Map showing campground location near Hayward, Minnesota

Camper submitted image from Backpacking Sites — Myre-Big Island State Park

Backpacking Sites — Myre-Big Island State Park

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Myre-Big Island State Park manages four hike-in backpacking sites situated along the water's edge, each equipped with a fire pit, picnic table, wood storage cabinet, and a nearby porta potty. The hike in covers roughly two miles with minimal elevation change, following either a grassy path or the paved Blazing Star Trail. Sites are also reachable by boat. Firewood is provided at each site, which matters since the park prohibits collecting it on your own. Sites 1 and 2 are more isolated; 3 and 4 are close enough for group use. Waterfowl, including pelicans, are active near the water. The Myre State Park Campgrounds option sits nearby for those who prefer drive-in access. The camp office closes at 8pm, so plan to check in before then.

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Map & DirectionsBackpacking Sites is located in Minnesota near Hayward

Public 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

Contact

General Info

Reservations

Drive Time

46 min from Rochester, MN
57 min from Mankato, MN
1 hr 19 min from Minneapolis, MN
1 hr 50 min from Waterloo, IA

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Reviews3 Camper Reviews - Backpacking Sites

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4.5

out of 5

3 Reviews

Chloe T.

Traveler

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

Rachel O.

Guide

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

(8) View All

Gerald

Traveler

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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