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48 campgrounds and RV Parks near Owatonna, MN. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
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Best campgrounds near Owatonna, MN
Riverview Campground
Owatonna, MN (3 miles away)
$$$$$
(145 sites)
+8
Rice Lake State Park
Owatonna, MN (8 miles away)
$$$$$
(42 sites)
+4
Kiesler's Campground and RV Resort
Waseca, MN (13 miles away)
$$$$$
(308 sites)
+8
Camp Faribo
Faribault, MN (13 miles away)
$$$$$
(71 sites)
+9
Camp Maiden Rock West
Morristown, MN (15 miles away)
$$$$$
(50 sites)
+6
Crystal Springs RV Resort
Ellendale, MN (16 miles away)
$$$$$
(46 sites)
+6
Roberds Lake Resort and Campgrounds
Faribault, MN (17 miles away)
$$$$$
(62 sites)
+4
Sakatah Lake State Park
Waterville, MN (18 miles away)
$$$$$
(62 sites)
+5
Winjums Shady Acres Resort
Faribault, MN (18 miles away)
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park
Minnesota (19 miles away)
$$$$$
(51 sites)
+4
Kamp Dels
Waterville, MN (19 miles away)
$$$$$
(400 sites)
+7
Brookside Campgrounds
Blooming Prairie, MN (22 miles away)
$$$$$
(110 sites)
+12
Most common amenities
Grills Tables Toilets Showers Dump station Firewood Playground Pet friendly Internet Laundry
Campgrounds near Owatonna
Owatonna sits in south-central Minnesota along Interstate 35, roughly an hour south of the Twin Cities and an hour north of the Iowa border. The area suits RV travelers looking for a quiet base between metro Minneapolis-Saint Paul and the bluff country farther south, with flat driving, easy fuel stops, and a mix of state park and private RV resort options within a short drive.
The closest public option is Rice Lake State Park, a Minnesota DNR park east of town built around a shallow prairie lake. Private parks in the surrounding counties include Riverview Campground, Camp Faribo near Faribault, Crystal Springs RV Resort, and Kiesler's Campground and RV Resort, all of which cater to larger rigs and longer stays.
Most campgrounds in the region are seasonal, opening around late April or early May and closing in mid to late October once overnight temperatures drop below freezing.
Things to do near Owatonna
Rice Lake State Park is the main outdoor draw, with a swimming beach, a boat launch for canoes and kayaks, and quiet fishing for panfish and northern pike. Hiking trails loop through oak savanna and restored prairie, and the lake is a stopover for migrating waterfowl in spring and fall.
In town, Owatonna offers the National Farmers Bank building designed by Louis Sullivan, the Village of Yesteryear historic site, and a Cabela's outdoor store just off I-35. Faribault, about twenty minutes north, adds the Faribault Woolen Mill tour and the Alexander Faribault House.
The Straight River and the Cannon River corridor to the north give paddlers and tubers options within a short drive of most campgrounds.
Camping spots and RV parks near Owatonna, MN
When to visit Owatonna
- spring
March - May
55° / 34°F 75 mmParks reopen in late April; storms possible.
- summer
June - August
82° / 61°F 110 mmPeak season; book weekends weeks ahead.
- fall
September - November
57° / 36°F 55 mmCool nights and fall color; parks close mid-October.
- winter
December - February
25° / 9°F 26 mmFreezing and snowy; nearly all campgrounds closed.
The RV season in south-central Minnesota runs from roughly May through October. Late May through mid-June brings mild temperatures, green landscapes, and manageable mosquito pressure, though spring storms and occasional flooding can affect low-lying sites. This is a good window for travelers who want cooler nights and open availability.
July and August are the peak booking window. Summers are warm and humid, with daytime highs typically in the low 80s Fahrenheit. Weekends around Independence Day and Labor Day fill first, and full-hookup sites at private resorts like Kiesler's Campground and RV Resort and Crystal Springs RV Resort often sell out weeks ahead.
September and early October bring cooler nights, thinner crowds, and hardwood color across the region. Most parks begin winterizing water lines in mid-October. December through February highs stay in the twenties Fahrenheit, and nearly all campgrounds in the area are closed for the winter.
How to book a campsite near Owatonna
Rice Lake State Park is reserved through the Minnesota DNR reservation system at ReserveMN, which opens a rolling booking window 120 days in advance of the arrival date. Sites include a mix of electric and non-electric options, plus cart-in sites and camper cabins. A Minnesota state park vehicle permit is required for entry and is separate from the site fee.
Private parks including Riverview Campground, Camp Faribo, Crystal Springs RV Resort, and Kiesler's Campground and RV Resort take reservations directly through their own websites or by phone. For summer weekends and holidays, booking two to three months out is recommended, especially for pull-through and 50-amp sites.
