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Best Campgrounds near Owatonna, MN

428 Reviews

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.

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Best Camping Sites Near Owatonna, Minnesota (94)

    1. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground

    35 Reviews
    Nerstrand, MN
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 333-4840

    "This is a Nice campground middle of Minnesota. Surprising place in the middle of farm country. Very nice campground and lots of walking trails. Great for leaf peeping."

    "To be on the safe side, incase we had issues, we decided to stay close to home so we decided to hit up a new park, Nerstrand Big Woods State Park just outside Northfield, Minnesota."

    2. Rice Lake Campground — Rice Lake State Park

    13 Reviews
    Owatonna, MN
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 455-5871

    "Beautiful forested area just outside Owatonna. Easy drive past beautiful farms to town. Camp host told us mosquitoes were light this year; they seemed plentiful to me!"

    "My only complaint was how close together the walk-in sites were."

    3. Sakatah Lake State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Waterville, MN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 362-4438

    "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. "

    4. River View Campground

    7 Reviews
    Owatonna, MN
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 451-8050

    "Outside of this the children spent most of the weekend in the pool!"

    "Neighbors decided movie night was important with surround sound but over all I would stay here again.

    Lots of seasonal golf cart traffic and kids on bikes."

    5. Hope Oak Knoll Camp Ground

    4 Reviews
    Owatonna, MN
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 451-2998

    "Close to interstate but very peaceful. Owner saw us to our site and lined us up for hookups, saw a lot of families and couples enjoying the beautiful natural surroundings. Good Sam discount."

    "Fair price of $26 right next to the restroom and showers which are very clean!! One other camper will be joining us back here."

    6. Kamp Dels

    12 Reviews
    Waterville, MN
    19 miles
    Website

    "We reserved a spot right next to the pool area. It was a tight fit to back the camper it, but I was able to do it. They have cement pads for a patio area and a fire ring."

    "The one drawback, in my opinion, is that the lake it is right next to doesn’t have a beach for swimming. That was a little disappointing for me."

    7. Kieslers Clear Lake Campground

    3 Reviews
    Waseca, MN
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 835-3179

    8. Crystal Springs RV Resort

    4 Reviews
    Hayward, MN
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 398-3297

    "Our check-in package was ready when we arrived at the little self-registration building at the entrance."

    "But everyone was good with our kiddos playing outside. Very well maintained just a great park overall! Would stay again if in the area."

    9. Roberds Lake Resort and Campground

    1 Review
    Faribault, MN
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 332-8978

    10. White Fox — Myre-Big Island State Park

    22 Reviews
    Albert Lea, MN
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 379-3403

    "$34/night plus Minnesota State Park pass @ $8/day.😩

    Not super spacious but very comfortable distance between spaces. Well maintained dirt road in campground. Grassy and mowed."

    "We tent camped at Myre-Big Island State Park in Minnesota from September 30 to October 3, 2022."

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Recent Camping Photos near Owatonna, MN

98 Photos of 94 Owatonna Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Owatonna, MN

428 Reviews of 94 Owatonna 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

  • Leni K.
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Myre State Park Campgrounds

    Big Fun, Even With Closures

    Big Island was nicely wooded, keeping a very cool temperature but with little cover from other campsites. Tent pad and fire pit were well maintained. Restrooms were well cleaned, if not exactly maintained (soap and Toilet paper ran light over the weekend, and spiders hung out after a cleaning). ADA accessible. Even with a few trails closed, plenty of trails to explore around the Big Island campground. Rented a tandem kayak from the ranger station, looked like one of the two kayaks, plenty of canoes for rent. Spotted pelicans, turtles, and birds along the shore. Campground host never came by, but the ranger was spotted twice once to keep hammock straps off a smaller tree. Mosquitos were out in full force during the cooler weather.

  • Lance L.
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Fish Lake Acres Campground

    Cozy Lakeside Sitr

    Great pricing and friendly staff. Nice beach. A few spots are pull through which is nice for larger RVs and travel trailers.

  • Cynthia K.
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Rochester-Marion KOA

    In transition

    The direct road to the KOA was all jacked up due to a large construction project that closed the whole road. We got back on the Interstate & got off on exit 224. Took Co Rd 7 to HWY 52. This is a lot easier than the directions the KOA gave.

     This is a small KOA Journey we stayed in 1 night on our way up North. It's an established campground, but well kept. We stayed on the office side of the road. The other side has newer sites & the pool. Our site was a buddy site, which I dislike. It was close to the bathrooms/showers though, which helps out my mobility challenged husband. I can put up with it for 1 night. 

    The bathrooms were clean. The laundry had 2 dryers out of service.

  • JJ W.
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Bluff Valley Campground

    Great site!

    Pretty good site. Cool playground, pool is a little small and no wifi. Phone reception is choppy and worse on the weekends. Many different-sized sites. Right on the river. Great tubing. Weekend activities are very fun and the concerts are always fun, the band rocks.

  • Deb M.
    Aug. 1, 2025

    Lake Byllesby Regional Park

    Great park

    Lakeside sites are close together, with W/E hookups, but they’re right in the lake with a wonderful view. The facilities are very clean and well-kept. Cannon Falls is a nice town to explore, and it’s close to home and work. Cell service was good also.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2025

    Worth County Fairgrounds

    Adorable small town, quiet camping

    I really enjoyed my stay here. I had planned for one night but I enjoyed it so much I stayed for 3. The fairgrounds are dead quiet when there is not an event going on. The locals come through on walks because the fairgrounds are so pleasant. There is a nice walking path with gardens and artwork, and a playground as well. 

