Great River Bluffs State Park Great River Bluffs State P
Great River Bluffs State Park
I had no idea the beauty that was over in Winona. As a born and raised Minnesota girl, I thought I knew all the awesome vacations spots in our state. How wrong I was!
Great River Bluffs State Park is home to sweeping views over the Mississippi River, gorgeous hiking trails and it’s the perfect place to camp for a few days and disconnect.
Just look at these views!
Where is Great River Bluffs State Park?
Great River Bluffs State Park is located in the bottom Southeastern corner of Minnesota. If you drove just a few more minutes, you’d be in Wisconsin!
But still the park is only 2 hours and 15 minutes away from Minneapolis.
And here the towering bluffs rise over the Mississippi River for unbeatable views!
$10 Campsites For Minnesotans
Full price campsites are $20 on the weekend. But if you’re from Minnesota or traveling on a weekday, campsites are only $10.
RESERVING A CAMPSITE
If you reserve your campsite online the same day you plan to check in or upon your arrival there is no reservation fee.
I was able to skip the fee by reserving mine the morning I left. However if there is a specific campsite you want or you’re going during a popular time/weekend, you may need to reserve ahead of time. This will include a $7 non-refundable reservation fee. (Or $10 if you call to make the reservation!)
You can book a campsite here.
Minnesota State Park Pass required.
In addition to the cost of your campsite, a Minnesota State Park Pass is required.
You can purchase one when you arrive or ahead of time here.
It’s $7 for a day or $35 unlimited for the season for ALL Minnesota State Parks. If you plan to stay more than one day or visit any other parks in the following year, it’s worth purchasing the unlimited pass. Just note: the pass is car specific.
A gorgeous campground with clean bathrooms and great trails!
I can’t recommend this campsite highly enough. There were clean, indoor bathrooms and the trails were well kept.
The scenic outlooks gave incredible views over the Mississippi River and Winona is fun to explore nearby.
I chose to stay 2 nights because there is so much to see and do in the surrounding area.
Favorite Hike: King’s Bluff
All of the lookout points at the park are lovely but don’t miss hiking to King’s Bluff!
The hike isn’t too difficult but the lookout at the end is spectacular.
Once you’ve done the trails within the park, drive to the nearby Riverview Trail at John A. Latsch State Park.
This hike has marvelous views, you won’t be disappointed!
Check out the video of my trip!
Drive into Winona to keep exploring!
The closest town to Great River Bluffs State Park is Winona which is about 20-30 minutes away.
When you’re done hiking and adventuring around the bluffs go check out Pickwick Mill, Bloedow Bakery, Sugar Loaf Bluff, Lake Winona and more!
Read: THE MOST INSTAGRAMMABLE PLACES IN WINONA
Looking for other great campsites in Minnesota?
Check out Blue Mounds State Park!
Hi! I loved your blog post so much. 💕 Just curious, do you know if it would be okay to just come in for a few hours to picnic and maybe hike?
Hi Abigail!
Thank you so much 🙂 I appreciate you taking the time to read and comment!
Yes the park is absolutely open for day visits!! I would totally suggest going for a hike or a picnic in the park!
Enjoy!! Xx
Hello! Just discovering your blog. I love it! I am trying to plan a solo trip for this summer. Are all of the campsites here this private? I like the more rustic feel. I was looking on the site map at the drive in spots wondering if these are the correct ones.
Hi Nicole! Thank you so much for your sweet comment 🙂
Yes! What I love about Great River Bluffs State Park is that the campsites are all separated by trees. If you have someone in the campsite next to you, you might hear them (which truthfully makes me feel safer when I’m camping solo anyway!) but you won’t really be able to see them. I felt like it was a super private campsite! Have an amazing time on your trip!