Myre-Big Island State Park sits on the shores of Albert Lea Lake at an elevation of approximately 1,250 feet, offering both wooded and prairie landscapes across its 1,578 acres. The park features a mix of seasonal camping options with sites spread across two distinct campground areas, including both mainland and island locations. Winter temperatures in the region can drop below zero, while summer months typically see highs in the 80s with occasional humidity.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: At Rice Lake State Park, visitors can spot diverse wildlife including barred owls and sandhill cranes. "We heard Barred Owls and Sandhill Cranes. The cranes flew over making strange LOUD calls. Cool," reports one camper. The park's 2.5-mile walking trail loops around the property, providing multiple viewing spots.
Biking excursions: The Sakatah Lake State Park connects to a state trail running 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!" writes one visitor. The paved trail extends through forests and open fields, though some sections need maintenance.
Geocaching adventures: Myre-Big Island offers free GPS rental for geocaching enthusiasts. "The park has 20+ miles of hiking trails through prairies, woodlands, and along the lake too! Plus the park offers geocashing (and free GPS rental), as well as canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, and a small fishing that can be rented!" notes a visitor. This activity works well for beginners and experienced geocachers alike.
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: Oakwoods Trails Campground provides secluded camping spots with natural shade. "Clean and well maintained campground about a quarter mile past owner's farm buildings. Campground was very nice with mature trees," writes one visitor. Another notes, "It almost seemed like the campground was an afterthought as it is outside the entrance gates and nowhere near the tower."
Clean, updated facilities: Many campers praise the quality of bathroom facilities near Albert Lea. "The bathroom/ shower facilities were very recently done," reports a visitor to Myre-Big Island. At Pilot Knob State Park, a camper noted, "Bathhouse was clean and showers were individual room with timed lights, motion sensors kept the shower interesting!"
Spacious campsites: Campers appreciate room to spread out at several parks. "Not super spacious but very comfortable distance between spaces. Well maintained dirt road in campground. Grassy and mowed. Nice big trees!" writes one visitor about White Fox campground. Another camper noted, "The camping sites are nice sized and relatively private. There is a gravel pad on each site and some have a tent pad."
What you should know
Weather and seasonal considerations: Spring and early summer camping around Albert Lea can bring challenging conditions. At Sakatah 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." Winter camping requires additional preparation as temperatures frequently drop below freezing.
Reservation requirements: The popular glamping options near Albert Lea require advance planning. "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," advises one visitor. For holiday weekends, sites at Clear Lake State Park fill "more than a week before the holiday."
Site selection factors: When booking at White Fox campground, sites vary significantly in privacy and setting. "We stayed on the mainland campground White Fox in site #78, bordered on 3 sides by trees and shrubs for privacy," reports a visitor. Another camper adds, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Family-oriented campgrounds provide play options for children. "Two playgrounds, the pool has two slides and a kiddie pool. Always something going on for the family!" writes a visitor to Kieslers Clear Lake Campground. At Clear Lake State Park, "the playground has nice, safe equipment for the little kids."
Swimming considerations: Not all lakes in the region are suitable for swimming. At Rice Lake, a camper noted, "There is also no place to swim at this lake which is a bit disappointing, but it is a very beautiful lake with lots of wildlife!" Clear Lake offers better swimming options with "easy access to the lake, and the town has so much to do during the summer months!"
Insect preparation: Bugs can be intense at certain times. "We were here in May and the bugs were awful (I get it, they're part of being out in nature). At one point I just had to yell 'RUN' at my partner as I fled with our dog because the may flies were swarming so thickly that it was all you could hear and see," writes one camper about their glamping experience near Albert Lea.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Large RVs may find navigation challenging in some parks. "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," advises an RVer about Sakatah Lake State Park. At Rice Lake, another notes, "The interior roads are dirt roads with a few potholes they are very narrow."
Hookup options: Full hookup availability varies widely between campgrounds. "Not the greatest for big RV's. OK lake access, good for padding and small boats," mentions one reviewer about Rice Lake. At the Albert Lea KOA, "Check in was quick, spots were easy to pull into, the bathrooms were really clean, and it was surprisingly quiet despite the proximity to the highway."
Leveling challenges: Some sites require additional work for RV setup. "Not all sites are level, and most do not have delineated parking pads (there is a small pavement indent to show where to access the site)," notes a camper at Pilot Knob State Park. Another reports, "The camper pads were a mix of dirt and gravel and mostly level."
