Campgrounds and RV parks near Cottage Grove, MN

Cottage Grove sits along the Mississippi River in Washington County, about 10 miles south of Saint Paul. The location puts RV renters within a short drive of both Minnesota state parks along the river bluffs and Wisconsin state parks across the St. Croix, giving families two reservation systems and dozens of campgrounds to choose from within roughly an hour. Willow River State Park Campground, on the Wisconsin side near Hudson, is the closest major public option. The park features spectacular views of Willow Falls and the Willow River Gorge, with prairie remnants, miles of scenic hiking trails, family and group campgrounds, lakeside picnic areas and a nature center found within 2,800 acres of rolling countryside. Private RV parks in the region, including Cannon Falls Campground, Golden Acres RV Park, Tresure Island RV Park, and Apple River Hide-A-Way, add full-hookup capacity for renters who want power, water, and sewer connections. Most campgrounds in the area cluster along river corridors: the Mississippi, the St. Croix, the Cannon, and the Apple. That geography drives what trips look like here, with paddling, swimming, and fishing near almost every site.

Minnesota and Wisconsin use separate reservation systems, so plan by park. Minnesota state parks book through ReserveMN at reservemn.usedirect.com or by phone at 866-857-2757, with reservations available up to 120 days before the arrival date. On that first day, reservations cannot be made before 8 a.m. A valid state park vehicle permit, either annual or daily, is required at Minnesota parks. Willow River sites can be reserved via the Wisconsin State Park website, and campsite reservations open 11 months in advance. Private parks including Cannon Falls Campground, Golden Acres RV Park, Tresure Island RV Park, and Apple River Hide-A-Way book directly through their own websites or by phone. For summer weekends, secure a site at least six to eight weeks out.