Gooseberry Glen Cart-in Campground

Open — Open and accepting reservations. Peak camping season runs April through October. Water systems typically shut down in October, though frost-free water spigots remain available year-round.

About

Gooseberry Glen Cart-in Campground is located within Whitewater State Park in southeastern Minnesota's scenic blufflands region. This unique cart-in campground requires campers to transport their gear a short distance from the parking area using provided carts, offering a more secluded and primitive camping experience compared to traditional drive-in sites. The campground is situated along the spring-fed Whitewater River, surrounded by dense hardwood forests and towering limestone bluffs that create a dramatic landscape. Sites are naturally private and provide easy access to the river, where anglers can fish for brown, brook, and rainbow trout. The park's 2,700 acres feature numerous hiking trails ranging from easy riverside walks to challenging climbs up the bluff sides, offering scenic overlooks of the valley. Whitewater State Park is home to diverse wildlife, with nearly 50 mammal species and 250 bird species utilizing the valley throughout the year. The park offers a year-round visitor center, a sandy swimming beach on the river, and interpretive programs about the area's natural and human history. Peak season runs from April through October, with the park remaining accessible year-round for winter activities.

Directions

Gooseberry Glen Cart-in Campground is located within Whitewater State Park, approximately 7 miles north of St. Charles, Minnesota, along State Highway 74. Upon entering the park, follow signs to the cart-in parking area, where provided carts are available to transport gear to your campsite.

Nearby Campgrounds