DIANNE T.
Guide
GuideHigh Island Creek Park
Quiet and creek is beautiful
Had a great time walking the river. W dog
Dog-Friendly Camping near Mankato, MN
2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Red Fox Campground at Minneopa State Park welcomes pets throughout its 61 wooded campsites, providing designated tent areas, RV spots with electric hookups, and one cabin option for travelers with four-legged companions. Sawmill Campground and Land of Memories Campground also maintain pet-friendly policies across their facilities, offering full hookup sites with gravel pads that accommodate both tent and RV campers. Leashed pets must be attended at all times within these campgrounds, though specific exercise areas vary by location. Most campgrounds near Mankato feature standard amenities including fire rings, picnic tables, and access to drinking water, with some locations providing showers and sanitary dump stations for RV travelers. Sites in the A loop at Minneopa provide more wooded privacy for campers with pets, though they can be close to railroad tracks with occasional night train noise.
Minneopa State Park's trail system offers multiple pet-friendly hiking options, including a half-mile trail leading to two waterfalls where dogs can splash below the falls on leash while owners enjoy the scenery. The park's bison drive allows visitors with pets to remain in vehicles while viewing the 20-40 bison that roam the 330-acre enclosure. Mosquitoes and flies can be intense near campground loops after rainfall, requiring extra precautions for pets sensitive to insects. Seasonal considerations affect pet camping in the area, as Land of Memories Campground closes during flooding events and doesn't operate year-round, typically opening in May. Most campgrounds maintain standard quiet hours to minimize barking disruptions. Camping with dogs requires preparation for weather variations and planning for the limited shade in some campground sections, particularly in non-electric loops where tree cover provides the primary relief from summer heat.
Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Mankato (62)
1. Red Fox Campground — Minneopa State Park
"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!"
Check Availabilityfrom $24 - $85 / night
2. Rapidan Dam Co Park
"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
"The park here has a Frisbee golf course as well as soccer fields and a trail system that wraps the campground and park."
Check Availabilityfrom $27 - $43 / night
4. Sakatah Lake State Park Campground
"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."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $24 - $85 / night
5. Sawmill Campground
"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."
6. Lake Washington County Park
"Well tended county campground surrounded by many good fishing lakes. Good spacing between sites , gravel pads, nice and clean shower house. Not much shade. Both paved and grass trails. Not very busy."
"The lake is down the road with public access for your boat."
7. Riverside Park and Municipal Campground
8. Bray County Park
"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."
9. Shady Oaks Campground
"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. Peaceful Valley Campground
"Boat access is 1 mi on the Minnesota River."
"The owners were very accommodating with our changing situation during the weekend we stayed."
Drive Time
- 1 hr 12 min from Rochester, MN
- 1 hr 13 min from Minneapolis, MN
- 1 hr 54 min from St. Cloud, MN
- 2 hrs 32 min from Eau Claire, WI
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Mankato, MN
55 Photos of 62 Mankato Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Red Fox Campground — Minneopa State Park
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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Mankato, MN
353 Reviews of 62 Mankato Campgrounds
- AAlison B.
TravelerPihls County Park
Quaint and convenient!
Neat little place right off I 90. We arrived in the dark since we had a flat to fix but happily were still able to download the campground map… Seems like people stay here All year at some of the sites because there are literally decks and gardens attached to some larger campers. Gorgeous mature trees and seems like the campground is well kept outside. The bathrooms are clean but pretty old and guessing that the water is fairly hard from the rust stains in the shower… hot water felt great and no quarters to feed. Definitely bring your flip-flops for the shower the drainage was not great. Would definitely stay here again for the convenience, maybe next time we will get to enjoy the water front area… All the sites were nice and flat and easy to back in with lots of length. We have been towing a 31 foot AIRSTREAM so had no problems whatsoever.
- DDawn
ScoutPeaceful Valley Campground
Hope you like your neighbor
We initially chose this location due to its proximity to Belle Plain and its reasonable pricing. The RV sites are relatively small and positioned quite close to one another. While they are long enough to accommodate a large camper, the proximity is such that one could nearly reach out and touch the neighboring vehicle, creating a sense of overcrowding. It appears that the capacity of the park is prioritized for revenue. Although we were informed about the suboptimal cell and WiFi service upon check-in, I believe the quality of service could be improved significantly by installing WiFi extenders to ensure reliable coverage throughout the area. Currently, even a passing truck or camper can disrupt the signal, forcing me to repeatedly reconnect in order to load pages or send messages. The bathrooms are satisfactory, and the shower was pleasant, providing consistent hot water for an enjoyable experience.
Brett G.ScoutMinneapolis Southwest KOA
Basic KOA
Nice 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.
