Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Mankato, MN is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Mankato campgrounds just for you. Find the best campgrounds near Mankato, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
$24 - $34 / night
"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. "
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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…)."
"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."
ScoutSakatah Lake State Park campground is a lucious, green campground located near Sakatah Lake. There are quite a few sites. Most are private, but they are a bit crammed together in multiple loops so some sites are not so private.
The campground has friendly rangers with great recommendations and is located on a state trail that goes from Mankato to Fairbault. We had a great time from Friday-Sunday hanging out at the campsite, roasting marshmallows, riding bike on the state trail, and hiking around the lake!
Sakatah Lake is quite shallow so late season is at risk of algae bloom - the lake was pea soup green when we got there at the end of August, so go early in the season if you want to get on the water.
LegendWe biked the Sakatah Singing Hills Trail from Faribault, MN to Mankato, MN (39 miles). The whole trail was paved, which was really nice and runs through hardwoods forest. We camped in Sakatah State Park and then explored the City of Mankato. Sakatah Lake is a relatively calm lake and seems like a great place to kayak.
They have 5 bike-in campsites near the trail. Other campsites include drive-in sites, electric sites, group sites, and camper cabins. The campsites are secluded just enough so that one feels like they are camping in the woods by themselves. Unlike a lot of campgrounds, Sakatah State Park has its fire pits above ground. Very nice for keeping warm. Amenities at the campground include showers, flush toilets, vault toilets, dump stations.
GuideMinneopa Campground, you’re that poetic hideaway where “water falls twice” and bison roam under the open sky. As a forward‑thinking canine behaviorist and groomer 🌿, I appreciate spaces that embrace nature, community, and a dash of wilderness therapy—for both humans and pups!
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🌲 My Lyrical Dyrt-Style Review
🌟 Overall Mood: 4 / 5 – Rustic charm meets “nature unplugged” luxury ✨ Highlights: • Falls & Forks: A quick half‑mile hike delivers two majestic falls — upper 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 awe from safety of your car  • Camp Setup: 61 wooded campsites (6 with electric hookups), plus 4 group sites and 1 cabin. Non‑electric loops are shaded, rustic, and super private  • Amenities: Drinking water, flush toilets, hot showers (May–Oct), dump station, fire rings & picnic tables  • Wildlife & Trails: Abundant birdlife (213 species!), deer, coyotes, beaver; 4.5 mi of hiking, plus a short falls loop ()
🦟 Minor Caveats: • Mosquitoes and flies can be intense—especially near campground loops after rainfall  • A‑loop sites tucked by a railway cliff; trains rumble at night—not everyone’s quiet retreat ()
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🐾 Humorous & Humble Take • For the pups: Ace and canine clients will love splashing below the falls—just watch for slick rocks and curious beavers joining the party. • Pro tip: Request a B-loop or non-electric site far from the rails—to avoid midnight freight jams and embrace that hammock zen. • Camp vibe: Quirky woodland privacy with rustic charisma—like a corporate retreat, minus the Wi‑Fi.
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🏷️ Hashtags & Emojis
#MinneopaMagic #WaterFallsTwice #BisonBrigade #CampLife #DogFriendly #NatureUnplugged #FallsAndFur #RusticRetreat 🏕️ #TrainTracks 🎧 #BugSprayEssential 🦟
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Final Thoughts: Minneopa is a beautifully raw blend of waterfalls, wildlife, and woodland camp experience—with just the right dash of quirky (trains, bugs, and bison included). It’s a forward‑thinking wilderness escape perfect for unplugging, recharging, and teaching dogs that even nature has its own “social hierarchy.”
Pack the bug spray, grab the pup, and prepare for poetic nights by the fire—this campground is a metaphor in moss.
Final Thoughts: Minneopa is a beautifully raw blend of waterfalls, wildlife, and woodland camp experience—with just the right dash of quirky (trains, bugs, and bison included). It’s a forward‑thinking wilderness escape perfect for unplugging, recharging, and teaching dogs that even nature has its own “social hierarchy.”
Pack the bug spray, grab the pup, and prepare for poetic nights by the fire—this campground is a metaphor in moss.
