State Parks near Winona, MN

The Great Lakes Region of the Upper Midwest is known for its rolling farmlands and spatterings of major cities. But just outside of Minneapolis, Minnesota, between Duluth and Rochester, is the small town of Washington, MN. Located on the border of Minnesota and Wisconsin on the St. Croix River is Afton State Park. Only about 1,600 acres, this park is on the smaller side, but if quaint is what you’re looking for, then this is your place.

In 1969, the state of Minnesota selected the area that would soon be known as Afton State Park to be conserved and maintained by the state. The park is made up of a combination of large ravines, oak woodlands, and open …

Set in an ancient valley carved by the Maquoketa River, Backbone State Park immerses you in the natural beauty of the Hawkeye State. It's the oldest state park in Iowa and has been welcoming visitors since 1919. The 2,000-acre park is named after its unique geological features, predominantly the narrow "Devil's Backbone" ridge that slices through the valley and forms one of the highest points in Iowa. There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the scenery, from woodland hikes and sun-dappled picnics to leisurely paddles and exhilarating rock-climbing routes. There's even a dash of history thrown into the mix, with rustic stone cabins and an absorbing museum recalling the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps.

At just three hours from …

In the southeastern corner of Minnesota, sits Beaver Creek Valley State Park, an underrated, often-overlooked gem. Fed by the “Big Spring” found upstream, the water is exceptionally clear and cold. The banks are lined by moss-clad stones and gnarled old oak, basswood, and walnut trees.

Once inhabited by Native American tribes that roamed this part of the state, the first European settlers arrived in the area in the mid-1850s. Though they had intended to take advantage of the rich soil by creating farms, they found that the terrain was too steep and rocky, and thus Beaver Creek was preserved. Beaver Creek Valley State Park was officially established in 1937.

Surrounded by industrious farmlands growing a variety of crops ranging from …

Offering a sandy beach, excellent fishing, and historic appeal, Beeds Lake State Park is one of the most popular outdoor recreation destinations in the Hawkeye State. At the heart of the park is a picturesque limestone dam and spillway built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s. The dam was originally constructed in the 1850s to collect water for a local mill, though today it provides a scenic setting for swimming, boating, and fishing. History buffs love checking out the beautifully preserved CCC buildings, which won Beeds Lake a place on the National Register of Historic Places.

Planning a road trip in the Midwest? Book an RV in Franklin County and you can combine the creature comforts of …

Located right in the heart of west-central Wisconsin is Black River State Forest, covering a massive 67,000 acres. Two forks of the Black River flow through this forest, along with high sandstone abutments. For those campers without their own rig, and wishing to explore this amazing forest and the surrounding area, book an RV in Jackson County. Located near the city of Black River Falls, the forest is easily accessible from other close cities like Sparta and Melrose. On your motorhome camping trip to Black River State Forest, set aside plenty of time to explore the extensive trails of this rugged forest.

Established in 1957, much of the area was strongly influenced by glaciation. Once the glaciers …

Located on the largest hill in the southern half the state of Wisconsin, Blue Mound State Park is an area that should not be missed on any visit to the area. The park covers 1153 acres, so there is plenty of room for everyone to enjoy this scenic beauty. Visitors are able to get a glimpse of the rare American Bison who live in the park, and this alone draws people from miles around to rent an RV in Dane County.

Blue Mound State Park is mainly made up of an unusual prairie landscape, Sioux Quartzite Bedrock, which appeared blue to early settlers, and from which the park got its name. Due to its lofty position, the park offers …

Situated at the confluence of Route 64 and Route 27, Brunet Island State Park is easily accessible from Eau Claire and the surrounding towns of central Wisconsin. Just over a two-hour drive from Minneapolis, MN, consider Brunet Island State Park camping to escape the stresses of big city life.

