Carley State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Carley State Park sits in a unique spot of Minnesota along the the Whitewater River. The park features a diverse landscape, with high bluffs, deep valleys and rolling uplands. During the different seasons, nature lovers are treated to some of the best views in the state with the spring boasting vibrant wildflowers. The fall showcases a colorful display of leaves with all of the oak and maple trees that line the forest.
Spring 23 - 68 F
Summer 56 - 81 F
Fall 25 - 71 F
Winter 5 - 27 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Carley State Park
There is one campground, Carley Campground, within the park. It features 20 secluded campsites. None of the sites offer water or electrical hookups. There is a maximum RV length of 30 feet, and each campsite is outfitted with a fire pit and picnic table. The campground also features a playground, access to drinking water and vault toilets. Pets are allowed in the campground but must remain on a six-foot leash.
What to Do at
Carley State Park
The unique terrain of Carley State Park offers a wide variety of activities for parkgoers to enjoy throughout the year. In the spring, nature lovers are treated to vibrant wildflowers such as Virginia bluebells when they hike the Wildflower Trail, which is the easiest trail in the park. Fishing and kayaking are popular activities to enjoy on the Whitewater River while a picnic area is located on the banks of the river for those who want to enjoy the views.
Carley State Park is open year-round and offers a wide variety of adventures, including fishing, kayaking, hiking, snowshoeing and nature watching. A dedicated overlook is part of the hiking trail system at the southern end of the park, east of the group campground. In the winter, the hiking trails are not groomed but two of the five miles are available for cross-country skiing. Snowshoeing is available anywhere in the park.
Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity within the park as the Whitewater River is a designated trout stream. Anglers can expect to catch brown and rainbow trout. A Minnesota state fishing license and trout stamp are required.
Nature Watching
Carley State Park is home to a large variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, beavers, and coyotes along with red and gray foxes. Migratory songbirds serenade you during the spring and summer months while woodpeckers and great horned owls can be heard off in the distance.
Stargazing
Stargazing is an extremely popular activity when camping at Carley State Park. The park is far enough away from any major city where light pollution is no longer an issue when it comes to viewing your favorite constellations in the night sky.
Flora and Fauna
Beautiful wildflowers can be seen in April and May while white pines, oak and maple trees make up the dense forest where this park is located.
Hiking
Several of the park's hiking trails pass along the north branch of the Whitewater River. The Wildflower Trail is the most popular as it is a relatively easy and flat trail that features bright wildflowers in the spring. The rest of the trails vary in difficulty and become steeper the further away you get from parking and camping areas. In total, there are nearly six miles of trails located in the park with a variety of difficulty levels.
How to Get to
Carley State Park
Carley State Park is located near the town of Plainview, in MN. If you are traveling to the park from Rochester, MN, you can take US-14 E until you reach MN-42 N where you will turn left. Once you are on MN-42 N, you will travel north until County Rd 2 NE where you will make a right-hand turn. Drive along County Rd 2 NE for 3.9 miles and then turn left onto County Rd 10 NE until you come up to Wabasha County Rd 4 where you will turn left to enter the park.
Entering Carley State Park
The park is open daily from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. As you drive into the park, you will see the group campground on your left along with a parking area. This is where you would access the Wildflower Trail, which is a great trail to hike if you have limited time to spend in the park. If you continue along the road, you will dead-end into the Carley Campground, which also has a parking area.
The park is open year-round, but the roads are not plowed during the winter. Visitors can park their car at the trailhead parking lot and either walk or ski into the park. The campground closes in the winter and opens on Memorial Day weekend.
A Minnesota state park vehicle permit is required for entry. An annual pass can be purchased online for a $35 fee. Daily passes are also available for a $7 fee. These can be purchased online or in person at the park. All camping fees are separate from these vehicle permit fees.
Annual Pass : $35.0
Day Pass : $7.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Carley State Park
The best time of year to visit the park is springtime if you enjoy looking at wildflowers and fishing for trout.
The park’s unique layout of hardwood forest and adjacent farmland provides a home to white-tailed deer, beavers, coyotes, foxes, owls and numerous migratory songbirds.
Yes, there are designated RV camping spots in Carley Campground. Please keep in mind these sites do not offer water, sewer or electric hookups.
Yes, you need to reserve a camping spot which can be done online. The nightly camping fee is $20.
Yes, pets are allowed at Carley State Park but they must be kept on a six-foot leash at all times.