Rochester is the county seat of Olmsted County in southeastern Minnesota. It is the state's third-largest city, with a population of 121,395 as of the 2020 U.S. Census. U.S. Routes 14 and 63 run through Rochester, and RVers will appreciate that I-90 is just south of the city. The southern fork of the Zumbro River runs alongside the town, and the Mississippi River is a few miles east.
The Douglas State Trail starts in the northwestern part of the city, running 12.5 miles to Pine Island. This multi-use trail handles biking, hiking, horseback, in-line skating, and snowmobile traffic throughout the year. Downtown Silver Lake rents bikes and boats, so you can ride around town or paddle around the lake. Locals also enjoy canoeing or kayaking down the Zumbro River.
A visit to the Rochester Art Center provides a chance to see contemporary pieces through various exhibits and programs. Local history is yours to explore at the History Center of Olmsted County, off West Circle Drive. If shopping is your thing, spend a couple of hours wandering through over 20 shops, restaurants, and services at Galleria at University Square.
When you're looking for food in Rochester, Saladworks is a highly-rated eatery for quick bites on 1st Avenue. Pasquale's Neighborhood Pizzeria is popular with local patrons and has vegetarian-friendly options. If you want something contemporary, try Chester's Kitchen and Bar for casual and five-star American dishes. Goonie's Comedy Club showcases nationally touring comedians on Friday and Saturday nights while Chip Shots offers food and drinks at an indoor activity center.
Rochester's Autumn Woods RV Park has 140 back-in or pull-through sites starting at $37 per night. You will have access to full RV hookups, 30- and 50-amp power, cell reception, and Wi-Fi. It has paved roads and space for big rigs to move around. There is a clubhouse on site along with showers and a laundry facility.
The Rochester/Marion KOA has 72 back-in or pull-through sites with full hookups, 30- and 50-amp power, cell reception, Wi-Fi, and showers that guests can use. This location has a playground for the kids and a dog park for your canine traveling companions. A camp store and dump station make things convenient for RV travelers.
Located along the banks of the Straight River, Riverview Campground in Owatonna, Minnesota has 115 back-in or pull-through sites between $35 and $53 daily. The facility has full RV hookups, 30- and 50-amp power, cell reception, Wi-Fi, and showers. Unique amenities include disc golf, mini-golf, and horseshoe pits.
Merrick State Park is 65 miles east of Rochester, near Fountain City, Wisconsin. This 332-acre park is popular with those who enjoy bird-watching and fishing. The campground here has 65 RV campsites with gravel pads, but only 12 sites have electricity. Nestled along a backwater of the Mississippi River, guests bring or rent boats, kayaks, or canoes to access the water. Hiking trails run along the banks of the river and can be used for shore fishing access or to move about the park. Late spring or summer offers the best window for dry conditions and full access to pathways that can flood from snowmelt in winter.
Another Wisconsin point of interest worth visiting is Perrot State Park, 66 miles east of Rochester, near the town of Trempealeau. Its showcase feature is the 500-foot bluffs overlooking the confluence of the Trempealeau and Mississippi rivers. Climbers and hikers can enjoy the terrain and trail system while anglers fish for various species. Wildlife viewers can catch glimpses of over 200 bird species, beavers, chipmunks, deer, frogs, foxes, muskrats, minks, otters, snakes, raccoons, weasels, and woodchucks. You'll find 47 RV campsites within the park which offer electrical hookups and space for two vehicles. May through September provide the best window for most water activities while cross-country skiers will find winter conditions to their liking.
Nearby Willow River State Park is 96 miles north of Rochester, near Hudson, Wisconsin. Its proximity to the Minneapolis and St. Paul area makes this one of the most active parks in Wisconsin as does the 200-foot-deep gorge of Willow Falls. Thirteen miles of hiking trails will keep you busy, or try one of the bolted climbs on the gorge walls. Trout fishing, especially upstream of the waterfall, is well-stocked and productive. Winter enthusiasts can enjoy nine miles of cross-country ski trails or two miles of hard-packed pathways for snowshoeing and sledding. Two RV campgrounds offer overnight camping within the park.
The Mississippi National River and Recreation Area along the river's corridor is worth a visit when you're in the area. The Mississippi River Visitor Center is 72 miles north of Rochester in downtown St. Paul. Spend up to an hour with interactive exhibits and videos before heading to the Upper St. Anthoney's Falls Visitor Center in Minneapolis to see the panoramic views of the lock and dam. You can also fish and hike around the locations in this recreation area.
The Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway protects 252 miles of river and adjacent lands near St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin. During the summer, you can enjoy biking, fishing, and hiking on the riverway. Several of the trails get used by cross-country skiers during winter. Enjoy primitive camping along the shore or hike to the top of the bluffs for a chance at panoramic photo opportunities. Another popular way to explore the St. Croix River is aboard an authentic paddlewheel riverboat with the Taylor Falls Scenic Boat Tours.
