Woods & Water by Dick Herfindahl

Choosing a camping destination is one of the fun parts of planning a camping trip. Your needs for facilities may vary, but Minnesota has a lot of options for you to choose from. The Waterville area is nearby and has many campgrounds that offer a variety of activities for campers to enjoy.

Sakatah Lake State Park includes the Singing Hills State Trail, which runs through this park and stretches 39 miles from Mankato to Faribault. The paved trail takes hikers, bikers, skiers, and snowmobilers through scenic woods. Sakatah Lake, a natural widening of the Cannon River, lures canoeists and anglers.  If you are looking for a more back to nature type of camping, then you should check out one of the many state parks.

Our own Myre-Big Island State Park is right in our backyard. Birds and biking are the big attractions at this park. Albert Lea Lake and surrounding marshes draw hundreds of waterfowl during migration. The six-mile Blazing Star State Trail is paved and connects the park to Albert Lea.

Last summer, when I was spending some time at our cabin, I decided to check out Scenic State Park, which was not too far from our place. This particular park was a few miles from the town of Marcell. When I arrived there I was ready to purchase a seasonal pass, but the lady working there asked if I was a veteran. I said yes and after showing her my ID she said she could give me a day pass for free. This particular park has two different camping areas and it has both non-electrical and also sites with hook-ups. There is an RV sanitation (dump) site and restrooms with showers available too.

This looks like a beautiful spot to camp, canoe and fish. This park lives up to its name with sparkling lakes and giant pines. Visitors enjoy fishing, a nice swimming beach and hiking in a wilderness-like setting. The Chase Point Trail, atop a mile-long esker, is magnificent.

More than 40 species of animals inhabit Scenic State Park including bald eagles, ospreys, loons, jays, pileated woodpeckers and a variety of songbirds. Birders consider this one of the best places in the state to see the hard-to-find spruce grouse. Along the lakes, marshes and streams, you may come across frogs, toads or even snakes. Otters, beavers and an occasional moose share this 3,360-acre habitat.

There is also a nice landing for launching a boat that will allow you to fish and explore both Coon and Sandwick Lakes, which surround the park. There is a walkway that goes along the shoreline which connects to a fishing pier. Boats, canoes, paddle boards and kayaks are also available for renting. What a great way to explore the waters of this beautiful park.

The following is a list of prices for various Minnesota State Parks:

Standard campsites (modern bathrooms with showers)

$15-$23/night

Rustic campsites (primitive toilets, no showers)

$15-$19/night

Remote campsites (not accessible by car)

$15-$23/night

Equestrian campsites

$21-$23/night

Tipi and wall tent rental

$30-$35/night

Yurts

$50-$65/night

Group campsites

$50-$250/night

Seasonal and monthly campsites

$250-$1,000

Electric hookup – add $8/night/site

Water and sewer hookup – add $6/night/site

Campsite reservation fee

(Fee per campsite reserved. Fee is nonrefundable) $7.00 (online reservations) – $10.00 (call-center)

Go to the DNR website to find out more about this and any other state parks across our great state.

Until next time, now is a great time to plan a visit to one of our many state parks. If you like the outdoors and enjoy wildlife and the beauty of nature, this could be just what you are looking for.

Please take some time to honor those who have sacrificed so much for the freedoms we enjoy today. Also, take some time to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, those who served and those troops serving today.