#MinneopaMagic #WaterFallsTwice #BisonBrigade #CampLife #DogFriendly #NatureUnplugged #FallsAndFur #RusticRetreat 🏕️ #TrainTracks 🎧 #BugSprayEssential 🦟
LegendWe visited Minneopa state park because a) I love hiking b) I’m trying to get as much state park time in before the summer hordes descend and c) my back is dying from working at home out of a dining room chair so I preordered an office chair for curbside pickup at an office store which is on the way home from this park.
Minneopa is a unique state park. A River Runs Through it. So does a train(choo chooo). And a neighborhood(kind of). If you have never visited the park before you need to decide what you are going to prioritize first because all of a sudden there are two different park road signs pointing you to either turn left or right depending on what you want to do.
One direction is the waterfall part. It is a nice waterfall. The parking lot is right by the waterfall- so it is very accessible for people who are unable to hike to a lot of waterfalls. However, because the parking lot is RIGHT THERE it isn’t the most rewarding waterfall that I’ve been to, it’s kind of like a less impressive Minnehaha. On this trip we didn’t visit the waterfall because it’s plague time and I figured that it might be busy. Tip: On the weekends get to state parks as early as possible during social distancing time! Most people don’t roll out of bed at 6 am like we did, so it will be fairly easy to socially distance yourself. We got there at 8 and only encountered 4 other hikers that were just heading out when we were almost back to our car.
The other direction is the BISON DRIVE. Yes, you can actually drive amongst bison if the road is open. It wasn’t on our trip on 4/10/2020 because the road conditions are still gross from the winter thaw. Instead we hiked the entire loop(I think it’s 3.3 miles) because it goes around the entire bison enclosure, and I wanted to guarantee that I would see me some bison.
Other highlights about this section of the park are the views of the magnificent Minnesota river, an old windmill(the blades are gone), and the campground is also situated here. This section isn’t as popular as the waterfall section, as evidenced by the relatively small parking lot. The hike was enjoyable while we were there- if it is a hot hot day you might want to just do the Minnesota River Bluff Trail for the shade- the Seppman Mill trail is exposed and you can drive and park at the mill.
As I mentioned before there is also an access point to drive into the bison enclosure. We were able to see the bison herd once we got to the mill area, unfortunately for my photos the bison were just far enough away that I didn’t get a quality photo.
Now onto the campground. Loop A is superior for tent camping in every which way, unless you happen to want electricity or want to rent the cabin which is in loop B. Loop A has trees, large sites, a bathroom, and several sites have awesome views of the river. One thing to keep in mind is that the sites on the outside of the loop are much more private and have way more trees- the inner loop is relatively open in comparison and would be good sites to choose if you are group camping. I would be prepared with lots of bug spray and a screenhouse if you are camping here in the worst of mosquito season- there was quite a bit of standing water and swampy pond nearby.
Site notes(see pics/videos): A2 is nice and spacious, but next to the swampy water
A4 is the immediate neighbor and is distinctive because it’s up on a hill
A3 is on the inner loop and is visible to the road, but I liked it anyway
A5 is a nice spacious site on the inner loop that is less private, I’m pretty sure A19 butts up behind it if you are looking to get a few sites
A12 is the type of site that I would love to camp at- view of the gulley and of the river
A14 is the site that you need to reserve a year in advance if this campground were more popular- amazing location with a spectacular view of the river
A24 also has a good river view
A26 is large and has some badass oak trees
The B Loop is weird- a lot of the campsites don’t seem to even have space for a 2 person tent unless you are ok with not having a campfire(or burning down your tent). If you have a tiny scamp you might be ok?
Site notes: B3 is a good pull-through site for an RV
The cabin is here! It has a screen porch and a propane tank for heating it in cold weather! Also has a decent view of the river- inside is just some bunk beds and a table. There is a pit toilet next to it that I’m guessing other campsites use too.
B20 is definitely the best site in the loop for tent camping- I actually would camp at this one.
