Carley Campground

Open — Closed for the season. The campground opens Memorial Day weekend and operates through mid-October. During winter closure, the park remains accessible on foot but roads are not plowed and running water is shut off.

About

Nestled in southeastern Minnesota's Wabasha County, Carley State Park is a small, peaceful retreat offering 20 rustic campsites amid an oak forest with old-growth white pine. Each campsite includes a picnic table and fire ring, with sites separated by trees for added privacy. The campground is managed remotely by nearby Whitewater State Park staff and operates without on-site ranger presence. The park is best known for its spectacular spring wildflower displays, particularly bluebells that carpet the valley floor. Five miles of hiking trails follow the North Branch of the Whitewater River through forested terrain, offering excellent opportunities for birding and nature observation. The campground accommodates RVs up to 30 feet in length and provides basic amenities including vault toilets, drinking water, and a dump station. Three remote group camping areas are also available, each situated away from the main campground in forested sections. The park closes seasonally during winter months, and when the gate is locked, running water to the park is turned off, though visitors can still walk in and access vault toilets year-round.

Directions

Carley State Park is located approximately 15 miles northeast of Rochester, or 4 miles south of Plainview on Wabasha County Road 4.

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