River, stream, or creek camping near Mankato

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

99% (564 reviews)

United States
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Minnesota
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Mankato

99% (564 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Mankato

Public campgrounds near Mankato

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(2)

Stories from the community

Scott

November 2024

Tent

Weekend Trip to Prairie Creek Campground

You're not gonna wanna miss this absurdly authentic tent camping gem. 1,2,3 babbling brook sites, site 4 WAY up the hill for Sublime Sunsets, total privacy. Stephen & his Dad are hard-working, caring PEOPLE who have worked this family land camp for > 6 yrs.

4 top river, stream, or creek campgrounds near Mankato

99%

(766)

Prairie Creek Campground

7 sites · Tents60 acres · Nerstrand, MN

Hello 2025, Camping Season is Here! Booking is open for dates from April onward. 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 hill. Kids under 16 camping with their parents do not count in pricing. 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. 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 area which is twice crossed by creeks. About 20 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.

97%

(65)

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.

100%

(17)

Walker's Ranch

1 site · Tent9 acres · 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!

100%

(287)

Daniel's Cabin Retreat

4 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Waseca, MN

Our property North Ridge Pines is often known as The River Farm and our family became stewards of this unique and beautiful rural farm in 2014. It is a rare combination of deciduous and pine trees, prairie meadows that bloom in mid summer and fall, a small section of the LeSueur River as well as a pond. Our goal is to provide a small private camping get-away spot in nature for you to relax. We have 4 sites where you do not see the other sites from your location. We have a few lawn games such as bean bag toss/corn hole, croquet, as well as a canoe, 2 person kayak, and a paddle board to enjoy on the pond. The pond does not have any fish. Life jackets available for youth and adults. The River Farm is a historical property along a scenic area of the LeSueur River Valley with a rolling hillside and diverse topography. Remote valley offers peace and quite with a few frogs, fireflies to enjoy in the summer nights. Pets are allowed at the sites, but for safety please be with your pet or have your pet on a leash when here. When local or Statewide fire bands are in effect they will apply to all campsites. Thanks you.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

80%

(5)

Minneopa State Park

North Mankato, Minnesota

100%

(2)

Fort Ridgely State Park

Fairfax, Minnesota

Flandrau State Park

New Ulm, Minnesota

Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area

Jordan, Minnesota

Nerstrand Big Woods State Park

Nerstrand, Minnesota

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

River, stream, or creek camping near Mankato guide

Overview

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for finding the perfect camping experience. With over 120 options near Mankato, Minnesota, specifically catered to those who love being near a river, you're sure to find the ideal spot for your outdoor adventure. Looking for top-rated campsites? Check out Prairie Creek Forest Campground (202 reviews), Bluff Hollow Camp on the Root River (157 reviews), and Daniel's Cabin Retreat (108 reviews). With amenities like campfires, pet-friendly accommodations, and trash disposal, you'll have everything you need for a comfortable stay. And with popular activities such as surfing, boating, and snow sports, there's no shortage of fun to be had. Don't wait - start planning your river camping trip today!