River View Campground

For Minnesotans, the search for that perfect camping spot often comes down to more than just a place to park an RV or pitch a tent. It's about finding a welcoming community, a comfortable retreat, and a place where every detail contributes to a memorable experience. River View Campground in Owatonna, Minnesota, consistently delivers on all these fronts, standing out as a true gem in the state's vibrant camping scene. What truly sets this campground apart, as countless visitors attest, is the exceptional hospitality and personal touch provided by the owners, Rebecca and Wayne, who treat every guest like an old friend or family member from the moment they arrive.

This article is crafted specifically for you, the Minnesota local, to provide a comprehensive and engaging look at what makes River View Campground such a highly recommended destination. We’ll explore its picturesque location along the Straight River, its convenient accessibility, the extensive array of services and amenities it offers, its unique features and highlights, and ultimately, why this warm and inviting park is perfectly suited for your next Minnesota outdoor adventure, whether it's a short stopover or a longer, more relaxed stay. Get ready to discover your new favorite home away from home in Owatonna.

River View Campground is beautifully situated at 2554 28th St SW, Owatonna, MN 55060, USA. This prime location places it just one mile south of the city of Owatonna, nestled in a serene country setting bordered by the tranquil Straight River. The campground spans approximately 28 wooded acres, adorned with giant oak trees that provide natural shade and a picturesque backdrop for your camping experience.

Accessibility to River View Campground is excellent for residents across Minnesota and beyond. It's strategically located about 50 miles south of Minneapolis, making it a convenient drive of approximately one hour. From Interstate 35, visitors can take Exit 40B onto Highway 14 West, drive about one mile, then exit onto 39th Ave / City Road 7. From there, go south (left through the roundabout), and in about a third of a mile, turn left (east) onto County Road 18 / SW 28th St. The park entry will be on the left after approximately 1.2 miles. This straightforward access ensures a smooth journey for all types of vehicles, including large RVs, as noted by its "Big Rig Friendly" designation. Its central location also makes it a perfect hub for exploring other popular Minnesota cities like Mankato and Rochester, which are both about 45 minutes away, or even for those traveling to or from Iowa. This blend of peaceful riverside setting and convenient access to major routes and nearby amenities makes River View Campground an ideal choice for any Minnesotan seeking an accessible and relaxing escape.

River View Campground prides itself on offering a comprehensive suite of services and amenities designed to ensure a comfortable, convenient, and entertaining stay for all its guests.

• Diverse Campsite Options: The campground boasts 125 total RV sites, accommodating RVs up to 45ft, with options for 20, 30, and 50 amp service. They offer full hookup sites (water, electric, sewer), partial hookup sites (water and electric), and non-electric tent sites. Many sites feature cement patios for added comfort, and riverfront sites are available for a scenic experience. Both pull-thru and back-in sites are offered, with generous spacing between lots.

• Heated Swimming Pool: A large, heated swimming pool is a major draw, open typically from Memorial Day through Labor Day, perfect for family fun and relaxation. There's also a baby pool for younger children.

• Top-Rated Restrooms & Showers: Consistently praised in reviews, the restrooms and showers are known for being exceptionally clean and well-maintained, a key factor for a comfortable camping experience.

• Laundry Facilities: On-site laundry facilities provide convenience for extended stays.

• Camp Store & Supplies: An enclosed pavilion houses a camp store offering RV supplies, coffee, snacks, ice, and firewood, ensuring campers have access to essentials.

• Wireless Internet (Wi-Fi): Free Wi-Fi access is available, though common with campgrounds, it may be slower at times. It is available at overnight sites and supports mobile devices.

• Recreation Hall / All-Weather Activity Room: This indoor space is available for guest use and can also be rented for group gatherings, providing a comfortable spot for activities regardless of the weather.

• Planned Weekend Events: The campground hosts numerous planned weekend events and theme weekends (e.g., Lazy Days, Craft Show, Halloween in August, Luau), including bingo, movie nights, wagon rides, kid activities, and adult socials, fostering a vibrant community atmosphere.

• Pet-Friendly: Pets are welcome at campsites (on a 6-foot leash and attended), making it easy for furry family members to join the fun.

