Best Campgrounds near New Ulm, MN

Several good camping spots surround New Ulm, Minnesota within a short drive. Minneopa State Park stands out with its bison herd and waterfalls you can hike to. Fort Ridgely State Park Campground connects campers with both history and nice prairie views. If you're looking for a quieter place to fish, Lake Auburn Campground works well with its lake access and places to eat outdoors. You'll find basic stuff like bathrooms and tables at all these places. Minneopa has both regular flush toilets and vault toilets depending on which part of the park you're in. Getting to these campgrounds is pretty easy - the roads are in good shape. Keep in mind that deer and lots of birds live in these areas, so store your food properly to keep critters out of your campsite. Spring and fall camping tends to be the most comfortable with better temperatures. Summers can get hot, so bring plenty of water and shade. Some people do camp in winter, but you'll need serious cold-weather gear. The New Ulm area has good options whether you want to hike trails, catch some fish, or just hang out at your campsite.

Best Camping Sites Near New Ulm, Minnesota (66)

    1. Flandrau State Park

    12 Reviews
    New Ulm, MN
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 233-9800

    "Park is right on the edge of New Ulm which is a beautiful small town with strong German heritage and lots to see and do."

    "Campsites were close together but that is to be expected at some state parks with drive-ins."

    2. Red Fox Campground — Minneopa State Park

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

    $24 - $34 / night

    "The other direction is the BISON DRIVE. Yes, you can actually drive amongst bison if the road is open."

    "We arrived there around sundown, and set up camp in the spot we reserved. The view was absolutely beautiful over the hills, with the forest giving us cover from the bright sun rays in the a.m."

    3. Fort Ridgely State Park Campground

    12 Reviews
    Morton, MN
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 426-7840

    "It's a great park in an area of Minnesota that is not well traveled. There's also a lot of history here with an interesting museum on the U.S.-Dakota Conflict of 1862."

    "I arrived close to evening and drove through the site. There was not another soul in site. The building on the hill was closed so, I figured I better just find my campsite for the night."

    4. Sportsman Park

    2 Reviews
    New Ulm, MN
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 794-4040

    "A 5k paves trail that goes around the lake connecting the campground to the park on the other side of the lake, bike rentals (using an app on your phone), the lake to fish/kayak/boat, a beach on the opposite"

    "Perfect close to home campground. The lake provides plenty of opportunities for fishing and recreational water sports. Has a free bike rental on site and paved trails."

    5. Watona City Park

    3 Reviews
    New Ulm, MN
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 642-3314

    "This is an excellent city park with full hook ups located right on the river. Be aware the area is prone to flooding and this can bring a lot of bugs. However the campgrounds are clean and secure."

    "Overall this camp site was a great place to stop while we were driving to the Badlands."

    6. Sawmill Campground

    3 Reviews
    North Mankato, MN
    20 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."

    7. Rapidan Dam Co Park

    6 Reviews
    Skyline, MN
    23 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."

    8. Mack Lake County Park

    1 Review
    Morton, MN
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (320) 523-3747

    "county parks manager is friendly and knowledgeable if you need to call during business hours. plenty of wood to forage (allowed) also some nice wood at registration station for a donation. fort ridgley close by"

    9. High Island Creek Park

    12 Reviews
    Henderson, MN
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 237-4330

    $10 / night

    "Gulley that a large creek runs through surrounded by trees and large forested hills."

    "Near Henderson, MN which is one of a kind small town well worth the visit for all. This is rustic with no hookups except very clean portapotty and hand lever water jack."

    10. Land of Memories Campground

    4 Reviews
    Skyline, MN
    23 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."

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Recent Reviews near New Ulm, MN

229 Reviews of 66 New Ulm 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

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • Alison O.
    Jul. 1, 2025

    Red Fox Campground — Minneopa State Park

    Minneopa Campground

    Minneopa 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!

    🌲 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 ()

    🐾 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.

    🏷️ Hashtags & Emojis

    #MinneopaMagic #WaterFallsTwice #BisonBrigade #CampLife #DogFriendly #NatureUnplugged #FallsAndFur #RusticRetreat 🏕️ #TrainTracks 🎧 #BugSprayEssential 🦟

    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 🦟

  • Mindy B.
    Jun. 27, 2025

    Cedar Hanson Co Park

    Quiet inexpensive lakeside

    Large grassy sites with big trees overlooking lake. Bathroom with showers. Can hear train whistle but no cars. Wind sometimes brings farm odors into area so sites at the end of the road may be better if you don’t need elect. Electric and water $25 primitive $15. Some of those are walk in. Dock for boating.

  • Safya B.
    Jun. 15, 2025

    Island Park

    Nice stay for 1 night.

    The campground was at the end of the park. I asked some fishermen for direction. There are no designated spots just power boxes and I parked between them. Very quiet, right on the river. there's a kayak and canoe launch rights next to it.

  • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 30, 2025

    Island Park

    Small waterfront campground

    Nice little park to stop at for a night on a trip. Only stayed here for a night on my way out west in 2024. Arrived a bit before dark and decided to sleep in my car rather than my tent just due to the timing and being tucked away by the river by myself. Never did figure out where a bathroom was unfortunately. There was a gas station right down the road for any conveniences you may need. There is a kayak launch right by the campsites that I would've put my inflatable into if I'd had more daylight/time here.