You might also consider taking a 109-mile road trip southeast into Iowa to explore the Effigy Mounds National Monument near Harpers Ferry. This sacred land holds 206 Native American burial mounds that resemble cultural symbols like bears, birds, bison, deer, lynx, panthers, and other animals. Guided tours are available during the summer that helps you learn more about these mysterious constructs. You will find nearby towns carrying all the food, gas, and shopping you need during your trip.
A 214-mile drive northeast of Rochester will put you in Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, offering more than 1.5 million acres to enjoy. Its 18,000-acre Headwaters Wilderness Area still holds some of the biggest and oldest trees around, as the area escaped logging efforts early last century. Visitors to the forest enjoy birdwatching, geocaching, hiking, horseback riding, stargazing, and wildlife observing. Water activities include 24 swimming areas on the beach, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing in the lakes and rivers.
A 292-mile road trip northeast into Michigan provides you access to Ottawa National Forest, covering nearly a million acres on the Upper Peninsula. It's a water enthusiast's paradise with over 500 named lakes and 2,000 miles of rivers and streams. Anglers frequent the forest, even during the winter, by fishing through the ice. Birdwatchers enjoy the opportunity to spot bald eagles, loons, and ospreys while the forest is also home to black bears, coyotes, gray wolves, and whitetail deer. Nearby facilities like Patricia Lake Campground, Rohr's Wilderness Campground, and West Bay Camping Resort provide a place for you and your RV to stay.
You can head 292 miles north and find yourself in Chippewa National Forest, near Deer River. It covers 1.6 million acres, with nearly half that land covered by various watersheds. There is also a 144-acre old-growth area called the "Lost 40" that avoided logging on account of a clerical error, allowing the 350-year-old trees to remain standing today. Bird-watching, camping, fishing, hunting, and stargazing are just some things people like to do here. The campground has 46 sites and offers 50-amp power and showers for $26 daily.
Whitewater State Park- This is the go-to park for the residents of the city. The tree-covered bluffs present an enticing picture. You may try rock climbing, hiking, and fishing for trout here. Carley State Park- Famous for bluebells and wildflowers, the park is relaxing for the mind and body. The ancient white pines were preserved by the park authorities to safeguard the country’s heritage. You are welcome to enjoy a family picnic here or try primitive camping while setting out on the trails. Keep an eye out for wildlife as well. You may spot a white-tailed deer or the great horned owls as well as migratory birds.
Minnesota has been hailed for many tourist attractions. You will find the following monuments, spots, memorials, and museums informative and engrossing. Quarry Hill Nature Center- It showcases a quarry that is not operational at present. The exhibits displayed are noteworthy and informative. The manmade caves are amazing here. Rochester Art Center - A place for contemporary art lovers. There are ongoing exhibitions by local and international artists every day. Mayo Civic Center - A multipurpose convention center built by the founder of the Mayo Clinic. The auditorium is primarily used for sporting events. Salem Glen Winery- Learn the art of winemaking and enjoy a wine tasting session at this family-owned winery
There are many options to choose from when you want to camp in Rochester, Minnesota. Some of the most popular options include: Autumn Woods RV Park- Full-service park with free Internet connectivity and laundromat service offered Rochester/Marion KOA- Clean park with free advice about touring sites and trails dispensed willingly.
You can find a suitable dump station when you want to clean out your RV tank. Check out the following recommendations: City of Greenbush Legion Park- Call for pricing City of Rosemount Maintenance Building- Free service for all users Camden State Park- Hiking trails and camping sites are located nearby
RV rentals around Rochester, Minnesota are popular among those who visit the area to enjoy the outdoors. Whether you're looking for a spacious rental to accommodate your whole family or something economical to drive solo or with a small group of friends, there are plenty of affordable options available at RVshare. These include, travel trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers, pop up campers and Class A,B, or C motorhomes.
In most areas, the price to rent a motorhome is around $200 a night and the price to rent a towable trailer is around $120 a night.
What does RVshare Protection cover with my Rochester, MN RV rental?RVshare's protection plan standard package covers up to $300,000 in comprehensive and collision coverage based on the value of the RV. It also includes free 24/7 roadside assistance and free towing and tire service. For more information on RVshare insurance, click here.
What is included in my Rochester, MN RV rental?You should find any amenities that are included with your rental in the listing details. But it never hurts to check in with the owner before you arrive at the RV or have it delivered to ensure you have everything that is needed to have a fun and enjoyable trip!
Can I have my Rochester, MN RV rental delivered to a specified location?Many owners on RVshare.com offer delivery, and will even set it up for you at the campsite. Choose the 'Delivery' filter to narrow down your search results to RVs that can be brought to your home or destination. Check the listing details for any information regarding extra fees for delivery, or ask the owner if you are unsure.
