place where families can create lasting memories, friends can gather, and individuals can reconnect with nature, all while enjoying updated facilities that make camping comfortable and easy.

Upper Cedar Hills Campground understands the desires of Minnesota campers: beautiful surroundings, a sense of personal space, and clean, accessible amenities. Despite its popularity and size, the careful layout ensures that you don't feel "on top of your neighbors," providing a serene retreat for everyone. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway filled with hiking adventures or a longer vacation simply to relax under the canopy of trees, this campground offers an ideal setting. This article will provide a comprehensive look at what makes Upper Cedar Hills Campground a premier destination for local Minnesotans seeking an exceptional outdoor experience.

Upper Cedar Hills Campground is conveniently situated at 19041 MN-74, Altura, MN 55910, USA. This location places it within the scenic bluff country of Southeastern Minnesota, an area renowned for its dramatic landscapes, lush forests, and winding rivers. Its address on MN-74 ensures straightforward access for campers traveling from various parts of Minnesota. While being close to the highway means there might be some traffic noise, the ease of accessibility is a significant benefit, reducing travel time and allowing more opportunity to enjoy your stay. For Minnesotans, this campground is a manageable drive from major population centers, making it ideal for weekend trips or longer vacations. The surrounding region offers abundant opportunities for exploration, including nearby state parks and charming small towns, all easily reachable from the campground's central location. This blend of accessibility and natural beauty makes Upper Cedar Hills Campground a prime choice for any local looking for an outdoor escape.

Upper Cedar Hills Campground provides a range of essential services designed to ensure a comfortable and convenient camping experience for all its visitors. While it maintains a natural, outdoor feel, the focus on modern, clean facilities significantly enhances the quality of your stay. Here's a look at the services you can expect:

• Modern and Clean Bathrooms: A standout feature highly praised by guests is the cleanliness and modern updates of the bathrooms. This ensures a comfortable and hygienic experience for all campers, a crucial amenity for any campground.
• Modern and Clean Shower Rooms: Complementing the bathrooms, the shower rooms are also noted as modern and clean, providing a refreshing way to clean up after a day of hiking or outdoor activities.
• Electric Campsites: The availability of electric sites (e.g., Site 11 mentioned in a review) caters to RV campers and those needing power for their equipment, offering a convenient service for a more comfortable stay.
• Single Spot Dump Station: For RV campers, a convenient dump station is available for waste disposal. While it's a single spot, campers are advised to plan their departure accordingly, indicating that this essential service is well-maintained and functional.
• Well-Maintained Grounds: Although not explicitly listed as a "service," the overall impression of a "nice campground" where "sites are spread out good" and "well treed" points to a strong commitment to property maintenance and site upkeep by the management.

Upper Cedar Hills Campground shines with a variety of features that make it a highly desirable destination for Minnesotan campers. These highlights focus on comfort, nature immersion, and thoughtful design, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable outdoor adventure for individuals, families, and groups alike.

• Spacious and Private Sites: A key highlight is that "sites are spread out good so your not on top of your neighbors." This generous spacing, combined with "bushes to help separate sites," ensures decent privacy, even when the campground is full. This is a significant advantage for campers seeking a personal retreat amidst a busy environment.
• Abundant Shade from Mature Trees: The campground is consistently described as "well treed and fully shaded." This feature is invaluable, especially during warmer months, providing natural cooling and a pleasant atmosphere for relaxing outdoors, reading, or simply enjoying the natural surroundings.
• Modern and Clean Facilities: The presence of "modern and clean" central bathrooms and shower rooms is a major draw. These updated amenities enhance the comfort level significantly, making the camping experience more enjoyable and hygienic for all guests.
• Level Campsites (e.g., Site 11): The mention of specific sites, like electric Site 11, being "very level," indicates that many sites are prepared for easy setup, particularly beneficial for RVs and campers, ensuring a stable and comfortable foundation for your stay.
• Proximity to Hiking Trails: "Lots of hiking trails nearby" is a significant highlight for outdoor enthusiasts. This offers ample opportunities for exploration, exercise, and experiencing the beautiful natural landscapes of Southeastern Minnesota.
• Lively Yet Respectful Atmosphere: While it can be a "very big and busy campground," especially in July, the atmosphere is generally positive, with "the sounds of kids playing and groups enjoying time together." Crucially, "things settled in quickly in the late evening," suggesting a respectful environment where peace is restored for nighttime relaxation.
• Natural Surroundings and Scenery: The overall setting, with its dense tree cover and location within Minnesota's bluff country, provides a naturally beautiful backdrop for camping, offering scenic views and a refreshing escape.

If Upper Cedar Hills Campground sounds like your ideal Minnesota camping destination, planning your visit is straightforward. While specific direct reservation methods might vary (often managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for state park campgrounds, or a county/private entity), you can typically find booking information through their official channels or by calling the provided number.

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

Since the provided information doesn't include a specific phone number for the campground, it's recommended for locals to search for the official website or the managing authority (e.g., Minnesota DNR for Whitewater State Park, which Upper Cedar Hills is part of) for the most accurate contact and reservation details. A general search for "Upper Cedar Hills Campground phone number" or "Whitewater State Park reservations" would yield the most reliable contact information.

For Minnesotans, Upper Cedar Hills Campground represents an excellent local camping option that combines the rustic appeal of the outdoors with the comfort of modern amenities. Its location in Altura, within the stunning bluff country, makes it easily accessible from various parts of the state, allowing for convenient weekend getaways or longer, more immersive vacations without extensive travel. The fact that it's "very big and busy" yet manages to offer "sites that are spread out good so your not on top of your neighbors" is a significant draw, demonstrating its ability to accommodate many while still providing a sense of personal space, a highly valued feature for local campers seeking a tranquil escape.

The campground’s commitment to providing "clean and modern bathrooms and shower rooms" directly addresses one of the most common concerns for campers, ensuring a comfortable and hygienic stay. Furthermore, the "well treed and fully shaded" sites are a huge benefit, especially during Minnesota's warm summer months, offering a cool and inviting atmosphere. The presence of "lots of hiking trails nearby" caters directly to the active Minnesotan lifestyle, providing ample opportunities for exploration and outdoor recreation. Even with the "traffic noise" from the highway, the overall positive experience, marked by a lively yet respectful atmosphere where "things settled in quickly in the late evening," indicates a well-managed environment. Upper Cedar Hills Campground is suitable for local Minnesotans because it provides a reliable, comfortable, and naturally beautiful setting for creating cherished outdoor memories, whether you're a family looking for a fun escape or an individual seeking a peaceful retreat, all within the familiar and beloved landscape of Minnesota.

Upper Cedar Hills Campground

19041 MN-74, Altura, MN 55910, USA