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Campgrounds near Waseca, Minnesota feature a mix of state parks, county parks, and private facilities for tent, RV, and cabin camping. Sakatah Lake State Park Campground, about 25 miles northwest of Waseca, provides access to a lake and hiking trails, with options for tent camping, RV sites with hookups, and cabin accommodations. Kieslers Clear Lake Campground directly in Waseca offers developed campsites with full hookups for RVs and tent areas. The region includes several mixed-use campgrounds like Kamp Dels in nearby Waterville that accommodate various camping styles including cabins, while state parks such as Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, approximately 30 miles northeast, maintain more nature-focused camping areas with scenic campsites surrounded by Minnesota woodlands.
The camping season in this part of southern Minnesota typically runs April through October, with many campgrounds closing during winter months. Reservations are strongly recommended at state parks and popular private campgrounds, especially during summer weekends and holidays. Most developed campgrounds in the area offer drinking water, showers, and electric hookups, though specific amenities vary by location. A recent review noted, "Sakatah Lake State Park is a beautiful, small state park less than an hour south of Twin Cities. Sites are wooded and shady but some are close to neighboring sites." Weather considerations include hot, humid summers with occasional thunderstorms and spring conditions that can result in muddy sites and flooding at some campgrounds, particularly those near lakes and rivers.
Campers frequently mention the region's proximity to lakes and rivers as a primary attraction. River View Campground in Owatonna, about 15 miles east of Waseca, provides access to water recreation, while Nerstrand Big Woods State Park receives consistent praise for its hiking trails and Hidden Falls. One camper described it as "nestled just outside Faribault MN. The town has a great downtown area on the river with places to eat and little shops." Some visitors note that many campgrounds near Waseca feature relatively open sites with limited privacy between campers. Railroad noise affects some campgrounds, including the Red Fox Campground at Minneopa State Park. The Minnesota River Valley provides scenic backdrops for several camping areas, and wildlife viewing opportunities include deer, birds, and at Minneopa State Park, a bison herd that can be viewed from designated areas.
"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"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."
"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."
"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."
"Though they were right next to each other, they felt very secluded. Site 4 felt a bit more private from the main road because the campsite slightly slopes downward."
from $24 - $34 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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"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."
"My only complaint was how close together the walk-in sites were."
"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!"
from $24 - $50 / night
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GuideMyre Big Island was a peaceful and relaxing campground to visit. The trees are so tall and beautiful. The island had a few trails and a nice view of the lake.
It did rain while I stayed and site 17E floods a bit but dries up when the rain stops so it wasnt a big deal.
ScoutWe initially chose this location due to its proximity to Belle Plain and its reasonable pricing. The RV sites are relatively small and positioned quite close to one another. While they are long enough to accommodate a large camper, the proximity is such that one could nearly reach out and touch the neighboring vehicle, creating a sense of overcrowding. It appears that the capacity of the park is prioritized for revenue. Although we were informed about the suboptimal cell and WiFi service upon check-in, I believe the quality of service could be improved significantly by installing WiFi extenders to ensure reliable coverage throughout the area. Currently, even a passing truck or camper can disrupt the signal, forcing me to repeatedly reconnect in order to load pages or send messages. The bathrooms are satisfactory, and the shower was pleasant, providing consistent hot water for an enjoyable experience.
TravelerLooks like it has about four sites with grill grates. It has two electrical hook up posts. They are rated for 20 Amps. The toilet situation is the only thing that is a negative. It rained today and the men’s side had standing water through most of the floor. But they are totally serviceable. Overall, I would stay here again.
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....
ScoutThis is a smaller KOA, owner off hwy 90. Closed during winter. We were in spot 53, beautiful end site with corn views. Owner is working on fixing the dump portion of the full hookup as it sits to high to dump. Overall the spot was beautiful
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.
Camping near Waseca, Minnesota spans beyond state parks to include county facilities and private grounds across Blue Earth, Rice, and Steele counties. Most campgrounds operate seasonally from April through October with closures during winter when temperatures drop below freezing and snow accumulates. Sites within 30 miles of Waseca range from heavily wooded to open areas with varying levels of privacy between campers.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Rice Lake State Park Campground offers excellent bird watching with diverse species including owls and sandhill cranes. A camper noted, "We heard Barred Owls and Sandhill Cranes. The cranes flew over making strange LOUD calls. Cool."