The park is named after Jean Brunet, a French immigrant who once lived here and played an integral role in the development of the Chippewa River. His contributions included the construction of the first dam and sawmills in the area, remnants of which can be seen today. Opened as a state park in 1940, you can enjoy its diverse landscapes and unique flora and fauna.

Formed by the joining of …

Buck Creek Park is located in southeast Iowa, on the easternmost border of the giant Rathbun Lake. Buck Creek is located just nine miles north of Centerville, 36 miles from Bloomfield, and 35 miles from Ottumwa. This small park is known for its scenic beauty, picnicking, and fun lakeside activities.

Buck Creek Park is made up of hilly grasslands that run along the Chariton River Valley. It shares a border with the easternmost arm of Rathbun Lake and provides full access to the water. The campgrounds are open, grassy areas with a few deciduous trees speckled throughout.

If your motorhome camping trip takes you to Iowa, you’ll definitely want to consider Buck Creek Park. This is a …

Big, beautiful, and boasting a host of great activities for water sports enthusiasts and nature lovers, Buckhorn State Park has a whole lot to offer as a camping destination.

Located less than 15 miles southeast of Necedah in the heart of Wisconsin, this 8,000-acre park offers something to keep just about everyone happy. Situated on the shores of Castle Rock Lake, where the Wisconsin and Yellow River meet, the park is well-known as a great boating, fishing, and swimming destination. But with pretty hiking trails, hunting, and winter sports activities also on offer, you'll need to stay awhile to experience everything the park has to offer.

Happily, Buckhorn State Park also boasts a 68-site campground where you and your camper …

In the southeast corner of Minnesota, near the border that it shares with Wisconsin and Iowa, is Carley State Park. This state park is a wonderful place to visit when you book an RV in Wabasha County, as it provides an easy way to camp with an RV in the area. Carley State Park can trace its natural history to over 450 million years ago, back to when a shallow sea covered large sections of North America.

Carley State Park in modern-day covers over 200 acres and was founded in 1949. The recent human history includes that of the Dakota Native Americans, who once hunted, farmed, and sustained themselves on wild food found throughout the Whitewater River Valley. In …

If you're a water sports enthusiast or if you're just looking for a tranquil camping destination, you'll love Council Grounds State Park. Located just to the west of Merrill in Wisconsin's Lincoln County, this 509-acre park sits on the shores of Lake Alexander, a dam on the Wisconsin River.

Swimming, boating, and fishing are by far the most popular pastimes, but Council Grounds State Park campers can also take advantage of seven hiking trails, snow sports opportunities, and much more. Even better, there's a pretty and peaceful family campground that offers all the creature comforts, ensuring you'll have everything you need to enjoy a relaxing stay.

Devil's Lake State Park is located in southern Wisconsin, between the towns and cities of Madison, Wisconsin Dells, and Baraboo. The park was constructed as part of the early 1930s and ‘40s Civilian Conservation Corps movement and stands as one of Wisconsin’s largest state parks. The state park lies on the northern shoreline of Devil’s Lake, the main attraction for many of the sate park’s visitors. This giant natural lake and the picturesque scenic beauty of the park makes it an ideal place to take an RV rental. Accessing the park with a rental RV is made even easier with both Highway 12 and Highway 113 running along its western and eastern fringes.

Rent a camper near …

In Sauk County, just a few minutes away from Baraboo, is the largest, most popular state park in Wisconsin: Devil’s Lake State Park. This 9,200-acre park is just 35 miles away from the state capital, Madison, and 12 miles away from the town of Merrimac. The park's vast RV camping area makes an excellent stopover or vacation destination.

The primary attraction here is Devil’s Lake. Before Devil’s Lake formed, this area was filled with gorges. During the last ice age, a glacier covered the eastern end of the Baraboo Hills. This created two natural dams which altered the flow of the ancient rivers, leaving a large body of water within the hills — what is now Devil's Lake. …

Effigy Mounds National Monument is located near McGregor, Iowa, less than a mile from the mighty Mississippi River. The monument is a collection of mounds that were part of a culture that transcended individual tribes and is considered to be an archeological treasure providing insight into Native American culture. These mounds were not constructed for burial purposes, as many of the tribes continued to build circular mounds for burial. The Effigy Mounds Culture utilized hills in the shape of animals such as deer, bison, and turtle, among others. Archeologists believe that the mounds may have been created to honor seasonal events, to mark territory or for other purposes, but their actual purpose is still unknown.

