DIANNE T.
Guide
GuideHigh Island Creek Park
Quiet and creek is beautiful
Had a great time walking the river. W dog
Tent Camping near Mankato, MN
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Tent camping near Mankato, Minnesota ranges from developed tent campsites with modern restrooms to primitive riverside spots and hike-in wilderness sites. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground offers tent sites with pea gravel pads in a wooded setting, while Rapidan Dam County Park provides more primitive tent camping along a river. Cannon River Wilderness Area, located northeast of Mankato, features hike-in tent sites that require carrying all gear from the parking area to the campsite.
Most tent sites in the Mankato area include fire rings and picnic tables, though amenities vary significantly between locations. Nerstrand Big Woods provides modern restrooms with showers and drinking water, while Rapidan Dam offers more basic facilities with vault toilets and water pumps. Cannon River Wilderness Area has minimal amenities with just vault toilets and no drinking water on site. The camping season typically runs from April through October, with Nerstrand Big Woods open April 1 to October 23 and Rapidan Dam available from early April to late October.
The tent camping experience varies across these locations, with different levels of privacy and natural settings. Nerstrand Big Woods features both drive-in and walk-in tent sites, with the outer non-electric loop offering more seclusion. A camper noted that "sites are wooded so you don't have neighbor issues" and mentioned the "large pea gravel tent pads" as a positive feature. At Rapidan Dam, tent sites are described as being "along the river" with "numerous sites" separated by trees, creating a more secluded experience. The Cannon River Wilderness Area provides the most remote tent camping experience, with a reviewer mentioning that "we found a site tucked away from people" and that the "hike from parking is not bad at all about a 10 minute walk from parking to the farthest site."
Best Tent Campgrounds near Mankato (5)
1. Rapidan Dam Co Park
"Small trails for car/ tent camping. Not trailer friendly. Small vehicles only. At the foot of the road in there a small food/ice cream shop with friendly staff."
"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."
2. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground
"Though they were right next to each other, they felt very secluded. Site 4 felt a bit more private from the main road because the campsite slightly slopes downward."
"It's just a bit of a walk from the main campground and opposite of some very beautiful walk-in sites. The group campground has an open space to play games as well as wooded areas all around."
Check AvailabilityCampground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $24 - $34 / night
3. Cannon River Wilderness Area
"We found a site tucked away from people which is what we like. We set up hammocks right next to the river."
"Free, first come first served rustic hike/cart in sites with steel fire ring/grill. There are 4 official sites and 2 more unofficial sites with no fire ring."
4. Clear Lake Co Park
5. St. James City Park Camp
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 Tent Camping Photos near Mankato, MN
9 Photos of 5 Mankato Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Tent Camping Reviews near Mankato, MN
338 Reviews of 5 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
Tent camping near Mankato, Minnesota offers sites in hardwood forests, along riverbanks, and in prairie landscapes. Most campgrounds in the region remain open seasonally from April through October, with closures during winter months. Several locations experience periodic flooding that can affect site availability, particularly at riverfront campgrounds following heavy rainfall.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: At Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground, trails lead to scenic water features. "The hike to the hidden falls did not disappoint," notes Deb M., who also mentions the park's convenient location "so close to the Twin Cities that it's very convenient for a weekend."
Paddleboarding: Water activities are popular at Rapidan Dam Co Park with accessible river access. "The river is perfect for paddle boarding," reports Nick G. in his review of this secluded camping area.
Cross-country skiing: Winter recreation options extend beyond the camping season at select parks. According to Tim B., "This park is great for hiking and winter snowshoeing and cross country skiing" when reviewing the trails at Cannon River Wilderness Area.
What campers like
Tree coverage: Many campers appreciate the privacy offered by wooded sites in the area. At Cannon River Wilderness Area, campers can "set up hammocks right next to the river" as Nick G. discovered during his stay.
Sunset views: Scenic water views rank highly among camper reviews for certain locations. Jaime N. reports that "The sunsets were spectacular at the private beach" at Roberds Lake Resort and Campground, which also offers boat rentals for full-day use.
Fall foliage: Autumn camping provides exceptional natural displays in the Mankato region. Tim B. recommends Nerstrand Big Woods as "a great campground for Fall camping. The colors are amazing," making it ideal for weekend getaways during peak color season.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Campground availability varies throughout the year with most sites closed during winter months. One reviewer noted that Nerstrand was "Closed all 2020 camping season for Covid," highlighting how closures can occur unexpectedly.
Flooding issues: Water levels affect campground accessibility, particularly at riverside locations. Kent F. reported in July 2024 that Rapidan Dam was "Closed due to flooding," a common occurrence at riverside campgrounds following heavy rainfall periods.
Variable site quality: Campsite conditions can differ significantly within the same campground. One reviewer described Rapidan Dam Co Park as "Sketchy" and mentioned "We did not spend the night even though there were plenty of openings," suggesting pre-arrival site inspection may be worthwhile.
Tips for camping with families
Restaurant access: On-site or nearby food options simplify family camping meals. Skip H. notes that at Rapidan Dam, "At the foot of the road in there a small food/ice cream shop with friendly staff," providing convenient dining options without leaving the camping area.
Bathroom facilities: Modern restrooms make family camping more comfortable at select locations. Hannah Y. found that at Nerstrand, "The bathrooms and showers were clean and well lit," an important consideration for camping with children.
Site spacing: Consider how close neighboring campsites are when planning family trips. Erik R. cautions that at certain state parks, "the campground sites are really close together and you have very little privacy," which may affect family camping experiences.
Tips from RVers
Vehicle size restrictions: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger RVs or trailers. According to Lisa K., Rapidan Dam "is great" but offers limited access: "Not trailer friendly. Small vehicles only."
Backing challenges: Some sites present difficulty for RV positioning. Deb M. notes at Nerstrand Big Woods that "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."
Connectivity concerns: Cell service varies significantly between camping locations. One RVer reports "cell service (both AT&T and TMobile) was terrible" at Nerstrand, though "There's WiFi at the office, which is just a short hike from the campground," providing options for those needing to stay connected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Mankato, MN?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Mankato, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Mankato, MN is Rapidan Dam Co Park with a 4-star rating from 6 reviews.
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tent camping near
Mankato, MN?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Mankato, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 tent camping locations near Mankato, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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