Twin Lakes Park

For Minnesotans seeking a clean, well-maintained, and increasingly modern camping experience, Twin Lakes Park in Ruthton, Minnesota, offers a compelling option. This Lyon County Park, nestled between East and West Twin Lakes, has undergone significant developments in recent years, transforming it into a highly appealing destination for both RV and tent campers. While some past visitors might remember an earlier version of the park, recent improvements have brought about cleaner facilities and enhanced amenities, making it a great choice for families, anglers, and anyone looking to enjoy the beauty of Southwest Minnesota.

Twin Lakes Park is situated at 1097 Co Rd 51, Ruthton, MN 56170, USA. This location places it in the southwestern corner of Lyon County, in Shelburne Township, between the two namesake bodies of water: East Twin Lake and West Twin Lake. While Ruthton is a smaller community, the park provides a tranquil rural setting that's still conveniently accessible.

The park's proximity to these two lakes is a significant draw, offering direct access for various water-based activities. Lyon County Road 51 runs directly through the park, ensuring straightforward access for campers. For those looking for larger towns or more extensive services, Twin Lakes Park is approximately twenty-two miles southwest of Marshall, Minnesota, which serves as the county seat of Lyon County and offers a broader range of amenities. The serene rural character of the landscape surrounding the park makes it an ideal escape for those looking to disconnect while still having relatively easy access to local communities like Ruthton, Balaton, and Russell for necessities.

Twin Lakes Park has been designed to provide a comfortable camping experience with a focus on modern amenities. The park features two campground loops, North and South, each offering distinct advantages.

• RV Sites with Electric Hookups: The North Campground offers 15 electrical sites (20/30/50 amp), including a host site. The South Campground features 14 electrical sites. These sites are equipped for RVs with various electrical needs.
• Flush Toilets and Shower Facilities: The North Campground boasts a modern shower facility with flush toilets, praised by reviewers for being "very clean." The South Campground also provides flush toilets.
• Dump Station: A convenient dump station is available for RV waste disposal.
• Camping Registration Pay Tube: A self-registration pay tube is located in each campground loop for easy check-in, as many sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis (though some are reservable, and by 2026, all sites will be reservation-only).
• Picnic Shelters: Twin Lakes Park offers two picnic shelters suitable for day use and large gatherings.
• Boat Access: The park provides boat ramps for access to both East and West Twin Lakes. Notably, West Twin Lake is restricted to electric motors only, offering a quieter boating experience, and received a new boat access in 2020.
• Paddle Share Program: A new and exciting recreational opportunity, the Twin Lakes Park Paddle Share allows visitors to rent single kayaks, double kayaks, and paddle boards, complete with paddles and life jackets, for an easy and affordable way to enjoy paddling without owning equipment.

Twin Lakes Park stands out due to its thoughtful design and array of features that cater to diverse outdoor interests:

• Very Clean Restrooms and Well-Maintained Areas: A recurring highlight from visitor reviews is the cleanliness of the restrooms and the overall well-maintained nature of the camping areas. This dedication to upkeep greatly enhances the visitor experience.
• Proximity to Twin Lakes: Being situated directly between East and West Twin Lakes, the park offers prime access to fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities. The lakes are known for diverse fishing, including bluegill, channel catfish, largemouth bass, and smallmouth bass.
• Natural Landscape Playground Features: A "Natural Landscape playground" is installed in close proximity to the West Twin Lake up-shore beach area and water access, providing a unique and engaging play space for children that blends with the natural environment.
• Developing Shade: While some reviewers note that "all the trees are small" and there's "no shade yet," this indicates a newer park (construction began in 2014, grand opening in 2016, with Phase II in 2020). As the planted trees mature, the park will offer increasing shade, enhancing comfort in warmer months.
• Newer Park Facilities: The park is relatively new, with construction starting in 2014 and a grand opening in 2016. Ongoing developments, including a new toilet/shower building and upgraded sewer system, indicate a commitment to modern facilities.
• Ice Fishing: Both East and West Twin Lakes offer excellent opportunities for ice fishing during the winter months.
• Native Prairie Restoration: The park includes a newly replanted native prairie area managed for outdoor education, offering a chance to explore Minnesota's unique ecosystems.

The comment "That looks really different from 10 years ago that I went there" by a past visitor strongly reinforces the idea that the park has undergone significant positive changes and improvements, making it a different and likely much better experience than in previous years.

Address: 1097 Co Rd 51, Ruthton, MN 56170, USA

Phone: (507) 531-0413 (General park information for Lyon County)

Mobile Phone: +1 507-531-0413

For reservations for select sites (by 2026, all sites will be reservation-only), visitors are directed to an online booking system, or can call Lyon County Park Staff at (507) 532-8214 during business hours (Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.).

For locals across Minnesota, Twin Lakes Park in Ruthton stands as an evolving and increasingly suitable destination for outdoor recreation and camping. Its fundamental appeal lies in its commitment to providing clean, modern facilities within a serene natural setting, nestled between two active lakes.

The positive feedback about the "very clean restrooms" and "well maintained camping areas" directly addresses common concerns for campers, ensuring a comfortable and hygienic stay. While the newness of the park means the trees are still growing and providing limited shade, this also points to a modern infrastructure and a clear vision for continued improvement. The natural landscape playground offers a unique play experience for children, while the readily accessible boat ramps and paddle share program make water-based activities incredibly convenient for all.

Whether you're an RV enthusiast looking for full hookups, a family seeking a clean and safe environment for kids, or an angler keen to explore the fishing opportunities of East and West Twin Lakes, this park has something to offer. Its steady development since its grand opening in 2016, combined with the efforts of Lyon County Environmental Department, signifies a dedication to creating a high-quality regional park experience. For Minnesotans, Twin Lakes Park is not just a place to visit; it’s a developing asset that promises increasingly enjoyable and comfortable outdoor adventures for years to come.

Twin Lakes Park

1097 Co Rd 51, Ruthton, MN 56170, USA