• River Access: Direct access to the Straight River allows for fishing, kayaking, or canoeing, adding to the outdoor recreation opportunities.

• RV Storage: Secure winter storage for RVs is available.

River View Campground truly shines with a multitude of features and highlights that consistently earn it high praise from its visitors:

• Exceptional Hospitality and Friendly Owners: This is by far the most celebrated aspect of River View Campground. Reviewers repeatedly emphasize how Rebecca and Wayne, the owners, treat guests "like old friends/family from the moment you check in." Their passion for ensuring guests are "taken care of" creates an incredibly warm, welcoming, and personal atmosphere that makes everyone feel at home. This level of service is rare and invaluable.

• Beautiful and Well-Maintained Grounds: The campground is described as "very beautiful and laid out well," with "wooded acres nestled in rolling hills with river running through the park" and "giant oak trees." This aesthetic appeal, combined with well-kept sites and facilities, contributes significantly to a pleasant stay.

• Abundant Recreational Activities for All Ages: Beyond the natural setting, River View offers a wealth of activities. Highlights include a large, heated swimming pool (with a baby pool), four playgrounds for children, miniature golf, volleyball, a basketball hoop, a Gaga Pit, horseshoe pits, and saucer 'frisbee' golf. This ensures there's always something to keep families and individuals entertained.

• Engaging Theme Weekends and Social Events: The regularly scheduled theme weekends (e.g., Halloween in August, Luau) and social gatherings like bingo, movie nights, and wagon rides create a lively and communal atmosphere. These activities encourage interaction among campers and add an extra layer of fun to the camping experience.

• Pristine Restrooms and Showers: As highlighted in multiple reviews and external ratings (e.g., Good Sam's top rating), the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers is consistently excellent, which is a major comfort and convenience for campers.

• Direct River Access: The Straight River flowing through the campground offers opportunities for fishing or launching a kayak or canoe, providing a peaceful water-based activity right on site.

• Central Location to Attractions: Its proximity to Owatonna (only a mile south) means easy access to local attractions like the RAD Zoo, historical tours, the Village of Yesteryear, the Steele County Free Fair, and miles of biking trails. It’s also conveniently located for day trips to the Medford Outlet Center and even the Mall of America.

• Versatility in Stays: River View offers daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonal rates, along with winter RV storage, accommodating a wide range of camping needs, from short overnight stops to long-term seasonal residency.

For reservations, inquiries, or any further information about River View Campground, please use the following contact details:

Address: 2554 28th St SW, Owatonna, MN 55060, USA

Phone: (507) 451-8050

Mobile Phone: +1 507-451-8050

While the provided review mentioned the website could be a "little confusing," it also highlighted that calling directly resolved the reservation request smoothly, indicating that the personal touch of the owners extends to their phone service. It is highly recommended to call ahead, especially during peak seasons or for specific inquiries about site availability, amenities, or upcoming themed weekends. You can also visit their official website, riverviewcampgroundminnesota.com, for more details on rates, site maps, rules, and their activity calendar. Given the glowing reviews about their friendliness, you can expect a warm and helpful response when you reach out to Rebecca and Wayne.

River View Campground is an exceptionally suitable destination for Minnesota locals, offering a compelling blend of genuine hospitality, excellent facilities, and diverse activities right in their own backyard. For families across the state, the combination of a large heated pool, multiple playgrounds, mini-golf, and a packed calendar of themed weekend events ensures that children of all ages will be constantly entertained, fostering cherished family memories. The river access provides a tranquil escape for fishing or paddling, appealing to those seeking a quieter connection with nature.

What truly resonates with locals, however, is the remarkable welcome extended by owners Rebecca and Wayne. Their commitment to treating every guest "like old friends/family" creates an unparalleled atmosphere of warmth and belonging. This personal touch, combined with the assurance of a "very beautiful and well laid out" site and consistently "top rated restrooms & showers," elevates River View Campground far beyond a typical camping spot. Its convenient location near Owatonna also means that locals can enjoy a true escape into nature without sacrificing easy access to town amenities or even nearby attractions like the Mall of America for a day trip. For any Minnesotan seeking a campground where comfort, fun, and heartfelt hospitality converge, River View Campground is not just a recommendation; it's an invitation to "book a site here, get settled in, and enjoy life!"