Discover the best campgrounds near Mankato, Minnesota with hiking

United States
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Minnesota
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Mankato

98% (664 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Mankato

Under $50

10 top campgrounds near Mankato with hiking

99%

(743)

Prairie Creek Forest Campground

7 sites · Tents60 acres · Nerstrand, MN

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 a waterfall and more trails, including a single track mountain bike course. 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. 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. Site 1 is near the creek. Approximately 200 feet from main parking area. Steel fire ring and grill grate, picnic table. Site 2 is in the pines. Approximately 200 feet from main parking area. Steel fire ring and grill grate, picnic table, this site has good hammock trees. Site 3 is by the creek. Approximately 300 feet from main parking area. Steel fire ring, steel grill ring, picnic table, this site has good hammock trees. Site 4 is on the hilltop. Site 4 has parking for 2 vehicles at the site. Steel fire ring with grill grate, stone fire ring, picnic table, this site has good hammock trees. There is NOT room to park a trailer. 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. Over the years, the arable land has been sold but we retained the wooded area which is crossed twice by a stream. About 20 years ago, a 60 acre county park was created to the south and west. The property is bordered on two sides by this county park. When Ted was in high school, the family sold the dairy cows and started a bare bones horseback riding ranch using trails in these woods as riding trails. We are very excited to host campers as a way to preserve and share this beautiful property.

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 small 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 once owned by Ulysses S. Grant and purchased from former Speaker of the House Rod Searle's family. It was nicknamed the Jewel of Waseca County because of it's scenic area of the LeSueur River Valley, 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. Thanks.

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.

field view campsite

3 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Northfield, MN

Learn more about this land:You"ll camp right next to the Horse 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.

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.

89%

(49)

Champion Valley

4 sites · RVs, Tents150 acres · 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.

100%

(12)

Brookside Meadows

3 sites · Tents35 acres · 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!

100%

(15)

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!

Saved 7 times

Heather's Hobby Farm

4 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Glencoe, MN

This property will be the future site of The Femme Farm, a retreat and event center primarily for women. Your camping experience and funds will help me get my dream business up and running! Soon, you will experience yurts, glamping and many outdoor events, but I need your help getting started. Thanks so much for your support!Learn more about this land:A quiet grassy area with a small woods. This property contains a large farmhouse and out buildings. Pitch your tent near the woods and enjoy a fire pit and picnic table. Gorgeous field views. Parking is available right on-site. Either near your site or on the gravel. Bird watching, walking through the woods and enjoying the sites and sounds of the country life.

100%

(11)

Cozy Lakeside Cottage Guestroom

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.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

80%

(5)

Minneopa State Park

North Mankato, Minnesota

100%

(1)

Sakatah Lake State Park

Waterville, Minnesota

100%

(2)

Fort Ridgely State Park

Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area

Jordan, Minnesota

Nerstrand Big Woods State Park

Nerstrand, Minnesota

Camping near Mankato with hiking guide

Overview

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!