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Best Campgrounds near Mankato, MN

321 Reviews

Campgrounds near Mankato, Minnesota range from established state parks to county-managed recreation areas along the Minnesota River valley. Red Fox Campground at Minneopa State Park offers tent, RV, and cabin camping with access to hiking trails, waterfalls, and a bison range. Sakatah Lake State Park Campground, located about 25 miles east of Mankato, provides wooded sites along a paved bike trail that connects to Mankato. Several county parks including Rapidan Dam County Park and Land of Memories Campground offer mixed-use camping areas with varying levels of amenities and hookups.

Seasonal considerations affect camping experiences throughout the region, with most campgrounds operating from April through October. Minneopa State Park's bison range road may close during wet conditions, while spring rains can create muddy conditions at riverfront sites. Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during summer weekends and holidays. Electrical hookups are common at established campgrounds, though primitive sites with fewer amenities are available at county parks. Cell service is generally reliable near Mankato but may be spotty in more remote areas. A visitor noted, "The bison range road was closed on our trip because the road conditions are still gross from the winter thaw."

Campers frequently mention the region's proximity to water features as a highlight. Rapidan Dam County Park and Land of Memories provide access to the Minnesota River, while Sakatah Lake State Park offers lake views and trail connections. Several visitors appreciate the balance of natural settings with nearby urban amenities. "Minneopa is a unique state park. A River Runs Through it. So does a train. And a neighborhood. The town of Mankato is 10 min away with breweries and restaurants," noted one camper. Sites at Minneopa with river views (particularly A14 and A24) receive high praise, though some campers mention train noise as a drawback. The Sakatah Singing Hills Trail, which runs through Sakatah Lake State Park, provides a paved biking connection between Mankato and Faribault, making it popular for active campers looking to explore beyond their campsite.

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Best Camping Sites Near Mankato, Minnesota (75)

    1. Red Fox Campground — Minneopa State Park

    33 Reviews
    Skyline, MN
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 386-3910

    $24 - $34 / night

    "Minneopa State Park is located near Mankato, MN. Minneopa is a smaller campground with only 12 sites maybe. They have multiple group camping sites that are secluded. They have a lot of trails."

    "Such a beautiful park with so much to offer, located practically downtown Mankato in a river valley, you get the delight of being 10 minutes from a great brewery!"

    2. Rapidan Dam Co Park

    6 Reviews
    Skyline, MN
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 304-4049

    "Beautiful location in the woods witha stream next to it. There are a few water pumps and some outhouses. All sites have a picnic table and fire ring. Restaurant onsite is fantastic."

    "Has a awesome family owned drive thru fast food shop at the entrance. The river is perfect for paddle boarding."

    3. Land of Memories Campground

    4 Reviews
    Skyline, MN
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 387-8600

    $27 - $43 / night

    "The park here has a Frisbee golf course as well as soccer fields and a trail system that wraps the campground and park."

    4. Sawmill Campground

    3 Reviews
    North Mankato, MN
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 947-3735

    "Very nice little quiet campground on the outside edge of Mankato. Very nice people and easy to work with. Not really up do date with technology for booking and such but over all great place."

    "Great golf course right next to it. Nice large sites and great price. 27.00 for pull through and full hook-up. We have always had friendly people staying next to us."

    5. Bray County Park

    5 Reviews
    Mankato, MN
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 243-3885

    "Sites in the back loop away from the lake are big, but not much for shade yet. Sites by the lake looked nice. Beach is nice and clean."

    "There was a vault toilet near by and full bathrooms a short walk away. The showers by the lake could use some updating but the bathrooms by the bigger loop are very nice and clean."

    6. Sakatah Lake State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Waterville, MN
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 362-4438

    "Sakatah Lake State Park campground is a lucious, green campground located near Sakatah Lake. There are quite a few sites."

    "Great park if you’re not looking to drive too far to enjoy a bit of nature. Wonderful hiking paths and biking paths.

    Our site was nice a secluded and right next to the trail heads."

    7. Riverside Park and Municipal Campground

    5 Reviews
    Kasota, MN
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 931-1550

    8. Lake Washington County Park

    2 Reviews
    Kasota, MN
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 995-1161

    "The lake is down the road with public access for your boat."

    9. Shady Oaks Campground

    4 Reviews
    Skyline, MN
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 546-3986

    "Located in a county park grounds, Shady Oaks is a quiet, no frills RV park. Sites have electric and water. The spaces are nicely spread out, not to crammed in together. A river runs by one side."

