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Camping

Established Camping

Sakatah Lake State Park Campground

Sakatah Lake State Park Campground, near Waterville, Minnesota, is a solid choice for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle without straying too far from the Twin Cities. With a mix of tent, RV, and cabin accommodations, it caters to a variety of camping styles, making it easy to find your perfect spot.

The campground is surrounded by wooded sites that provide a nice amount of shade and privacy. Many visitors have noted the well-spaced sites, which help create a more relaxed atmosphere. As one camper mentioned, “The sites are generously sized, with the sites farther off the road being a bit larger.” You’ll also find picnic tables and fire rings at each site, perfect for evening gatherings around the fire.

For those who enjoy outdoor activities, the Sakatah Singing Hills paved trail runs through the park, offering great opportunities for hiking and biking. Campers have appreciated the clean facilities, including restrooms and showers, which make for a comfortable stay. Plus, if you’re in the mood for a little adventure, nearby towns like Faribault offer antique shopping and local distilleries to explore.

While the campground is close to the highway, it still provides a peaceful retreat for families and nature lovers alike. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer stay, Sakatah Lake State Park Campground has plenty to offer for a memorable camping experience.

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Location

Sakatah Lake State Park Campground is located in Minnesota

Detail location of campground

Directions

Park entrance is located on State Highway 60, 14 miles west of Faribault, or one mile east of State Highways 13 and 60 in Waterville.

Address

50499 Sakatah Lake State Park Rd
Waterville, MN 56096

Coordinates

44.21902721 N
93.53189597 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

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

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

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

For Vehicles

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

Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

23 Reviews

Reviewed Nov. 22, 2022

Great campground close to the Twin Cities

This is a great campground within an hour's drive of the Twin Cities.  Nice hiking and sites well spaced out.  Beautiful in the fall!  Only negative to our site was a fairly steep incline to back our trailer up.  Made for more difficult but not impossible leveling, perfect site otherwise.

Site36E
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Sakatah Lake State Park Campground by Lindsay T., November 22, 2022
  • Review photo of Sakatah Lake State Park Campground by Lindsay T., November 22, 2022
  • Review photo of Sakatah Lake State Park Campground by Lindsay T., November 22, 2022
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Oct. 25, 2022

Not too far from twin cities

Great place to camp and get away from the cities without a long drive. Firewood is available at the office and a fire ring is at each site as well as picnic table.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Sakatah Lake State Park Campground by Tori K., October 25, 2022
  • Review photo of Sakatah Lake State Park Campground by Tori K., October 25, 2022
Reviewed Sep. 1, 2022

Close to Twin Cities, Wooded sites

Beautiful, small state park less than an hour south of Twin Cities. Sites are wooded and shady but some are close to neighboring sites. Not too many mosquitos or flies for August in Minnesota! Sakatah Singing Hills paved trail runs through the park.  It was pouring on Saturday so most of the other campers checked out and we had the campground mostly to ourselves. Super friendly and helpful staff, clean restrooms. Faribault is 15 minutes away so we went antique shopping at Keeper's Antiques downtown and had cocktails at 10,000 Drops Distillery for rainy day activities.

Site29E
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Sakatah Lake State Park Campground by Patty M., September 1, 2022
  • Review photo of Sakatah Lake State Park Campground by Patty M., September 1, 2022
  • Review photo of Sakatah Lake State Park Campground by Patty M., September 1, 2022
Reviewed Jul. 31, 2022

Short Ride South of MInneapolis

Great park if you’re not looking to drive too far to enjoy a bit of nature. Wonderful hiking paths and biking paths.

Our site was nice a secluded and right next to the trail heads.

Only downside, if you’re looking for complete quiet, this isn’t the park. It’s next to the highway and there are residents that live on the lake that can be noisy.

Otherwise, wonderful park especially for families.