There are also 4 group campsites that could probably fit 2-3 tents on them that are only a short hike-in from the parking area. Nice pit toilets are nearby. Minneopa is definitely either a nice day trip or camping trip from the Twin Cities! I was extra pleased that the drive down 169 is interesting- the terrain is beautiful, there are some really random touristy places and showrooms(giant yellow barn/extended structure that is without a doubt indeed Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store), and driving through Saint Peter is a nice old-timey experience.
LegendGreat 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.
LegendLovely 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. Lot of day use and activity. Around 5-6PM or so, it starts to slow down as people go back to their camp or head home for dinner. The camp sites are pretty much on top of each other with no privacy whatsoever. In the off season it's not too bad as the campground is not so full. There was more "thru" traffic here than any state park I have been to. Seemed about every half hour or so someone would drive thru then leave. The trails are marked well and are maintained.
ScoutSimple camping, picnic table, fire ring & grate. It is well maintained.
RangerNice spot. Quiet during the off-season. The spots are plentiful here given its the off-season, but keep in mind, if you come, the only camping spots available are the ones that have power. The "A" section is closed down, but once the season gets going again, it will open. Camping is nice here. My preference is the "A" leg of the campground as it is more wooded and you're buffered better against other campers. The "B" leg isn't quite as private. Pick the perimeter spots if you don't want a neighbor right on top of you. These spots end in even numbers. The inner camp spots are odd numbers, and they've expanded the amount of spots, so there isn't much privacy. Once the foliage grows in, it might be "ok," but looking at it now during the winter season, there isn't any privacy at all. In the park there are bathrooms and a dump station. Parking over at the trail system, there are also pit toilets and community grills, and picnic tables. It's mostly quiet here with a slight bit of road noise. It's nothing bad, though. Anything from tents to cars to fifth wheels can camp here. Any larger fifth wheel, I believe, would be better suited to the "b" leg for camping. There is power there and spots large enough to accommodate your rig. If you're coming to see the bison, keep in mind that the bison drive is closed Wednesdays! Have fun!
ScoutCamp Dels Review
Worth the read!
Charges:
They charged us half of what my cousin next to us got charged and we got the same thing but mine should have been more because I had 3 more adults. And it was 500$ for 3 nights. We should have just went and rented out a house.
On the last day we went up to get our bills fixed and it took 40 min for them to figure out the issue, wrote down the totals and said we'll charge the cards at 11 am when the other guy comes in. At 11am we went back up for our receipts and it took them another 20 min to figure it out. He wanted to send us away saying. I'll figure it out and email it to you. I said no that doesn't work for me I'll take it now. He said what would you like me to do. So I had to spell it out for him and said "I want you to take the full amount your charging me, subtract the deposit, then subtract the payment I made when I came on Friday, and now tell me what I owe today, run that amount on my card right now and give me the receipt and do the same for the other site we had too. It's not hard. However you have to do it in your computer you figure it out, I just want to go home. I'll wait" he said your right it's not hard. I said start over completely if you want I don't care. I just want my receipts. (They couldn't even figure out math and how simple it was. What are they going to do if there computers ever fail totally) it was painfully funny to endure both times I sat through Watching with my bill!
Night time:
So at night get ready to be harassed every 30 minutes to a hour by workers trying to bully you to bed every night if you choose to stay up past 11pm. And they pick out the 1 drunk guy in your group to try and cope with when the sober one is saying "hey I'm sober. I don't drink. Can you please answer and talk to me" but they are rude to you and refuse. They pick at the drunk guy. But that was every night. All 3 nights. 1st time they come it is 1guy. 2nd time 2guys. 3rd time 3guys come. 4th time 4guys. 5th time 4guys come. They start at 11pm telling people to turn off all music (even on the phone turned way down. Even watching a video outside. Even if your humming/singing together, lol he said no/off, now). Of course we complied though.
