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Public Campground

Big Island Campground — 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

Big Island Campground — Myre-Big Island State Park is located in Minnesota

Detail location of campground

Address

19499 780th Avenue
Albert Lea, MN 56007

Coordinates

43.62448232 N
93.2927628 W

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Access

  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Group
  • Cabins

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Reservable
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • 30 Amp Hookups

Drive Time


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Reviews

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5.0

out of 5

17 Reviews

Reviewed Dec. 1, 2025

Being outside is better than being on the couch

Met up with friends to get outside. They brought their dogs and we had a grand time. Windy weather kept us off the lake - there are canoes and kayaks for rent at the state park - but we took several walks around the island. We visited a nearby winery and we went geocaching around the area. Our friends’ site backed up to ours. A group of retirees in RVs were camped on three sides of us, and they spent the weekend hanging out together. One guy shared the PB rice krispie bars he made. They had clean bathrooms with showers. There was an outdoor dishwashing station, convenient for disposing of our washbasin full of gray water.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Big Island Campground — Myre-Big Island State Park by Karla J. B., December 1, 2025
  • Review photo of Big Island Campground — Myre-Big Island State Park by Karla J. B., December 1, 2025
  • Review photo of Big Island Campground — Myre-Big Island State Park by Karla J. B., December 1, 2025
  • (9) View All
Reviewed Sep. 1, 2025

Big Fun, Even With Closures

Big Island was nicely wooded, keeping a very cool temperature but with little cover from other campsites. Tent pad and fire pit were well maintained. Restrooms were well cleaned, if not exactly maintained (soap and Toilet paper ran light over the weekend, and spiders hung out after a cleaning). ADA accessible. Even with a few trails closed, plenty of trails to explore around the Big Island campground. Rented a tandem kayak from the ranger station, looked like one of the two kayaks, plenty of canoes for rent. Spotted pelicans, turtles, and birds along the shore. Campground host never came by, but the ranger was spotted twice once to keep hammock straps off a smaller tree. Mosquitos were out in full force during the cooler weather.

Site25
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Big Island Campground — Myre-Big Island State Park by Leni K., September 1, 2025
  • Review photo of Big Island Campground — Myre-Big Island State Park by Leni K., September 1, 2025
  • Review photo of Big Island Campground — Myre-Big Island State Park by Leni K., September 1, 2025
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Jul. 18, 2024

We loved it

We were here mid week and pretty much had the place to ourselves. Beautiful old growth forest with lots of shade. For July the bugs weren’t bad. After traveling across South Dakota and dealing with 100 plus temperatures with no shade this was a welcome change. The rangers and hosts were welcoming and helpful. The bathrooms and showers are ultra modern and clean. We are planing on stopping back here on our way home.

Site7e
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jun. 2, 2024

Nice Campground

Ok cell coverage for Verizon, no issues web surfing. Site 7E was larger with a good size and distance from others. Not the fault of the campground, bugs were in full force. Tons of tree coverage and very humid making it a great place for the little buggers. Would probably visit October/November when cold gets rid of them and the tree coverage. Hard to see the amazing views in the summer. Again, no fault of campground, just a consideration. Also, no real potty spots for pups. Either weeds/woods or muddy spots attempting to be grass/weeds. Best was around the showers/restrooms. Those were by far the shining gem of this campground. Fantastic bathing facilities. We’re self contained, so didn’t need it but my spouse did go use the restroom there instead of waiting. We peeked in the showers and they were really nice looking.

Site7E
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Dec. 6, 2023

Great Campground, Even in 20° Weather

We arrived after dark last night so we weren't able to see the gorgeous view until the sun rose! Luckily we woke up early and went for a walk right as the sun was coming up. It was quite cold, a little over 20°, but that meant the lake was frozen solid so we got to walk around on it! Tons of fun. Unfortunately the bathhouse, water spigots, and dump station were closed. That is not a super big deal since we have a camper. And it was publicized on their website about the dump stations being closed. The sites were spacious, the one we were in was non electric and a back-in site. But for $24 a night it was pretty nice! Especially would be worth it if more of the amenities had been open, but with how cold it is, it's very understandable that they would have them closed. There was still an outhouse with a vault toilet that was open. Unsure if there is a working sink because we did not use it. We had to call to make a same day reservation which was a tad bit annoying but the man on the phone was very helpful and nice so not bad at all.

