Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Big Stone Lake State Park adventure.
Discover Big Stone Lake State Park's natural beauty and outdoor fun.
Big Stone Lake State Park, aptly named for all the giant glacial boulders just hanging out everywhere, proves that camping in southern Minnesota can be just as cool as up north (eat your heart out, Boundary Waters). The source of the Minnesota River, this swimming and fishing destination sits on the border with South Dakota and offers great views of Hartford Beach State Park on the river’s Mt. Rushmore State side. Birders will want to pack binoculars to catch the meadowlarks, wrens, bobolinks, pheasants, and wild turkeys that rule the skies, and amateur archeology fans can scan the ancient granite bedrock for gnarly fossils (apparently there’s mad shark’s teeth along the river).
The best time to visit Big Stone Lake State Park is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural beauty is at its peak. Summer offers warm days perfect for water activities, though it's also the busiest season. Winters can be harsh, with some facilities closed, so check ahead for accessibility.