RVezyRV rental marketplace
List your RVCampgrounds and RV parks near Mankato, MN
37 campgrounds and RV Parks near Mankato, MN. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
37 campgrounds
2917 campsites
40 RVs available for delivery
From $15/night
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
List your motorhome or travel trailer for free on RVezy.
Best campgrounds near Mankato, MN
Minneopa State Park
Mankato, MN (4 miles away)
$$$$$
(61 sites)
+3
Sakatah Trail Campground
Madison Lake, MN (10 miles away)
$$$$$
(25 sites)
+2
Shady Oaks Campground
Minnesota (11 miles away)
$$$$$
(70 sites)
+3
Peaceful Valley Campsites
Le Sueur, MN (20 miles away)
$$$$$
(32 sites)
Kamp Dels
Waterville, MN (22 miles away)
$$$$$
(400 sites)
+7
Watona Park Campground and Park
Madelia, MN (23 miles away)
$$$$$
(32 sites)
+4
Sakatah Lake State Park
Waterville, MN (23 miles away)
$$$$$
(62 sites)
+5
Semi-Modern - Flandrau State Park
New Ulm, MN (25 miles away)
$$$$$
(52 sites)
+6
Kuhar Park Campground
Lamberton, MN (25 miles away)
Kiesler's Campground and RV Resort
Waseca, MN (26 miles away)
$$$$$
(308 sites)
+8
Shirley's Park and Country Retreat - Seasonal Campground and Kayak Rental
New Ulm, MN (27 miles away)
$$$$$
(31 sites)
Camp Maiden Rock West
Morristown, MN (28 miles away)
$$$$$
(50 sites)
+6
Most common amenities
Grills Tables Showers Toilets Dump station Firewood Playground Pet friendly Internet Laundry
Campgrounds near Mankato, Minnesota
Mankato sits in south-central Minnesota along the Minnesota River, roughly 80 miles south of the Twin Cities. The area gives RV travelers access to state park camping, private RV parks, and county and city campgrounds, all within a short drive of the city. Minneopa State Park, located near Mankato in southern Minnesota, offers a blend of natural beauty, wildlife, and history along the Minnesota River Valley, and is home to Minneopa Falls, a two-tiered waterfall, and one of Minnesota's only free-roaming bison herds, along with the 19th-century Seppmann Wind Mill.
Closest to the city, Minneopa State Park anchors the state-managed camping options. Sakatah Lake State Park, connected to the region by the paved Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail that runs 39 miles between Mankato and Faribault, extends the state park option to the east. Private options include Sakatah Trail Campground, Shady Oaks Campground, and Peaceful Valley Campsites, which cater to longer stays and full-hookup RV travelers.
For a simpler in-town base, Watona Park Campground and Park offers a municipal alternative. Together these options cover short weekend stays, multi-week trips, and everything from tent camping to large fifth-wheel setups.
Things to do near Mankato
Minneopa State Park is home to the stunning Minneopa Falls, a two-tiered waterfall accessible via scenic hiking trails, and hosts one of Minnesota's only free-roaming bison herds. The old German-style Seppmann Mill, built in the 1800s, adds a taste of state history to the park experience.
Sakatah Lake State Park is home to a section of the 39-mile Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail, which runs from Mankato to Faribault, and hikers, bikers, skiers, and snowmobilers can enjoy the scenery of Minnesota's hardwoods on the paved trail. Sakatah Lake, a natural widening of the Cannon River, attracts canoeists and anglers looking for walleye, largemouth and white bass, northern pike, and panfish.
In town, families use Mankato as a base for river walks, minor-league baseball, and the Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota.
