The best campgrounds near Mankato, Minnesota with hiking

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping in the United States! If you're looking for a camping experience near Mankato, Minnesota, with a focus on hiking, we've got you covered. With over 237 options available, you're sure to find the perfect campsite that suits your needs. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just starting out, our top campsites have got great reviews. Check out Prairie Creek Forest Campground (202 reviews), Bluff Hollow Camp on the Root River (157 reviews), and Daniel's Cabin Retreat (108 reviews) for some highly recommended options. Plus, with popular amenities like trash disposal, potable water, and pet-friendly spaces, you'll have everything you need for a comfortable stay. And if you're looking to do more than just hike, our popular activities include wind sports, off-roading (OHV), and surfing. So, lace up those hiking boots and get ready for an unforgettable camping adventure in Mankato, Minnesota!

97% (662)

Top-rated campgrounds

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping in the United States! If you're looking for a camping experience near Mankato, Minnesota, with a focus on hiking, we've got you covered. With over 237 options available, you're sure to find the perfect campsite that suits your needs. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just starting out, our top campsites have got great reviews. Check out Prairie Creek Forest Campground (202 reviews), Bluff Hollow Camp on the Root River (157 reviews), and Daniel's Cabin Retreat (108 reviews) for some highly recommended options. Plus, with popular amenities like trash disposal, potable water, and pet-friendly spaces, you'll have everything you need for a comfortable stay. And if you're looking to do more than just hike, our popular activities include wind sports, off-roading (OHV), and surfing. So, lace up those hiking boots and get ready for an unforgettable camping adventure in Mankato, Minnesota!

97% (662)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Happy Camping Snapshot Farm

98%

(107)

35mi from Mankato · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · 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.

2. Prairie Creek Campground

99%

(855)

42mi from Mankato · 7 sites · Tents · Nerstrand, MN

Thank you for a great 2025 Camping Season! This was our best year yet! We hosted more Hipcamers 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. 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.

3. Mn River Valley Sanctuary

97%

(75)

47mi from Mankato · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · 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.

4. field view campsite

94%

(62)

42mi from Mankato · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Northfield, MN

Learn more about this land: You"ll camp right next to the pasture and on our field drive with wonderful views and sunsets. The field is surrounded on three sides by Rice County Wilderness Park so it is very private and quiet.if you have a tent or small vehicle park down next to fire ring. If you have an RV park on the field drive next to the site

5. Walker's Ranch

100%

(21)

45mi from Mankato · 1 site · Tent · Lakeville, MN

Learn more about this land: Come stay and make memories on the Walker ranch, you can't beat the scenery and location. Explore the Walker trail that leads to the creek and lounge in the woods in the hammock. Possibilities are endless!

6. Champion Valley

90%

(70)

43mi from Mankato · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Lakeville, MN

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.

7. Cozy Lakeside Cottage Guestroom

100%

(12)

43mi from Mankato · 1 site · Lodging · Prior Lake, MN

Spend some cozy downtime enjoying a fire and the peacefulness of 4 acre lake property. Take a hot shower and sleep in a comfortable bed- all for less than a hotel room! It’s like glamping. **We do require a photo of a valid government ID from all members of your party, immediately after booking. The host will tell you how to send this. If not received within the specified time frame, your booking will be cancelled and you will not receive check in information. This property: 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 access to dock* (*May -September), lake and wildlife wetlands with boardwalk. You'll see the setting sun from the end of the dock and have access to a paver patio firepit. Private 3/4 bath and comfortable TV room is 60 steps away in the house. Mostly private spaces with some shared spaces such as driveway, hallways, sometimes we cross paths in the yard. Mystic Lake Casino, Canterbury Downs, renaissance fest, Valleyfair, & 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 3.7 miles 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 can be 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. All persons must be declared ahead of reserving the space and ID’d for insurance purposes. Please note that all persons on the reservation must submit a copy of their valid picture government ID to the host (via platform) prior to arrival (but after booking), and sign a property liability waiver upon check in. The host will discuss the procedure with you as HC supports pictures 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 non smoking, non vape, no party/unregistered guest owner occupied property. Quiet private guests only please .

