Pipestone National Monument offers an exciting opportunity to explore American Indian culture and the natural resources of the native Minnesota prairie. Established by Congress in 1937 to protect the historic pipestone quarries, the site is sacred by many American Indians. Today, American Indians continue to quarry pipestone, which they carve into sacred pipes.
American Indian Stone Pipes
Stone pipes have been created and used by prehistoric inhabitants of North America for over 2,000 years. The Minnesota quarry likely began in the 17th century. Carvers prized this durable yet relatively soft stone, which ranged from pink to brick red color. The location was the preferred source of pipestone among the Plains tribes. By 1700, the Dakota Sioux controlled the quarries and distributed the stone only through trade.
Motorhome Camping at Pipestone
The Pipestone National Monument State Park area provides a breathtaking landscape for adventurers who want to see the monument for the first time or return to the site again.
Although there is no camping within Pipestone National Monument, there are plenty of motorhome camping options nearby.
Some of the most popular campsites in the area include:
● Pipestone RV Campground
Across from the Pipestone Park main entrance. (507) 825-2455
The Pipestone RV Campground features 15 acres of grassy flatland located in Minnesota's Tall Grass Prairie Region. The campground is conveniently located across from the Pipestone National Monument, Pageant Grounds, and seven blocks from historic downtown. Shaded, grassy pull-through sites all full motorhome and travel trailer hookups. The site also features a game room, multi-level playground, heated pool, and 18 hole mini-golf. A recreation hall is available for family reunions and club rallies. Ask about special weekly, monthly, and seasonal rates.
● Split Rock Creek State Park
6 miles south on Hwy 23 near Ihlen, MN. (507) 348-7908
Created in 1938 by the construction of a dam on the creek, Split Creek State Park offers a variety of activities and lots of fishing. The lake contains sunfish, walleye, perch, bass, and other fish based in the northern Midwest area. During the summer, an excellent swimming beach, picnic ground, and motorhome campground offer an enjoyable time for vacationers.
● Blue Mounds State Park
23 miles south on Hwy 75 near Luverne, MN. (507) 283-6050
Blue Mounds State Park is home to the Sioux quartzite cliff that rises 100 feet above the plains. Visitors can see a bison herd grazing on the prairie. Birdwatchers also love the park because they often get to see nesting blue grosbeaks and other birds.
● Camden State Park
35 miles northeast on Hwy 23 near Marshall, MN. (507) 865-4530
Pack your mobile home or travel trailer rental and camp along the Redwood River at Camden State Park. Fish for trout, hike, or ride the trails, then cool off in the spring-fed pool. Walk along the wooded river valley, climb the valley to the Dakota Valley Lookout, and enjoy Brawner Lake.
There are two semi-modern RV campgrounds, a primitive horse camp, and a group camp. Two picnic shelters are available for rental year round. The entire park is situated along the banks of the Redwood River.
Fractional Toys is Your Ticket to RV Rentals
Are you looking for something unique to do this summer with family and friends? Consider renting a travel trailer or motorhome from Fractional Toys to experience an incredible outdoor adventure. We offer a wide range of camper trailer and motorhome models for families of all sizes. We’re pet-friendly too!
To schedule a rental, call us at 651-340-0937, or you can message us on our contact page.