Camping near Mankato

Enjoy winter wildlife from snow-packed trails or misty waterfalls when summer camping near Mankato.

98% (610 reviews)
98% (610 reviews)

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99%
(788)

Prairie Creek Campground

7 sites · Tents60 acres · Nerstrand, MN
Hello 2025, Camping Season is Here! Pitch your tent at one of our Walk-In campsites on 60 acres of forest or hilltop prairie along Prairie Creek in Rice County, MN. Explore the creeks, trails, forest, our enormous granite "split rock", a 60 acre county park featuring waterfalls and trails, including a single track mountain bike trail. That's 120 acres of exploring outside your tent; this campground truly offers a large amount of remote forest for recreation right on site. Big Woods State Park is less than 2 miles away. Faribault is 8 miles and Northfield is 9 miles from our driveway; they offer dining, boutiques, and all other amenities. Nerstrand is 4.5 miles east and has a gas station and a fantastic meat market. Numerous Cannon River put-ins are within 10 miles. Vehicles: Our main parking area by sites 1, 2, & 3 is easily accessible. The road to the secondary parking area beside site 4 is up a steep gravel road (but it is accessible). We do not have firewood available at the campground; please plan ahead to bring firewood with you. Sites are priced for one tent, please let us know if you need to have more than one tent. Kids under 16 camping with their parents do not count in pricing. A map of the land is in the photos and shows locations of sites, parking and more. All Sites are Walk-In! We have a cart you may use to haul gear in. This campground is managed by Stephen and Molly on land owned by them and their father Ted. In 1961, Ted's parents bought this farm. In addition to farming they also operated a trail riding stable here. Over the years, the arable land has been sold, but we retained the wooded areas which are twice crossed by creeks. About 25 years ago, a 60 acre county park bordering the south and west sides of our land was created. We are very excited to host campers as a way to preserve and share this beautiful property.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Cooking equipment
from 
$22.50
 / night

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping near Mankato guide

Overview

Roughly 1.5 hours from the hustle and bustle of Minneapolis, Mankato lets campers get a change of pace from city life. RV and tent sites are numerous at local Mankato campgrounds, which also typically feature restrooms, non-potable drinking water, individual fire rings, and picnic tables. Many Mankato campers spend their time exploring the sights at Minneopa State Park, just 10 minutes from town. Take a bike ride on the Red Jacket Trail, visit the historical Seppman Mill, and watch in awe as Minneopa Falls tumbles into a 40-foot gorge. The winter season brings tons of snow for cross-country ski trails, which circle the wild bison range—keep an eye out! Then stay the night at the park’s pet-friendly campground for tents and RVs. It has amenities like electric hookups, drinking water taps, water-fill stations for motorhomes, and a seasonal dump station. A rustic cabin rental is also on-site and available year-round—it shares the campground’s amenities.