The best dog-friendly camping near Mankato

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Looking for the perfect camping experience near Mankato, Minnesota with your furry friend? Look no further! Hipcamp offers over 260 options in the area that are pet-friendly. Enjoy the great outdoors with your four-legged companion at campsites like Prairie Creek Forest Campground (202 reviews), Bluff Hollow Camp on the Root River (157 reviews), and Daniel's Cabin Retreat (108 reviews). With popular amenities such as pets, campfires, and showers, and activities like whitewater paddling, climbing, and horseback riding, you'll have everything you need for an unforgettable camping trip. Prices start as low as $15 per night, with an average price of $40 per night. So pack your bags, grab your furry friend, and get ready for an adventure in the great outdoors!

94% (710) 105 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Mankato

2. Prairie Creek Campground

99%
(855)
42mi from Mankato · 7 sites · Tents
Thank you for a great 2025 Camping Season! This was our best year yet! We hosted more Hipcampers 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. Booking for 2026 is open. 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.
Campfires
Toilets
Potable water
from 
$27
 / night

16. Brookside Meadows

100%
(16)
48mi from Mankato · 3 sites · Tents
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!
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
$26
 / night

18. Cleary Lake Regional Park

46mi from Mankato · 1 site
Cleary Lake Regional Park offers a unique camping experience that caters to outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds, thanks to its diverse range of campsites. Nestled within the park, you'll find 25 tent-only sites, two RV sites equipped with full hookups, and three spacious group campsites, making it an ideal destination for families and friends looking to connect with nature. The park's expansive acreage provides ample privacy and a serene environment for campers. Visitors can explore the beautiful natural features surrounding the area, including scenic trails perfect for hiking and biking. For those seeking a refreshing dip, nearby swimming holes offer a perfect escape during warm summer days. In addition to outdoor activities, Cleary Lake Regional Park is conveniently located near local restaurants and shops, ensuring that you have everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a longer retreat, this campground is designed to make your roughing-it experience as easy and enjoyable as possible.

19. Winjum's Shady Acres Resort

23mi from Mankato · 1 site
Discover the unique charm of Winjum's Shady Acres Resort, where relaxation and adventure seamlessly blend. Nestled in a serene setting, our campground offers a perfect getaway for families and friends looking to unwind and explore the great outdoors. Conveniently situated just 40 minutes south of the Twin Cities and 40 minutes north of the Iowa border, Winjum's Campground Resort is an ideal vacation destination. We provide a variety of accommodations, including vacation rentals and seasonal RV sites, ensuring a comfortable stay for everyone. For those seeking a little more excitement, we also offer pontoon rentals, allowing you to explore nearby lakes and waterways. Our resort is surrounded by natural beauty, with swimming holes and outdoor activities just a stone's throw away. Enjoy hiking trails, fishing spots, and local attractions that showcase the best of the area. After a day of adventure, unwind at nearby restaurants and shops that offer a taste of local flavor. At Winjum's Shady Acres Resort, your perfect vacation awaits, combining relaxation with the thrill of outdoor exploration. Come and experience the tranquility and excitement that make our campground truly special!

Looking for the perfect camping experience near Mankato, Minnesota with your furry friend? Look no further! Hipcamp offers over 260 options in the area that are pet-friendly. Enjoy the great outdoors with your four-legged companion at campsites like Prairie Creek Forest Campground (202 reviews), Bluff Hollow Camp on the Root River (157 reviews), and Daniel's Cabin Retreat (108 reviews). With popular amenities such as pets, campfires, and showers, and activities like whitewater paddling, climbing, and horseback riding, you'll have everything you need for an unforgettable camping trip. Prices start as low as $15 per night, with an average price of $40 per night. So pack your bags, grab your furry friend, and get ready for an adventure in the great outdoors!

94% (710) 105 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Mankato

2. Prairie Creek Campground

99%
(855)
42mi from Mankato · 7 sites · Tents
Thank you for a great 2025 Camping Season! This was our best year yet! We hosted more Hipcampers 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. Booking for 2026 is open. 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.
Campfires
Toilets
Potable water
from 
$27
 / night

16. Brookside Meadows

100%
(16)
48mi from Mankato · 3 sites · Tents
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!
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
$26
 / night

18. Cleary Lake Regional Park

46mi from Mankato · 1 site
Cleary Lake Regional Park offers a unique camping experience that caters to outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds, thanks to its diverse range of campsites. Nestled within the park, you'll find 25 tent-only sites, two RV sites equipped with full hookups, and three spacious group campsites, making it an ideal destination for families and friends looking to connect with nature. The park's expansive acreage provides ample privacy and a serene environment for campers. Visitors can explore the beautiful natural features surrounding the area, including scenic trails perfect for hiking and biking. For those seeking a refreshing dip, nearby swimming holes offer a perfect escape during warm summer days. In addition to outdoor activities, Cleary Lake Regional Park is conveniently located near local restaurants and shops, ensuring that you have everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a longer retreat, this campground is designed to make your roughing-it experience as easy and enjoyable as possible.

19. Winjum's Shady Acres Resort

23mi from Mankato · 1 site
Discover the unique charm of Winjum's Shady Acres Resort, where relaxation and adventure seamlessly blend. Nestled in a serene setting, our campground offers a perfect getaway for families and friends looking to unwind and explore the great outdoors. Conveniently situated just 40 minutes south of the Twin Cities and 40 minutes north of the Iowa border, Winjum's Campground Resort is an ideal vacation destination. We provide a variety of accommodations, including vacation rentals and seasonal RV sites, ensuring a comfortable stay for everyone. For those seeking a little more excitement, we also offer pontoon rentals, allowing you to explore nearby lakes and waterways. Our resort is surrounded by natural beauty, with swimming holes and outdoor activities just a stone's throw away. Enjoy hiking trails, fishing spots, and local attractions that showcase the best of the area. After a day of adventure, unwind at nearby restaurants and shops that offer a taste of local flavor. At Winjum's Shady Acres Resort, your perfect vacation awaits, combining relaxation with the thrill of outdoor exploration. Come and experience the tranquility and excitement that make our campground truly special!

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field