Upper Cedar Hills Campground

For Minnesotans looking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of our state, Upper Cedar Hills Campground in Whitewater State Park offers a fantastic and highly sought-after camping experience. Located in Altura, this campground is a popular destination, known for being "very big and busy" yet still providing a sense of privacy and shade thanks to its well-designed layout and abundant trees. It's a place where the sounds of kids playing and groups enjoying time together fill the air during the day, settling into a peaceful quiet in the late evening, making it ideal for families and friends.

Upper Cedar Hills Campground is distinguished by its commitment to providing clean and modern facilities, a welcome feature for any camper. The updated bathrooms and shower rooms are consistently praised, ensuring a comfortable stay even in a busy environment. Beyond the convenience of the campground itself, its location within Whitewater State Park opens up a world of outdoor activities. With numerous hiking trails nearby and the renowned Whitewater River teeming with trout, it's a perfect base for exploration and recreation. Upper Cedar Hills Campground truly embodies the spirit of Minnesota's love for the outdoors, offering a well-rounded and enjoyable camping adventure for all who visit.

Upper Cedar Hills Campground is conveniently located at 19041 MN-74, Altura, MN 55910, USA. This address places it squarely within Whitewater State Park, a gem in the southeastern corner of Minnesota, known for its dramatic limestone bluffs, spring-fed streams, and lush valleys. For Minnesotans, reaching this campground is generally straightforward, as it's situated right off State Highway 74.

The park's location makes it accessible from various parts of Minnesota. From the Twin Cities metro area, it's a manageable drive south, typically taking a couple of hours. From Rochester, it's an even shorter trip. While the campground is close to the highway, providing easy access, visitors should be aware that some traffic noise can be present, as noted in reviews. However, the benefits of quick access often outweigh this minor consideration for many campers.

Being part of Whitewater State Park, the campground offers immediate access to the park's extensive network of trails and the spring-fed Whitewater River. This means campers don't have to travel far to enjoy hiking, fishing, and other outdoor pursuits. The well-maintained roads within the park lead directly to the campground loops, making it easy for RVs and trailers to navigate. The proximity to Altura and other smaller towns in the region ensures that basic supplies are within reach, though visitors are encouraged to arrive prepared. The strategic placement of Upper Cedar Hills Campground makes it a highly desirable and easily accessible destination for Minnesota locals eager to explore the unique beauty of the Whitewater River Valley.

• Campsites: Upper Cedar Hills Campground offers a variety of campsites. The Cedar Hill loop (sites 1-69) includes drive-to sites with electric hookups. The Minneiska loop also has 41 drive-to sites with electric hookups (sites 200 to 241). There are also 2 cart-in sites and 4 walk-in campsites.
• Electric Hookups: Many sites offer electric hookups (presumably 20/30/50 amp, though not specified for Upper Cedar Hills in the provided information).
• Modern Bathrooms: Central bathroom facilities are "modern" and consistently praised for being "clean."
• Hot Showers: Clean shower rooms with hot water are available for guest use.
• Flush Toilets: Flush toilets are provided, contributing to the "modern update" of the facilities.
• Potable Water: Drinking water is available throughout the campground.
• Dump Station: A single spot dump station is available for RV campers, requiring planning for departure.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite comes equipped with a picnic table.
• Fire Rings/Grills: Each campsite also has a grill and a fire ring for campfires and outdoor cooking.
• Trash Pickup: Trash disposal services are provided.
• Amphitheater: An amphitheater is located within Whitewater State Park, potentially used for interpretive programs.
• Visitor Center: A visitor center is available near the campground, offering information and resources about the park.
• Picnic Areas: Dedicated picnic areas are scattered throughout Whitewater State Park.
• Firewood and Ice Sales: Firewood and ice are available for purchase directly at the park/campground.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are generally allowed in most state parks, including Whitewater, though specific rules apply (e.g., leash requirements).

• Spacious and Shaded Sites: A significant highlight is that sites are "spread out good," ensuring campers are "not on top of your neighbors," and are "well treed and fully shaded," providing excellent privacy and respite from the sun. Site 11 (electric), for example, is noted as "very level, lots of trees for shade and bushes to help separate sites."
• Modern and Clean Facilities: The campground boasts "modern updated" and "clean" bathrooms and shower rooms, which is a major comfort for campers.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Even when full, the campground is described as having "the sounds of kids playing and groups enjoying time together," indicating a lively yet harmonious family-oriented environment that settles down in the late evening.
• Proximity to Hiking Trails: "Lots of hiking trails nearby" is a key feature, offering abundant opportunities for exploration and enjoying the park's scenic bluffs and valleys.
• Excellent Trout Fishing: Whitewater State Park is an "angler's paradise" with its spring-fed river teeming with a healthy population of brown, brook, and rainbow trout, making it a prime destination for fishing enthusiasts.
• Spring-Fed Whitewater River: The presence of the namesake river provides not only fishing opportunities but also scenic beauty and a natural cooling element in the park.
• Diverse Campsite Options: Offers a range of sites from primitive to pull-through electric hookups, catering to different camping preferences and RV sizes (up to 50 feet).
• Beautiful Scenery: The park is characterized by "rare prairie pockets and brilliant limestone hills," providing a unique and picturesque backdrop for camping.
• Wildlife Viewing: The natural setting encourages wildlife viewing, allowing campers to observe local fauna.
• Easy Accessibility: Despite its natural setting, the campground is easily accessible via MN-74, making it a convenient destination for short or long stays.
• Dedicated Campsite Features: Each campsite provides a picnic table, grill, and fire ring, enhancing the traditional camping experience.

As a campground located within a Minnesota State Park, Upper Cedar Hills Campground typically operates under the fee structure established by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for state parks. This means that "promotions" or "special offers" in the commercial sense (like flash sales or discounts) are generally not common.

However, state parks do offer various fee structures and potential savings that Minnesota locals should be aware of:

• Daily Vehicle Permits: A state park vehicle permit is required for entry into Whitewater State Park. Visitors can purchase a daily permit or an annual permit. The annual permit is a great value for frequent park users, as it provides unlimited entry to all Minnesota State Parks for a full year.
• Campsite Fees: Campsite fees vary based on the type of site (electric, non-electric, cart-in, walk-in) and the season (peak vs. off-peak). These fees are set statewide.
• Reservation System: Reservations can be made through the Minnesota DNR's online system, which typically has a small reservation fee. While not a discount, reserving in advance, especially for popular times like July (when the campground is noted to be full), ensures you secure a spot.
• Discount Programs: The Minnesota DNR may offer discounts for certain groups, such as seniors or persons with disabilities. It is advisable to check the official Minnesota DNR website for the most up-to-date information on any such programs.

The value of camping at Upper Cedar Hills comes from its inclusion within a well-maintained state park, offering access to numerous amenities and activities at a consistent, affordable rate. For the most accurate and current pricing, it's always best to consult the official Minnesota DNR website for Whitewater State Park or utilize their online reservation system.

To learn more about Upper Cedar Hills Campground, check availability, or make reservations, you can contact the main office for Whitewater State Park. As a state park campground, inquiries are generally handled through the park's official channels.

• Address: 19041 Highway 74, Altura, MN 55910, USA
• Phone: (507) 312-2300 (This is the contact number for Whitewater State Park)
• Email: whitewater.statepark@state.mn.us

It is highly recommended to use the official Minnesota DNR website for Whitewater State Park to access the online reservation system, especially for booking campsites, as this is the most common and efficient method. You can also find detailed information about park rules, activities, and current conditions on their website.

For Minnesota locals, Upper Cedar Hills Campground within Whitewater State Park offers an exceptionally appealing and well-rounded camping experience, making it a top choice for a getaway right here in our home state. Its suitability is rooted in several key aspects that resonate with the preferences of Minnesota outdoor enthusiasts.

Firstly, the campground's design provides a perfect balance of community and privacy. While it can be "big and busy," especially in peak season, the sites are thoughtfully "spread out good" and "well treed and fully shaded." This ensures that even when the air is "filled with the sounds of kids playing and groups enjoying time together," you still feel like you have "decent privacy" at your "spot." This makes it ideal for families who appreciate a lively atmosphere during the day but also value a peaceful evening and a sense of their own space.

Secondly, the consistently praised "modern updated" and "clean bathrooms and shower rooms" are a significant comfort for any camper. This attention to essential facilities means that visitors can enjoy the rustic beauty of nature without compromising on basic hygiene and convenience, a definite plus for families and those new to camping.

Most importantly, Upper Cedar Hills Campground's location within Whitewater State Park unlocks a wealth of recreational opportunities right at your doorstep. With "lots of hiking trails nearby" and the spring-fed Whitewater River, teeming with brown, brook, and rainbow trout, adventure is always close at hand. Whether you're an avid angler, a dedicated hiker, or simply looking to enjoy a leisurely stroll amidst stunning limestone bluffs and lush valleys, the park provides an ideal backdrop. This accessibility to diverse activities, combined with well-maintained amenities and a friendly atmosphere, makes Upper Cedar Hills Campground a premier choice for any Minnesota local seeking a memorable and convenient outdoor adventure that truly showcases the natural wonders of our state.