Site56
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Sakatah Lake State Park Campground by Eric T., July 31, 2022
  • Review photo of Sakatah Lake State Park Campground by Eric T., July 31, 2022
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Reviewed May. 4, 2022

Beautiful place to tent

Stayed here in April which was a little chilly but kept the bugs away (it’s a little swampy here). The trails seemed less travelers than other places but that may have been due to the early time of year. It’s serene and peaceful here with plenty of space between sites and clean latrines.

Site7
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Sakatah Lake State Park Campground by anne K., May 4, 2022
  • Review photo of Sakatah Lake State Park Campground by anne K., May 4, 2022
  • Review photo of Sakatah Lake State Park Campground by anne K., May 4, 2022
  • (7) View All
Reviewed May. 4, 2022

Site #78

The sight was slightly uneven but pretty private. We were here in mid April so the leaves were just starting to bud and the morning temps hovered in the upper 20s (F). This seemed like a lesser used park to me as the trails were not as worn out but this could be due to the early time of year we visited. I can see where the bugs would be bad later on as this is a very swampy area with lots of algae, ponds etc. A calm, serene place.

Site78
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Sakatah Lake State Park Campground by anne K., May 4, 2022
  • Review photo of Sakatah Lake State Park Campground by anne K., May 4, 2022
Reviewed Oct. 13, 2021

Simple

Simple camping, picnic table, fire ring & grate. It is well maintained.

Site2
Month of VisitOctober
Reviewed Oct. 3, 2021

Large sites, fairly private

Visited Sakatah Lake State Park to get some fall camping in. The drive from Minneapolis was an easy hour. The sites are generously sized, with the sites farther off the road being a bit larger. The sites are separated by a thickish bit of woods which provides more privacy. The sites are mostly gravel, and I bent a flimsy tent stake trying to pound it in the ground. The trails are not very long, but a nice walk. The Wapekute offers a semi-blocked view of Lake Sakatah, but also had a lot of stinging nettle and poison ivy very near the trail. The toilets were clean. Overall a really relaxing visit.

SiteDrive-In 6
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Sakatah Lake State Park Campground by Meg W., October 3, 2021
  • Review photo of Sakatah Lake State Park Campground by Meg W., October 3, 2021
Reviewed Jun. 14, 2021

Quiet and good ground

A friend and I used the bike in sites it was very nice, though finding trees for my hammock with in the designated sites was difficult.

Sitebike
Month of VisitMay
Reviewed May. 25, 2021

Close drive to Minneopa!

We stayed here while visiting Minneopa state park. The campground was nice. It was mid April so no water at the sites but had electric in ours. We were able to get potable water at the entrance. And firewood. Had great trails to walk and bike on. Sites are spaced out. Our 34’ trailer fit easily. Vault toilets on site. Bathrooms were closed (covid). The loops near the entrance had more shade. Spaces are large and accommodating!

Site29E
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Sakatah Lake State Park Campground by Tracy O., May 25, 2021
  • Review photo of Sakatah Lake State Park Campground by Tracy O., May 25, 2021
  • Review photo of Sakatah Lake State Park Campground by Tracy O., May 25, 2021
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Jan. 22, 2021

Beware of lots of trees.

Very nice park if your RV is not to big. I put our 38 foot 5th wheel in a site but you better be on your game here. Lots of shade and big trees. Love being on the bike trail and the hiking is fair. On the lake but you need to be in middle of this lake if you want to get wet. Unless you enjoy swimmers itch. Not even very nice fishing on the dock Unless you like green fish. As most State parks in MN you better get your reservation in early if you want a site with electric. If your good without. It's a great park.

  • Review photo of Sakatah Lake State Park Campground by Tim B., January 22, 2021
Reviewed Jun. 21, 2020

Nothing special - but a great quick escape from Minneapolis

Our site was a perfect tent-in site(site 15), as it was far enough away from the highway and other sites, so noise was minimal. The bugs were actually tolerable, which was an added bonus. Downsides were that the drinking water had consumption warnings, the modern restrooms were closed, and the lake isn’t swimmable. Otherwise there was some great hiking, and the park ranger was friendly and very prepared for COVID.