Jeanelle B.ScoutPihls County Park
Peaceful
We booked site 31 which is directly in the middle of seasonal campers. Not very many people around. Bathrooms are definitely old but clean. I would not waste the extra 10 dollars on a lakeside site (trees blocking view)
Ryan M.ScoutNerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground
Great place to visit
My two boys and I camped here for one night on a weekday in late August. It was a great place to relax and spend time together. We chose the cart in campsite and we had the area all to ourselves. The vault toilets near the campsite were clean, and the main bathrooms and showers in the main campground were also very nice and clean. We enjoyed a great hike around the park and had a successful birding outing. The trails closer to the water had more mosquitoes, although their numbers decreased the closer we got to our campsite. From our campsite, we saw five new bird species without even having to get out of our chairs. All in all, I would definitely come back.
Danielle D.ScoutRoberds Lake Resort and Campground
Clean and quaint
As 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....
- PPad F.Guide
Lake Washington County Park
Nice campground
Well tended county campground surrounded by many good fishing lakes. Good spacing between sites , gravel pads, nice and clean shower house. Not much shade. Both paved and grass trails. Not very busy.
- KKristy H.Guide
Crystal Springs RV Resort
Excellent Location
We stayed 1 night and the host was Amazing! Our site had everything included. Site was easy to back into and the location is just an hour from Mall of America
Guide to Mankato
Mankato sits at the confluence of the Minnesota and Blue Earth Rivers in southern Minnesota at an elevation of 794 feet. The area features diverse terrain with wooded river valleys, limestone bluffs, and prairie landscapes. Camping opportunities range from electric sites along cycling trails to primitive riverside camping near Mankato's trail networks.
What to do
Waterfall hiking at Minneopa: 0.6-mile trail: The waterfall area at Minneopa State Park offers a short hike to view the double falls. "The hiking circles around a buffalo enclosure, you have to drive to a different area of the park to experience the waterfalls," notes Amelia B., highlighting the park's dual attractions.
Canoe or kayak river access: Multiple options: Rapidan Dam County Park provides easy river access for paddle craft. "The river is perfect for paddle boarding," according to Nick G., who found the secluded campsites ideal for water-based activities.
Bicycle the Sakatah Singing Hills Trail: 39 miles: This paved regional trail connects Mankato to Faribault, passing through Sakatah Lake State Park. "Biked the trail. Campfires, hammocked and just enjoyed chillin!" reports Carla A., who appreciated the quiet atmosphere.
What campers like
Spacious campsites with gravel pads: Sawmill Campground offers level sites for all camping styles. "Nice sights with full hookups. The sights are gravel but level," notes Jim C., who found the bathhouses well-maintained.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The 330-acre bison enclosure at Minneopa allows viewing from your vehicle. "When we pulled in at sunset and saw the bison herd it was beautiful," Karlee P. shares about her experience at Red Fox Campground.
Multiple shower facilities: Several campgrounds maintain clean shower buildings. At Bray County Park, "The shower house is newer, electric was good and the sites were level," according to Carla A., though she noted challenges with mosquitoes.
What you should know
Seasonal closures affect availability: Land of Memories Campground operates on a limited schedule. "Keep in mind this is not a year-round spot even on the offseasons you're not allowed to stay there. They don't open up until May," Dennis N. advises potential campers.
Reservation systems vary by campground: Some parks require advance booking while others accept walk-ins. At Minneopa, Shane T. found that "Tried to book online as there is no in person drop box. Can only pay online. I found the site to not be very mobile friendly."
Insect preparation essential: Mosquitoes can be intense throughout the region. Blair at Sakatah Trail Campground learned from staff that "it's best to go before June or after July due to the mosquitos," highlighting the importance of seasonal planning.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple locations: Riverside Park offers recreation amenities for children. "This park is by the river that allows fishing and it does have a volleyball area and a basketball court, full bathrooms and a nice pond," reports Lizzy Z.
Private sites for noise management: Rapidan Dam County Park provides natural buffers between sites. "Lots of sites all separated by trees," according to Nick G., creating family-friendly separation.
Swimming considerations: Water quality varies: Lake conditions should be checked before planning water activities. Tim B. warns about Sakatah Lake: "On the lake but you need to be in middle of this lake if you want to get wet. Unless you enjoy swimmers itch."
Tips for RVers
Accessibility for larger rigs: Mixed options: Campgrounds differ in their ability to accommodate big rigs. Tim B. cautions about Sakatah Lake State Park: "Very nice park if your RV is not too big. I put our 38 foot 5th wheel in a site but you better be on your game here. Lots of shade and big trees."
Full hookup availability: Limited sites: Lake Washington County Park provides water and electric services. Carolyn M. found that "Bathrooms and showers were very clean. The lake is down the road with public access for your boat."
Dump station locations: Several campgrounds offer sanitary dumps for RV waste. At Sawmill Campground, Jeanne S. noted "$27.00 for pull through and full hook-up," making it an economical option for pet friendly camping near Mankato.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly
campsite near Mankato, MN?
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Mankato, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Mankato, MN is Red Fox Campground — Minneopa State Park with a 4.2-star rating from 34 reviews.
What is the best site to find
dog-friendly camping near
Mankato, MN?
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Mankato, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 62 dog-friendly camping locations near Mankato, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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