8. Brookside Meadows

100%

(16)

48mi from Mankato · 3 sites · Tents · Nerstrand, MN

Tired of the traffic? Can't stand all the continuous noise from the craziness of the cities? Do we have a place for you less than an hour away from the twin cities or Rochester! It is a 35 acres site with walking trails (3 miles). This property has a creek flowing through the property. It is the middle of nowhere. We are on a gravel road with very little traffic. We have 3 spots for tents and 1 for RV/campers. Each has a stone fire-ring & picnic table/wood table. We would love to have you out here. Restore & renew at what we consider to be our own retreat-like oasis. Pets are welcome and children will love playing by the brook and walking the trails. Check in after 3 (no entrance after sunset), Check Out at Noon Pack in Pack out- no littering please We are Rustic so no public restrooms/showers No smoking 2 vehicles max unless prior approval with management Pets OK- on leash in public areas/trails, off leash at campsite OK ***No entrance to grounds after sunset Onsite: Firewood available ($5 a bundle cash preferred or Venmo) Dennison (2 miles): Gas station & Fireside restaurant (check out their ribs, wings & waffle fries!) Nerstrand (2 miles): Gas station & Boots & Lu restaurant (breakfast on weekends) ***Nerstrand Big Woods Park! Walk to their waterfalls- Northfield (8 miles): Breweries, grocery, and antiquing Can't wait to meet you!

Camper favorites near Mankato

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

field view campsite

94%

(62)

42mi from Mankato · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Northfield, MN

Learn more about this land: You"ll camp right next to the pasture and on our field drive with wonderful views and sunsets. The field is surrounded on three sides by Rice County Wilderness Park so it is very private and quiet.if you have a tent or small vehicle park down next to fire ring. If you have an RV park on the field drive next to the site

Walker's Ranch

100%

(21)

45mi from Mankato · 1 site · Tent · Lakeville, MN

Learn more about this land: Come stay and make memories on the Walker ranch, you can't beat the scenery and location. Explore the Walker trail that leads to the creek and lounge in the woods in the hammock. Possibilities are endless!

Champion Valley

90%

(70)

43mi from Mankato · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Lakeville, MN

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.

Cozy Lakeside Cottage Guestroom

100%

(12)

43mi from Mankato · 1 site · Lodging · Prior Lake, MN

Spend some cozy downtime enjoying a fire and the peacefulness of 4 acre lake property. Take a hot shower and sleep in a comfortable bed- all for less than a hotel room! It’s like glamping. **We do require a photo of a valid government ID from all members of your party, immediately after booking. The host will tell you how to send this. If not received within the specified time frame, your booking will be cancelled and you will not receive check in information. This property: 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 access to dock* (*May -September), lake and wildlife wetlands with boardwalk. You'll see the setting sun from the end of the dock and have access to a paver patio firepit. Private 3/4 bath and comfortable TV room is 60 steps away in the house. Mostly private spaces with some shared spaces such as driveway, hallways, sometimes we cross paths in the yard. Mystic Lake Casino, Canterbury Downs, renaissance fest, Valleyfair, & 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 3.7 miles 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 can be 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. All persons must be declared ahead of reserving the space and ID’d for insurance purposes. Please note that all persons on the reservation must submit a copy of their valid picture government ID to the host (via platform) prior to arrival (but after booking), and sign a property liability waiver upon check in. The host will discuss the procedure with you as HC supports pictures 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 non smoking, non vape, no party/unregistered guest owner occupied property. Quiet private guests only please .

Brookside Meadows

100%

(16)