Camping spots and RV parks near Mankato, MN
When to camp near Mankato
- spring
March - May
54° / 36°F 70 mmThaw and high water at the falls; muddy trails
- summer
June - August
81° / 61°F 110 mmWarm and humid; peak bookings; mosquitoes active
- fall
September - November
55° / 36°F 57 mmCool nights; hardwood color peaks in October
- winter
December - February
27° / 10°F 21 mmFreezing and snowy; most services closed
Camping season in this part of Minnesota generally runs from spring thaw through mid-autumn. Sakatah Lake State Park's campground operates seasonally from early May through mid-October. Minneopa State Park is open year round, and winter sports include cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Late May through early September is peak season, driven by school breaks, warm days, and full campground services. At Sakatah Lake State Park, drinking water, flush toilets, hot-water showers, trash collection, and the dump station are open from mid-May through mid-October, while vault toilets are available throughout the year. Booking soon after the 120-day reservation window opens is realistic for summer weekends and holidays.
Shoulder seasons trade crowds for cooler nights. Spring brings high water at Minneopa Falls and migrating birds; fall delivers hardwood color along the Sakatah trail. Winter camping is possible at Minneopa for self-sufficient RVers, though most amenities are shut down and roads may be limited.
How to book campgrounds near Mankato
State park sites at Minneopa and Sakatah Lake are booked through the Minnesota DNR reservation system. All campsites in Minnesota state parks and recreation areas require a reservation before they may be occupied, year-round, and the DNR recommends making reservations before leaving home because cell phone coverage and wi-fi are unpredictable at some parks. Reservations can be made the same day as arrival, and up to 120 days before the arrival date.
All vehicles entering a state park or recreation area must have a Minnesota state park vehicle permit, and this includes day visits as well as overnight stays. Same-day reservations are available with no reservation fee, and state forest campgrounds still offer first-come, first-served sites for travelers who prefer flexibility.
Private campgrounds such as Sakatah Trail Campground, Shady Oaks Campground, and Peaceful Valley Campsites take reservations directly by phone or through their own websites.
What to expect on the ground
Minneopa State Park Campground has 68 single-family campsites for tents, trailers, and RVs up to 60 feet in a wooded area, with 6 electric sites, 4 group sites, and 1 cabin, and amenities include drinking water, flush toilets, hot-water showers, trash collection, and a dump station. Sakatah Lake State Park has 62 campsites for tents, trailers, and RVs up to 55 feet, with 14 electric sites, 5 bike-in sites, 2 group sites, and a rentable cabin.
Expect wooded, shaded sites with fire rings, picnic tables, and grills. Sakatah Trail Campground sits along the Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail in Madison Lake, offering full hookup sites for RVs with electric, water, and sewer connections, and provides clean restroom facilities with showers.
Mosquitoes are aggressive in high summer, particularly near lakes and after rain. Pack repellent, level blocks for uneven pads, and expect variable cell signal in wooded state parks.
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
List your motorhome or travel trailer for free on RVezy.
Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Mankato, MN
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Mankato, MN?
RV rental in Mankato is one of the more affordable Midwest getaways you can put together. Motorhomes near Mankato average around $200 per night, while travel trailers and towable RVs run closer to $120 per night, with most hosts offering 10 to 20 percent off weekly and monthly bookings. For a cheap RV rental in Mankato, search midweek dates in May or September when demand drops between summer holidays. Pro tip: filter by towable trailers if a host can deliver and set up at Minneopa State Park or Land of Memories, you skip fuel costs entirely and lock in the lowest nightly rate.
exploreminnesota.com/places-to-go/cities-regions/mankatoDo I need a special license to rent an RV in Mankato?
Good news: a regular driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Mankato, MN. Minnesota does not require a commercial driver's license (CDL) or any RV-specific endorsement for the Class A, Class C, campervan, travel trailer, or fifth wheel rentals you will find on RVezy. You will need to be an approved driver (generally 25 or older) and verify your ID through the platform during checkout, which takes about two minutes. Visiting from outside the U.S.? Bring your home license plus an International Driving Permit (IDP) if required. Most first-time renters in Mankato are surprised how quick the approval process is once you have picked your rig.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsWhat protection is included with my Mankato RV rental?
