Lake Shetek State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Comprising 1,109 acres in southwestern Minnesota, Lake Shetek State Park is a picturesque natural area known for its lush scenery, recreational offerings, and historical significance. Located on the shores of Lake Shetek, the park is home to several historical sites relating to the Dakota War of 1862, including a log cabin and monument. In addition to its namesake reservoir, Lake Shetek State Park consists mostly of wetlands and rolling hills, and visitors can enjoy a variety of land and water-based activities. Lake Shetek State Park has a relatively cool climate; the area can reach single-digit temperatures during the winter, and it rarely gets hotter than 80 during the summer. There's also a fair bit of snowfall during the winter months and occasional rainfall throughout the year.
Spring 26-74 F
Summer 54-83 F
Fall 19-66 F
Winter 4-34 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Lake Shetek State Park
Lake Shetek State Park Campground features 70 single-family campsites as well as four cabins available for rental. Sixty-four of the campsites are designated RV sites; there are 32 with full hookups and 32 with only electrical hookups. Campsites at the park can accommodate RVs as large as 72 feet, and guests have access to an on-site seasonal RV dump station. Although the park's campground doesn't offer Wi-Fi connectivity, there are quite a few available amenities, including drinking water, flush toilets, showers, and a bathhouse. Additionally, the campground offers a fire pit and fire rings, equipment rentals, barbecue grills, picnic tables, and firewood. Lake Shetek State Park Campground is also a pet-friendly camping area.
What to Do at
Lake Shetek State Park
There are recreational activities to enjoy both in the waters of Lake Shetek and on the surrounding land. For those who prefer water-based fun, the park is a great destination for a day of boating, swimming, or angling for a variety of game fish. During winter, the lake becomes a fairly popular spot for ice fishing. If you want to stay dry during your visit, one quality option is to explore the park's extensive network of hiking and biking trails. History buffs visiting Lake Shetek State Park will want to check out the fascinating Koch Cabin and browse the interpretive displays at the on-site visitor center. Other recreational options at the park include wildlife viewing, bird-watching, camping, and picnicking.
Fishing
Fishing is one of the most popular activities at Lake Shetek State Park. Visitors who cast their fishing lines in Lake Shetek regularly reel in perch, northern pike, walleye, crappie, bullhead, and channel catfish. If you partake in ice fishing during the winter, you'll have a great chance to catch a few crappie.
Geocaching
Geocaching is permitted at Lake Shetek State Park, and the area's scenic trails harbor some excellent spots to search for hidden geocaches.
Nature Watching
Lake Shetek State Park is inhabited by a wide variety of interesting creatures. On the park's trails, you may spot foxes, white-tailed deer, coyotes, and various other small mammals. If you're a bird-watching enthusiast, you'll want to keep your eyes open for waterfowl like herons, ducks, and white pelicans.
Stargazing
Because Lake Shetek State Park offers such a wonderful setting for stargazing, the park periodically hosts special stargazing events.
Flora and Fauna
A good section of Lake Shetek State Park is comprised of northern hardwood forest, featuring elm, oak, ash, basswood, and hackberry trees.
Hiking
The park boasts a 14-mile network of scenic hiking trails. One of the most popular routes is a 1.5-mile interpretive trail that takes visitors around Loon Island. There's also a long paved loop that's great for leisurely family walks.
Boating
Lake Shetek State Park is a fantastic boating destination, and the park's drive-in boat landing offers direct access to the reservoir. Additionally, the park offers rentals of kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, rowboats, and paddleboats.
Swimming
Located near the picnic area and beach house, the park features a small swimming area, offering the perfect place to go for a dip during the summer.
Biking
Several of the trails around Lake Shetek State Park can accommodate bikes. The most popular biking route is the aforementioned paved trail, which is 6 miles long and tends to be fairly crowded.
How to Get to
Lake Shetek State Park
Lake Shetek State Park is located at 163 State Park Rd in Currie, MN. To reach the park from Marshall, MN, travel south on US-59 for about 27 miles. Next, take a left onto State Hwy 30 followed by another left onto 1st St. Turn left again onto Mill St, continue onto Co Hwy 38, and take a left onto State Park Rd. This will take you into Lake Shetek State Park.
Entering Lake Shetek State Park
Lake Shetek State Park is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and there is ample parking available around the camping areas. Visitors are permitted to enter the park on foot, and the park does provide accommodations for disabled guests.
Lake Shetek State Park Entry Fee (daily) : $7.0
Lake Shetek State Park Entry Fee (annual) : $35.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Shetek State Park
For the most comfortable conditions, the ideal times to visit Lake Shetek State Park are during the summer months, when the weather is warm and pleasant. If you enjoy activities like snowmobiling and ice fishing, the winter is also a wonderful time to visit the park.
Lake Shetek State Park is home to numerous wildlife species, including white-tailed deer, beavers, fox squirrels, groundhogs, and muskrats. The area is also inhabited by many birds, such as white pelicans, warblers, herons, and spotted sandpipers.
Yes, of the 70 single-family campsites at Lake Shetek State Park Campground, 64 are designated RV sites with hookups.
Yes, you can make your reservation online or over the phone. There may be a nominal fee required to reserve your campsite.
Pets are welcome at Lake Shetek State Park, but dogs must be licensed, tagged, and vaccinated before entering. They must also be well-mannered and kept on leashes of no more than 6 feet at all times. It's advised that pet owners bring dog bags and water with them when bringing their animals to the park.