The best forest campgrounds near Mankato, Minnesota

If you're looking to camp in the forest near Mankato, Minnesota, Prairie Creek Forest Campground (202 reviews), Bluff Hollow Camp on the Root River (157 reviews), and Daniel's Cabin Retreat (108 reviews) are some of the top campsites in the area. These campsites offer popular amenities such as potable water, showers, and cooking equipment. And if you're into wind sports, surfing, or exploring historic sites, you'll find plenty of activities to enjoy during your camping trip.

95% (460)

Top-rated campgrounds near Mankato

If you're looking to camp in the forest near Mankato, Minnesota, Prairie Creek Forest Campground (202 reviews), Bluff Hollow Camp on the Root River (157 reviews), and Daniel's Cabin Retreat (108 reviews) are some of the top campsites in the area. These campsites offer popular amenities such as potable water, showers, and cooking equipment. And if you're into wind sports, surfing, or exploring historic sites, you'll find plenty of activities to enjoy during your camping trip.

95% (460)

Top-rated campgrounds near Mankato

1. Prairie Creek Campground

99%

(855)

42mi from Mankato · 7 sites · Tents

Thank you for a great 2025 Camping Season! This was our best year yet! We hosted more Hipcampers than any year before and are excited to have been honored again with a Best in Minnesota award. Thank you and we look forward to 2026. Booking for 2026 is open. Pitch your tent at one of our Walk-In forest campsites on 60 acres along Prairie Creek in Rice County, MN. Explore the creeks, trails, forest, our enormous granite "split rock" erratic, 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. We do not have firewood available at the campground; please plan ahead to bring firewood with you. 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. Vehicles: Our main parking area by sites 1, 2, & 3 is easily accessible. The road to the secondary parking area beside our hilltop site 4 is up an adventurous gravel road (but is very accessible). Kids under 16 camping with their parents do not count in pricing. This campground is managed by Stephen and Molly on land owned by them and their father Ted. In 1961, Stephen's grandparents 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 30 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.

2. Champion Valley

90%

(70)

43mi from Mankato · 4 sites · Tents, RVs

Champion Valley is a 150-acre outdoor adventure park in Lakeville, MN featuring ax-throwing, airsoft, paintball, escape rooms & archery tag. We are located 5 minutes off of Interstate 35W. It is situated on 150 acres of beautiful hills and waterways covered with thousands of trees.

3. Stadings Farm & Ranch

97%

(43)

18mi from Mankato · 3 sites · RVs

Enjoy a peaceful campsite alongside a prairie lake in Southern MN, where towering oaks shade and fill the landscape. Sit by the lake with a campfire as you watch for Bald Eagles and Swans. We have a paddle boat and canoe available to explore the lake or bring your kayak or paddle board. Our farm is designed for RV's, Campers, any thing that is self contained. Water and electricity are available for an additional $25 per day for both. We offer firewood to purchase $10, place payment donation box. Pick your own veggies, please place payment in our donation box. With a mile of lake shore, you can camp in secluded Grass fields, to Oak Savanna.

4. Sakatah Lake State Park

100%

(1)

69 sites · Waterville, Minnesota

Discover Sakatah Lake State Park's natural beauty and outdoor activities.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

5. Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area

6 sites · Jordan, Minnesota

Discover the natural splendor of Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area.

Pets

Campfires

Toilets

6. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park

83%

(3)

54 sites · Nerstrand, Minnesota

Discover the serene beauty of Nerstrand Big Woods State Park.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

7. Rice Lake State Park

100%

(2)

50 sites · Claremont, Minnesota

Discover Rice Lake State Park's scenic trails and diverse wildlife.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Public campgrounds near Mankato

100%

(1)

Sakatah Lake State Park Campground

22mi from Mankato · 69 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sakatah Lake State Park

Equestrian Campground

36mi from Mankato · 6 sites · in Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area

83%

(3)

Nerstrand Big Woods Campground

45mi from Mankato · 54 sites · Tents, RVs · in Nerstrand Big Woods State Park

100%

(2)

Rice Lake Campground

46mi from Mankato · 50 sites · Tents, RVs · in Rice Lake State Park

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

B

Ben

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Prairie Creek Campground

Great place beautiful if you like camping you will like this area.

