BIG STONE LAKE STATE PARK CAMPGROUND

Nestled on the picturesque shores of Big Stone Lake, a true natural wonder that marks the headwaters of the Minnesota River, Big Stone Lake State Park Campground in Ortonville offers an unparalleled outdoor experience for locals across Minnesota. This state park is a cherished destination, known for its well-maintained facilities, stunning lake views, and abundant recreational opportunities. If you're looking to disconnect from the hustle and bustle and immerse yourself in the beauty of West Central Minnesota's diverse landscape, this campground provides the perfect setting for your next adventure.

Big Stone Lake State Park is unique, sprawling across three distinct areas – Meadowbrook, Overlook, and Bonanza – each offering its own charm and appeal. The campground, primarily located in the Meadowbrook Area, is designed to provide campers with comfort and convenience while maintaining a close connection to nature. It’s a place where you can wake up to the sounds of nature, enjoy direct access to the lake, and create lasting memories with family and friends. From fishing enthusiasts to avid hikers and those simply seeking a peaceful retreat, Big Stone Lake State Park Campground caters to a wide range of outdoor interests.

Big Stone Lake State Park Campground is conveniently situated at 35889 St Park Rd, Ortonville, MN 56278, USA. Its location in Ortonville places it at the very western edge of Minnesota, bordering South Dakota, and right on the namesake Big Stone Lake. This prime position makes it easily accessible for residents throughout Minnesota and a gateway to exploring the unique prairie and lake country of the region.

The park is comprised of three units that, while not directly connected by hiking trails, are within a reasonable driving distance of each other, allowing visitors to explore the diverse offerings of the state park. The Meadowbrook Area, where the main campground is located, provides direct access to the lake, a swimming beach, and the park office. The Bonanza Area, located further north, features a boat launch, picnic area, and an educational center. The Overlook Area offers breathtaking panoramic views of Big Stone Lake. The town of Ortonville itself is just a short drive away, providing access to groceries, local dining, and other amenities, ensuring that while you're immersed in nature, you're never too far from necessary conveniences. This accessibility, combined with the natural beauty, makes Big Stone Lake State Park Campground an ideal destination for your next Minnesota camping trip.

Services Offered:

• Campsites: The Meadowbrook Campground offers 37 campsites, including options with electric hookups.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table for your convenience.
• Fire Rings with Cooking Grates: Enjoy campfires and cookouts with the provided steel fire rings, complete with cooking grates.
• Modern Restrooms: Clean and well-maintained restrooms are available.
• Showers: Modern shower facilities are located near the information center, providing comfort during your stay.
• Boat Launch: The campground offers its own boat launch, making it easy for those bringing their boats for fishing or recreation.
• Dump Station: A convenient dump station is available for RV campers.
• Playground: A playground is on-site, perfect for keeping younger campers entertained.
• Drinking Water: Access to potable water.
• Firewood Sales: Firewood is available for purchase at the park office (availability may vary, it's recommended to check ahead or purchase from nearby certified vendors).
• Fishing Kits and Birding Kits for Rent: Don't have your own gear? The park offers rentals for both fishing and birdwatching.
• Canoe and Kayak Rentals: Explore Big Stone Lake by water with available canoe and kayak rentals during the warmer months.
• Accessible Features: The park strives to offer accessible amenities, including some accessible campsites, restrooms, and fish cleaning stations.

Features / Highlights:

• Lakeside Campsites: Many sites are located close to the lake, with some offering the unique opportunity to fish directly from your campsite.
• Well-Designed and Spacious Sites: Campers frequently praise the thoughtful design and generous spacing of the campsites, offering privacy and room to relax.
• Beautiful Lake Views: Enjoy stunning vistas of Big Stone Lake, especially at sunrise and sunset.
• Diverse Ecosystem: The park features a blend of lakeside environments, restored tallgrass prairies, and oak-basswood forests, providing diverse opportunities for exploration and wildlife viewing.
• Rich Wildlife: Home to deer, raccoons, pheasants, wild turkeys, and a wide array of bird species, including waterfowl and songbirds, making it a birdwatcher's paradise.
• Proximity to Big Stone Lake: The lake itself is a major draw, spanning 26 miles and offering excellent fishing for walleye, northern pike, bluegills, crappies, and largemouth bass.
• Hiking Trails: Explore several scenic hiking trails, including the Bonanza Area Hiking Club Trail and the Prairie Trail, winding through varied landscapes and offering wildlife viewing opportunities.
• Boating and Water Sports: Beyond fishing, the lake is ideal for recreational boating, water skiing, and windsurfing.
• Seasonal Activities: Enjoy activities like fossil hunting in the off-season, and geocaching is also available with handheld GPS devices for rent.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: The small, well-designed campground and presence of a playground make it very suitable for families with children.

Contact Information:

Address: 35889 St Park Rd, Ortonville, MN 56278, USA

Phone: (320) 839-3663

Mobile Phone: +1 320-839-3663

For Minnesota locals, Big Stone Lake State Park Campground represents an exceptional opportunity to experience the natural beauty and recreational richness of West Central Minnesota. Its convenient location in Ortonville makes it an accessible escape for many across the state, particularly those in the western and central regions. The campground's thoughtful layout, featuring spacious and often lakeside sites, ensures a comfortable and private experience, a key consideration for many seeking a true getaway. Whether you're a seasoned angler eager to cast a line in the renowned Big Stone Lake, a family looking for a safe and engaging environment for your kids to explore, or simply someone yearning for quiet evenings by a campfire under the vast Minnesota sky, this park delivers.

The blend of lake access for fishing and boating, coupled with diverse hiking trails through prairie and forest, means there's always something new to discover. The well-maintained facilities, including showers and restrooms, add to the convenience, allowing you to enjoy the wilderness without sacrificing essential comforts. Furthermore, being a Minnesota State Park, it offers a reliable and well-managed experience, with staff dedicated to preserving the natural environment and assisting visitors. Big Stone Lake State Park Campground is more than just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV; it's a gateway to outdoor adventure, relaxation, and a deeper appreciation for Minnesota's incredible natural heritage, making it a perfect destination for your next local escape.

BIG STONE LAKE STATE PARK CAMPGROUND

35889 St Park Rd, Ortonville, MN 56278, USA