2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Cabins near Mankato offer varying comfort levels and amenities for visitors seeking shelter-based outdoor experiences. Red Fox Campground at Minneopa State Park provides cabin camping options with fire rings and picnic tables, while Sawmill Campground features larger sites with full hookups that are "very reasonably priced," according to a visitor review. Minneapolis Southwest KOA offers furnished cabins with electricity, making it suitable for year-round visits. Most cabins include basic furniture and sleeping surfaces, though amenities vary significantly between primitive and deluxe accommodations.
Rustic and deluxe cabins are both available, depending on the location. Minneopa State Park's cabins provide access to hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly the buffalo enclosure that attracts many visitors. A review mentioned that the "camper cabin during the winter was lovely" with quiet surroundings and great trails for both hiking and snowshoeing. Several locations including Flying Goose Campground, Kamp Dels, and Bray County Park offer cabin options with varying levels of amenities. Reservations are essential, especially during summer months from May through October when most campgrounds operate at full capacity.
Most cabins include beds but require visitors to bring their own linens, towels, and toiletries. Cooking facilities vary widely—some cabins offer only outdoor fire rings while others provide indoor kitchenettes with basic appliances. Several campgrounds including Kamp Dels and Flying Goose feature on-site markets where basic supplies can be purchased, though selection is limited. Major groceries and camping supplies are available in Mankato, approximately 10-15 minutes from most cabin locations. Visitors staying at Flandrau State Park and Fort Ridgely State Park should note that firewood is available for purchase on-site, but other cooking supplies should be brought from home.
"falls tumble a few feet & the lower cascades 40–50 ft into a silent, lush gorge  Bison Drive: Herds of ~20–40 bison grace the 330‑acre enclosure, accessible via a scenic auto‐drive; brings pure"
"chair so I preordered an office chair for curbside pickup at an office store which is on the way home from this park. "
from $24 - $85 / night
"Sakatah Lake State Park campground is a lucious, green campground located near Sakatah Lake. There are quite a few sites."
"Great place to camp and get away from the cities without a long drive. Firewood is available at the office and a fire ring is at each site as well as picnic table."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $24 - $85 / night
"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."
"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."
"When we arrived, someone had taken our campsite (site 10) by the lake."
"We reserved a spot right next to the pool area. It was a tight fit to back the camper it, but I was able to do it. They have cement pads for a patio area and a fire ring."
"So many activities including a water recreation area, petting zoo, shuffleboard, mini golf, pool, toddler water park, multiple playgrounds, basketball and more."
"Lovely park to camp at! There is a beach for swimming. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Bathroom and showers are in the campground and there is wood available for purchase."
"If you are a little more flexible and have the capacity to do so, definitely consider the rustic campground rather than the semi-modern one."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $22 - $85 / night
"This park is only about 1 1/2 hours from shakopee. It’s a wonderful surprise to find this beautiful wooded river valley on the middle of farm fields."
"Most others along the river don’t have the view but you can still sleep to the sound of running water (until you wake to the same sound…)."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $24 - $85 / night
"Clean level sites, clean restrooms and showers, friendly Rangers, lots of activities for the kids."
"There is a newer shower/bathroom house that is well maintained and stocked! Outside of this the children spent most of the weekend in the pool!"
"I used to be against KOA’s and swore I would never camp at one but a couple of friends booked it and I went with. It was actually pretty nice."
"A couple weeks ago we spent some time at the Northwest koa...that one had private tent sites surrounded on 3 sides by trees, quiet spaces etc."
"Very quiet and clean, goid WiFi. Gary was very helpful. This campground is just beautiful. There is a lake you can fish,swim,rent kayaks and canoe. Laundry and showers."
"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."
ScoutNice quiet campground. It's a very basic KOA. Not a whole lot of amenities. Large playground is quite good for children. Our site is right across from the campground.
Campsite is in the middle of nature. Lots of trees cover. Not much of a breeze but well protected.
Water is clean, electrical boxes are in good condition.
ScoutAs a newer resident on Roberds Lake I decided to walk my son in his stroller down to the resort. It looked like a tropical paradise. The water is treated, there were tons of kids splashing around, his age.. It was the hottest day this year so far. It was packed! Lots of welcoming smiles on the beach...I saw the sign saying "Public Not Allowed." I was like aw that's disappointing ,and I understand completeley, why they do this. I have worked in the food and bev/entertainment industry for all of my life. Im 44...
I went into the little eatery to ask permission from what appeared to be the owner or manager. I asked her and she replied with " NO!" in the rudest way you could say it, and pointed her finger at the door....I mean, come on. Im my opinion, I think she could have handled it a little more professionally and suggest somewhere else, offer a cup of ice water, anything kind....no. All she was, was straight up cruel and I had to rush the first 2 blocks before I lost it. My son, didn't make a peep..anyways. . .I dont like saying negative things about people but in the case, I cant hold back. If you cant be kind and hospitable to EVERYONE that walks in that door, find a new profession like a prison guard or something....