    Not sure how larger campers would set up given the layout and how small the pads look, but there was plenty of room in front and behind the pads.

  • Shane T.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 9, 2025

    Red Fox Campground — Minneopa State Park

    Nice park payment was difficult.

    Great little park bathrooms are very clean! They are just long drop toilets though. 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. Kept kicking us out of selected field. Had to call to pay for the site. They were very friendly over the phone, though there was a pretty long wait time.

    Have to pay for a separate vehicle pass but that gets you access to the bison refuge and the water fall.

    Was a great .6 mile hike from the campground down to the river with a great sunset view over the water.


Guide to New Ulm

Camping near New Ulm, Minnesota, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Explore the trails: Many campgrounds, like Fort Ridgely State Park Campground, have great hiking paths. One visitor mentioned, "The prairie trails are stunning with all the wildflowers in full bloom."
  • Visit local attractions: Check out nearby towns like New Ulm, which has a rich German heritage and plenty of shops and restaurants. A camper noted, "New Ulm is a lovely town with beautiful downtown and great beer!"
  • Wildlife watching: Campgrounds like Flandrau State Park offer chances to see deer and turkeys. One reviewer shared, "We hiked the trails through the park and saw deer, turkeys, and other small wildlife."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Dakotah Meadows RV Park said, "Secure shower/bathhouses and a large play park for kids."
  • Spacious sites: Many campgrounds provide ample space between sites. One camper at Lake Auburn Campground mentioned, "Lots of space between campsites."
  • Friendly staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. A reviewer at Jackson KOA said, "The owners are very helpful and friendly!"

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes can be a nuisance: Be prepared for bugs, especially in the summer. A camper at Sakatah Lake State Park Campground noted, "Not too many mosquitoes or flies for August in Minnesota!"
  • Some sites are close together: Privacy can be limited in certain campgrounds. A visitor at Flandrau State Park mentioned, "The campsites on the inside of the rings are close together and no vegetation for privacy between sites."
  • Limited amenities at some sites: Not all campgrounds have full hookups or potable water. A camper at High Island Creek Park said, "There isn't any potable water on site."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Look for playgrounds: Many campgrounds, like Lake Auburn Campground, have great playgrounds for kids. One parent shared, "Great playground and green space for the kids."
  • Plan for activities: Choose campgrounds with nearby attractions. A visitor at Kamp Dels noted, "There is SOOO much to do here."
  • Pack for comfort: Bring bug spray and sunscreen to keep everyone comfortable. A camper at Red Fox Campground mentioned, "Tons of mosquitoes like at many parks this year."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits comfortably in the site. A reviewer at Dakotah Meadows RV Park said, "Full hook up sites at a reasonable rate."
  • Be aware of road noise: Some campgrounds are near highways, which can be noisy. A camper at Sakatah Lake State Park Campground noted, "It’s next to the highway and there are residents that live on the lake that can be noisy."
  • Utilize dump stations: Many campgrounds have convenient dump stations. A visitor at Jackson KOA appreciated, "They had a good sewer hose at the dump station for guests to use."

Camping near New Ulm, Minnesota, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Enjoy the great outdoors and make some lasting memories!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping options are available near New Ulm for tent campers?

Tent campers near New Ulm have several excellent options. High Island Creek Park offers a beautiful setting in a forested gulley with a large creek running through it. The park allows hikers to trek in about half a mile to find secluded tent spots surrounded by nature. Red Fox Campground at Minneopa State Park provides designated tent sites with varying levels of privacy across their A and B loops. For more rustic experiences, county parks like Mack Lake offer hike-in tent camping opportunities. Most locations provide basic amenities like fire rings, picnic tables, and access to toilets while maintaining a natural setting.

What amenities are available at Flandrau State Park camping area?

Flandrau State Park offers campsites arranged in rings, with the inner sites positioned closer together with limited privacy vegetation between them. The park provides basic amenities including picnic tables and fire pits at each site, with nearby bathroom facilities. The campground is located within a beautiful park setting with hiking trails and is staffed by friendly park personnel. Its proximity to New Ulm's attractions is a significant advantage for campers wanting to explore the area. The park's natural beauty makes up for the somewhat close quarters of some campsites.

Where are the best campgrounds in New Ulm, Minnesota?

Flandrau State Park stands out as a premier camping destination right on the edge of New Ulm, offering convenient access to the town's German heritage attractions. For those seeking a quieter experience, South Dutch Charlie Creek provides well-maintained sites with a peaceful atmosphere. Both locations offer basic amenities like picnic tables and fire pits. Other excellent options within a short drive include Minneopa State Park with its bison herd and Beaver Falls County Park with creek-side camping spots perfect for fishing enthusiasts.

How much does camping cost in New Ulm, MN?

Camping costs in the New Ulm area vary by location and amenities. At Beaver Falls County Park, rustic camping spots with basic amenities like picnic tables and fire pits are available at county park rates. State parks such as Sakatah Lake State Park Campground typically charge between $15-30 per night depending on amenities and season. Many Minnesota state parks also require a vehicle permit ($7 daily or $35 annual). County parks like High Island Creek and South Dutch Charlie often offer more affordable rates, sometimes with self-registration stations for after-hours arrival.