What to expect
Expect flat to gently rolling terrain, straightforward interstate access via I-35, and campgrounds set in a mix of hardwood groves and open farmland. Cell coverage is generally strong across the corridor between Owatonna and Faribault. Mosquitoes and ticks are common from late May through August, so screens and repellent are worth packing.
State park sites at Rice Lake State Park tend to be more rustic, with vault toilets in some loops and a limited number of electric hookups. Private resorts such as Crystal Springs RV Resort and Kiesler's Campground and RV Resort typically offer full hookups, laundry, and pools, and can accommodate longer Class A motorhomes and fifth wheels.
Severe thunderstorms and tornado watches are part of the summer pattern. Most parks post shelter locations at the entrance.
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Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Owatonna, MN
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Owatonna, MN?
RV rental in Owatonna is one of the most affordable ways to explore southern Minnesota. On RVezy, motorhomes near Owatonna average around $200 per night, while travel trailers and fifth wheels typically run $120 to $150 per night. Most hosts offer 10 to 20 percent discounts on weekly and monthly bookings, so a 7 day Steele County Free Fair trip can drop your per night cost significantly. To find a cheap RV rental in Owatonna, filter by price, book midweek, and consider a towable if you already have a capable vehicle. Pro tip: shoulder season bookings in May or September often shave 15 to 25 percent off summer prices while the weather is still beautiful.
exploreminnesota.com/profile/owatonna-area-chamber-commerce-tourism/2037What license do I need to rent an RV in Owatonna, MN?
Good news: your regular Class D driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Owatonna, MN. Minnesota does not require a commercial driver's license (CDL) or special endorsement for personal-use motorhomes or trailers, no matter the size, as long as you're not driving commercially. To book on RVezy you'll need to be at least 25 years old with a valid license, and your ID is confirmed quickly right inside the platform. Visiting from outside the U.S.? Bring an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your home license. That's the entire requirements list, no RV school, no extra test, just pick your rig and go.
dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs/Pages/default.aspxIs my Owatonna RV rental protected if something goes wrong?
Yes, every RV rental in Owatonna, MN booked through RVezy includes a renter protection plan plus 24/7 roadside assistance, so you can hit Interstate 35 with real peace of mind. The protection plan covers most physical damage to the vehicle during your trip, and you choose your coverage level during checkout, not the host. You can pick the level that fits your comfort, whether you're parking at Rice Lake State Park or driving up to the Twin Cities. It isn't traditional auto insurance, but it's substantial financial protection built into your booking. Pro tip: review the protection options side by side at checkout so you know exactly what you're getting before your trip starts.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat happens if I need to cancel my Owatonna RV trip?
Booking is low risk: RVezy, not the host, sets the cancellation policy for every RV rental in Owatonna, and there's a grace period after booking that allows a full refund if your plans suddenly change. Cancellations after that window depend on how close you are to your trip start date. If a host needs to cancel, RVezy refunds guests or provides travel credits. You'll see the exact terms during checkout, and RVezy customer support is available before and during your trip if anything comes up. Pro tip: book early to lock in the best Owatonna rigs, knowing the grace period has your back if life happens.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on an Owatonna RV rental?
Absolutely, a pet-friendly RV rental in Owatonna is easy to find on RVezy, just toggle the Pet-Friendly filter and you'll see every rig that welcomes your four-legged copilot. Many Owatonna hosts allow dogs with a small cleaning fee, and the area is loaded with great spots to explore together. Kaplan's Woods Parkway has miles of off-leash and on-leash trails right in town, and Rice Lake State Park (about 7 miles east) allows leashed pets on all trails and in the campground. River View Campground south of Owatonna is also dog-friendly. Pro tip: message the host before booking to confirm pet fees and bring a long leash for those Straight River walks.
dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00256Can the RV be delivered to my campsite in Owatonna?
Yes, RV delivery in Owatonna is one of the most popular options on RVezy, especially if it's your first time renting an RV. Many local hosts will tow or drive the rig directly to your campsite at River View Campground, Hope Oak Knoll Camp Ground, or Rice Lake State Park, then level it, hook up water and power, and walk you through every system before they leave. That means you can fly into Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP), rent a car, and meet your fully set-up motorhome rental in Owatonna at the campground door. Pro tip: filter by Delivery on RVezy and ask the host about their per-mile delivery fee when you message them.
exploreminnesota.com/profile/owatonna-area-chamber-commerce-tourism/2037How does mileage work and how far can I drive from Owatonna?
You've got plenty of road in front of you. Most Owatonna RV hosts include a daily mileage allowance (commonly 100 to 150 miles per day) with a small per-mile fee beyond that, and some list RV rental with unlimited mileage, which is perfect for longer loops. Each listing shows mileage clearly before you book. From Owatonna you're roughly 65 miles south of Minneapolis, 45 miles west of Rochester, 100 miles to La Crosse, Wisconsin, and about 220 miles to Duluth and Lake Superior. Pro tip: if you're planning a multi-state Owatonna RV trip, message hosts and filter for unlimited mileage rigs so you can wander the Great River Road without watching the odometer.
dot.state.mn.us/maps/Where are the best campgrounds near Owatonna, MN?