Every booking on RVezy automatically includes a renter protection plan plus 24/7 roadside assistance, so your RV rental in Mankato starts with real peace of mind built in. You choose your preferred protection level at checkout (not the host), so you can match coverage to how adventurous your plans are, and the plan covers most damage to the RV during your rental. Whether you are heading to the bison range at Minneopa State Park or chasing fall color along the Minnesota River Valley, you are covered if a rock chips a windshield or a storm rolls in. Full details, including what is and is not covered, are outlined on the RVezy protection page before you confirm.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat if I need to cancel my Mankato RV rental?
You are not locked in the moment you book. RVezy sets the cancellation policy (not individual hosts), and it includes a grace period after booking during which you can cancel for a full refund of the rental cost. After that window, the refund amount depends on how far out from your trip you cancel. You will see the full policy laid out at checkout before you confirm, and if a host ever cancels on you, RVezy refunds your booking or helps you rebook. The bottom line: booking your Mankato RV trip is low risk, so you can lock in that Memorial Day weekend at Sakatah Lake State Park with confidence.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on a Mankato RV rental?
Yes, plenty of hosts offer pet-friendly RV rental in Mankato. Toggle the Pet-Friendly filter on RVezy and you will see rigs where dogs are welcome, sometimes with a small cleaning fee set by the host. Mankato is a great dog town: Minneopa State Park allows leashed pets on trails (but not the bison drive), Sibley Park has riverside walking paths, and the Red Jacket Trail is a flat, shaded paved route perfect for morning walks. Land of Memories Campground right in town is also pet-friendly. Message the host before booking if you have a large breed, most are happy to confirm.
dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/pets.htmlCan the RV be delivered to my campground in Mankato?
Yes, RV delivery in Mankato is one of the best features of booking peer-to-peer, especially if it's your first time. Many hosts will drive the motorhome or trailer directly to Minneopa State Park's Red Fox Campground, Land of Memories, or even a private driveway, then level it, hook up power and water, and walk you through every system before handing over the keys. Delivery fees are set by each host and typically scale with distance and rig size. Use the Delivery filter when searching, then message the host with your campsite number. It's the easiest way to enjoy a motorhome rental Mankato trip without ever getting behind a big wheel.
dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00184How far can I drive on an RV trip from Mankato?
Plenty far, and the routes from Mankato are excellent. Most hosts include 100 to 150 free miles per night, with additional miles at a per-mile rate set by the host, and some listings offer RV rental with unlimited mileage. From Mankato you can reach Minneapolis in about 90 minutes (around 80 miles), the bluffs of Whitewater State Park in about 2 hours (around 115 miles), the Iowa Great Lakes near Okoboji in roughly 2.5 hours (around 145 miles), or Duluth and Lake Superior in roughly 4 hours (around 235 miles). Pro tip: message your host before booking to ask about a higher mileage allowance if you are planning a longer RV road trip from Mankato.
dot.state.mn.us/maps/Where are the best campgrounds near Mankato to stay?
You have some real gems within 30 minutes of downtown. Minneopa State Park's Red Fox Campground sits just 5 miles west and features 61 sites, a famous limestone waterfall, and a free-roaming bison herd. Land of Memories Campground is right inside Mankato along the Minnesota River with 43 electric sites and easy biking into town. Sakatah Lake State Park, 25 miles east near Waterville, offers shaded sites along the Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail. For full hookups and a pool, Kamp Dels (45 minutes north in Waterville) is a family favorite. Hickory Hills Campground south of town and Bray County Park near Eagle Lake round out the best campgrounds near Mankato.
dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00184When is the best time of year for an RV trip in Mankato?
The sweet spot for RV camping in Mankato is mid-May through late September, when daytime highs run from the upper 60s in May to a comfortable 80°F in July and back into the 70s by September. June brings the most rainfall (around 5 inches) so pack a good awning, while July offers the longest daylight (over 10 hours of sunshine) and prime bison-viewing weather at Minneopa. Local insider tip: book the last weekend of September. The crowds thin out, the Minnesota River Valley explodes with red and gold maple color, and overnight lows in the 40s mean perfect campfire weather. Winter rentals are limited, since most hosts winterize their rigs by November.
weather.gov/mpx/I've never rented an RV before. How does it work?