Site15
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Sakatah Lake State Park Campground by Matt C., June 21, 2020
  • Review photo of Sakatah Lake State Park Campground by Matt C., June 21, 2020
  • Review photo of Sakatah Lake State Park Campground by Matt C., June 21, 2020
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Sep. 4, 2019

A perfect getaway

Everything was beautiful. We camped for a week in southern Minnesota state parks, but this one is our favourite.

Reviewed Jul. 1, 2019

Nice campground, good trails

We got a last second site and stayed for just one night. The sites were great for tents and relatively shady, but an RV had some trouble in our loop and had to move to another site. Where we set up our tent was pretty rocky and hurt the feet when you stood barefoot in the tent even with an extra tarp, so be careful where you set your tent.

There is no swimming beach, but the ranger gave us directions to another beach nearby. Next time we visit we'll be sure to check that out. Early June is good as the bugs there aren't bad at all.

The trails were nice, wish we had brought our bikes to hit the Sakatah/Singing Hills trail, looked lovely! The fishing dock was fun for the little kiddos to visit.

Site22
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Sakatah Lake State Park Campground by Elissa W., July 1, 2019
Reviewed May. 27, 2019

There is plenty to do for the outdoor enthusiasts

We biked the Sakatah Singing Hills Trail from Faribault, MN to Mankato, MN (39 miles). The whole trail was paved, which was really nice and runs through hardwoods forest. We camped in Sakatah State Park and then explored the City of Mankato. Sakatah Lake is a relatively calm lake and seems like a great place to kayak.

They have 5 bike-in campsites near the trail. Other campsites include drive-in sites, electric sites, group sites, and camper cabins. The campsites are secluded just enough so that one feels like they are camping in the woods by themselves.  Unlike a lot of campgrounds, Sakatah State Park has its fire pits above ground. Very nice for keeping warm. Amenities at the campground include showers, flush toilets, vault toilets, dump stations.

  • Review photo of Sakatah Lake State Park Campground by GoWhereYouAreDraw N., May 27, 2019
  • Review photo of Sakatah Lake State Park Campground by GoWhereYouAreDraw N., May 27, 2019
  • Review photo of Sakatah Lake State Park Campground by GoWhereYouAreDraw N., May 27, 2019
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Sep. 29, 2018

Tons of nature!

Loved this park!! Very quiet and peaceful. Biked the trail. Campfires, hammocked and just enjoyed chillin!

Site29e
Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Sep. 12, 2018

Lovely, green campground with private sites and friendly rnagers

Sakatah Lake State Park campground is a lucious, green campground located near Sakatah Lake. There are quite a few sites. Most are private, but they are a bit crammed together in multiple loops so some sites are not so private.

The campground has friendly rangers with great recommendations and is located on a state trail that goes from Mankato to Fairbault. We had a great time from Friday-Sunday hanging out at the campsite, roasting marshmallows, riding bike on the state trail, and hiking around the lake!

Sakatah Lake is quite shallow so late season is at risk of algae bloom - the lake was pea soup green when we got there at the end of August, so go early in the season if you want to get on the water.

Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Apr. 25, 2017

Best Bird Listening and Frogs

I was so amazed with all the sounds of birds in this park. I heard Everything from Eagles, Canadian Geese and Swans to Woodpeckers and multiple song birds. I wish I could distinguish between them. Also the frogs and toads were adding their voices too.

  • Review photo of Sakatah Lake State Park Campground by Shelly S., April 25, 2017
  • Review photo of Sakatah Lake State Park Campground by Shelly S., April 25, 2017

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does Sakatah Lake State Park Campground have RV hookups?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Sakatah Lake State Park Campground has 30 amp electric hookups, water hookups and sewer hookups.

  • What is the max vehicle length at Sakatah Lake State Park Campground?

    Sakatah Lake State Park Campground allows vehicles up to 55 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Sakatah Lake State Park Campground?

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

  • Is there cell phone reception at Sakatah Lake State Park Campground?

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