Camping near Mankato with swimming
Enjoy winter wildlife from snow-packed trails or misty waterfalls when summer camping near Mankato.
99% (296 reviews)
- Mankato
99% (296 reviews)
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5 top campgrounds near Mankato with swimming
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Daniel's Cabin Retreat
4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Waseca, MN
The River Farm once owned by Ulysses S. Grant and purchased from former Speaker of the House Rod Searle who held the Governor's Deer Camp here and congressional parties while in office on a private conservation park nicknamed the Jewel of Waseca County because of it's scenic overlook of the LeSueur River Valley, rolling hillside and diverse topography. Remote valley offers peace and quite with the exception of a few coyotes calls some nights.
Your pet dog is allowed at site 1 and please check with us about having a dog at site 3. Thanks
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$45
/ night
98%
(58)
Mn River Valley Sanctuary
6 sites · RVs, Tents8 acres · Franklin, MN
Welcome, we have a small flock of waterfowl and chickens and a herd of goats to interact with, volunteer some time in our organic garden, peer up into endless night skies or use us a s a base camp to go exploring the several county and state parks, Natural and Scientific areas, hiking trails and local communities. We are located about 5 miles from either Franklin or Fairfax and less than 20 minutes to Redwood Falls, Jackpot Junction and New Ulm.
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$15.80
/ night
100%
(83)
Prairie Woods Farm Vineyards
1 site · RV, Tent15 acres · Lonsdale, MN
The Cannon River valley near Northfield is mostly flat, but as you move west towards Lonsdale, the topography becomes beautiful rolling hills that are the perfect setting for some of the first vineyards in Minnesota. Today, many vineyards dot our local landscape.
In addition to the vineyards, our land contains a forest which is part of the original "Big Woods". When pioneers first came to the area, this large forest covered much of southern and central Minnesota. "Big Woods State Park" is just 35 minutes from us in Nerstrand.
Our hiking trails on the property bring you from vineyard to woods to the wildflowers in summer. We love it and hope you will too.
Learn more about this land:
Just one site means relaxed, quiet camping! Pitch a tent and recharge at Prairie Woods Farm! 35 minutes south of the Twin Cities, 7 miles west of I-35 at the Northfield exit. The site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and an amazing vineyard view with incredible sunsets most evenings. Retreat to the screened "She shed" or roam the vineyards or woods. Firewood is available for purchase.
Camp is a very short walk from the parking area and you may drive in to load and unload. (conditions permitting - Summer and Fall) or use the gear-hauling wagon if you want the exercise. You are welcome to park one vehicle at camp.
On your way to Prairie Woods Farm, you'll quickly notice the change in topography from flat farmland into rolling hills. The views are spectacular and the camp offers a chance to enjoy the vineyard, wildlife, amazing sunsets, and peace & quiet. Each guest receives a welcome packet containing information on the area which is highlighted with some of our favorite things to see and do. If you chose to go exploring on your way, here are some ideas to get you started:
Vineyards and Wineries: We are in the heart of Minnesota's wine-growing country where some of Minnesota's very first vineyards began. Within a few square mile area, there are 4 different vineyards growing over 30 tons of grapes for local wineries. Visit some winery tasting rooms within a short drive like Next Chapter in Montgomery, Vintage Escapes in Killkenny, Mousse sparkling wines in Jordan or Cannon Valley in Cannon Falls. A little farther is Chankaska Creek Ranch and Winery in Kasota (near Mankato). All have a very different appeal and are worth a visit.
Enjoy the many Craft beers, cider, or spirits. If you love craft beers, visit Montgomery Brewing, Giesenbrau Bier Company, Imminent Brewing, Tanzenwald brewery, or Chapel Brewery. Prefer a homemade cocktail? Loon Liquors Distillery in Northfield specializes in hand-crafted gourmet cocktails made from their own spirits distilled on site. Chankaska also offers hand-crafted cocktails from their distillery as well. For ciders, we highly recommend Keepsake Cidery, a lovely spot 15 minutes away that creates wonderful craft ciders and has excellent food!
Boating and Fishing: If you enjoy boating or fishing, we are minutes away from many southern Minnesota Lakes. Bring your canoe and explore the Cannon River! We are happy to help shuttle you if we are around. You can also tube the Cannon River with a shuttle service from Welch.
Golf: Play the famous Willingers only 6 minutes away, Creeks Bend outside of New Prague, or public courses in Montgomery or New Prague, both of which offer a great day of golf.
Local Places to explore: Our personal favorite diversion is the historic river town of Northfield. This quaint community on the Cannon River reminds us of a small European village with several walking bridges crossing the river with shopping, good restaurants, and pubs on both sides. Many feature live music or weekly jam sessions. It's our favorite place to grab a drink and enjoy sitting by the river. There is even a downtown falls! Listed on the National Historic Register, Northfield is home to two nationally known liberal arts colleges (Carleton and St Olaf), giving you a chance to catch a play, a recital, concert, or art show almost any day of the week. This is not a rowdy college town and prides itself on higher learning (At over $50k per year to attend with high admission standards, they attract the best and brightest) .
