Camping spots near Blue Earth, Minnesota include several county parks and privately-owned facilities nestled within the agricultural landscape of southern Minnesota. Located in Faribault County at approximately 1,060 feet elevation, the area experiences warm summers with average July temperatures around 82°F and cold winters that limit camping seasons. Most campgrounds stay open from April through October, closing during winter months when temperatures regularly drop below freezing.
What to do
Lake activities: 1-2 miles from most campgrounds. At Flying Goose Campground & Resort in nearby Fairmont, campers enjoy lake-based recreation on Lake Imogene. "Set along the shores of Lake Imogene, which comes out of nowhere surrounded by farm land, and you can't even see it from the road. Mature shade trees everywhere," notes one visitor. The campground offers a boat dock, sandy swimming beach, and watercraft rentals.
Local hiking: Connected trail system. The walking path at Blue Earth City Campground connects to a larger network. A camper mentioned, "A paved trail meanders thru for walking or bicycling, and town is less than 2 miles away." This makes it convenient for both short and longer walks directly from your campsite.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple lakes within 20 miles. At Woods Lake Co Park near Elmore, you can enjoy fishing in a peaceful setting. "Pond is great and has a very nice sand beach!" reports one visitor. The small, quiet nature of these county park lakes makes them ideal for casual fishing outings.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Regularly maintained. Daly Park & Campground in Mapleton receives praise for its upkeep. "Great place very quiet on the week days and the groundskeeper is very nice," shared one camper. Most campgrounds in the area maintain clean facilities despite their rural locations.
Friendly camp hosts: Personal assistance. Visitors frequently mention helpful staff at local campgrounds. At Flying Goose Campground, "Everyone we met (owners, staff, other campers) were extremely nice. Good people, great stay." Similarly, at Blue Earth City Campground, one camper noted, "Campground host is fantastic! So accommodating & gracious."
Affordability: $20-37 per night. Camping near Blue Earth offers good value. In Armstrong, Iowa, about 25 miles southwest, Burt Lake County Park charges just "$10/night!" according to a reviewer who called it a "cheap getaway." Flying Goose Campground rates run about $37 per night, while most county parks charge $20-25 for electric sites.
What you should know
Limited shower facilities at some parks. Some county parks have basic amenities only. At Burt Lake County Park, a camper noted, "Upper level has about 8 spots w 30/50 amp. A pavilion. 1 water spigot. Garbage and a plastic biffy. The lower level is at the lake." Check facility details before booking.
Seasonal operations: April-October. Most campgrounds close completely during winter months. Typical opening dates range from mid-April to May 1, with closing dates from late September to October 31. Be aware that water facilities may be shut off during early spring or late fall camping due to freezing concerns.
Site availability: First-come, first-served at some locations. Several county parks don't take reservations. While Blue Earth City Campground and Flying Goose Campground offer reservations, smaller parks often operate on a first-come basis. Weekday availability is typically good, but summer weekends can fill up.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds: Multiple options at larger campgrounds. Flying Goose Campground offers extensive facilities for children. "There are three playgrounds (one at the swimming beach), a mini golf course, and an actual phone booth," reports a camper. These amenities provide entertainment options without leaving the campground.
Swimming beaches: Supervised swimming required. Everett Park on Fox Lake offers water access, with a camper noting it's "Right on Fox Lake" with "reasonable" rates and "clean" facilities. Most lake beaches in the area are small and unguarded, so adult supervision is essential.
Cell service: Generally reliable. Most campgrounds in the region maintain good connectivity, allowing for weather checks and entertainment options. One exception is Burt Lake County Park, where a visitor reported "1 bar of 4g at&t" service, which may affect streaming capabilities.
Tips from RVers
Full hookups: Limited availability. Blue Earth City Campground offers complete services at all sites. "Only 11 spots, but all have electric, water, and sewer," notes one RVer. Many county parks offer electric only, requiring self-contained water tanks or communal water points.
Site leveling: Check site descriptions. Burt Lake County Park has varied site terrain. A camper observed, "Upper level has about 8 spots w 30/50 amp... The lower level is at the lake. About 6 spots w electric but very unlevel." Bringing leveling blocks is recommended for most county parks.
Dump stations: Not available at all parks. While Blue Earth City Campground offers full sewer hookups, smaller county parks may only have a central dump station or none at all. Plan accordingly for longer stays at parks with limited services.
