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Public Campground

Backpacking Sites — Myre-Big Island State Park

Description

Campground is open year-round
Arrive prepared. Go to mndnr.gov/myre for visitor alerts and seasonal updates.

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Location

Backpacking Sites — Myre-Big Island State Park is located in Minnesota

Detail location of campground

Address

19499 780th Avenue
Albert Lea, MN 56007

Coordinates

43.63928111 N
93.2869903 W

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Access

  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Reservable
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

Drive Time


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Reviews

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4.5

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3 Reviews

Reviewed Oct. 14, 2024

Beautiful and easy to get to backpacking sites

Sites are approximately 2 miles from parking and the hike it relatively easy with minimal elevation change. You have a choice between a grassy walk or walking mainly on tar and gravel as part of the Blazing Star Trail. They are also accessible by boat.

There are 4 backpacking sites and they are well-spaced so you each have privacy. #3 and #4 are close enough that you could be in a group together but #1 and #2 are pretty isolated. Each site has a fire pit, picnic table, wood cabinet/fish cleaning table, at least 1 flat spot for a tent, and a nearby porta potty.

Views of the lake are amazing with a variety of birds making appearances. Harvesting season may bring some farm sounds but otherwise, aside from the occasional train, you'll mainly hear the sounds of nature around you.

If you can make the walk carrying everything, including water, on your back, definitely check out one of these sites.

SiteSites #3 & #4
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Backpacking Sites — Myre-Big Island State Park by Chloe T., October 14, 2024
  • Review photo of Backpacking Sites — Myre-Big Island State Park by Chloe T., October 14, 2024
  • Review photo of Backpacking Sites — Myre-Big Island State Park by Chloe T., October 14, 2024
Reviewed Jul. 3, 2021

Bird Songs/Sounds Galore at BP1

You have to check-in at the camp office, which closes at 8pm. I didn’t realize this and arrived at 8:20pm and probably made the nice state park lady work late. Don’t be me.

This remote site is about a mile hike in from the parking area. Easy/moderate hike in. Saw 6 or 7 deer hiking in. At my site, BP1 or backpack 1 or R1, you have water access nearby so prep for the sounds of waterfowl. PELICANS! They flap loudly when entering or exiting the water. Very cool to watch. I wasn’t bothered by it, just a surprise. Other posts somewhere on the internet mentioned the interstate noise being an issue at this site-I did not have that experience. Occasionally, I’d hear the revving of someone’s extremely loud motorcycle or semi engine (maybe 5 times total) in the distance, but the nature sounds covered it for me. I woke up to so many bird sounds. The 2 crows were annoying but fortunately they took off and I got to hear the songbirds more clearly.

The site itself was very nice. Partially shaded, but also allowed for sunshine during the day. The park provides firewood at the backpacking sites, which is nice since this park has a no firewood collecting rule. Flat, clear areas to pitch your tent.

SiteBP1
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Backpacking Sites — Myre-Big Island State Park by Rachel O., July 3, 2021
  • Review photo of Backpacking Sites — Myre-Big Island State Park by Rachel O., July 3, 2021
  • Review photo of Backpacking Sites — Myre-Big Island State Park by Rachel O., July 3, 2021
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Sep. 15, 2020

Awesome campsite

Camped at a backpack site and it was pretty great. 2 mile hike to the site and the site was fantastic. On the water with lots of tree coverage.

  • Review photo of Backpacking Sites — Myre-Big Island State Park by Gerald , September 15, 2020

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to camp at Backpacking Sites — Myre-Big Island State Park?

Camping at Backpacking Sites — Myre-Big Island State Park can cost between $22.00 and $35.00 depending on the site.

Are fires allowed at Backpacking Sites — Myre-Big Island State Park?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Backpacking Sites — Myre-Big Island State Park, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

How hard is it to get a campsite at Backpacking Sites — Myre-Big Island State Park?

Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Backpacking Sites — Myre-Big Island State Park. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Backpacking Sites — Myre-Big Island State Park, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Backpacking Sites — Myre-Big Island State Park?

There are 5 campsites at Backpacking Sites — Myre-Big Island State Park and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts