State Parks Near Rochester, Minnesota
11 state park units lie within 50 miles of Rochester, including 2 parks across the line in Wisconsin. The closest is Carley State Park, about 17 mi northeast of town. 2 parks are within 25 miles, close enough for an evening visit.
- Closest park
- Carley State Park17 mi northeast
- Within 25 miles
- 2of 11 within 50 mi
- With camping
- 113 with cabins
- Dog-friendly
- 1pets allowed
State parks near Rochester, nearest first
Straight-line distance from central Rochester; driving distance is usually longer.
Carley State Park
The park supports fishing, wildlife watching, hiking, and picnicking. The official site lists about 4 miles of trails. Camping is available: 20 campsites across 2 camping areas, including RV sites, tent sites, and group camping.
Hours, fees and rules for Carley State Park →Whitewater State Park
The park supports golf, historic sites, swimming, fishing, and ranger programs. The official site lists about 10 miles of trails. On the water side, there is a swimming beach and a fishing pier.
Hours, fees and rules for Whitewater State Park →Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park
Popular activities here are cave tours, horseback riding, historic sites, wildlife watching, and ranger programs.
Hours, fees and rules for Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park →Rice Lake State Park
Things to do include snowmobiling, winter sports, canoeing and kayaking, boating, and wildlife watching. Facilities for water recreation include a fishing pier.
Hours, fees and rules for Rice Lake State Park →Lake Louise State Park
Popular activities here are horseback riding, canoeing and kayaking, swimming, wildlife watching, and ranger programs. Its trail network totals roughly 11.6 miles, according to the park. Water access includes a swimming beach.
Hours, fees and rules for Lake Louise State Park →John A. Latsch State Park
Things to do include wildlife watching, hiking, and picnicking. Overnight options include campsites, with tent sites.
Hours, fees and rules for John A. Latsch State Park →Frontenac State Park
Visitors come for winter sports, historic sites, wildlife watching, ranger programs, and fishing. The official site lists about 18 miles of trails.
Hours, fees and rules for Frontenac State Park →Merrick State Park
Visitors come for canoeing and kayaking, hunting in season, boating, fishing, and hiking. The official site lists about 3 miles of trails. Overnight options include 60 campsites across 3 camping areas, with tent sites.
Hours, fees and rules for Merrick State Park →Nerstrand Big Woods State Park
Popular activities here are wildlife watching, hiking, and picnicking. Camping is available: 83 campsites across 5 camping areas, including RV sites with electric hookups and showers.
Hours, fees and rules for Nerstrand Big Woods State Park →Myre-Big Island State Park
The park supports canoeing and kayaking, swimming, boating, wildlife watching, and ranger programs. The official site lists about 15 miles of trails. Water access includes a swimming beach.
Hours, fees and rules for Myre-Big Island State Park →Perrot State Park
Things to do include canoeing and kayaking, hunting in season, boating, biking, and fishing. For overnight stays there are 102 campsites across 2 camping areas (tent sites and group camping).
Hours, fees and rules for Perrot State Park →
Best picks by activity
Camping near Rochester
- Carley State Park 17 mi northeast · 20 campsites
- Whitewater State Park 22 mi east · Campground listed
- Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park 29 mi southeast · 151 campsites
- Rice Lake State Park 30 mi west · Campground listed
- Lake Louise State Park 33 mi south · Campground listed
+ 6 more in the list above
Cabins and lodging near Rochester
- Whitewater State Park 22 mi east · Cabins or other roofed stays
- Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park 29 mi southeast · Cabins or other roofed stays
- Myre-Big Island State Park 49 mi southwest · Cabins or other roofed stays
Dog-friendly state parks near Rochester
- Myre-Big Island State Park 49 mi southwest · Pets allowed under park rules
Swimming near Rochester
- Whitewater State Park 22 mi east · Beach, pool or swim area
- Lake Louise State Park 33 mi south · Beach, pool or swim area
- Myre-Big Island State Park 49 mi southwest · Beach, pool or swim area
Hiking near Rochester
- Carley State Park 17 mi northeast · Hiking trails listed
- Whitewater State Park 22 mi east · Hiking trails listed
- Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park 29 mi southeast · Hiking trails listed
- Rice Lake State Park 30 mi west · Hiking trails listed
- Lake Louise State Park 33 mi south · Hiking trails listed
+ 6 more in the list above
Fishing near Rochester
- Carley State Park 17 mi northeast · Fishing listed
- Whitewater State Park 22 mi east · Fishing listed
- Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park 29 mi southeast · Fishing listed
- Rice Lake State Park 30 mi west · Fishing listed
- Frontenac State Park 36 mi north · Fishing listed
+ 3 more in the list above
Questions about state parks near Rochester
What is the closest state park to Rochester?
Carley State Park is the closest, about 17 miles northeast of Rochester in a straight line. Next are Whitewater State Park and Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park.
How many state parks are near Rochester?
11 state park units are within 50 miles, and 2 within 25 miles. That includes parks, recreation areas, historic sites and natural areas run by the state.
Which state parks near Rochester have camping?
11 parks list camping, the nearest being Carley State Park, Whitewater State Park and Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park. Check each park page for site types, hookups and how to reserve.
Are dogs allowed at state parks near Rochester?
Yes, at 1 park, including Myre-Big Island State Park. Dogs usually must be leashed, and some areas such as beaches or buildings may be off-limits.
Are there free state parks near Rochester?
None of the nearby parks list free entry; most charge a daily vehicle fee or accept an annual pass. Fees are on each park page.
State parks near other cities
- Near Austin, MN34 mi southwest
- Near Red Wing, MN40 mi north
- Near Faribault, MN44 mi northwest
- Near River Falls, WI59 mi north
- Near Lakeville, MN60 mi northwest
- Near La Crosse, WI64 mi east
- Near Mason City, IA70 mi southwest
- Near Eau Claire, WI74 mi northeast
Or see all Minnesota state parks, Wisconsin state parks or every city we cover.
Built from official park data and updated as parks change; this list was last rebuilt Oct 30, 2026. Features shown are those the official source lists. Filter these parks on the map.