Located in southeastern Minnesota, Beaver Creek Valley State Park is a nature lover’s dream. The park features miles of hiking along the “Big Spring,” a stream that weaves its way through acres of beautiful forest.
There are over eight miles of trails for you to explore in the park. Climb up to one of the scenic bluffs for panoramic views of the oak tree forests. Or come in spring for beautiful displays of the states dozens of species of wildflowers. And the streams have are home to one of the largest trout populations that you’ll find in the state, making it an incredible destination for RV campers who are interested in fishing. Visitors who come in the winter will find a beautiful, snow covered forest that is perfect for snowshoeing, photography, and fishing.
There are over 40 sites in the campground for you to choose from for your campervan. And all of the sites run along the park’s main stream, so you’ll have easy access to water for fishing. No matter when you visit, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy at Beaver Creek Valley State Park.
Located in southeastern Minnesota, Beaver Creek Valley State Park can be reached via car or RV from many major cities in the region, such as Minneapolis, Milwaukee, and Chicago.
Driving from Minneapolis, take US-52 south out of the city and you will reach the park in a little less than three hours. From Milwaukee, you’ll take I-94 west from the city to reach the park in a little over three and a half hours. And from Chicago, take I-90 and you’ll get to the park in around five hours.
The park has one main road that leads you to all of the campsites. The road can be a bit windy at times, so those with larger rigs should take their time. That said, you should still be able to reach all of the campsites without too many problems. If you are visiting during the colder months of the year, you should be prepared for ice on the roads.
There are 48 sites at the campground found within the park. Of the sites, 13 are equipped with electrical hookups. All of the sites have a picnic table and a fire pit, and are pet friendly. The campsites are spread out along the park’s streams, so some are closer to restrooms than others.
There are dumpsters available near most of the campsites. You should make sure you bring enough drinking water, as there is no fresh drinking water in the campground. None of the sites have hookups of any kind.
The campsites run along the park’s main creek, with access to the network of hiking trails. You’ll also be close to the water, should you want to fish. Many of the sites will be a quick walk from the park’s main facilities, giving you access to the volleyball court and picnic shelters.
The campground is open from April through November. If you plan on visiting during peak season in the summer, you should consider booking as early as possible. The campground is fairly small, and fills up quickly.
RV campers who visit the park will also find some of the best birdwatching in the state. There are dozens of bird species that populate the park, including rare local varieties like the Acadian flycatcher and the Louisiana waterthrush.
You can hike to the top of the bluffs that overlook the park for even better views of the birds that live in the park.
The park provides a checklist of the birds found in the area on its website. And you can get even more information by consulting the local birdwatching societies. The birdwatching is best in spring and fall, but you’ll still find plenty of species living in the park year round.
The park also has a great network of trails that lead you around the “Big Spring,” the park’s main waterway. Take a nice walk along the calming waters of the streams and soak in the park’s nature.
If you are looking for more of a challenge, you can take one of the steeper trails that leads you up the bluffs. You’ll have a scenic outlook of the park’s main stream and the surrounding forest.
The hiking is at its best from April through September. The spring flowers in the park are a beautiful sight. And the autumn colors in the park’s forests are another sight you won’t want to miss.
Beaver Creek Valley State Park is also an excellent destination for those who want to fish. The streams are well populated with trout. You can access the streams from various different hiking trails located throughout the park.
The fishing tends to be best around April, when the trout population is largest. But you’ll be able to catch fish pretty much year round. Do make sure to come prepared, as the park does not rent any fishing gear.
The park also makes a great destination for hiking in the winter. Bring some snowshoes and hike your way up to one of the bluffs overlooking the “Big Spring.” There are plenty of birds that stay in the forest during the winter, as well as deer, coyotes, beavers, and foxes.
Do make sure to bring your own equipment with your rig, as there are no rentals provided by the park. And the trails are not groomed during the winter, so the hiking can be strenuous, especially if you plan on climbing the bluffs.
The park is also an excellent destination for those who love nature photography. You can climb up one of the many bluffs to get scenic panoramic views of the park. Or weave your way through the oak trees and try to catch a glimpse of the deer, foxes, coyotes, beavers that live in the park. You may even get lucky and see a black bear.
The park is beautiful in spring, when the wildflowers blossom and many rare species of bird visit the park. But it’s also excellent in the winter, when the oak trees are covered in snow and ice.
RV campers who visit the park in November will also be able to take part in special deer hunts. The steep bluffs, multiple waterways, and dense forests make for excellent hunting.
The hunting season in the park is fairly short, so do make sure that you are hunting during an approved time. And you’ll need to make sure you have a Minnesota state hunting license, as well as a special hunting permit provided by park officials.