You're spoiled for choice when it comes to RV camping in Owatonna. Top picks include: River View Campground (2554 SW 28th St, about a mile south of town) with 160 full-service sites along the Straight River and a heated pool; Hope Oak Knoll Camp Ground (9545 County Rd 3) with 80 big-rig friendly sites and 50-amp service; Rice Lake State Park (8485 Rose St, 7 miles east) for a wooded state park experience with electric sites; and Crystal Springs RV Resort in nearby Ellendale with level full-hookup pull-throughs. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, about 20 miles north, is a stunning hardwood escape. Pro tip: River View fills fast around Steele County Free Fair week, so book ahead.
dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00256When is the best time to rent an RV in Owatonna?
The sweet spot for an Owatonna RV trip is late May through early October, when daytime highs run from the mid-70s to mid-80s F and most local campgrounds (including River View and Hope Oak Knoll) are open from mid-April through mid-October. July and August are peak season with warm evenings perfect for campfires, while September brings cooler nights in the 40s and 50s, gorgeous fall foliage at Nerstrand Big Woods, and far fewer mosquitoes. Winters are genuinely cold (often below 0 F in January), so most campgrounds close. Pro tip: aim for the second week of August to catch the Steele County Free Fair, one of the largest in Minnesota.
weather.gov/mpx/I've never driven an RV before. Will I be okay renting one in Owatonna?
You're going to do great, and you're not alone. First time renting an RV is the most common scenario on RVezy, and every Owatonna host gives you a full walkthrough at pickup covering driving, slide-outs, propane, water, and waste. If you're nervous, start with a Class C motorhome or a smaller travel trailer; they drive much like a large van or pickup. Owatonna is an ideal place to learn: flat terrain, wide rural roads, and easy access to Interstate 35 once you're comfortable. Take a practice loop on Highway 14 before heading out. Pro tip: choose a host with delivery and have them set up at River View Campground so your first drive is just exploring local roads.
dot.state.mn.us/trafficsafety/What if something breaks down on my Owatonna RV trip?
You're covered. Every RVezy booking includes 24/7 roadside assistance with a protection plan, so if you get a flat on Interstate 35, a dead battery at Rice Lake State Park, or run out of fuel on Highway 14, you can call one number and get help dispatched. Your host is also a great first contact for quick questions about a specific system in their rig, and RVezy support is reachable throughout your trip. Owatonna sits at the I-35 and Highway 14 crossroads, so service providers can reach most spots within an hour. Pro tip: save the roadside assistance number in your phone before you leave the host's driveway, alongside the nearest 24-hour service stop on Bridge Street near I-35.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat are the best RV road trips from Owatonna?
An RV road trip from Owatonna puts some of the Midwest's best scenery within easy reach. Top routes: head 65 miles north on I-35 to Minneapolis-St. Paul for city stops and Mississippi River parks; drive 45 miles east to Rochester and continue another 60 miles to the Great River Road bluffs at La Crosse, Wisconsin; loop 220 miles north to Duluth and the Lake Superior North Shore for waterfalls and lighthouses; or follow the Jefferson Highway Minne-Roadtrip through Faribault and Northfield, just 30 miles up I-35. Cross-border trips into Wisconsin and Iowa are allowed; travel into Mexico is not covered. Pro tip: confirm cross-border plans with your host before you book.
exploreminnesota.com/things-to-do/road-tripsHow much should I budget for fuel on an Owatonna RV trip?
Fuel is usually the second biggest expense after the rental itself, but it's predictable. Class C motorhomes around Owatonna typically get 8 to 12 MPG, Class B campervans 16 to 20 MPG, and a truck towing a travel trailer about 9 to 13 MPG. Minnesota gas prices have recently averaged around $3.00 to $3.30 per gallon, often a bit lower at the Flying J and Kwik Trip stations along I-35. For a 300 mile weekend loop in a Class C, plan on roughly $90 to $110 in fuel. Pro tip: fill up in Owatonna or Faribault before heading into Twin Cities traffic, where prices climb noticeably.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book a campground near Owatonna?
For the best campgrounds near Owatonna, book as early as you can, especially for summer weekends. Minnesota state park campsites at Rice Lake State Park and Nerstrand Big Woods open for reservations 120 days in advance through the Minnesota DNR reservation system, and prime weekends often fill the day they open. Private parks like River View Campground and Hope Oak Knoll take reservations directly and fill quickly around the Steele County Free Fair in mid-August. Aim for 3 to 6 months ahead for July and August, and 2 to 4 weeks for shoulder season. Pro tip: midweek arrivals (Sunday to Wednesday) almost always have openings even in peak summer.
dnr.state.mn.us/reservations/index.htmlWhat are driving conditions like around Owatonna?
