Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Mystery Cave State Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to take a journey into the depths of the Earth. As one of the longest caves in Minnesota, Mystery Cave attracts adventurers, nature enthusiasts, and curious minds to explore its intricate passages, stunning formations, and mysterious chambers. The park is the perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts. The rich greenery, wooded trails, and scenic views are guaranteed to take your breath away. If you want to travel outside of the state park, you can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and visiting wineries throughout the peaceful Driftless Area. Whether you want to explore or reconnect with nature, Forestville/Mystery Cave is an excellent spot to start your next vacation.
Spring 30 to 70 F
Summer 50 to 85 F
Fall 30 to 70 F
Winter 0 to 20 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park
Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park features two separate campgrounds. There are a total of 128 campsites situated in a wooded area. The main campground has 73 sites, with 23 electrical hookups. The equestrian campground has 55 spots, with 23 electrical hookups as well. The RV length limit at these sites is 50 feet. The park offers a range of amenities, including drinking water, flush toilets, hot showers, a dump station, a visitor center, a nature store and gift shop, and firewood sales.
What to Do at
Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park
Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park's biggest draw is the Mystery Cave. Visitors can explore over 13 miles of underground passages with stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones, fossils, and underground pools. Above ground, you can enjoy plenty of recreational activities, such as hiking trails, horseback riding, and trout fishing. During the winter season, the park transforms into a winter sports wonderland.
Fishing
The park has some of the best trout fishing spots in the United States. You can borrow fishing rods for free only during the open hours of Historic Forestville. A quarter-mile river trail begins behind the large Historic Forestville barn and runs alongside the Root River, leading to a small beach providing access for fly fishing.
Geocaching
Geocaching is a popular activity in the park. If you plan to leave any caches for fellow explorers, make sure to keep them out of the cavern system. This ecosystem is delicate, and you do not want to introduce any foreign objects into that space.
Stargazing
If you love looking up at the night sky, there are plenty of spots to get an unobstructed view of the cosmos. The park also hosts a Statewide Star Party. At this event, you can get stunning night sky views and learn more about the celestial bodies.
Nature Watching
The park's forests are home to white-tailed deer, red foxes, and raccoons. If you love birds, you will have plenty of opportunities to spot several bird species in the park, including woodpeckers, warblers, and owls.
Flora and Fauna
During the summer, the ground is covered with 40 species of ferns found in the bluff lands. The park also contains blooming wildflowers like zigzag goldenrod, wild geranium, and red baneberry. These mesic hardwood forests feature blooming plants from early spring to late fall. The park is also part of the Eastern Broadleaf Forest Province.
Hiking
You can get a scenic view of the park by traveling down a few trails. The Big Spring Trail takes you across a bridge over the river and follows Canfield Creek until you reach Big Spring. The Root River State Trail is a 42-mile paved trail that runs alongside the Root River. It stretches from Fountain to Houston, Minnesota, and is constructed on an abandoned railroad. The course is mostly level and wheelchair accessible, except for a steep half-mile segment between Vinegar Ridge and Houston.
Boating
Forestville/Mystery Caves State Park has no designated boating area. However, you can find a few spots to launch a kayak or canoe into the waters with the Root River nearby.
Biking
The Root River State Trail is a multi-use path. Bikers and hikers are always welcome to follow the route.
How to Get to
Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park
If you are planning to travel to Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park from Minneapolis, you can follow these directions. You will want to head towards US-52 S from Minneapolis. Keep driving on US-52 S. When you reach County Road 1, follow that until you reach the state park's entrance.
Entering Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park
Visitors can enter the park on foot, by bike, or in passenger vehicles and RVs. Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park has five lots available for RV parking. Some of the park's trails and tours are accessible for wheelchair users. There are also accessible showers and flush toilets. The park is open from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park Entry Fee : $7.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park
Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park is a great place to visit at any time of the year. During the summer, you can explore the cave and enjoy the cool temperature of 48 degrees Fahrenheit, giving you a nice break from the heat.
You may spot deer, raccoons, beavers, minks, opossums, woodchucks, and red and gray foxes throughout the park. Additionally, the park's caves are home to small, eyeless invertebrates with transparent bodies.
Yes, the park has two separate campgrounds located in a beautiful, wooded area near the Root River. There are a total of 128 campsites available for camping enthusiasts. However, only half of those spaces have electrical hookups.
Yes, you will want to book a reservation for the camping sites, especially those with hookups. Depending on the season, the prices can vary, but they typically start at $15 per night.
Yes, pets are allowed at this Minnesota state park. However, you cannot bring them into the cabins, buildings, or the cavern system. Like most parks, your pets must always be leashed and controlled.