New campground proposed for site south of Mankato

A new Jones Ford Campground is being proposed south of Mankato, Minnesota, on a 57-acre site created from woods and a former aggregate mine area near Hawthorn Road (County Road 90) and off Hemlock Road (County Road 33). Work is continuing, and the project’s Facebook page says the campground is planned to open in 2027. The property includes a former mine that received a conditional use permit in 2011 and operated crushing aggregate until 2025, covering 29 acres. The plan includes 45 RV campsites, hookups for electricity and water (and, on the northern portion, electricity, sewer and water), accessible showers and restrooms, a camp store, recreation courts, and a fenced dog area.