First time renting an RV? You're in great company in Mankato, and the process is genuinely beginner-friendly. After you book, your host hosts a hands-on orientation at pickup (or at your campground if they deliver), walking you through the generator, propane, slide-outs, leveling, water hookups, and the dump procedure. They'll share their cell number for questions mid-trip, and RVezy's 24/7 support has your back if anything comes up. For your first rent an RV in Mankato experience, consider a Class C motorhome (drives like a big truck) or a delivered travel trailer (zero towing required). Most first-timers head straight to Minneopa State Park, where the campground is paved, level, and just 10 minutes from any hardware store you might need.
nhtsa.gov/road-safety/driving-safetyWhat happens if the RV breaks down during my trip?
You are never on your own. Every RVezy booking includes 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the standard renter protection plan, so a flat tire on Highway 169, a dead battery at Sakatah Lake, or an engine issue on the way to Minneapolis is one phone call from help. The roadside team coordinates tow trucks, mobile mechanics, and tire service across southern Minnesota. Your host is also typically just a text away and knows the rig inside out. Pro tip: snap a photo of the roadside assistance number during your walkthrough and keep it in the glove box, then relax and enjoy your campervan rental Mankato adventure.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailCan I take my Mankato RV rental across state lines or into Canada?
Yes, interstate travel is welcome and Mankato is well positioned for it. From here you can roll into Iowa (the border is about 60 miles south), South Dakota's Badlands (about 6 hours west), or Wisconsin's Apostle Islands (about 5.5 hours northeast), all covered by your RVezy protection plan. Heading to Canada is allowed on many listings but depends on the host and their insurance, so message them before booking to confirm. Travel into Mexico is not permitted on any RVezy rental due to coverage restrictions. Popular RV road trip from Mankato routes include the North Shore of Lake Superior and the Black Hills loop through Wall Drug and Mount Rushmore.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039340074-Insurance-coverage-validityWhat kind of fuel mileage should I budget for in Mankato?
Plan smart and fuel won't blow your budget. Class A motorhomes around Mankato average 7 to 10 miles per gallon (MPG), Class C motorhomes get 10 to 14 MPG, and campervans like Sprinter-based Class Bs squeeze out 15 to 20 MPG. Most rigs in this area run on regular unleaded, with gas prices in southern Minnesota typically tracking 10 to 20 cents below the national average. For a 300-mile weekend loop (say, Mankato to Pipestone National Monument and back), budget roughly $90 to $130 in fuel for a Class C. Pro tip: fuel up at the Kwik Trip stations on Madison Avenue or Highway 22 in Mankato, locals swear by their pricing.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I reserve a campground near Mankato?
Book your campsite the same day you book the RV, especially for summer. Minnesota state parks like Minneopa, Sakatah Lake, and Flandrau open reservations 120 days in advance through the Minnesota DNR reservation system, and the riverside and waterfall-view sites at Minneopa fill within hours for July and August weekends. Private parks like Kamp Dels and Kiesler's Campground take reservations up to a year out. Local insider tip: if you strike out on a Saturday night, snag a Sunday-through-Wednesday stretch instead. Midweek availability stays strong all summer, you'll often score a premium electric site, and you'll have Minneopa Falls almost to yourself in the morning.
dnr.state.mn.us/reservations/index.htmlWhat's driving an RV around Mankato actually like?
Easier than you might think. Mankato sits in the gentle Minnesota River Valley, so you won't deal with mountain grades or tight switchbacks like out West. Highway 169, Highway 14, and Highway 22 are the main RV-friendly arteries with wide shoulders and good sight lines. Watch for the Veterans Memorial Bridge approach downtown (low overhead is fine for any rig under 13 feet 6 inches, which covers everything on RVezy) and avoid Riverfront Drive's older parking areas with big rigs. Winter driving from December through March can mean ice and blowing snow on open prairie stretches, which is why most owners take their rigs off the platform those months. Summer driving is honestly relaxing.
dot.state.mn.us/trafficeng/otepubl/standards.htmlWhat amenities can I expect at Mankato area campgrounds?