Owatonna is an easy place to drive an RV. The terrain is gentle rolling prairie at around 1,150 feet elevation, and the two main routes (Interstate 35 north-south and U.S. Highway 14 east-west) are wide, well-maintained, and free of mountain passes or tunnels. Watch for summer thunderstorms with strong crosswinds, occasional deer at dawn and dusk on rural county roads, and winter conditions from late November through March that can include ice and blowing snow. The Minnesota 511 system gives real-time road and weather updates. Pro tip: avoid I-35 northbound into Minneapolis on Friday afternoons (3 to 6 p.m.); leave earlier or after dinner for a far smoother drive.
dot.state.mn.us/511/What amenities should I expect at campgrounds near Owatonna?
Owatonna-area campgrounds are well equipped for modern RVs. Private parks like River View Campground and Hope Oak Knoll offer full hookups (water, 30/50-amp electric, sewer), Wi-Fi, hot showers, laundry, and dump stations. State parks such as Rice Lake and Nerstrand Big Woods typically provide electric hookups and shared water spigots, with a centralized dump station on site, ideal for filling tanks on arrival and dumping on the way out. Most local parks operate from mid-April through mid-October. Pro tip: if you're staying at a state park without sewer hookups, plan a stop at the campground's free dump station before checkout to start your next leg with empty tanks and a full freshwater supply.
dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/camping.htmlWhat's included inside a typical Owatonna RV rental?
You'll be more comfortable than you'd expect. A typical motorhome rental in Owatonna comes with sleeping for 4 to 8, a full kitchen (fridge, stove, microwave, sink), a bathroom with toilet and shower, climate control via air conditioning and furnace, a dinette that converts to extra sleeping, and seatbelts for everyone traveling while in motion. Many rigs include a TV, and some offer a generator or solar setup for off-grid stops. Wi-Fi varies, so plan to hotspot from your phone, which works well across most of southern Minnesota. Pro tip: check each listing's amenities list on RVezy and message the host if you need specifics like a CPAP-friendly inverter, kid car seats, or extra bedding for cool fall nights.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Owatonna%2C%20MinnesotaWhat add-ons and pickup options do Owatonna hosts offer?
Owatonna hosts make trips easy with practical add-ons priced individually on each listing. Common extras include linen and towel packages, camp chairs and outdoor mats, propane tank top-offs, kitchen kits, generator hours, bike racks, and Wi-Fi hotspots. Pickup is usually at the host's home address in or near Owatonna, with a 30 to 60 minute orientation walkthrough. Many hosts also offer delivery to local campgrounds for a per-mile fee, and a few accept one-way trips on request. Mileage policies are listed up front on every rental. Pro tip: bundle delivery, setup, and a linen package so you arrive at River View Campground with nothing to do but pour a drink and start the campfire.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Owatonna%2C%20MinnesotaHow does payment and the security deposit work on RVezy?
Payment is straightforward and secure. When you book an RV in Owatonna on RVezy, you pay through the platform with a credit or debit card, no cash to the host. A refundable security deposit is held separately from your booking payment and released after your trip ends, typically within a few days, assuming the RV is returned in the same condition. To avoid any holds, do the pickup walkthrough carefully, take time-stamped photos at pickup and dropoff, return with the same fuel and propane level, and empty the tanks per the host's instructions. Pro tip: ask your host for a quick written checklist at pickup so dropoff is a five-minute, deposit-back handshake.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksWhere can I park an RV overnight in Owatonna besides campgrounds?
You have a few solid options. The Owatonna Cabela's on 26th Street SW is well known for being RV-friendly and commonly allows overnight stays in designated areas of the lot with a quick courtesy check at the customer service desk, a favorite stop for travelers cruising I-35. The Flying J Travel Center on Bridge Street also welcomes overnight RV parking with fuel, dump station access, and 24-hour services. Street parking inside Owatonna city limits is not permitted overnight for RVs. For a real campsite feel, River View Campground is just a mile south of downtown. Pro tip: always ask permission at the customer service desk and arrive after 6 p.m., leave by 9 a.m. as a courtesy.
ci.owatonna.mn.us/Nearby cities with campgrounds
Minneapolis, MNCedar Rapids, IAApple Valley, MNHopkins, MNPrior Lake, MNRice, MNLong Lake, MNHiawatha, IAHudson, WIChamplin, MNRockland, WIDurand, WIMaplewood, MNSaint Anthony, MNCoon Rapids, MNSandstone, MNBecker, MNSaint Francis, MNSavage, MNBelle Plaine, MNFairfax, IAOtsego, MNLake Wissota, WIGlenwood, MN