    10. Sakatah Trail Campground

    1 Review
    Mankato, MN
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 243-3886

    "Lovely trails.

    Unfortunately the camp sites are very close together, so your experience may be greatly influenced by who is next to you. The first night we had neighbors who were up until 2AM."

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Recent Camping Photos near Mankato, MN

70 Photos of 75 Mankato Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Mankato, MN

321 Reviews of 75 Mankato Campgrounds

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Sakatah Lake State Park Campground

    It was perfect. There wasn’t a lot of people there. The lots are pretty nice and secluded.

    I love the location and how quiet it is and secluded each spot is

  • Lance L.
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Fish Lake Acres Campground

    Cozy Lakeside Sitr

    Great pricing and friendly staff. Nice beach. A few spots are pull through which is nice for larger RVs and travel trailers.

  • A & D S.
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Everett Park

    Quiet, off the beaten path.

    Friendly and helpful staff, very accommodating. Beautiful spot, close to the lake. Water fill station, 30A power, washroom & shower if needed. Great price $25 per night (20 if tenting). If you have kids, looks like a great playground, plenty of room to run & play. Sites are large and well spaced.

  • Elizabeth N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2025

    Land of Memories Campground

    Camp manager rude with no cause

    I was campground shopping here, driving to see rates and what it looked like, stopped for my wife to use the port-a-potty and the camp manager drives up rude as can be and starts scolding me for parking in a parking space while I wait for my wife. No need for the attitude or the campsite now.

  • Deb M.
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground

    Typical State Park

    This park has a nice, small campground. The sites have quite a few trees separating them, but most of the sites on the C loop back up almost into the sites on the right side of the B loop. (so we basically had the back our neighbor’s trailer hanging almost into our site. Also, there’s some sites that are tricky to back a trailer into, which would have been helped by some maintenance - there were LOTS of branches that needed to be trimmed back. On the flip side, the bathroom/shower building was new and clean, the camp host was friendly and helpful, and the hike to the hidden falls did not disappoint. It’s so close to the Twin Cities that it’s very convenient for a weekend, or maybe a commute-to-work midweek getaway. And, through no fault of the park, cell service (both AT&T and TMobile) was terrible. There’s WiFi at the office, which is just a short hike from the campground.

  • Karlee P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 7, 2025

    Red Fox Campground — Minneopa State Park

    Perfect stop!

    We’re headed west and needed a place to recharge and shower and rest. This was such a sweet camping spot. We pulled in at sunset and saw the bison herd and it was beautiful. I expected a call office to check in at and didn’t see it so finding the site was a little difficult but we managed! So cute and worth spending more time at!

  • Truly W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 6, 2025

    Cleary Lake Regional Park

    Best Bathrooms/Showers!

    Amazing bathroom/Showers. Quiet, lots of flies, good spot overall. The golfing nearby that seemed reasonably priced for those interested.

  • Beth B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 4, 2025

    Dakotah Meadows RV Park

    Quiet and safe

    Small little campground next to large casino. We lucked out and were able to stay 2 nights without reservations….only had to move because they were fully booked for the 4th…large concert event happening across the street. You will need to call early in the day to talk to office staff…who are very friendly. If after hours and there are no spots, you can dry dock in large lot in front of office. There is fuel on site as well as RV wash station. Bath house and laundry and card controlled ($5 card deposit on check in)…well maintained facilities. Dog park available, watch a few spots in fence near bottom where fencing has risen up…little dogs could easily climb under. Very convenient for visiting Minneapolis…25/30 minutes from airport/Mall of America (Aquarium) and Security patrols regularly and there is shuttle if you want to visit casino. Pool at hotel is not included. Golf attraction is being completed next door so there was some construction traffic during day as expected.

Guide to Mankato

Camping near Mankato, Minnesota, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy nature and make lasting memories.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Trails: Explore the beautiful trails at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The trails are also nice and well kept," making it a great spot for hiking enthusiasts.
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing at Lebanon Hills Regional Park. A camper shared, "Fishing was great; we enjoyed ourselves the whole thing," highlighting the fun you can have by the water.
  • Wildlife Viewing: Check out Red Fox Campground — Minneopa State Park for a chance to see bison. One happy camper said, "This park has one of my favorite sites," emphasizing the unique wildlife experience.