48mi from Mankato · 3 sites · Tents · Nerstrand, MN

Tired of the traffic? Can't stand all the continuous noise from the craziness of the cities? Do we have a place for you less than an hour away from the twin cities or Rochester! It is a 35 acres site with walking trails (3 miles). This property has a creek flowing through the property. It is the middle of nowhere. We are on a gravel road with very little traffic. We have 3 spots for tents and 1 for RV/campers. Each has a stone fire-ring & picnic table/wood table. We would love to have you out here. Restore & renew at what we consider to be our own retreat-like oasis. Pets are welcome and children will love playing by the brook and walking the trails. Check in after 3 (no entrance after sunset), Check Out at Noon Pack in Pack out- no littering please We are Rustic so no public restrooms/showers No smoking 2 vehicles max unless prior approval with management Pets OK- on leash in public areas/trails, off leash at campsite OK ***No entrance to grounds after sunset Onsite: Firewood available ($5 a bundle cash preferred or Venmo) Dennison (2 miles): Gas station & Fireside restaurant (check out their ribs, wings & waffle fries!) Nerstrand (2 miles): Gas station & Boots & Lu restaurant (breakfast on weekends) ***Nerstrand Big Woods Park! Walk to their waterfalls- Northfield (8 miles): Breweries, grocery, and antiquing Can't wait to meet you!

Public campgrounds near Mankato

If you venture off the beaten path , you may end up here , with views of the breathtaking waterfall . You can get close enough to touch it , if you wish .

67%

(3)

Red Fox Campground

5.4mi from Mankato · 68 sites · Tents, RVs · in Minneopa State Park

100%

(2)

Minneopa State Park Group Campground

5.5mi from Mankato · 4 sites · in Minneopa State Park

100%

(1)

Sakatah Lake State Park Campground

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

Flandrau Campground

26mi from Mankato · 92 sites · Tents, RVs · in Flandrau State Park

Equestrian Campground

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

100%

(2)

Fort Ridgely Campground

42mi from Mankato · 22 sites · Tents, RVs · in Fort Ridgely State Park

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

Stories from the community

Leo

3 weeks ago

20 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Happy Camping Snapshot Farm

Charming host and quiet area. Great place to stop along your jorney and get a snapshot of the Green Giant.

J

Jenna

October 2025

25 ft Class C

With pets

1 night at Happy Camping Snapshot Farm

Chelsey has a great set up and is conveniently located right near the highway and local restaurants. She was very helpful upon our arrival and ensured we had what we needed. If ever in the area again, I would definitely stay at Chelsey's farm if available.

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!

A

Anthony

October 2025

5 nights at Cozy Lakeside Cottage Guestroom

This was exactly what I was looking for. The property (and expected experience) is accurately described. The property, including the cottage/camping area is bordered by trees and brush on two sides and the lake (with a dense growth of cattails) on the third. Even though cottage/camping area is technically a spacious "backyard" I did feel like I was camping. The "cottage" is pretty much the size of an Expedition tent. I stayed for five nights. I precooked my meals and home intending to heat them over the fire but ended using the microwave instead. For this time year (late October) this is good option. If the weather gets nasty (too cold or even snow) the "cottage" is a wonderful backup.

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!

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.

T

Tony

October 2025

16 ft travel trailer

1 night at Happy Camping Snapshot Farm

Beautiful spot with large shade trees. Amazing sunrise view from property. Whimsical outhouse facility gave it a homey vibe. We were greeted by the owner’s two very friendly and sweet dogs. One sat with us while we had our coffee and just wanted some head scratching. It made us feel good since we were missing our dogs that couldn’t come with us on this trip.

C

Cori

October 2025

23 ft Class B

1 night at Happy Camping Snapshot Farm

Chelsey’s hospitality was awesome! Loved the quaint wooded area and was able to take a run in the morning. A great start to our RV adventure- thanks again Chelsey⭐️⭐️

J

Joe

October 2025

45 ft Class A

With kids

1 night at Happy Camping Snapshot Farm

A great place to stay. Close to the highway and a very nice farm and the host was great.

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.

E

Emily

October 2025

20 ft pop-up camper

With kids

2 nights at Mn River Valley Sanctuary

My littles loved it here! Plenty of room to roam, their animals were friendly but not too friendly, and lots to explore. We’ll definitely be back.

Charles

October 2025

21 ft campervan

1 night at Mn River Valley Sanctuary

Nice quiet experience and enjoyed all the animals.

B

Bob

October 2025

20 ft campervan

1 night at Happy Camping Snapshot Farm

Super host, cute place, convenient location. Composting toilet was fine.

Eric

October 2025

23 ft campervan

1 night at Happy Camping Snapshot Farm

We really enjoyed our stay here. Chelsey was so warm and welcoming (and her pups too!). Yes there’s some road noise but it didn’t bother us a bit. Easy to find and the space was wonderful.