Big Stone Lake State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Big Stone Lake is a long, narrow lake that extends for 26 miles on the border of Minnesota and South Dakota. Big Stone Lake State Park is a Minnesota state park that encompasses over 140 acres of land with regions of tall and mid-grass prairies, marshes and streams, and basswood forests, all situated along the banks of the lake. During the Ice Age, the area that the park now sits on was covered by the southern end of the glacial Lake Agassiz. Over time, the lake drained to create the valley of the park and surrounding area. In 1923, Minnesota’s Ray Chase, the state auditor, advocated for more Minnesota state parks to be established in the southern part of the state. With his help, Big Stone Lake State Park was established in 1961.
Spring 36-57 F
Summer 64-84 F
Fall 39-59 F
Winter 7-24 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Big Stone Lake State Park
Big Stone Lake State Park has 37 RV campsites that can accommodate RVs up to 48 feet long. The campground is open seasonally depending on the first and last snowfalls of the year, and 30-amp electrical service is available at all of the sites in the campground. Potable drinking water may also be available seasonally, and there are shower facilities available for campers to use. Pets are permitted at the campground so long as they do not disturb other campers, and generators are not allowed at any time due to excessive noise.
What to Do at
Big Stone Lake State Park
Big Stone Lake State Park offers kayaks and canoes for rent during the summer, and there are opportunities to go fishing not only in Big Stone Lake but also in the park's own fish-rearing pond. Highlights of the park in the summer and fall include views of the valley in which the park sits, and hikers can most easily see these views in the Overlook Area. This state park additionally has a picnic area on a beach that sits along Big Stone Lake and an interpretive center, called the Bonanza Educational Center, that is open to the public with appointments.
During the spring, Big Stone Lake State Park staff host many interpretive programs for all ages to attend, typically on weekends. The park office also offers binoculars for visitors to borrow when they want to go birding along the trails.
Fishing
Fishing in Big Stone Lake can be done on a boat or along the shore, and fish species of the lake include northern pike, walleye, largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish. Anglers who come to Big Stone Lake State Park can fish on the boat docks or along the beaches.
Hiking
The Bluebird Trail is a 0.8-mile double loop trail that can be accessed from the campground at Big Stone Lake State Park and features wildflowers in the summer. The Prairie Trail is a longer 3-mile trail that features woodlands, boardwalks, and valley views from the Bonanza Area. Hikers can also swap out their hiking boots for snowshoes to hike off-trail at the park during the winter.
Boating
There are two public boat launch areas within Big Stone Lake State Park, located near the fishing pond and near the campground. Both boat launches feature ramps that enter Big Stone Lake, and most of the campsites are large enough for RVs with boats to camp in.
How to Get to
Big Stone Lake State Park
Big Stone Lake State Park can be accessed via MN-7 from the east or west, and it is located 8 miles from Ortonville. To reach the park entrance from Ortonville, take MN-7 West/2nd Street Northwest for 7.8 miles. From there, turn left onto Meadowbrook State Park Road/State Park Road, which enters the park.
Entering Big Stone Lake State Park
Big Stone Lake State Park is open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. though the park office may not be open during all hours in the winter. Visitors should note that certain roads of the park are not plowed in the winter either. A day-use parking area is available near the fish-rearing pond, and additional parking areas are available for campers to use near the informational center.
Daily : $7.0
Yearly (One Vehicle) : $35.0
Yearly (Two Vehicles) : $61.0
Yearly (Handicapped Sticker) : $12.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Big Stone Lake State Park
The best time of year to visit this state park is in the summer and early fall since the park's campground closes in the winter. During the fall, visitors can also enjoy the vibrant colors of the park's changing leaves, especially in the forests of the Bonanza Area.
Deer are commonly spotted at this state park as are mammals like raccoons and ground squirrels. Birds of the park include wild turkeys, meadowlarks, sedge wrens, pheasants, bobolinks, and mourning doves.
The 37 campsites at Big Stone Lake State Park can accommodate RVs, and each of these sites offers 30-amp electrical hookups. This campground also offers a seasonal dump station and easy back-in campsite access.
Campers are encouraged to reserve a campsite at this state park in advance online or by phone to ensure a spot is available. The cost per night to stay at the campground is $23.
Pets are permitted at Big Stone Lake State Park so long as they are kept on a leash and monitored at all times. Pet owners are also required to pick up any pet waste and dispose of it properly while visiting the park.