Glacial Lakes State Park Campground sits among rolling prairie landscape near Starbuck, Minnesota, about 26 miles from Sunburg. The park maintains two separate campgrounds—Oak Ridge and Lower Campground—with Oak Ridge offering more privacy and scenic views of the surrounding hills. Winter camping is available with one electric site open during colder months, though bathrooms and shower facilities close seasonally.
What to do
Paddleboarding on clear waters: Glacial Lakes State Park Campground features exceptional water sports opportunities on its pristine lake. "The lake water was crystal clear and glass like calm," notes one visitor who particularly enjoyed stand-up paddleboarding. The park offers equipment rentals during summer months.
Winter recreation and snowshoeing: Lake Carlos State Park maintains winter camping options and seasonal activities. "We headed to Lake Carlos for their candlelight ski, this was our first visit to this state park. They offer a large number of ski trails so we xcountry skied before dark. At dark we headed to the candlelight event," a camper reports about their winter experience.
Fishing at Games Lake: Games Lake County Park provides excellent fishing opportunities as part of the Norway chain of lakes. "This is a nicely forested family-oriented campground on the shores of Games Lake. It has easy access to it as well as the Glacial Lakes bike trail, plus is set on a nice lake with fishing, boating, and swimming available," explains a visitor who appreciates the water access.
What campers like
Prairie hiking with views: Memorial Park offers trails with panoramic views. "Across from river, 3 minutes from town but you'd never know it," notes one camper who appreciated the quiet setting despite proximity to Granite Falls. The campground features a mix of reservable and first-come sites.
Clean, modern yurt accommodations: Lac qui Parle County Park provides modern yurt camping near Sunburg, Minnesota with scenic overlooks. "We had a lovely weekend overlooking Lac Qui Parle from our campsite. The lack of mature trees on the upper campground bluffs is a plus. A gentle breeze keeps the bugs down and allows for nice views," reports a visitor who stayed at this park.
Lakefront campsites: Lake Ripley County Park Campground features premium waterfront sites with strategic landscaping. "Most of the sites here are lakefront. They have you park your vehicle behind a row of bushes to help keep the view clear for everybody," explains one camper, highlighting the thoughtful design that maintains water views for all visitors.
What you should know
Bug preparation essential: Prairie camping requires proper insect protection, particularly in summer months. "Site was a bit buggy, but very manageable with bug spray and a Thermacell. The bugs on the hiking trails were unrelenting even with lots of deet bug spray," reports a Glacial Lakes visitor who cut their hiking plans short due to insects.
Limited shade in prairie sites: Open camping areas mean less protection from sun and wind. "No shade or shelter is provided. Right next to water but it will clog up your water filter if you're using one," notes a backpacker about prairie camping conditions. Consider bringing portable shade structures during summer visits.
Water level fluctuations: Seasonal changes affect lake access points. "The lake was really high when we visited, which led to a useless campground fishing pier and a boat dock that you had to swim to to use. There was no beach, but there may have been if the water level was normal," explains a camper about changing conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Playground and beach amenities: Lake Carlos State Park Campground offers family-friendly facilities. "Lots of sites with and without electricity. Sites are spacious with close access to the lake from any of the lower campground sites. Large beach area for swimming and pylons to tie up boats. Good trail system and a great swimming area," notes a family who appreciated the comprehensive facilities.
Consider wildlife viewing opportunities: Several parks offer beaver watching possibilities. "We saw beavers swimming; They were not fearful of campers," reports one visitor about wildlife encounters that children typically enjoy.
Reserve early for popular sites: Lake access sites book quickly, especially during summer months. "We booked our stay at the Lower Campground on a whim as it was one of the only campsites available in MN on a two week notice during Covid. It turned out to be a pleasant surprise!" shares a camper who found a last-minute opening.
Tips from RVers
Level sites with good amenities: Andes RV Park provides newly developed facilities for comfortable stays. "Nice, new rv park. Not far off I-94. Spent 1 night, but slept well due to no noise. Golf cart rentals, and trails from the park," reports an RV camper who appreciated the convenient location and quiet atmosphere.
Electrical service options: Memorial Park offers modern electrical hookups for RVs. "Hard surface parking with grass surround and gravel picnic table area. Newer power 30 and 50 amp. Good att cell signal but no satellite view in most sites. Current RV rate is $22. Fairly level sites," notes an RVer about the practical details of staying at this campground.
Cell service considerations: Coverage varies by location and provider. "We have a 26' travel trailer and got 2 bars of T-Mobile 5G service," reports a camper at Lac qui Parle County Park, where yurt camping near Sunburg, Minnesota offers both rustic experiences and modern connectivity options depending on your service provider.
