Minnesota State Parks and campgrounds near North Mankato provide camping options for both tents and RVs in south-central Minnesota. Located in Blue Earth County, North Mankato sits on the west bank of the Minnesota River at approximately 800 feet elevation. Weather conditions typically allow for camping from April through October, with most facilities closing during winter months when temperatures frequently drop below freezing.
What to do
Swimming and water recreation: Flandrau State Park features a sand-bottom swimming pool that's popular during summer months. "Didn't get in till late evening so had to do our initial exploring at night with our handy dandy headlamps! Still fun, peaceful and even better we had the whole park to ourselves," reports camper Alison O.
Fishing opportunities: At Rice County McCullough Park, anglers can use two fishing docks on the lake. According to reviewer Tonya B., the park has "two boat/fishing docks, playground, pavilion, and hiking trails for things to do."
Wildlife viewing: Several parks offer chances to see local wildlife. At Flandrau State Park, one camper experienced "tons of peaceful animal visitors including herds of white tail deer walking through our camp ground! Owls and coyotes singing in the distance."
Visit regional attractions: While staying at Crystal Springs RV Resort, consider visiting nearby points of interest. "Check out the Spam Museum in Austin, MN. We thought the museum would be cheesy, but it was a nice facility and a great experience," suggests reviewer MickandKarla W.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many rv parks near North Mankato offer generous camping spaces. At Rice County McCullough Park, one reviewer noted, "Sites were long enough for our 40ft fifth wheel camper plus the truck and we had a large yard. Sites have crushed asphalt base and are decently level."
Clean facilities: Peaceful Valley Campground receives praise for its maintenance. "Large sites, well kept, super clean bathrooms. My wife actually wanted to take a shower in them," shares Justin J., while another camper mentions "Newer electrical and water hookups (30&50amp) with each site."
Quiet surroundings: Despite proximity to highways, several campgrounds maintain peaceful atmospheres. At Crystal Springs RV Resort, Grant B. observed, "I can't remember but I believe this was the best campground for low road noise of our entire trip!"
Well-maintained grounds: Campers frequently mention the upkeep at North Mankato area campgrounds. At Peaceful Valley, visitors report that it's "Quiet and clean" with "relatively new water and electrical hookups," and note that "the owners were very accommodating with our changing situation during the weekend we stayed."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: At popular campgrounds like Bray County Park, timing matters. "I admit the website where you reserve your campsite is wonky. Despite that, I give this campground 5 stars!" reports Jamee H.
Operating hours: Some parks have strict gate policies. At Bray County Park, "gates in and out lock every night at 10pm and don't open again until 8am. So our first night we got locked out and had to sleep in the vehicle," warns Cody.
Site privacy varies: Campground layouts differ significantly across the region. At Flandrau State Park, "The campsites have no privacy at all unless you go with one of the hike in sites," notes Jen H., who stayed at "site 91, which you have about a 500 ft walk to get to."
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds in the North Mankato area have limited operating seasons. Shady Oaks Campground runs from April 1 to October 31, while Crystal Springs RV Resort operates from May 1 to October 31.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Shady Oaks Campground provides recreation space for children. According to Alec S., "This campground is located at the blue earth county fair grounds. We stayed early in the season and there was only 3 or 4 other families camping at the time. Plenty of space for the kids to run and a small local park."
Child-friendly swimming: For families with children, Flandrau State Park offers supervised swimming. "Took my friends young girls there and the pool was well taken care of and clear clear clear!" reports Jacqueline K.
Bug preparation: Insect protection is essential, particularly after rainfall. At Rice County McCullough Park, one camper advised, "Price is very reasonable for water and electric hookup. Just be prepared for the bugs!"
Rustic site selection: For families wanting more privacy, consider walk-in sites. At Flandrau State Park, "The campsite was very secluded (you can hear noise from all of the other campsites though) and large. Hiking trails are well groomed and take you through both woods and prairie," according to one reviewer.
Tips from RVers
Access considerations: Many rv campgrounds North Mankato provide easy highway access. At Crystal Springs RV Resort, "As the campground is right off the interstate, it was easy to get to. Our check-in package was ready when we arrived at the little self-registration building at the entrance," reports MickandKarla W.
Utility placement: Check site layouts before booking. "The utilities are in the middle of the site and worked well with water pressure near 45 psi. The sites are decently spaced for this type of CG," notes a Crystal Springs reviewer.
Connectivity options: Cell service and Wi-Fi vary by location. At Crystal Springs, "They have WiFi, but their info packet states it's not good enough for streaming but okay for email, etc. We got 3 bars on Verizon and used our MiFi since we were only here for two nights."
Extended stay options: Some RV parks accommodate longer visits. One camper at Crystal Springs mentioned, "Nice, quiet 50+ campground. Everything is nice and well kept. We are looking for a long term site and I can see us staying here."
