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Beaver Creek Valley
Overview
Beaver Creek Valley State Park offers a serene escape into the heart of the Driftless Area of southeastern Minnesota. Known for its lush landscapes and steep limestone bluffs, this park provides a unique geological experience where glaciers never flattened the land. Visitors are greeted by the soothing sounds of spring-fed streams and a dense canopy of deciduous trees that create a cool, sheltered environment perfect for summer exploration and relaxing retreats.
Location & Surroundings
Situated just outside of Caledonia, Minnesota, the park is hidden within a deep valley carved by the flowing waters of Beaver Creek. The surrounding terrain is characterized by dramatic limestone cliffs and vibrant forest floors. Because the park is tucked away from major highways, it maintains a peaceful atmosphere where the natural environment takes center stage. The drive into the valley offers breathtaking views of the rugged ridges that define this region of the state.
Amenities & Park Features
The campground caters to RV travelers with a selection of electric sites that can accommodate various rig sizes. While the park maintains a rustic vibe, essential modern conveniences are available, including a seasonal shower building, flush toilets, and a sanitary dump station. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the well-maintained picnic areas and the clear, cold-water streams that run through the property. The sites are heavily shaded and spaced to provide a sense of privacy amidst the towering trees.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Fishing is a primary draw here, as the park features world-class trout fishing in its cold-water streams. Hikers can challenge themselves on the Hole-in-the-Rock Trail, which leads to impressive overlooks and unique rock formations. Just a short drive away, the town of Caledonia, known as the Wild Turkey Capital of Minnesota, offers local charm and supplies. Bird watchers often visit specifically to spot the rare Acadian Flycatcher, which thrives in the park's specific microclimate.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is ideal for RVers who prioritize natural beauty and tranquility over resort-style entertainment. If you enjoy waking up to the sound of water and spending your days fly fishing or hiking through hardwood forests, this park will feel like home. It is a perfect fit for nature photographers and families looking to unplug. Those seeking a quiet, scenic basecamp to explore the unique topography of southeastern Minnesota will find exactly what they need here.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Triton Stellflug
Fantastic state park! Trails on the north side of the park were well-maintained and fun hikes to take. View from the top of the Switchback Trail is incredible. We will be back to explore the south side of the park!
DLM-Distribution Campervans
Beaver Creek Valley State Park – Peaceful Camping and Beautiful Scenery We recently visited Beaver Creek Valley State Park in our Mini-T Campervan and loved every moment. The campground is quiet, well-kept, and perfectly set along a clear, trout-filled creek that makes for the most relaxing backdrop. Hiking trails wind through unique Driftless Region landscapes—rolling hills, limestone bluffs, and lush valleys that feel far removed from everyday life. Camping here was comfortable and scenic, with sites that offered just the right mix of privacy and nature. Falling asleep to the sound of the creek and waking up to birdsong made this trip unforgettable. If you’re exploring Minnesota in a campervan, this park is absolutely worth a stop.
Todd Mulvihill
Located in the “driftless” region of SE MN, this smaller park is located at and follows the valley of Beaver Creek. It is known primarily for fishing in the creek. Due to its narrow width, the campsites and small and tightly packed. This is not a campground for larger trailers, despite many sites having electric service. Cellular coverage is spotty at best, but near the info office there is a WiFi hotspot. Hiking options are abundant and offer lovely vistas of the surrounding bluffs and frequently criss-cross the creek. The northern trails are mostly flat and easy to navigate. Some of the steep bluff trails are difficult and should be avoided during or right after rainfall as they can turn slippery and dangerous. Facilities are older but adequate. The picnic area is quite nice and spread out and offers several shaded areas to enjoy a meal or a spot to read. Despite being smaller, this is an active park and can be busy during the summer.
Codi Gray
I wish I could give Beaver Creek a better rating, as I have been coming here since I was a little kid, and have many many good memories here. I was a regular camper at this campground, camping almost every weekend here, so far this summer with my daughter and bf. Our last camping experience this past weekend here was very traumatic and we could have lost our lives. A huge tree at the campsite we were at fell from the hill aiming right towards my daughter and I and it landed on us! This tree was HUGE and covered our entire site, it was very scary and could have had a very different outcome!! Although I understand that these things happen, the park ranger in the office, did not seem bothered by what had happened to us. When it was mentioned that the tree ruined our expensive tent (that we may not be able to get replacement pieces for), she responded “well that’s nature so we don’t pay for tent damage.” She then walked out of the office and offered my bf a free night of camping to make up for what happened! What a slap in the face when she was JUST INFORMED of our tent being ruined by the tree! I also feel this whole situation could have been avoided if the grounds were maintained better for bad tree! I will continue to camp here for the fact I have already paid for reservations for next weekend, Fourth of July weekend, and Labor Day weekend. After these already paid for reservations, I will no longer be camping here due to the uncaring response of the park ranger and their inability to make things right when we were rightly, very upset about this situation. I will no longer recommend this campground to people anymore, as before I had nothing but great things to say about the place. This ruined Beaver Creek for me.
Shawn Klein
So beautiful and Serene! I annually go camping with my son and we both agree this is the best place we've camped yet