G

Gloria

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Prairie Creek Campground

The site was beautiful and easy access. We loved our weekend here!

D

Deb

October 2025

25 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Stadings Farm & Ranch

Great location- awesome land- fantastic host - great way to enjoy the fall colors peacefully- close to winery too!

J

Joni

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Prairie Creek Campground

Stephen was a great host. We made a scheduling error and he worked hard to accommodate us. Peaceful beautiful property, nearby amazing nature parks and quaint town of Northfield. It was just the solitude and time away we needed.

R

Rachel

October 2025

Tent

3 nights at Prairie Creek Campground

Place was beautiful. Site was private and the stars were beautiful. Stephen is as friendly and accommodating. Weather didn't cooperate, so I look forward to coming back and exploring the area more

K

Kay

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Prairie Creek Campground

Stephen’s place is beautiful! Trails right from the campsites into Caron park which has a lovely little waterfall. I hope to go back and see it in the spring. Historic towns, biking trails, and state parks close by. Campsites were great, outhouse was clean and convenient. We stayed in site 2. Loved it!

Jonathan

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Prairie Creek Campground

Great campsite! Site 3 was beautiful right by the creek. Easy walk from parking lot with large cart to help. Definitely recommend!

R

Rachel

October 2025

24 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Stadings Farm & Ranch

Extremely charming place in the country with very responsive host!

K

Kassi

October 2025

Tent

With pets

4 nights at Prairie Creek Campground

What can I say that hasn't been said already in all their glowing reviews? It's wonderful and you should definitely camp here.

R

Ricky

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Prairie Creek Campground

Very peaceful and quaint. My daughter and I had our first camping trip together and it was a great time. Instructions were perfect, I didn’t have any questions.

Split Rock. Much larger in person. A short hike in Caron Park near the camp sites.

J

Joanna

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Prairie Creek Campground

I spent 2 beautiful nights here. Stephen is very helpful in making sure any questions are answered and making sure you’re settled in. The sites are private feeling and next to Caron Park. I got a couple hikes in and just enjoyed the peaceful nature sounds. It was my first time camping by myself and I really found out how wonderful it is to disconnect from social media. I will definitely be back.

C

Chris

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Prairie Creek Campground

This was our second time at this site. The privacy is great. Being right on the creek is something you don't get at most places. The trails connecting to the campground are fun to walk and explore. You have waterfalls, the split rock and many other things to see. Our dog loves it here as well. We'll definitely be back next year.

P

Phuong

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Prairie Creek Campground

The place was amazing! Site 4 was very secluded and was very nice during the fall. Plenty of space to tent. Will definitely be back soon! Thank you for the amazing location.

T

Ted

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Prairie Creek Campground

Site 3 was wonderful and immersed in nature. Caretakers were wonderful and accommodating! Everything was accessible and larger towns were 15 minutes away or less. Highly would recommend!!

B

Brent

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Prairie Creek Campground

We chose this spot for our first time camping together, and it was a great pick. We really enjoyed the short hiking area right next to the campsite, with a very cool little waterfall!

C

Caitlin

September 2025

Tent

2 nights at Prairie Creek Campground

Beautiful, private property with access to trail to waterfall. The hosts were so nice and welcoming. I loved hearing all the animals at night.

N

Nicole

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Prairie Creek Campground

I stayed at campsite #3 and absolutely loved it! The creek provided such relaxing white noise and was so peaceful. The site is pretty decently sized and felt very private. The grounds were kept really nicely and loved that we were able to cut through the owners yard to get to the waterfall and split rock. Definitely make sure to take a picture of the trails on the shed before going though! I checked out all the sites when I was there and I think they are all pretty great, but #3 was the best in my opinion, because of the creek. It’s not far from town if you want to go out and explore or get supplies. I’d definitely recommend booking here!

D

David

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Prairie Creek Campground

Great little campsite nested in a lovely homestead property! Beautiful little waterfall. Went here to soak in some silence and definitely could. Very little traffic noise if any at all. Had some neighbors but still felt very private and tucked away in the trees. Trails were easy to follow and were very beautiful. A big thanks to the hosts!

E

Elijah

September 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Stadings Farm & Ranch

10/10 veggies were super fresh very friendly host no noises once so ever just peaceful nature would recommend