Whispering Pine Watercraft Campsite

Pilot Mound Township, Minnesota

About

The Root River maintains a timelessness as it represents some of the finest scenic and historic qualities which characterize southeastern Minnesota. Formed of two branches in the west, the North and the Middle, the Root River winds past towering bluffs topped with oak and hickory. Joined above Whalan by the South Branch, a tributary which flows from Mystery Cave, the river continues its way past bluffs and outcrops until Rushford. The river has a gentle to moderate flow with some riffles at various stretches. From Chatfield to the Mississippi River the river falls 310 feet for an average drop of 3.4 feet per mile. The Root River’s superlative scenery and characteristics make it suitable for many types of recreation, including family canoe day trips, canoe campsites for overnight trips, bird watching, nature observation, bicycling along the Root River State Trail, and fishing. The river supports over 40 species of birds and has many species of fish, including smallmouth bass, channel catfish, and brown trout.

Amenities

Available Site Types

• Watercraft Campsite
• Campground
• Private Campground
• Canoe campsites

Local Attractions

• Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park
• Rushford Sand Barrens S.N.A.
• Upper Mississippi River Wildlife and Fish Refuge
• Root River State Trail
• Harmony Valley State Trail
• Preston Root River State Trail
• Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center
• Moen’s Bridge
• Pooler City Park
• Pilot Mound Campsites
• Parsley Bridge
• Whispering Pines Campsites
• Brightsdale Unit
• Gribben Valley Unit
• Money Creek Unit