Traveling west from camp will take you to "Czech country" a collection of towns founded by those of Bohemian heritage. Explore historic St. Wenceslaus Church in New Prague; stop for a Kolachy (Czech sweet roll) at a bakery (Frankies Bakery in Montgomery are the best) or a bowl of authentic Vomachka soup at the Fish Tale Grill. Make sure to tune to KCHK radio (95.5 FM / 1350 AM) to know where the local polka bands are playing or to listen to polka music on the air!
Camping: Of course, most just stay onsite and hang out in the vineyard or walk our on-site hiking trails. (Trail maintenance in the woods varies each year due to the wet conditions) Take in the amazing views while hiking the quiet country roads that stretch on for miles. Relax on the screen porch "She shed" and enjoy watching the lightning bugs or butterflies put on their air show! The most important thing to us is to stop rushing and enjoy the quiet solitude.
For you newbies, we are here for you! We are seasoned and active sea kayakers, canoeists, and backpackers who love to camp and teach. Make sure you check out our additional options if you are interested in learning new skills or want to try out some gear you have been curious about.
We look forward to meeting you and giving you a flavor of the amazing landscape and beauty of southern Minnesota wine country.
Motorcycles: An important note, you will need to drive on 1.5 miles of gravel road to reach our property.
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$35
/ night
100%
(57)
Happy Camping
2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Blue Earth, MN
Learn more about this land:Start your morning with a perfect view of the sunrise (site 2), or a more shaded, sleep-in a bit (site 1) along with your favorite morning beverage. Take a walk on our country road or into town, approximately a mile and a half to restaurants, visitors center at the Jolly Green Giant Statue, hardware stores, Shell gas station & food mart or access to miles of paved trails around the town. Explore and have fun locating the dozens of "Little Sprouts" (baby Green Giants) around town. Very easy entrance and exit to Blue Earth, site is located at the intersection of Interstate 90 & HWY 169.
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$25
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100%
(11)
Cozy Lakeside Cottage
1 site · Lodging4 acres · Jordan, MN
Spend some cozy downtime enjoying a fire and the peacefulness of a 4 acre lake property.
You and your guest (or small-very small) group will be the only ones around as we don't rent to more than one booking at a time.
Paddle on the paddleboard for free or rent the kayak for only $10 a day and explore the lake while getting some exercise.
Take a hot shower and sleep in a comfortable bed- all for less than a hotel room in the concrete jungle!
**We do require a photo of a valid government ID from all members of your party.
This is due within 24 hours of booking, or immediately after booking if it's a same day booking.
Although we would love to share our property with you, note this is for liability purposes and is non-negotiable.
When booking, please acknowledge that you have read this requirement and plan on complying with it. If not received within the specified time frame, your booking will be cancelled.
Please text photos of these ID's to the number provided after booking.
Thank you for being understanding.
Learn more about this land:
Cozy lakeside cottage that sleeps two, with level lawn space nearby that will fit two additional tents in your group. Dedicated private space is in lower level backyard with best view and access to dock*, lake and wildlife wetlands with boardwalk. You'll see the setting sun from the end of the dock and have a paver patio firepit with plenty of seating all to yourselves. Private 3/4 bath and comfortable TV room is 60 steps away in the house, and we are also offering a shared laundry for an additional charge. Mystic Lake Casino, Canterbury Downs, and many other area lakes besides the 600 acre all sports lake that the property is located on are in the immediate area. For location purposes, we are located 3.5 miles S of the Prior Lake, MN McDonald's.
The basic price of $80 per night includes up to two campers inside or outside of the cottage, but up to two additional campers and tents are able to added to the reservation for $20 per person/ per night. A limit of two persons inside of the cottage and four persons total are allowed per reservation. Please note that all persons on the reservation must submit a copy of their valid picture government ID to the host (via text) prior to arrival (but after booking), and sign a property liability waiver and upon check in. The host will discuss the procedure with you as HC supports pictures via real phone numbers accessed only after booking. Please ask prior to booking if you have any questions about this- this is a requirement of our short term rental insurance, and part of our self check in procedure.
We are a 100% smoke and pet (all animals) free property. We also do not allow any events, parties or children. The minimum age of campers allowed to book here is 23 and if you are bringing your children with you, they must be 18 plus and also must sign all waivers and provide their ID's.
This is a great place for a small, quiet gathering of your group with a private, clean bathroom and a lakefront location on a small acreage. However, it is for quiet getaways only, and is an owner occupied and monitored property.
If you have any questions regarding this listing, feel free to message the host before booking.
* The dock is removed towards the end of September every year. The lake can still be accessed until the end of October, there will just be no dock.
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from
$80
/ night
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Camping near Mankato with swimming guide
Overview
Looking for a camping experience near Mankato, Minnesota that includes swimming? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 130 options in the area that cater to your swimming preference, you're sure to find the perfect spot. Check out top campsites like Bluff Hollow Camp on the Root River (157 reviews), Daniel's Cabin Retreat (108 reviews), and Camping on private lake (83 reviews). The average price per night for these campsites is $40, with options as low as $15. You'll also find popular amenities like showers, trash, and campfires, as well as activities such as off-roading (OHV), surfing, and snow sports. Start planning your camping adventure today!
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