Oak Woods Campground

For Minnesotans seeking a classic, comfortable camping experience with the added bonus of shade and a tranquil atmosphere, Oak Woods Campground in Currie is an exceptional choice. Nestled within the expansive and beautiful Lake Shetek State Park, this campground offers a beloved retreat for both seasoned campers and families alike. Unlike some more open campgrounds, Oak Woods is praised for its mature trees that provide ample shade, creating a cooler and more inviting environment during warmer months, while still offering convenient access to the abundant recreational opportunities of Lake Shetek.

Lake Shetek, the largest lake in southwest Minnesota, is the focal point of the state park, drawing visitors with its excellent fishing, opportunities for boating, and the unique presence of pelicans, which give the lake its Ojibwe name. Oak Woods Campground capitalizes on this prime location, offering many sites that are "next to the lake" and within "walking distance to the day use area," allowing campers to seamlessly transition from their site to the water's edge or trailheads. This accessibility, combined with the natural beauty of the park's mixed forests and prairies, makes it a highly desirable destination for those looking to immerse themselves in Minnesota's outdoors.

Reviews from real customers consistently highlight the strengths of Oak Woods Campground: "Overall a very nice campground," with sites that are "well shaded and fairly secluded." Visitors appreciate the feeling of privacy, even when the campground is full, thanks to its thoughtful layout. The cleanliness of the facilities, particularly the "decent bathrooms" and "great showers," adds significantly to the comfort of the stay, ensuring that even a rustic experience feels refreshing. Whether you're planning a quiet weekend getaway to unwind amidst nature, a family adventure with plenty of activities, or a base for exploring the rich history and diverse ecosystems of Lake Shetek State Park, Oak Woods Campground provides a welcoming and highly recommended setting for your next Minnesota camping trip.

Oak Woods Campground is located in Currie, MN 56123, USA. This places it firmly within Lake Shetek State Park, a significant natural and recreational area in northeastern Murray County, Minnesota. The park and its campgrounds are situated just a few miles north of the small, welcoming town of Currie, providing a convenient access point for visitors.

Accessibility to Oak Woods Campground is straightforward for most vehicles and RVs. The park itself is well-connected via state and county roads, making the drive from various parts of Minnesota, including the Twin Cities metropolitan area, manageable and scenic. Once inside Lake Shetek State Park, clear signage directs visitors to the Oak Woods section. The campground features drive-in sites, allowing campers to park directly at their chosen spot. While some inner ring sites might feel "a tad cramped and less private" as one reviewer noted, the "outer rings have some nice spots" that offer more seclusion and space, accommodating a variety of preferences. The overall layout is designed for ease of use, with amenities like restrooms and shower buildings conveniently located within the campground. The close proximity to the lake and day-use areas means that campers can easily walk to access fishing piers, boat launches, and trailheads, making the entire park readily enjoyable without constant reliance on a vehicle. This blend of drive-in convenience and walkable access to park features enhances its appeal for a relaxing and hassle-free camping adventure in Southwest Minnesota.

Services Offered:

• Campsite Types: Offers a mix of electric and non-electric sites, suitable for both tents and RVs. Some sources indicate 32 electric sites in Oak Woods Campground, with 20/30/50 amp service available.
• Picnic Tables & Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring with a grate for cooking.
• Modern Shower Building: Located within Oak Woods Campground, providing hot showers and flush toilets, praised by visitors for their cleanliness.
• Vault Toilets: Additional basic restroom facilities may be available in various sections.
• Potable Water: Accessible water spigots throughout the campground.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are welcome on a leash, with common park rules applying.
• Seasonal RV Dump Station: Available within Lake Shetek State Park (often at a central location, accessible to all park campers).
• Campground Host: A friendly and helpful host is often on-site to assist campers, as noted in a review.
• Access to Park Amenities: Campers have full access to all Lake Shetek State Park facilities and activities, including:
  • Boat Launch and Fishing Piers on Lake Shetek.
  • Equipment Rentals: Canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, rowboats, and fishing equipment are often available for rent at the park office.
  • Swimming Beach.
  • Visitor Center/Nature Store: For information, souvenirs, firewood, and ice.
  • Playgrounds and Recreational Areas.

Features / Highlights:

• Shaded Campsites: A primary highlight, with "sites are well shaded" thanks to mature trees, providing relief from the sun.
• Fairly Secluded Sites: Many sites offer a good degree of privacy, with reviewers mentioning a feeling of "plenty of space and privacy" even when full.
• Lakeside Proximity: Located "next to the lake" and within "walking distance to the day use area," offering easy access to Lake Shetek.
• Excellent Shower Facilities: Praised as "great" by visitors, contributing significantly to a comfortable stay.
• Access to Extensive Trails: Part of Lake Shetek State Park's 14-mile network of hiking and biking trails, including the scenic Loon Island Trail.
• Fishing Opportunities: Lake Shetek is known for excellent fishing for walleye, northern pike, crappie, and more.
• Wildlife Viewing: Opportunities to spot diverse birdlife (including pelicans) and other local wildlife.
• Historical Significance: Proximity to the Koch Cabin and Shetek Monument, offering educational insights into Minnesota's past.
• Friendly Campground Host: Contributes to a positive and welcoming atmosphere, as highlighted by a customer review.
• Overall "Very Nice Campground": Consistent positive feedback from visitors.

Contact Information:

Address: Currie, MN 56123, USA

Phone: (507) 763-3256

Mobile Phone: +1 507-763-3256

Oak Woods Campground is a component of Lake Shetek State Park. Therefore, for reservations, detailed information, and any specific inquiries, it is best to contact the Lake Shetek State Park office directly using the provided phone numbers. Reservations, especially for electric sites during peak seasons (summer and fall), are highly recommended and can typically be made through the Minnesota DNR's online reservation system. Park staff can assist with site availability, specific rules and regulations, and provide insights into current park conditions or activities.

Oak Woods Campground truly embodies what many Minnesotans look for in a state park camping experience. Its location within Lake Shetek State Park makes it a convenient and highly desirable destination for residents across the state, particularly those in the southern and western regions. For locals, the key appeal lies in its combination of natural beauty and practical comforts.

The "well shaded and fairly secluded" campsites offer a peaceful retreat, a welcome contrast to more open or bustling campgrounds. This allows for a deeper connection with nature and a sense of privacy, even when the park is busy. The accessibility to Lake Shetek itself, with the campground being "next to the lake and walking distance to the day use area," means that fishing, boating, swimming, and lakeside strolls are effortlessly part of your daily routine. The positive feedback regarding the cleanliness of the bathrooms and the quality of the showers ensures a comfortable stay, which is crucial for a relaxing outdoor getaway.

Whether you're a family seeking a quiet, activity-filled vacation, a couple desiring a serene escape, or an outdoor enthusiast ready to explore miles of trails and fish the vast lake, Oak Woods Campground provides an excellent base. It offers the quintessential Minnesota state park experience: beautiful scenery, engaging activities, and comfortable facilities, making it a highly recommended spot for our state's residents to create lasting outdoor memories.

Oak Woods Campground

Currie, MN 56123, USA