GuideAmazing staff who were super nice and helpful. Great clean bathrooms and camp sites. We liked the trails and ability to access the lake. Super cheap and easy to rent kayaks.
GuideI have gone to this campground a few times and we love it. It’s beautiful and peaceful, secluded lots. Very overlooked this is a gem.
GuidePretty standard campground. Clean well maintained. Bathrooms are clean. Campground host so really quiet after hours. Site A5 has full shade 24 hours a day. A6 across from us looks like the worst site. Ranger station was suppose to be open until 4. It was closed at 3:45. It's also located a few miles away. Any bike trail is not accessible from here without biking a few milew on hill roads with no shoulder. It's ridiculous there's no access considering the plethora of trails in the area. Stay at Sakata of you're coming to this area to bicycle.
RangerPros - convenient location in New Ulm, but feels remote. Nice swimming pond in the summer. Cons - the campground (especially the inner loops) is crowded, with sites almost on top of each other. The bathrooms and showers work, but are sadly in need of repairs. (Water was lukewarm at best, some stalls did not have benches, etc.) The whole campground looked like it needs some TLC, not the standard we’re used to for State Parks in MN.
RangerWe camped in the non electric area. All of the sites are easy to back into and fairly flat. Some sites could use more gravel and become very muddy after a hard rain. All sites are good sized, most have vegetation between them for a feeling of more privacy. Sites on outer ring has shaded sites, some sites in the inner ring don’t have much shade.
Has a GREAT swimming pool, sand bottom and maintained.
Bathrooms (men’s) was wall maintained and clean. Showers were also clean, one has a missing bench to sit on. Vault toilets are very clean and had been pumped out recently.
Trails are nice, have some nice views of the park. Some beautiful spring woodland flowers are blooming at the end of May this year.
One trail goes past the Scheels Brewery, second oldest brewery in the country. They give tours and have a gift shop.
The river was flowing fast, had more rain so the level also went up fast. Would be good for an experienced kayaking.
Electric sites are very open and not much privacy, fairly level.
The park also has cabins to rent that were all being used. There is also a STONE CCC cabin that can be rented and looked from the outside to be well maintained and a new roof on it.
Baby turtles were hatching, watch out to not step on them as they slowly make their way to water!
The campground is down in a valley so can get stuffy but usually has a breeze flowing through the campground.
GuideWe stayed at the rustic campsites and weren’t impressed. The sites felt very exposed and were directly under black walnut trees, which were noisy and uncomfortable when the nuts dropped—especially in the fall. Definitely clear the walnuts before setting up a tent. The rustic bathrooms were poor, and the nicer running water bathrooms required a drive to reach.
The regular (non-rustic) sites were even more crowded, packed with RVs and lacking privacy. On top of that, planes flew overhead constantly from about 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.—so loud and frequent it felt like a flight school was nearby. Mosquitoes were also heavy, likely from the large marsh in the park.
The nearby town of New Ulm was very charming, but overall, I wouldn’t camp here again.
Traveleri didn't expect this pretty town and state park to emerge from the surrounding small farm towns i'd been driving through. i'm the only one at the "rustic campground", $7 to camp, and really beautiful. the only thing rustic is no hookups for an RV tho they have a campground for that too.
Cabin accommodations near Mankato, Minnesota offer camping options for those seeking shelter within 30 miles of the city. Mankato sits in the Minnesota River Valley at approximately 800 feet elevation, with seasonal temperatures ranging from below freezing in winter to humid 80°F days in summer. Most cabin rentals feature basic amenities with varying degrees of electricity and water access depending on the specific location and season.
Explore natural areas: At Sakatah Lake State Park Campground, visitors can enjoy multiple outdoor activities beyond standard camping. "Biked the trail. Campfires, hammocked and just enjoyed chillin!" notes one visitor. The park provides both hiking trails and lake access for varied recreation.
Visit historical sites: The historic area at Fort Ridgely State Park Campground offers educational opportunities about Minnesota's past. "The historical fort site has lots of great information and signage around the excavations," explains a camper. The site includes excavation areas and informational displays about the U.S.-Dakota Conflict of 1862.
Water recreation: Several cabin rental locations provide swimming and boating opportunities. At Flying Goose Campground, one visitor noted, "Right on Lake Imogene, there is a boat dock and a sandy swimming beach (which we had entirely to ourselves!)." Water activities vary by season, with most swimming facilities open from late May through early September.
