Lac qui Parle State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Lac qui Parle State Park is located on the western side of Minnesota and features river floodplains and prairie hillsides. This landscape, paired with Lac qui Parle Lake, makes a perfect home for numerous wildlife species and is a temporary landing spot for migratory birds in the spring and summer. Visitors can also enjoy traditional state park activities, including fishing, camping, hiking, and swimming.
Spring 20 - 71 F
Summer 56 - 84 F
Fall 22 - 74 F
Winter 1 - 27 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Lac qui Parle State Park
There is one campground within the park, Lac qui Parle Campground, which features 43 sites. Nine of these sites have full electric and sewer hookups, while 24 of them offer just an electric hookup. The remaining sites are basic sites with no electricity. The maximum RV length is 60 feet. The campground is divided into two loops, with a shower building in the middle. Campers will also find a fire ring with a grill, picnic table, water, and RV dump station in the campground. Your Pets are allowed to stay with you in the campground.
What to Do at
Lac qui Parle State Park
The park is open year-round and offers a wide variety of activities. However, Lac qui Parle Lake is the main attraction for most. Visitors can enjoy terrific fishing during the spring and summer months while enjoying the migratory waterfowl that stop at the park during the same timeframe. Hiking is another popular activity that everyone can enjoy as the terrain is mostly flat with a few rolling hills.
Fishing
Anglers can access Lac qui Parle Lake via two boat launches. Fishing is also popular near the dam, although this area is not part of the state park. Walleye, northern pike, bass, and bluegill are common catches.
Nature Watching
A designated scenic viewing area is south of the campground. It is accessible via the Upper Campground hiking trail and offers forest and lake views.
Stargazing
Lac qui Parle State Park is located in a remote location far away from light pollution. This makes the park a perfect place to lay out a blanket or set up a telescope at a picnic table for a fantastic evening of gazing at the heavens.
Fauna
Migratory waterfowl are the star attraction at this park, especially in the spring and fall seasons. Visitors can expect to see large numbers of geese, bald eagles, and whistling swans. While hiking, you may spot deer, chipmunks, and rabbits.
Hiking
There are two main hiking trails within the park. The trail in the day-use area is a 2.1-mile loop through mostly flat floodplain forest. The trail features mowed grass and bare dirt, making navigating easy. The Upper Campground Trail is 0.7 miles long. This trail showcases rolling hills and leads to Minnesota's largest recorded cottonwood tree.
Boating
A boat launch can be found on the west side of the lake. Canoes and kayaks are available to rent from the park if you want to paddle to Rosemoen Island.
How to Get to
Lac qui Parle State Park
Lac qui Parle State Park is located at 14047 20th St NW, Watson, MN 56295. If you are traveling to the park from Minneapolis, MN, you will need to take MN-7 W. After you pass the town of Blomkest, MN, you will encounter a traffic circle. At this traffic circle, take the 2nd exit onto MN-7/E Hwy 7/Theodore Christianson Dr. Continue along this road until you enter the town of Montevideo, MN. Turn right onto Canton Ave. Canton Ave will then turn left and become Co Rd 15/Smith Ave. Continue along this road and then turn right onto US-59 N. You will take this road for six miles and then turn left onto 1st St W/Minnesota Riv Valley Scenic Byway/Theodore Christianson Dr. You will drive along this road for 2.6 miles and then turn right onto 140th Ave NW and take a left-hand turn onto 20th St NW. Drive for another 0.4 miles and turn right. Drive another 0.1 miles, and you will see the park entrance on your left.
Entering Lac qui Parle State Park
The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. year-round. Once you enter the park, you will find two parking areas near the group campgrounds and a picnic area near the Lac qui Parle River. To get to the campground, you must take a right-hand turn onto MN-33 as soon as you enter the park. Once you are on MN-33, drive over the dam and take a left-hand turn onto MN-32. Take the first left-hand turn you see to enter the campground. If you make a left-hand turn upon immediately entering the park, you will head towards the boat launch and picnic area on Lac qui Parle Lake.
Minnesota State Park vehicle permit (daily) : $7.0
Minnesota State Park vehicle permit (annual) : $35.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Lac qui Parle State Park
The spring or summer months are the best time of year to visit the park. This is when the migratory birds are most active.
Birders can look forward to seeing a variety of migrating waterfowl, songbirds, and raptors when visiting the park. While exploring, you may also spot deer, coyotes, and rabbits.
Yes, there are designated RV camping spots in the park. There are some full hookup sites. Each has a fire ring and picnic table.
Yes, you must reserve a camping spot to stay at the park. Reservations can be made online. Basic campsites with no electricity are $23 per night, while a site with an electric hookup is $33 per night. The sites that include electric and sewer hookups are $43 per night.
Yes, pets are allowed at Lac qui Parle State Park but must be kept on a six-foot leash and under control at all times. Pets are not permitted in buildings.