Site6
Month of VisitDecember
  • Review photo of Big Island Campground — Myre-Big Island State Park by Erin G., December 6, 2023
  • Review photo of Big Island Campground — Myre-Big Island State Park by Erin G., December 6, 2023
  • Review photo of Big Island Campground — Myre-Big Island State Park by Erin G., December 6, 2023
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Aug. 22, 2023

Great spot in SE MN

We stayed at the Big Island Campground in the beginning of August. The sites seemed pretty large to us. My kids loved skipping rocks at the little shore at the entrance to the big island. You cannot swim in the lake but there are canoes and kayaks to rent. We really enjoyed our time here. Rangers were super nice and helpful. We hiked about 5 miles, saw a few deer and other animals. Bathrooms were very nice and clean. All of us that remembered to reapply bug spray didn't have any bites.

Site17E
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Big Island Campground — Myre-Big Island State Park by Mallory M., August 22, 2023
Reviewed Jul. 12, 2023

Nice wooded area off the highway

There are two campgrounds in this state park. We snagged the last open site on the island. There are a mix of families, older folks and even a youth group. Our site is fully shaded as are most others. There is a central shower house and a couple vault toilets in the two loops. The trail heads out around the edge of the island. It’s a little over 1 mile long. There are a bunch of small trails leading to some spots to sit along the water. We headed down each offshoot and enjoyed our visit. A paved trail leads back and ends up right across from our campsite. The weather is cool so we stayed an extra day. The place cleared out on Sunday night. We are the only ones in this loop. We would stay here again but not in the middle sites. We feel too much in view of everyone which causes some distraction for the dog.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Big Island Campground — Myre-Big Island State Park by Art S., July 12, 2023
  • Review photo of Big Island Campground — Myre-Big Island State Park by Art S., July 12, 2023
  • Review photo of Big Island Campground — Myre-Big Island State Park by Art S., July 12, 2023
  • (9) View All
Reviewed Sep. 18, 2022

This one is close to home for me

I've always considered myself blessed to have this state park so close to home. This is a beautiful, well kept state park. Now days if you plan to camp on the weekends you basically have to make a reservation here as it is usually pretty busy but even than if you can get a spot most of the sites are pretty private, you'll hear the other campers but especially in big island there's a good amount of growth between camp sites. I've camped here many times throughout my life because it's close to home and is super convenient for a quick overnight or weekend trip, it's only a few miles from home but once I'm out there and camp is set up it's an escape and it wouldn't matter if it was a few miles or a few hundred miles, it's spending time in nature. There's really nice hiking trails here and access to the lake for fishing. Both white fox and big island have new bathrooms that are very nice and updated.

Sitesite 9 this Time
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Big Island Campground — Myre-Big Island State Park by Andrew M., September 18, 2022
  • Review photo of Big Island Campground — Myre-Big Island State Park by Andrew M., September 18, 2022
  • Review photo of Big Island Campground — Myre-Big Island State Park by Andrew M., September 18, 2022
  • (10) View All
Reviewed Oct. 1, 2021

Camp on an island

We are camping here for one night. Site 14e. Nice large wooded site near the lake but with no lake view. Nice new shower building. Quiet tonight. We heard a Barred owl hooting. Campsites are spread out, with some trees separating and giving some privacy.