At 12am they say time for bed and then start tying to reason with you about coming back for a time when it's going to be all over at. At 12:30/1am they will come back a 3rd time and start bullying again. And say put it out now and throw a fit when you don't completely comply. So they say "I'll be back in 15 min and we are done, fire goes out and you are all going to bed". So at 1:15 perfectly on time their gang comes to harass you adults to go to bed. He screams I'm not leaving until your fires out and your all in bed. I tell him to shhhhhh! And now the drunk guy who paid 500$ to be here gets his wood doused with water and is livid. And some of us drop off every time they come because they are so rude and don't want to deal with it but I'm sober and an adult and No one is going to put me to bed. All the adults there are waisted all day and not watching their kids. And now I know why. We talk to all our neighbors plus we are there with about 10 other scattered around sites and every neighbor couldn't believe what they were doing saying we weren't even loud. We had no music and a small fire with a few people. I kept walking 5 away to go pee and I couldn't hear our group any of the nights. And we weren't even all at 1 fire either.
* And throughout every interaction the non-drinker asks respectively (me) where in your rules or on the website does it say adults have a bed time by 1am and you guys go around harassing repeatedly trying to cause problems starting at 11pm and bully them them to bed???? Maybe you should be more transparent or be more humble and kind with your discretion. No one is being loud and belligerent. But I was ignored. Because if it had sad that on line or had I been warned about the worker's behavior after 11pm we wouldn't have came. We ourselves had 2 spots. The guy we knew who invited us had like 8 spots with him and needless to say none of us and anyone we know will ever come to
Camp Hels.
The workers/people:
Some shouldn't work with the public. But they are all family! All related just about! And they let you know it! Some of them also let you know that they aren't saposed to be working but that they are there working anyways! So I put money in for the batting cages. Nothing happened so i swiped the playing card again. A guy and lady walk out. I said excuse me. Im not sure im doing it right but i think it took my money. She yelled at me that "we are having problems, dont I see that, give us some time". So i waited. It looked like they were going to leave so i told the guy what happened to my card and he said sure we'll refund it. The last ones not working. (But they didnt put a sign on it) and he told the lady to deal with my refund. And she came and yelled at me again. I tried to explain myself but there's no talking to her. Pretty sure she was drunk. She said stay right here. Ill be back. I waited for 30 min for a refund at the batting cages. Come to find out no one works up there. She went to the office to get a refund. But I had to call the front desk to see if someone was even coming back. And he asked her while holding the phone "do you got people waiting on you up there? We'll get going there still waiting." When she got back she yelled "so who's waiting on me!" Like she didn't ask me to stay put like a dog. And was rude again. But I got a new card and 20 new mosquito bites.
There was other little things that were observed and overhead from other guests like at the pool, concert, petting zoo and other places too. We couldn't mention them all. We are very social and people loved all the stuff to do but hated the way they were all treated. We talked to a few seasonal owners and they say they get treated the same and hate it.
The sites/cleanliness/activities:
Lifeguards were nice. Business and all activities inside the campground ran smoothly and weren't awful at all. The kids enjoyed themselves using the amenities and activities. The bathrooms were ok and pretty clean. Some trash cans had overflowing garbage and a lot all over after events. I never saw anyone picking it up. But you could always see someone riding a golf cart being bossy. It was nice to see they gave their zoo animals long breaks from feeding and petting. Some of the birds looked like they had Veterinarian feather/skin illnesses. They call it a petting zoo but there's really no petting.
Recommendations:
Don't ever go. Or camp next door or close or get a house then just pay for a day pass if you can.
If CAMP DELS is reading this you should be more transparent on your site and train your family/workers to be more kind and just walk by reminding people to stay quit at night. Insted of being on a power trip demanding adults have a bed time, pretending you don't have discretion and choices yourselves on who and where you are actually creating the problem, bullying and then playing victim. Because the only thing your accomplishing every night is pissing people off. There is a better way. Weather your there or not trying to throw your authority around, people will go to bed. Example PD dont go into bars after 12am harassing people saying "times a coming guys! I'm going to close you down". You should only be keeping people from getting out of hand. Not causing it. Another fantastic idea is have an adult camping section where quiet time is 11pm and adults can go to bed when they choose! Instead of trying to take away people's freedom, especially on Memorial weekend! God bless and hope I never see any of you at Camp Dels ever again.
Cabin camping near Mankato, Minnesota offers a perfect blend of nature and comfort, making it an ideal getaway for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
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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