Clean facilities: Riverview Campground receives consistent praise for its maintenance. "Clean campsites that are well maintained. There is a newer shower/bathroom house that is well maintained and stocked!" reports one camper. Multiple reviewers note the cleanliness of bathroom facilities across several cabin locations.
Campsite privacy: Some cabins offer more seclusion than others. A visitor to Flandrau State Park mentioned, "Minneopa Campground, you're that poetic hideaway where 'water falls twice' and bison roam under the open sky." Privacy levels vary significantly between locations, with non-electric sites typically offering more separation from neighbors.
Winter camping options: Several cabin locations remain open year-round. At Sawmill Campground, "very nice little quiet campground on the outside edge of Mankato" with "large sites and very reasonably priced for a full hook up site" provides accommodation during colder months, though amenities may be limited during winter.
Reservation requirements: Most cabin facilities require advance booking, especially during summer months. At Kamp Dels, "there is a required length of stay, so if u don't have time or are not certain the weather will cooperate to get the most of your $ spent, I don't recommend."
Bathroom facilities vary: Not all cabins include private bathrooms. "The bathroom has nice showers, and running water in the sinks, but has pit toilets," explains a camper at Red Fox Campground. Some locations offer shower houses while others provide only vault toilets.
Site limitations: Many cabin areas have specific restrictions. At Minneapolis Southwest KOA, "our tent was inches from the road and wide out in the open" despite website claims of wooded sites. Check specific site details before booking to ensure appropriate expectations.
Seasonal conditions: The area experiences distinct seasons affecting cabin camping conditions. "Mosquitoes were BAD but it was the only thing I didn't like," reports a Bray County Park visitor. Spring and summer typically bring insects, while winter camping requires adequate heating preparations.
Activity options: Flying Goose Campground provides multiple family-friendly amenities. "There are three playgrounds (one at the swimming beach), a mini golf course, and an actual phone booth," shares a visitor. Most cabin locations offer at least basic recreation areas for children.
Swimming access: Water recreation options vary by location. "The pool and food was outstanding," mentions a Kamp Dels visitor, while noting "the lake it is right next to doesn't have a beach for swimming." Check specific water recreation options when booking cabins with children.
Kid-friendly programs: Some cabin sites organize special events. At River View Campground, one camper noted it's "a great site for kids. They have a lot of great amenities for kid's entertainment. A lot of families camped here." Seasonal programming may include organized activities, particularly during summer weekends and holidays.
Site selection: Choose cabin locations based on specific needs. "Sites in the back loop away from the lake are big, but not much for shade yet. Sites by the lake looked nice," explains a Bray County Park visitor. Many cabin locations also accommodate RVs with varying hookup options.
Accessibility concerns: Some cabin areas present challenges for mobility. At River View Campground, "the campground is on a hill if you have mobility issues" which can affect ease of movement around the grounds. Request specific information about terrain and cabin access when booking.
Hookup availability: Cabins with utility connections typically cost more but offer greater comfort. "We stayed in a pull through site with water/electric hook up," notes a Flying Goose visitor. When renting cabins with RV access, confirm which utilities are available year-round, as water systems may be winterized during colder months.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of cabins are available for rent near Mankato, MN?
The Mankato area offers a variety of cabin options for campers. Flandrau State Park features rentable cabins that provide a comfortable camping experience near New Ulm, just a short drive from Mankato. For those seeking more amenities, Kamp Dels provides cabin rentals that accommodate families and groups. The region generally offers rustic state park cabins that provide basic shelter with access to nearby facilities, as well as more developed cabin options with private amenities at private campgrounds. Availability varies by season, with most cabins requiring advance reservations, especially during summer months.
How much do cabin rentals cost in the Mankato area?
Cabin rental prices near Mankato vary by location, size, and amenities. At Sakatah Lake State Park Campground, cabin rentals typically range from $45-75 per night for basic accommodations. Private campgrounds like Flying Goose Campground & Resort often charge between $85-150 per night depending on cabin size and features. Expect to pay more for cabins with electricity, running water, and bathroom facilities. Many locations also require a minimum stay during peak seasons (usually 2-3 nights on weekends) and may charge additional fees for extra guests or pets. Reservation fees typically range from $7-10 per booking.
What amenities are included in Mankato cabin rentals?
Cabin rentals in the Mankato area offer varying levels of amenities. At Red Fox Campground — Minneopa State Park, cabins typically include picnic tables, fire rings, and access to shower facilities and bathrooms. Many cabins feature electricity, while some offer heat for off-season use. Minneapolis Southwest KOA provides more upscale cabin accommodations with amenities like kitchenettes, air conditioning, and private bathrooms. Most cabin rentals in the region include basic furnishings such as beds with mattresses (though not always bedding), and some form of heating or cooling. Outdoor amenities typically include a designated parking spot, picnic area, and access to campground facilities like playgrounds, beaches, and hiking trails.
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