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Lake Shetek
Overview
Lake Shetek State Park, located near Currie, Minnesota, offers a quintessential Midwestern lake experience. As the largest lake in the southwestern portion of the state, it provides a scenic backdrop for RVers seeking both relaxation and outdoor adventure. The park is characterized by its lush woodlands and the expansive waters of Lake Shetek, which translated from Ojibwe means pelican. This destination is well-regarded for its historical significance and its role as a hub for water-based recreation in the region.
Location & Surroundings
Situated in the heart of the prairie, the park feels like an oasis of water and trees. The surrounding landscape features rolling hills and glacial marshes, providing a diverse habitat for local wildlife. A unique feature of the location is Loon Island, which is connected to the mainland by a navigable causeway. This geography allows visitors to explore deep into the lake environment while staying close to the convenience of the main campground areas and the nearby town of Currie.
Amenities & Park Features
The park accommodates RV travelers with several site options designed for comfort and accessibility. Key features include:
- Spacious sites with electric hookups and seasonal water access.
- A well-maintained swimming beach for summer cooling.
- Direct access to the paved Casey Jones State Trail for cyclists.
Essential facilities such as modern restrooms, showers, and a dedicated dump station are available for all guests. The park also provides multiple boat launches and a fish cleaning station for those looking to spend time on the water.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Beyond the water, visitors can immerse themselves in local history at the End-O-Line Railroad Park and Museum in Currie, which showcases the area's pioneer and railroading past. On the lake, fishing is a primary draw, with opportunities to catch walleye, northern pike, and crappie. The park’s interpretive trails offer peaceful walks through the woods, where birdwatchers frequently spot pelicans and other waterfowl. The nearby interpretive center provides context on the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862, which has significant historical ties to this specific site.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is ideal for family vacationers who appreciate a mix of education and recreation. It appeals strongly to RVers who prioritize water sports, fishing, and cycling in a natural setting rather than a commercial resort atmosphere. Those looking for a quiet retreat with plenty of space to explore will find Lake Shetek to be a refreshing stop. It is particularly well-suited for travelers moving through southwest Minnesota who want to experience the state’s famous lake culture without the crowds of northern destinations.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Anna Leverentz
The good: beautiful easy trails, well maintained, nice lake. Nothing was overly crowded and I was there Labor Day weekend. Responsive rangers when needed. A lot of signs and history about the place scattered throughout The bad: Prairie campground has ZERO privacy so you better hope you have good neighors. Also, some sites have no shade. RV sites are on top of each other too. My firewood was wet the first night. Rangers need to do one round at 10pm to ensure bass is turned out, kids go back to their campsite, etc. What you need to know: The basics- they sell ice and firewood and there is very little/no cell phone service. Prairie campground is a mowed acre-ish with 12 campsites so it is like camping on the edges of someone's backyard but if you have kids, they will have a lot of room to run. Also, the wide open area gives an amazing view of the stars. P1 and P9 will give you the most privacy. The openness can be good or bad so I didn't want to include it in those.
Amanda Altman
I have been coming here since I was born! Great for families and people of all ages. Make sure you do the Loon Island hike and look for pelicans!
Larry Hutchinson
Lake Shetek State Park, a wild, green cathedral in Minnesota’s sprawling soul, beckons like a fevered vision of nature’s glory. This ain’t no savage proving ground for lunatic backpackers chasing transcendental ghosts. No, it’s a gentler beast, a haven for those craving a few days of peace, where the trails—sweet lord, those trails!—snake through forests so lush they’d make a cynic drop his pen and weep. Not grueling treks, but easy, scenic loops for a meditative stroll or a family’s ramble under canopies of pine and oak. The lake? A shimmering enigma, rumored to be a Walleye haven, though the fish tales float like whispers on the wind, waiting for some bold angler to confirm the legend. The campsites, trimmed like a gentleman’s lawn, stand as shrines to order, tended by a staff so courteous you’d swear they were raised in a monastery. The whole park pulses with care, a living ode to the heartland’s quiet splendor. Lake Shetek is a refuge, a place to sink into nature’s rhythm and breathe free. Tweak those bathrooms, and it’s as close to Eden as you’ll get without a map.
Matt Anderson
Very beautiful park, lots of places to explore. Very clean as well. Been to a lot of State Parks and this one is on the top of my list. Highly recommended. The sight seeing is endless and not to mention the fishing is also good.
Nicholas Verderame
Such an amazing campground! Accidentally camped in the picnic area the first night—which ended up being the highlight of the trip having such a large area of land to yourself—so we payed for an actual camp spot the second night. Roseanne at the ranger station was very thoughtful giving us campground 33 because it was similar in that it was the most secluded camp spot of them all. I didn’t get out and explore nearly as much as I should have since the weather was so dang nice, and it was the first camping trip of the year so I was honestly just relaxing. Weather way, you’ll thoroughly enjoy this place!