Sakatah Lake State Park Campground

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.

Nice campground, good trails

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.

Best Bird Listening and Frogs

This was my third time camping at this campground and I love it more and more every time. It’s next to a lake so we can easily bring our kayaks with.

Good campground with private sites

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.

There is plenty to do for the outdoor enthusiasts

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. 

Nothing special - but a great quick escape from Minneapolis

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.

Beware of lots of trees. 

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! 





Close drive to Minneopa! 

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. 

Large sites, fairly private

Surprisingly extensive trails both inside and adjacent to the state park.

Awesome trails and amenities adjacent to large lake.

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.

Site #78

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. 

Beautiful place to tent

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. 

Short Ride South of MInneapolis

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.

Close to Twin Cities, Wooded sites

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. 

Not too far from 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.