What campers like:

  • Privacy and Space: Campers appreciate the spacious sites at Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve. One reviewer noted, "Peaceful, quiet, with spacious sites that are situated in a staggered way," making it a favorite for those seeking a little solitude.
  • Clean Facilities: Many visitors rave about the cleanliness of the facilities. A camper at Myre-Big Island State Park remarked, "Showers were what you can expect but good pressure and hot water," which is always a plus after a day outdoors.
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpful staff at various campgrounds. One visitor at Baker Park Reserve said, "Everyone here at Baker is so helpful and accommodating," making the experience even better.

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially in the summer. A camper at Rice Lake State Park warned, "Mosquitos are awful," so bring bug spray.
  • Reservations: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A visitor at Lebanon Hills Regional Park advised, "Must reserve months in advance as usually full," so plan ahead.
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like High Island Creek Park, do not have drinking water or electric hookups. A camper noted, "There isn't any potable water on site," so be sure to bring your own supplies.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with nearby lakes or trails. A family at Myre-Big Island State Park enjoyed, "My kids loved skipping rocks at the little shore," which is perfect for little ones.
  • Safety First: Always check for weather updates and park guidelines. One camper at Fort Ridgely State Park mentioned, "The creek is cool temperature even in July but kids have fun swimming and splashing," so keep an eye on water safety.
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks. A visitor at Baker Campground suggested, "Firewood is available at the office," making it easy to cook over a campfire.

Tips from RVers:

  • Space for Big Rigs: Many campgrounds, like Baker Campground, are big rig friendly. One RVer noted, "RV pads are gravel," which is helpful for larger vehicles.
  • Check Hookups: Make sure to check if your chosen campground has the necessary hookups. A camper at Myre-Big Island State Park mentioned, "Electric hookup for RV and easy dump station," which is essential for a comfortable stay.
  • Quiet Spots: Look for campgrounds that offer quieter areas. A visitor at High Island Creek Park said, "The campground is kept up very well," which can make for a peaceful night’s sleep.

Camping near Mankato, Minnesota, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or family fun.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds near Mankato, MN?

The Mankato area offers several excellent camping options. Red Fox Campground — Minneopa State Park stands out with its beautiful waterfalls, hiking trails, and bison range just 10 minutes from downtown Mankato. For those seeking waterfront camping, Sakatah Lake State Park Campground provides green, mostly private sites with access to the Sakatah Singing Hills Trail, perfect for cycling between Faribault and Mankato. Other notable options include Land of Memories Campground, Riverside Park and Municipal Campground, and Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground, which offers excellent hiking trails and fall colors despite being in the middle of farm country.

Is there free camping available near Mankato, Minnesota?

Free camping options are limited near Mankato, but there are a few possibilities within driving distance. Cannon River Wilderness Area offers free camping in a beautiful riverside setting. Sites are located about a 10-minute walk from the parking area, with spots tucked away for privacy and the opportunity to set up hammocks right next to the river. Rapidan Dam Co Park near Lake Crystal may also offer economical camping options. Most established campgrounds in the immediate Mankato area charge fees, so free camping enthusiasts should be prepared to drive a bit further out or consider county parks that sometimes offer more affordable rates than state parks.

Can you camp at Minneopa State Park near Mankato?

Yes, camping is available at Minneopa State Park through its Red Fox Campground. This smaller campground offers around 12 individual sites plus several secluded group camping areas. The campground features big sites with plenty of tree cover for shade and privacy. Campers enjoy convenient access to hiking trails, the park's waterfalls, and the bison range (a short drive from the camping area). Located just 10 minutes from downtown Mankato, the park provides a perfect balance of natural beauty and proximity to urban amenities like breweries and restaurants. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak camping season, as this is a popular destination due to its unique features and convenient location.

Are there RV parks with hookups in Mankato?

Yes, Mankato has several RV-friendly options with hookups. Sawmill Campground is located on the outskirts of Mankato, offering large, reasonably priced full hookup sites in an open, non-wooded area ideal for bigger rigs. The campground is known for friendly staff, though their booking system may not be the most technologically advanced. Riverside Park and Municipal Campground also accommodates RVs, though some sites may be challenging to access with larger rigs (up to 42ft fifth wheels have been accommodated). Additional options include Land of Memories Campground, Shady Oaks Campground near Garden City, and Bray County Park, all offering various hookup options for RV campers.

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