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Hayes Lake
Overview
Hayes Lake State Park offers a peaceful escape into the boreal forests of Northern Minnesota. Situated along the Roseau River, this state park centers around a scenic man-made lake that provides a quiet haven for those looking to disconnect. Unlike high-traffic resort areas, this park emphasizes a tranquil wilderness experience where the sounds of loons and the wind through the pines take center stage for visiting RVers. The park is a hidden gem for those traveling near the Canadian border who want to avoid the crowds of larger state parks.
Location & Surroundings
Located approximately 22 miles southeast of Roseau, the park is nestled within the expansive Beltrami Island State Forest. The landscape is a unique transition zone between prairie and coniferous forest, featuring bogs, pine stands, and hardwoods. The lake itself was created by damming the North Fork of the Roseau River, resulting in a waterway that feels intimate and secluded. The surrounding wetlands offer a glimpse into the vast, untouched ecosystems of the far north, providing a rugged backdrop for your camping stay.
Amenities & Park Features
The campground provides 35 drive-in sites, including 18 sites with electric hookups to accommodate modern RV needs. While the park maintains a rustic vibe, visitors have access to seasonal flush toilets, showers, and a sanitary dump station. RV lengths up to 45 feet can be accommodated at select sites, though larger rigs should check specific dimensions. Featured amenities include:
- A spacious swimming beach for summer recreation.
- A dedicated boat launch for electric-motor watercraft.
- Accessible fishing piers for shore-based angling.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor enthusiasts can explore over 9 miles of hiking trails that wind through the forest and along the shoreline. Fishing is a popular pastime, with the lake supporting healthy populations of northern pike and walleye. In the winter, the park transforms into a hub for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing along groomed trails. For a change of pace, the nearby city of Roseau offers the Polaris Experience Center, while a short drive to Warroad provides access to the massive waters of Lake of the Woods for world-class angling.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for travelers who prefer seclusion and nature-focused recreation over resort-style amenities. It is a fantastic choice for birdwatchers hoping to spot rare northern species or families wanting a safe, quiet environment for swimming and canoeing. It appeals to those who enjoy a slower pace of life and the simple beauty of a Minnesota sunset over the water. If you are an RVer seeking a middle-of-nowhere feel with the convenience of electric power and clean facilities, Hayes Lake is a perfect northern destination.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Ryan Kern
Decent sized state park with a few attractions to see. We camped here and we were able to see them all in the first day. The campsites are dispersed well so that you don't feel like you're being watched by other campers. 😅 There's a bit of tree coverage which was nice since it was raining.
Virginia VanKeulen
Camped for a week in September. The campsites on the weekends were about half full but we were almost the only people there midweek. Pretty park but quite a bit of storm damage that hasn't been completely cleaned up. The Northern lights were incredible one of the nights of our stay.
Douglas Moen
The campground is nice, very wooded. Bathrooms were well maintained and cleaned daily, hot showers was a plus. Unfortunately we were there just after a big storm so a lot of trees down. The hosts were great- very friendly! A lot of mosquitoes and flies, ticks were bad also from walking the trails. Very peaceful. We would go back.
CAL -
Hayes Lake State Park, a thirty-minute drive from Roseau's city center, is a lovely forested park. It offers several natural surface hiking trails, including the 4-mile one-way, interpretive Pine Ridge trail that meanders around Hayes Lake through a pine forest🌲, a brief boardwalk traversing a bog, a two-mile one-way Bear Track trail, and a four-mile one-way Moose Ridge trail. It is an excellent destination for those interested in birdwatching 🐦 and wildflowers 🌸 The park is a stark contrast to the flat, expansive farm fields in the area. It's a hidden gem 💎
Corey Everett
For people wondering if it's worth the drive from Badger or Roseau. It is. Then again, for an hour and a half of combined driving time, do you want to spend that time just to walk around nature when you could have already walked around your neighborhood for the same experience except for free. Yes, that's right besides the gasoline they charge you to walk or sit at this park. What is important to you?