The Currie area features gently rolling prairie landscapes interspersed with wetlands, situated at approximately 1,470 feet above sea level. Located in Murray County, the region sees typical Minnesota seasonal shifts with warm summers reaching 80-85°F and cold winters dropping to single digits. Campers often note the area's wind conditions, which can affect tent camping, particularly in open prairie sites.
What to do
Hiking trails: Lake Shetek State Park offers diverse terrain for hiking, including the popular Loon Island Trail. "We enjoyed the causeway that led to the 1-mile Loon Island Trail. We saw turtles, deer, waterfowl and eagles during our stay," shares a visitor at Oak Woods Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple parks provide fishing access on local lakes and rivers. "There are a few hiking trails in the state park (roughly 4 miles of hiking tidal) but I wouldn't say it's known for its hiking," notes a reviewer describing the emphasis on water activities at Oak Woods Campground.
Water recreation: Kayaking is popular across multiple lakes in the region. "We kayaked (a short Portage) to 2 smaller lakes that had no one on them. We were able to tie our boats to a tree below our campsite and scaled up the embankment," explains a camper from Oak Woods Campground, highlighting less crowded paddling options.
Historic sites: The area contains significant Laura Ingalls Wilder historical sites. "If you are new to camping this is the place for you. Nice facilities, close to town and it's like a backyard. It just outside of Walnut Grove and full of Laura Ingalls Wilder history," notes a camper at Plum Creek Park Campground.
What campers like
Natural wildlife viewing: The region offers opportunities to observe diverse wildlife. "We saw and heard many birds including songbirds, woodpeckers, geese, turkeys, pelicans, turkey vultures, and a nesting swan. We saw deer, squirrels, chipmunks, and a mink. We heard coyotes the first night," explains a visitor to Oak Woods Campground.
Swimming areas: Several parks maintain dedicated swimming areas. "This park features great sites, trails, a swimming beach, and playground equipment. There are seasonal spots and overnight/on-the-fly spots," shares a reviewer from Plum Creek Park Campground.
Local attractions: The Pipestone National Monument provides educational opportunities. "The national pipestone monument area is right across the road. Really neat interactive place to visit," notes a camper at Pipestone Family Campground.
Campground activities: Some RV parks organize community events. "Decent pool & showers, fun activities like bags tournaments and a potluck. We had a pull thru spot, leveling was tricky. They let us put up a tent for no additional cost," shares a visitor to Pipestone Family Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds operate from May through October with limited winter facilities. "We stayed in a Camper Cabin in this park in the wintertime. It was a great experience for our kids and a fun winter camping experience for mom and dad. The camper cabin was nice and warm and we even cooked our dinner over a fire at night," explains a visitor to Oak Woods Campground.
Site privacy levels: Campgrounds vary significantly in privacy between sites. "Sites in the lower campground are fairly close together and we didn't have cell service (Verizon), which wasn't a big deal," notes a camper at Camden State Park Campground about site proximity.
Noise factors: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby highways or train tracks. "There are nearby train tracks and trains ran by several times a day, though luckily they don't blow the horn so we didn't notice them much," shares a Camden State Park Campground visitor.
Reservation requirements: Many first-come, first-served campgrounds use honor system payment. "It's a first come place with no reservations and you pay on the honor system when you pull in. But full hook ups and easy back in parking. Great place for a over night!" explains a camper at Magnolia City Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple parks feature well-maintained playgrounds for children. "The playground was rated 'amazing' by our kids," notes a visitor to Magnolia City Campground, highlighting family-friendly facilities.
Kid-friendly water features: Swimming areas cater specifically to families with children. "This park features great sites, trails, a swimming beach, and playground equipment. There are seasonal spots and overnight/on-the-fly spots," shares a visitor to Plum Creek Park Campground.
Educational opportunities: Historical sites provide learning experiences for children. "My family does a annual family reunion camping once a year! We stayed here and it was beautiful! Perfect for all the kids off all ages, adults, grandparents...we had a really good time," shares a Camden State Park Campground visitor.
Site selection for families: Consider proximity to bathrooms and play areas with children. "Theres a tent site close to the playground and bathrooms perfect if you have kids," notes a Plum Creek Park Campground visitor.
Tips from RVers
Connection options: RV hookup availability varies significantly between parks. "We had a pull through with water sewer and electric for $29," notes a visitor to Adrian City Park, highlighting affordable full hookups.
Site leveling requirements: Some campgrounds require additional effort for leveling. "Campground was nearly full of local campers but the kids played great together. Decent pool & showers, fun activities like bags tournaments and a potluck. We had a pull thru spot, leveling was tricky," shares a camper at Pipestone Family Campground.
Internet connectivity: WiFi quality varies throughout rv camping near Currie. "The spots were very spacious and the park staff was very friendly. WiFi is a bit on the slow size and is paid for extra but better than nothing!" notes a visitor to Plum Creek Park Campground.
Off-season availability: Some campgrounds offer reduced services in spring and fall. "Was picking up my rv from south Dakota after getting repairs from a previous trip. So pulled a 2 and half day 1700 mile trip and ended upon this small gem of a campground that was open with full hookups on October 30th," shares a visitor to Magnolia City Campground.