Most campgrounds around Mankato are well-equipped for a comfortable stay. Minnesota state parks like Minneopa and Sakatah Lake offer electric hookups (typically 30-amp), potable water fill stations, modern restrooms with showers, and seasonal dump stations that open mid-April and close late October. Private parks like Kamp Dels and Kiesler's Clear Lake bring the full-hookup experience with 50-amp service, sewer at the site, free WiFi, and pools. Need a dump station mid-trip? The Sibley Park RV dump in Mankato is free for the public, and most Kwik Trips along Highway 14 sell fresh water by the gallon. Pro tip: bring a 25-foot freshwater hose and a 30-to-50 amp adapter to fit any site you book.
dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/camping.htmlWhat's actually inside an RV I'd rent in Mankato?
More than you'd guess. Most Mankato RV rentals come fully equipped with a queen or king bed, convertible dinette and sofa sleepers, a full kitchen (fridge, freezer, three-burner stove, microwave, sink), a bathroom with shower and toilet, roof-mounted air conditioning, propane furnace for cool Minnesota nights, and seatbelted seating for 4 to 7 passengers depending on the rig. Class A and larger Class C motorhomes often add a generator, exterior speakers, awning, and TV with antenna. WiFi varies by host (cell signal is strong throughout southern Minnesota, so most renters hotspot from their phone). Filter by sleeps count and RV type on RVezy to match your group, and ask the host about linens and kitchenware, many include them free.
nhtsa.gov/equipment/recreational-vehiclesWhat add-ons and extras can I get with my Mankato rental?
Hosts in Mankato offer some genuinely useful add-ons that make a family RV trip Mankato much smoother. Common options include linen and towel packages ($25 to $75), camping chairs and outdoor rugs, propane tank pre-fills, portable grills, bike racks, generators, and kid or pet kits. Many hosts also offer delivery and setup as the most popular add-on, with fees scaling by distance from Mankato. Pickup typically happens at the host's home or a meeting point off Highway 169 or Madison Avenue, with a 30-to-60 minute walkthrough included. Mileage policies vary (most offer 100 free miles per night with additional miles at $0.30 to $0.45 each), so check the listing details and message your host to bundle extras into a custom quote.
fmcsa.dot.gov/regulationsHow does payment and the security deposit work?
Payment is straightforward and secure. You pay through RVezy at booking using a credit or debit card, never directly to the host, which protects both sides. A security deposit is held separately from the booking payment a few days before pickup and released after your trip ends, assuming no damage or extra fees like over-mileage or post-trip cleaning. Deposit amounts vary by rig and are shown on the listing. To avoid issues, do a thorough walkaround video with your host at pickup and return, dump tanks before drop-off if your agreement requires it, and refuel to the level noted at checkout. That is it, your Mankato RV rental ends as smoothly as it began.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksAre winter RV rentals available in Mankato?
Winter rentals are limited but not impossible, and they can be a magical experience if you find the right rig. From November through March, Mankato temperatures regularly drop below 0°F, so most hosts winterize and pause their listings to protect water lines. The rigs that do stay available are typically four-season models with heated holding tanks, enclosed underbellies, and dual-pane windows. If you book a winter trip, plan to stay at a campground with full shore power (Mount Kato area parks sometimes accommodate this) and skip using the fresh water system entirely, using jugged water instead. Filter your search to October or April shoulder-season dates for the best balance of availability and milder weather, and snag stunning frozen Minneopa Falls views.
weather.gov/mpx/winterNearby cities with campgrounds
Minneapolis, MNCedar Rapids, IASioux Falls, SDApple Valley, MNHopkins, MNPrior Lake, MNRice, MNLong Lake, MNHiawatha, IAHudson, WIChamplin, MNRockland, WIMaplewood, MNDurand, WICoon Rapids, MNBecker, MNSaint Anthony, MNSandstone, MNSavage, MNBelle Plaine, MNOtsego, MNSaint Francis, MNGlenwood, MNRichfield, MN