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Established Camping

Myre State Park Campgrounds

Big Island Campground, near Albert Lea, Minnesota, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying modern conveniences. With spacious, shaded sites and a beautiful old-growth forest, it’s a refreshing escape, especially after long drives through hotter regions.

The campground boasts clean, modern bathrooms and showers that visitors rave about, making it easy to stay comfortable during your stay. Many campers have enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere, with one noting, “We were here mid-week and pretty much had the place to ourselves.” The availability of electric hookups and drinking water adds to the convenience, ensuring you have what you need for a pleasant camping experience.

Outdoor activities abound, with hiking trails that lead you around the scenic island and opportunities for canoeing and kayaking on the lake. Campers have spotted deer and other wildlife while exploring, and the chance to skip rocks along the shore is a hit with families. If you’re planning a visit, keep in mind that the bugs can be a bit pesky in the summer, so bringing some bug spray is a good idea.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weekend getaway or a longer retreat, Big Island Campground offers a blend of relaxation and adventure that makes it a great choice for your next camping trip.

Description

State Park

This park has something for everyone. The trails take visitors around wet lowlands, oak savanna, and grasslands. Albert Lea Lake and park marshes draw hundreds of waterfowl during migration. Oak savanna and prairie landscape, including wetlands, dominate most of the park. One of the more unique aspects of the park is the 116-acre Big Island, covered with maple/basswood forest. Another is the glacial esker located in the northeast section of the park.

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Location

Myre State Park Campgrounds is located in Minnesota

Detail location of campground

Directions

Located 3 miles southeast of Albert Lea on County Highway 38. Interstates 90 and 35 intersect just north of Albert Lea. Both interstates have signs directing visitors to the park. From Interstate 35: Take exit 11, turn east on Freeborn County Road 46. Follow County Road 46 for 1/2 mile then turn south on Freeborn County Road 38 and continue on County Road 38 for 1 1/2 miles to park entrance. From Interstate 90: Take Interstate 35 South and follow above directions.

Address

19499 780th Ave
Albert Lea, MN 56007

Coordinates

43.64038977 N
93.29359867 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Good
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Cabins

Features

For Campers

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

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • 30 Amp Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

Reviews

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5.0

out of 5

19 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 Myre State Park Campgrounds by Chloe T., October 14, 2024
  • Review photo of Myre State Park Campgrounds by Chloe T., October 14, 2024
  • Review photo of Myre State Park Campgrounds by Chloe T., October 14, 2024
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 Myre State Park Campgrounds by Erin G., December 6, 2023
  • Review photo of Myre State Park Campgrounds by Erin G., December 6, 2023
  • Review photo of Myre State Park Campgrounds 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 Myre State Park Campgrounds 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 Myre State Park Campgrounds by Art S., July 12, 2023
  • Review photo of Myre State Park Campgrounds by Art S., July 12, 2023
  • Review photo of Myre State Park Campgrounds 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 Myre State Park Campgrounds by Andrew M., September 18, 2022
  • Review photo of Myre State Park Campgrounds by Andrew M., September 18, 2022
  • Review photo of Myre State Park Campgrounds 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 Myre State Park Campgrounds by MARY K., October 1, 2021
  • Review photo of Myre State Park Campgrounds by MARY K., October 1, 2021
  • Review photo of Myre State Park Campgrounds by MARY K., October 1, 2021
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Sep. 13, 2021

A perfect group camp

The little island group camp is a hidden gem- a whole island to yourself! The weekend was very cold - middle of May. But there was a lot of hiking to do. I'd recommend trying to snag this spot later in the summer when the lake is more inviting. But we did see lots of migratory birds over the weekend.

SiteLittle Island Group Camp
Month of VisitMay
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 Myre State Park Campgrounds by Rachel O., July 3, 2021
  • Review photo of Myre State Park Campgrounds by Rachel O., July 3, 2021
  • Review photo of Myre State Park Campgrounds by Rachel O., July 3, 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 Myre State Park Campgrounds by Jennifer H., July 3, 2021
  • Review photo of Myre State Park Campgrounds by Jennifer H., July 3, 2021
  • Review photo of Myre State Park Campgrounds 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 Myre State Park Campgrounds by Gene Z., June 18, 2021
  • Review photo of Myre State Park Campgrounds 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. 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 Myre State Park Campgrounds by Gerald , September 15, 2020
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 Myre State Park Campgrounds 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 Myre State Park Campgrounds by Kyle B., June 6, 2018
  • Review photo of Myre State Park Campgrounds 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 Myre State Park Campgrounds by Amber S., March 21, 2017

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does Myre State Park Campgrounds have RV hookups?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Myre State Park Campgrounds has 30 amp electric hookups, water hookups and sewer hookups.

  • What is the max vehicle length at Myre State Park Campgrounds?

    Myre State Park Campgrounds allows vehicles up to 60 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Myre State Park Campgrounds?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Myre State Park Campgrounds, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Myre State Park Campgrounds?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is good, and T-Mobile is unknown.