Set within the Blue Earth County fairgrounds in Garden City, Shady Oaks Campground operates as a no-frills RV park from April through October. The campground sits alongside a river on one side, with sites spread out across the fairgrounds property rather than packed tightly together.
Each site includes electric and water hookups, accommodating RVs up to 50 feet. The campground provides standard amenities including restrooms, showers, a dump station, and WiFi access. Sites remain well-spaced, giving campers room to set up without feeling crowded. Early season visitors often find themselves among just a handful of other camping families, with plenty of open space for children to play.
Matthew B. describes the atmosphere: "Nothing very exciting, but a good place to spend a quiet night." The fairgrounds location means campers have access to a small local park area, though the setting lacks developed recreational facilities. Campfires are permitted, and pets are welcome throughout the property.
For those exploring the broader region, Rapidan Dam Co Park sits less than four miles northeast. Reservations are available for advance planning, particularly helpful during county fair season when the grounds see increased activity.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
RV ParkShady Oaks Campground is located in Minnesota
Directions
Located 8 miles from Lake Crystal and 12 miles from Mankato. From the north: Take Highway 169 (south of Mankato) for 12 miles to Garden City. Turn left into Garden City and watch for the signs. From the south: From I-90, turn north in Blue Earth onto Highway 169. Drive north 35 miles to Garden City. Turn right on Washington Street into campgrounds on Fairgrounds Road.
Address
340 Fairgrounds Street
Garden City, MN 56034
Coordinates
44.04863047 N
94.15763618 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileLTESome Coverage
VerizonNo Coverage
AT&T5GGood Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileLTESome Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&T5GGood Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Market
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 17 min from Mankato, MN
- 1 hr 26 min from Minneapolis, MN
- 1 hr 30 min from Rochester, MN
- 2 hrs 6 min from St. Cloud, MN