Today the monument is …

If you're searching for untamed wilderness, abundant recreational activities, and a rustic camping experience, Flambeau River State Forest might just be your perfect destination. Located in northwestern Wisconsin, this 90,000-plus-acre forest offers the sort of features that true outdoors enthusiasts dream of.

The North and South Forks of the Flambeau River converge within the park, so fishing and whitewater rafting are two of the main attractions to enjoy. But with excellent swimming, hiking, biking, and hunting opportunities on offer, there's plenty to keep campers of all ages happy. And with two peaceful campgrounds to choose from, Flambeau River State Forest is the sort of location you'll want to return to again and again.

Fort Snelling State Park is situated in the southeast portion of Minnesota near the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers. The park is best known for containing Fort Snelling, which was used by the U.S. Army during the 1800s to manage the local fur trade. Besides its historic structures, this state park also features stunning landscapes that range from forests to meadows.

This area of Minnesota is somewhat warm during the summer, although winters can be brutally cold. Fort Snelling State Park is located near cities such as Minneapolis and Burnsville.

Learn about Hopewellian culture and history, explore hardwood forests and prairies, or just spend time fishing for catfish, crappie, and bluegill. This is just the tip of the iceberg of what awaits those who go RV camping at Frontenac State Park. The park is located on the Mississippi River, some seven miles away from Lake City, 11 miles away from Red Wing, and 24 miles away from the town of Wabasha. The park's proximity to an array of attractions and amenities only makes it more alluring for outdoor enthusiasts on a motorhome camping vacation. Don't have your own RV? No problem — you'll find a wide selection of affordable RV rentals near Frontenac State Park.

The park …

Northeast Iowa is shaped by the Mississippi River Valley, which gives it a landscape that's slightly different than that of the rest of Iowa, but equally gorgeous. George Wyth State Park is located midway between Cedar Falls and Waterloo, just west of Dubuque. It's part of the National Urban Wildlife Sanctuary and is a relaxing escape from city life.

In 1940, nearly a decade after President Roosevelt’s New Deal was set into motion, the Josh Higgins Parkway was established. Josh Higgins was a popular radio personality in the 1920s and '30s. Sixteen years later in 1956, the park was renamed George Wyth State Park after J. George Wyth of Cedar Falls. George was a conservationist who helped shape …

With more than 5,000 acres of steep bluffs, scenic valleys, and picture-perfect lakes, Governor Dodge State Park is one of the largest state parks in Wisconsin. Located just to the north of Dodgeville, it's easily accessible from Madison and is the ideal spot for a weekend getaway (or something a little longer).

When you visit Governor Dodge State Park you can hike along 40-odd miles of trails, swim and fish in two man-made lakes, indulge in a host of winter sports, and just enjoy the serenity of nature. And with two campgrounds and more than 260 campsites available, the park is perfect for RV camping.

So, why not find yourself a rental RV near Governor Dodge State Park and …

The Great River Bluffs State Park lies along the border of Wisconsin and Minneapolis, on the banks of the Mississippi River that marks a natural boundary between the states. Although somewhat off the beaten path, the park is easily accessed via Highway 61 or Interstate Route 90, with approaches from Rochester and Minneapolis.

Recognized as a state park in 1976, the area was originally known as O.L Kipp State Park, a nod to a man who was integral in building the Minnesota highway system. In the late ‘90s, the park was renamed after the prominent geological formations found there; its steep buffs rise 500 feet above the river, creating narrow valleys and unique ecosystems.

It is conveniently located between …