74 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
North Mankato, Minnesota and surrounding areas offer established campgrounds and outdoor recreation opportunities within the Minnesota River Valley region. Several developed facilities are available within a 30-minute drive, including Red Fox Campground at Minneopa State Park, Sawmill Campground, and Land of Memories Campground, each supporting tent and RV camping. Cabins are available at Red Fox, Sawmill, and Sakatah Lake State Park Campground, which is located about 30 miles east. Most facilities provide electric hookups, drinking water, and shower facilities, with varying levels of sewer connections for RVs.
Seasonal operation affects availability, with many campgrounds open from April through October. Winter conditions typically limit camping options, though some facilities like Bray County Park maintain year-round operations. Reservations are recommended during summer weekends and holidays when campgrounds reach capacity. The region experiences occasional flooding, particularly in spring, which can impact campsite conditions. Most campgrounds feature wooded sites offering shade during hot summer months, though site privacy varies considerably between facilities. A review mentioned, "Loop A has trees, large sites, a bathroom, and several sites have awesome views of the river... the sites on the outside of the loop are much more private and have way more trees."
The Minnesota River Valley provides a scenic backdrop for camping experiences, with several campgrounds offering river views or boat access. Bison viewing at Minneopa State Park represents a distinctive feature near camping areas, though trains passing near Red Fox Campground can create periodic noise disturbances. Many campgrounds connect to trail systems, including the Sakatah Singing Hills paved trail that runs through Sakatah Lake State Park. Water recreation opportunities exist at several locations, with Lake Washington County Park receiving favorable reviews for its amenities. While most campgrounds have relatively open sites with limited privacy between campers, visitors appreciate the proximity to towns like Mankato, Northfield, and Faribault, which offer shopping, dining, and craft breweries. One camper noted, "It's a nice campground middle of Minnesota. Surprising place in the middle of farm country. Very nice campground and lots of walking trails."
"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."
from $24 - $85 / night
Check Availability"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."
"The park here has a Frisbee golf course as well as soccer fields and a trail system that wraps the campground and park."
from $27 - $43 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"Sites are wooded and shady but some are close to neighboring sites. Not too many mosquitos or flies for August in Minnesota! Sakatah Singing Hills paved trail runs through the park. "
from $24 - $85 / night
Check Availability"Campsites were close together but that is to be expected at some state parks with drive-ins."
"There were nice walking/hiking trails. If you are there in the summer there is a sand bottom pool that looked nice. Bathrooms and showers were nice and clean."
from $22 - $85 / night
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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.
ScoutWe 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)
ScoutMy 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.
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....
GuideWell 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.
GuideWe 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
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.
ScoutThis place is a gem…immaculately maintained and tucked into a county fairground in rural Small-town Minnesota. Host Jim is friendly, hard-working and helpful. I’ll be back , God willin’. Earl
Camping spots near North Mankato, Minnesota offer year-round options with several parks open through late fall and winter. The Minnesota River Valley features elevations ranging from 750 to 900 feet above sea level, creating varied terrain for campers. Most campgrounds in this region experience peak occupancy from June through August when daytime temperatures average 75-85°F, while spring and fall camping brings cooler temperatures but fewer crowds.
Bison viewing opportunities: At Red Fox Campground, visitors can observe bison in their natural habitat. "We pulled in at sunset and saw the bison herd and it was beautiful," notes Karlee P., adding that this feature makes the campground "worth spending more time at."
Fishing access: The Minnesota River and nearby lakes provide fishing opportunities within short distances of most campgrounds. At Rapidan Dam County Park, "the river is perfect for paddle boarding" according to Nick G., who appreciates the river access directly from the camping area.
Trail exploration: Paved and unpaved trails connect several camping areas. "Hiking circles around a buffalo enclosure" is possible at Red Fox Campground according to Amelia B., while the "0.6 mile hike from the campground down to the river with a great sunset view over the water" provides another option for evening recreation.
Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention bathroom cleanliness as a deciding factor. At Peaceful Valley Campground, one reviewer noted that the "bathrooms are very clean! My wife actually wanted to take a shower in them," indicating above-average maintenance compared to typical campground facilities.
Private wooded sites: Many campers value separation between sites. At Sakatah Lake State Park, Emma G. observed that "most sites are private, but they are a bit crammed together in multiple loops so some sites are not so private," suggesting visitors should carefully select specific site numbers when booking.
Wildlife viewing: Beyond bison, the region offers diverse wildlife observation opportunities. One camper at Sakatah Lake State Park was "amazed with all the sounds of birds in this park. I heard everything from Eagles, Canadian Geese and Swans to Woodpeckers and multiple song birds."
Seasonal closures: Many campgrounds operate from April through October only. At Land of Memories, campers should note that "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," according to Dennis N.
Flood risks: Spring flooding affects campground operations, particularly those near rivers. One reviewer at Land of Memories mentioned: "No indication when it will open, but it looks like the campground is closed because of the June 2024 flooding in the area. Be sure to check the website before going."
Water quality concerns: Some campsites have water limitations. Matt C. reported that at Sakatah Lake State Park, "the drinking water had consumption warnings, the modern restrooms were closed, and the lake isn't swimmable," suggesting visitors bring their own drinking water during certain periods.
Playground access: Several campgrounds include play areas for children. At Riverside Park, Lizzy Z. notes there's "a volleyball area and a basketball court, full bathrooms and a nice pond," making it suitable for families needing recreational options beyond hiking.
Security considerations: Some campgrounds offer added security features. Riverside Park is "actually behind the police station so at least I felt safe," according to Kandice, which may provide peace of mind for families with young children.
Educational opportunities: Wildlife viewing doubles as learning experiences. Shane T. mentions that at Red Fox Campground, you "have to pay for a separate vehicle pass but that gets you access to the bison refuge and the water fall," combining camping with educational experiences for children.
Site access challenges: Several campgrounds have limitations for larger rigs. At 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," according to Josh B., suggesting RVers should consider their shade preferences when selecting sites.
Hookup availability: Electric and water access varies significantly between campgrounds. Justin J. reports that Peaceful Valley has "relatively new water and electrical hookups" and is "surprisingly quiet for how close to the freeway it is," making it convenient for RVers seeking full hookups.
Maneuverability concerns: Some campgrounds require careful navigation. Tim B. warns that Sakatah Lake State Park is "very nice 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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near North Mankato, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near North Mankato, MN is Red Fox Campground — Minneopa State Park with a 4.2-star rating from 34 reviews.
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