Site14e
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Big Island Campground — Myre-Big Island State Park by MARY K., October 1, 2021
  • Review photo of Big Island Campground — Myre-Big Island State Park by MARY K., October 1, 2021
  • Review photo of Big Island Campground — Myre-Big Island State Park by MARY K., October 1, 2021
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Jul. 3, 2021

Beautiful lake & campground

We stayed in site 4e on Big Island. Incredible views of the lake and sunset. A beautiful new restroom & shower facility. Water for filling tanks wasn’t available on the island but you could fill up at the adjacent campground. We’re not used to all of the bugs but if you are then it’s great!

Site4e
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Big Island Campground — Myre-Big Island State Park by Jennifer H., July 3, 2021
  • Review photo of Big Island Campground — Myre-Big Island State Park by Jennifer H., July 3, 2021
  • Review photo of Big Island Campground — Myre-Big Island State Park by Jennifer H., July 3, 2021
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Jun. 18, 2021

Great spots, new facilities, and easy access to lake.

This review is for the campground on Big Island, we stayed in spot 21.

The spots are very well maintained, but close to neighbors. The facilities are brand new, and very clean. Had a toilet, shower, and dish washing area. The park office does sell firewood and other things, so definitely take a look when you check in!

We dropped our kayak into the lake at the boat launch, which was a 2 minute drive to the other side of the island from the campsite. The lake was great, and calm.

We really enjoyed it here! Except for the mosquitoes, so pack repellent!

Site21
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Big Island Campground — Myre-Big Island State Park by Gene Z., June 18, 2021
  • Review photo of Big Island Campground — Myre-Big Island State Park by Gene Z., June 18, 2021
Reviewed Mar. 27, 2021

Amazing sunsets on the lake

Amazing sunset views on the lake. I’m here during hibernating season for the mosquitoes so it’s very pleasant but I can imagine it’s not pretty during the summer!!

Reviewed Sep. 27, 2019

Lovely Campsite

We were passing through and needed a place to camp for the night. The camp hostess was so friendly and helped us get a perfect camp spot for our needs. Very quiet and clean. Wish we could have stayed longer.

Reviewed Jul. 18, 2018

Love this campground!

Myre Big Island has two beautiful campgrounds with shady, private campsites and the lake is great for kayaking. The people who work there are incredibly kind and welcoming.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Big Island Campground — Myre-Big Island State Park by Tara H., July 18, 2018
Reviewed Jul. 15, 2018

Great camping!

Restrooms were very clean and had fabulous showers! Sites didn’t seems to be very level, but we eventually got our rig leveled. Staff was very nIce! Beautiful area!

Reviewed Jun. 6, 2018

Quite and clean

We loved the quietness of the campsite. We were able to hike the great trail system and buzz into town when we needed to.

  • Review photo of Big Island Campground — Myre-Big Island State Park by Kyle B., June 6, 2018
  • Review photo of Big Island Campground — Myre-Big Island State Park by Kyle B., June 6, 2018
Reviewed Mar. 21, 2017

Camp on the Island for Shade and Trees

The car camping sites at this park are nice and well-shaded with a constant cool breeze to beat the heat. The hiking trail on the island is cute as well. One thing to be aware of, is there are a bunch of raccoons who have figured out this is the place to go for food so be sure to pack up all food before going to sleep at night.

The near by town is also nice and fun to stop by for lunch.

  • Review photo of Big Island Campground — Myre-Big Island State Park by Amber S., March 21, 2017

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Camping at Big Island Campground — Myre-Big Island State Park can cost between $24.00 and $85.00 depending on the site.

Does Big Island Campground — Myre-Big Island State Park have RV hookups?

According to TheDyrt.com, Big Island Campground — Myre-Big Island State Park has 30 amp electric hookups.

What is the max vehicle length at Big Island Campground — Myre-Big Island State Park?

Big Island Campground — Myre-Big Island State Park allows vehicles up to 45 feet.

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

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Big Island Campground — 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 Big Island Campground — 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 Big Island Campground — Myre-Big Island State Park. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Big Island Campground — 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 Big Island Campground — Myre-Big Island State Park?

There are 34 campsites at Big Island Campground — 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