Lake Shetek State Park sits on the shores of Lake Shetek, the largest lake in southwestern Minnesota, offering multiple cabin camping options across its 1,419 acres. The park maintains 14 miles of hiking trails through prairie landscapes and oak woodlands at an elevation of approximately 1,600 feet. Winter temperatures can drop below 0°F while summer highs often reach the upper 80s, creating distinct seasonal camping experiences.
What to do
Fishing access points: Camden State Park Campground provides shoreline fishing along the Redwood River that runs behind several campsites. "Great trout stream, swimming, tubing, camping, horse trails, hiking... my kids loved it," notes one visitor to Camden State Park.
Hiking and biking trails: The region offers extensive trail networks for all ability levels. At Plum Creek Park Campground, "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."
Stargazing opportunities: The open prairie settings at several campgrounds provide excellent night sky viewing. A visitor to Lac qui Parle State Park noted, "While the campground lacks privacy, its wide open skies provide wonderful stargazing on clear nights. The openness was also great for watching groups of large birds (geese, turkey vultures, pelicans) wheeling overhead."
What campers like
Lake views from cabins: Many campsites at Oak Woods Campground offer excellent vantage points. "Spent the long Labor day weekend at Shetek in cart in site 7. About a two block walk into the woods. Site 7 is lakeside, but the steep embankment makes it feel a little farther away," reports one camper.
Clean facilities: Hygiene facilities are well-maintained throughout the region. At Sunrise Campground, a visitor observed that "Bathroom/shower buildings are VERY CLEAN, well maintained and showers work great and have very warm water."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds offer chances to spot local fauna. According to a camper at Oak Woods, "We saw turtles, deer, waterfowl and eagles during our stay." Bird watchers particularly appreciate the seasonal migrations at Lac qui Parle State Park.
What you should know
Spacing and privacy vary by campground: Some campgrounds offer more seclusion than others. At Lac qui Parle Upper Campground, "Lots of space between sites. There are not many trees so not much shade. Sites are gravel and relatively level, not much leveling required."
Cell coverage considerations: Network access differs by location and carrier. As one camper at Lac qui Parle noted, "Verizon cell signal is poor."
Grocery planning required: Stock up on supplies before arrival as stores can be distant. At Sunrise Campground, a visitor advised that "Stock up on groceries as large grocery stores are approximately 40 minutes away."
Tips for camping with families
Beach quality varies by season: Some swimming areas are better maintained than others. A visitor to Camden State Park noted, "The swimming pond looked nice, but it was too cold to use," while another camper at Plum Creek Park mentioned, "This year there was more goose poop on the beach than last time we were there and the beach had a lot of big ground wasps."
Winter cabin camping options: Cold-weather cabin camping creates unique family experiences. "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," shared a winter visitor to Oak Woods Campground.
Playground availability: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. Plum Creek Park Campground "features great sites, trails, a swimming beach, and playground equipment," making it particularly suitable for families with younger children.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Water and electric access differs between campgrounds and sites. At Pipestone Family Campground, "We had a pull thru spot, leveling was tricky. They let us put up a tent for no additional cost. I think it was around $25 night for full hookup."
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require additional work to level RVs properly. A visitor to Lac qui Parle Upper Campground noted, "Sites are gravel and relatively level, not much leveling required."
Dump station locations: Most parks provide sanitary dump facilities, but locations vary. Lac qui Parle has a "Dump station near entrance," while other parks may require driving to nearby facilities.