    There is a very clean bath house that has one shower. There are water hydrants throughout the fairgrounds but none at the camp sites. There is no dump station on the property. The sites are paved and most require some leveling. They are pretty short, my motorhome is 25 feet long and when I parked the back of my rig was over the grass. Some of the other sites might be a little longer.

    There is a cell tower right next to the fairgrounds. I had excellent T-mobile (5G) and Verizon (4G) signal & speeds here.

    There is a train track nearby, I heard trains once or twice a day. I did not hear any horns at night, but some during the day. It was not too loud.

    The downtown part of Northwood is about a 15 minute walk. There you'll find a handful of restaurants and a very nice, very small, coffee shop. There is a grocery store in town, as well as a hardware store and a pharmacy. All within a 10-15 minute walk from the fairgrounds. 

    There is a very nice city park with bike paths, located right on the river, in the Southwest part of town. It's about a 20 minute walk.

  • 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.

Guide to Owatonna

Camping near Owatonna, Minnesota, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy nature, whether you’re in a tent, RV, or cabin.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Whitewater State Park. One visitor mentioned, "We hiked to Chimney Rock and Inspiration Point and found the trails more challenging than we expected from their descriptions."
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds, like Lebanon Hills Regional Park, have fishing opportunities. A camper shared, "Fishing was great; we enjoyed ourselves the whole time."
  • Wildlife Watching: Campers at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park enjoyed the local wildlife. One reviewer noted, "We heard raccoons at night but never saw them. There were lots of birds, butterflies, and squirrels visiting our campsite daily."

What campers like:

  • Privacy: Campers appreciate the spacious sites at Afton State Park. One visitor said, "Our site was mighty large and for the most part secluded from those near and on the path."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds, such as Frontenac State Park, are praised for their cleanliness. A reviewer mentioned, "Bathrooms are very clean. The new bathhouse is beautiful with separate shower rooms."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of the staff. At Lebanon Hills Regional Park, one camper noted, "The maintenance staff is excellent. I was impressed with their bad weather preparation."

What you should know:

  • Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell service in many areas. A camper at Whitewater State Park mentioned, "Spotty cell service."
  • Reservations: Popular spots like Lebanon Hills Regional Park fill up quickly. One visitor advised, "Must reserve months in advance as usually full."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Afton State Park, do not have showers or sewer hookups. A reviewer pointed out, "No showers, toilets, or water hookups."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, which has trails suitable for kids. One family shared, "This is a great park for camping and hiking."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A camper at Afton State Park mentioned, "Great trails for all different skill levels."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep the kids happy with snacks. A visitor at Myre-Big Island State Park said, "The trails were in great shape and beautiful with past-peak grasses."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Frontenac State Park noted, "Nice large pull-through lots for any size RV."
  • Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups, like Myre-Big Island State Park. One RVer shared, "The sites seemed pretty large to us."
  • Dump Stations: Ensure there’s a dump station nearby. A visitor at Sakatah Lake State Park mentioned, "Easy dump station and clean restrooms."

Camping around Owatonna, MN, offers a variety of experiences, from peaceful nature walks to family-friendly activities. Whether you’re in a tent or RV, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What campgrounds are available near Owatonna, MN?

Owatonna offers several nearby camping options. Rice Lake State Park is a beautiful forested area just outside Owatonna with easy access to town. For those willing to drive a bit further, Nerstrand Big Woods State Park offers a surprisingly diverse landscape in the middle of farm country with excellent walking trails. Other options include River View Campground and Hope Oak Knoll Camp Ground, both offering convenient access to Owatonna. Within a short drive, you'll also find Crystal Springs RV Resort near Ellendale and Kieslers Clear Lake Campground near Waseca.

What are the prices for camping in Owatonna?

Camping prices near Owatonna vary by location and amenities. At Myre-Big Island State Park, electric sites cost approximately $34 per night plus an $8 daily Minnesota State Park pass fee. Lebanon Hills Regional Park offers affordable camping with electric sites for smaller RVs and tents. For budget-conscious campers, Cannon River Wilderness Area provides free camping sites. Commercial campgrounds like River View and Hope Oak Knoll typically range from $25-45 per night depending on hookups. Prices may vary seasonally, with potential discounts for extended stays and higher rates during peak summer months.

Is there RV camping available in Owatonna?

Yes, RV camping options are available near Owatonna. White Fox — Myre-Big Island State Park offers electric sites with comfortable spacing between campsites and well-maintained roads. Sakatah Lake State Park Campground provides RV sites with good access to hiking and biking paths, though it is located near a highway. For full hookups, Crystal Springs RV Resort near Ellendale accommodates RVs with water and electrical connections. Hope Oak Knoll Camp Ground is another option that welcomes RVs and is big-rig friendly with necessary hookups.

Are there tent camping options in Owatonna?

Yes, tent camping is available near Owatonna. Cannon River Wilderness Area offers free tent sites tucked away by the river, perfect for hammock camping with a short 10-minute walk from parking to the farthest site. High Island Creek Park provides a more secluded experience with forested camping areas about a half-mile hike in. Both locations offer a natural setting with proximity to water. For those who prefer easier access, Rice Lake State Park has tent sites with water available nearby and bathroom facilities, though be prepared for mosquitoes during summer months.

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