Lake Shetek State Park and surrounding recreational areas span through southwestern Minnesota's prairie landscape, situated at approximately 1,500 feet elevation. The region features shallow lakes formed by glacial activity, with shorelines dotted by oak groves providing natural shade. Cabin camping options near Jackson, Minnesota typically remain available year-round with winter conditions requiring preparation for temperatures that can drop below 0°F.
What to do
Kayaking on Lake Imogene: Flying Goose Campground & Resort offers direct lake access with boat docks and sandy swimming beaches. "What a gem! We were there for a one night mid-week stay, and it was so quiet and calm because ~70% of the spots are taken by seasonal guests who are primarily at the campgrounds on the weekends," notes one visitor who appreciated having the beach entirely to themselves.
Historical exploration: The area contains significant pioneer history sites within short driving distance. "During the time I was here the wildflowers were in full bloom! Be sure to take the interpretive trail and discover all the wildflowers that grow here. Don't miss the historical monument near the entrance of the park," recommends a visitor to Sunrise Campground.
Disc golf and bike trails: Plum Creek Park Campground features disc golf courses and paved trails ideal for cycling. "There are nice trails around the lake and more in the lower unit. There is disc golf and kayak rentals and a small store where you can buy ice, firewood, souvenirs, and an ice cream treat," reports a recent camper who appreciated the recreational options.
What campers like
Spacious sites at state parks: Sunrise Campground receives consistent praise for its layout. "The sites in the sunrise campground were the largest we've ever setup camp on. We will definitely be back and recommend to all other visitors," notes one family who stayed for four days.
Clean facilities: Visitors frequently mention the well-maintained bathrooms and showers. "Bathroom/shower buildings are VERY CLEAN, well maintained and showers work great and have very warm water," reports a camper who stayed at Lake Shetek State Park, noting the flushing toilets in Sunrise Campground as a particular convenience.
Seasonal variations: Winter cabin stays offer a different experience than summer camping. "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 winter visitor to Oak Woods Campground.
What you should know
Boat traffic levels: Lake Shetek allows motorized boats which creates varied water conditions. "Lake Shetek allows motor boats and there was a lot of boat traffic. There are other resorts on this lake so it's very active. We brought our kayaks and enjoyed kayaking the lake, though there was always a pretty big wake and we stayed near the shoreline," shares a visitor who found alternative paddling spots.
Limited privacy at some sites: Not all campgrounds offer secluded sites. "The sites were very level, easy to get into, and had a nice tree providing some shade. Water pressure was good, no issues with electric," notes a visitor to Jackson KOA, though other campgrounds have different configurations.
Grocery access: Plan accordingly for supplies and groceries. "There is a small grocery store about 5 mins south of Jackson KOA, a Burger King right across the street, and a few gas stations," mentions a camper, while larger grocery stores may require longer drives from some campgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Plum Creek Park Campground offers multiple facilities for children. "This park features great sites, trails, a swimming beach, and playground equipment. The spots were very spacious and the park staff was very friendly," notes a visitor who found it excellent for children.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The area hosts diverse wildlife perfect for nature education. "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," reports a family who stayed in May.
Cabin selection for family size: Consider space needs when booking cabins. The larger cabins at Jackson KOA provide more room for extended stays. "Our site was level, dry and grassy. Could've ask for a better site. Mosquitoes where not an issue at this site," shares a family who found the accommodations comfortable.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing considerations: Sportsman Park offers RV sites with full hookups in some areas. "Perfect close to home campground. The lake provides plenty of opportunities for fishing and recreational water sports. Has a free bike rental on site and paved trails," notes an RV camper who enjoyed the amenities.
Variable site privacy: Some campgrounds offer more separation between sites than others. "The park is small, but very well maintained, and man, literally every person there was INCREDIBLY nice! Our site was level, easy to get into, and had a nice tree providing some shade," reports an RVer at Jackson KOA.
Seasonal closures: Most cabin rentals and campgrounds near Jackson operate seasonally, with limited winter availability outside state park cabins. "We stayed at the sunrise campsite for 4 days. It was one of the best camping trips our family of 5 have had to date," mentioned a visitor who camped during peak season.