Biking excursions: Sakatah Lake State Park Campground connects to the Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail that runs from Mankato to Faribault. "We had a great time from Friday-Sunday hanging out at the campsite, roasting marshmallows, riding bike on the state trail, and hiking around the lake!" shares one reviewer.
Waterfall exploration: The waterfall at Minneopa State Park is easily accessible even for those with mobility limitations. "The waterfall part is a nice waterfall. The parking lot is right by the waterfall, so it is very accessible for people who are unable to hike to a lot of waterfalls," explains a visitor.
Private sites: Many campers appreciate the secluded camping spots at Sakatah Lake State Park. One camper shared, "It was perfect. There wasn't a lot of people there. The lots are pretty nice and secluded."
Clean facilities: Kieslers Clear Lake Campground maintains exceptionally clean grounds and facilities. A visitor observed, "This was the cleanest campground I've ever been to. Well maintained and clean. There was a pretty bad storm that came through and the staff was quick to clean up downed branches and help all the folks who got damage."
Family-focused amenities: Kamp Dels offers numerous activities for families. A camper reported, "This is such a great campground for families! So many activities including a water recreation area, petting zoo, shuffleboard, mini golf, pool, toddler water park, multiple playgrounds, basketball and more."
Mosquito preparation: Insect repellent is essential, particularly after rainfall. A visitor to Minneopa State Park noted, "I would be prepared with lots of bug spray and a screenhouse if you are camping here in the worst of mosquito season, there was quite a bit of standing water and swampy pond nearby."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby transportation routes. At Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground, "The sites have quite a few trees separating them, but most of the sites on the C loop back up almost into the sites on the right side of the B loop."
Water conditions: Not all lakes in the area are suitable for swimming. A Rice Lake State Park visitor mentioned, "There is also no place to swim at this lake which is a bit disappointing, but it is a very beautiful lake with lots of wildlife!"
Kid-friendly activities: River View Campground offers numerous activities for younger campers. "This is a great site for kids. They have a lot of great amenities for kid's entertainment. A lot of families camped here," reports one visitor.
Teen engagement: Some campgrounds organize social activities for older children. A River View camper shared, "Lots of activities for kids and teens. Teen social on Fridays to help them meet friends. Nice pool."
Water fun options: Several campgrounds feature swimming pools when natural swimming isn't available. At Kamp Dels, "The pool is where most people enjoy their time," notes a visitor, making it a good alternative to lake swimming.
Site selection: Choose sites with ample space for larger rigs at Sakatah Lake State Park. A camper advised, "Very nice park 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."
Hookup availability: Crystal Springs RV Resort offers well-placed full hookups. A visitor reported, "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."
Level sites: Several campgrounds provide level pads for easier setup. At Bray County Park, "The pads in this part of the campground are nearly level, so we hardly had to level our pop-up camper."
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does camping cost in Waseca campgrounds?
Camping costs near Waseca vary by campground type and amenities. At Sakatah Lake State Park Campground, expect to pay around $20-25 per night for standard sites, with electric sites costing more. State parks in Minnesota typically require a vehicle permit ($7 daily or $35 annual). For a more budget-friendly option, Cannon River Wilderness Area offers free primitive camping. At state parks like Myre-Big Island, costs run about $34/night for electric sites plus the state park pass fee of $8/day. Prices may vary seasonally and some campgrounds offer discounts for extended stays or off-peak camping.
What campgrounds are available in Waseca, Minnesota?
While Waseca itself has limited camping options, the surrounding area offers several excellent campgrounds within a short drive. Kieslers Clear Lake Campground is located right near Waseca and provides drive-in access with water and toilet facilities. Another nearby option is Rice Lake Campground — Rice Lake State Park, offering beautiful lakeside camping. Other campgrounds within easy driving distance include Sakatah Lake State Park, Cannon River Wilderness Area, and Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, all providing unique natural settings and various amenities for different camping preferences.
Are there RV camping facilities near Waseca, MN?
Yes, the Waseca area has several RV-friendly campgrounds. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground accommodates RVs up to 30 feet and offers electric hookups at select sites. Lake Byllesby Regional Park features paved RV pads with proximity to a lake and excellent bike paths. For larger rigs, consider Hope Oak Knoll Camp Ground near Owatonna or Crystal Springs RV Resort near Ellendale, both offering full hookups and being big-rig friendly. Most RV sites in the region require reservations, especially during peak summer months, and typically offer amenities like water access, restrooms, and dump stations.
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