Best Campgrounds near Owatonna, MN
Southern Minnesota's farming landscape surrounding Owatonna features several established campgrounds within a 30-mile radius, offering a mix of state park and private camping experiences. Rice Lake State Park, located just outside Owatonna, provides forested campsites with electric hookups and both drive-in and walk-in options. Within Owatonna itself, River View Campground and Hope Oak Knoll Camp Ground offer full-service RV sites with 50-amp electrical service, while maintaining tent camping areas. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, approximately 20 miles north, stands out as a surprising woodland oasis amid agricultural fields, featuring hiking trails leading to Hidden Falls and accommodating both tent and RV campers from April through October.
Most campgrounds in the Owatonna area operate seasonally from April or May through mid-October, closing during Minnesota's harsh winter months. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and holiday periods when sites fill quickly. As one camper noted about Rice Lake State Park, "Beautiful forested area just outside Owatonna. Easy drive past beautiful farms to town." Mosquitoes can be abundant during summer months, particularly in wooded areas and near water features. Cell service varies throughout the region, with most established campgrounds offering adequate coverage. State parks require daily or annual vehicle permits ($8/day) in addition to camping fees, while private campgrounds typically include all fees in their nightly rates.
Campers consistently mention the contrast between the agricultural landscape and wooded camping areas as a highlight of the region. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park receives particular praise for its waterfall and hiking trails, though some note the campground's open layout offers limited privacy between sites. According to one visitor, "The campground is kind of open to each site. Our site looked directly into two other sites." Fall camping is highly recommended for colorful foliage and reduced insect activity. Sakatah Lake State Park, about 25 miles west of Owatonna, features the paved Sakatah Singing Hills Trail for cycling enthusiasts. Most campgrounds provide clean restrooms and shower facilities, with private campgrounds typically offering more extensive hookups for RVs, including sewer connections that state parks may lack.
