Reviews

DLM-Distribution Campervans

Monson Lake State Park is a quiet, peaceful park that’s perfect for those looking to enjoy nature without the crowds. It’s smaller than many other state parks in Minnesota, but that’s part of its charm. The park’s main hiking trail loops between Monson Lake and West Sunburg Lake, offering nice views of the water and excellent birdwatching, especially during spring and fall migration seasons. The trail is short and easy—ideal for a calm stroll or an evening walk by the lake. The campground is small but well cared for and nicely laid out. Sites are level, clean, and surrounded by trees, providing a mix of sun and shade. For travelers in smaller RVs or campervans like the Mini-T Campervan, it’s a perfect fit—quiet, scenic, and easy to navigate. While Monson Lake doesn’t have extensive facilities or a long list of activities, it’s a great spot for fishing, paddling, or simply enjoying a slower pace. The park also holds historical significance related to the U.S.–Dakota War of 1862, with interpretive signs that help tell the story of the area’s past. Overall, Monson Lake State Park is a peaceful destination—ideal for campers who appreciate solitude, clean sites, and a connection to both nature and history.

Soleil Rintoul

Beautiful hiking trails. Be aware there isn't staff here and to buy park magnets and clothes you'll have to go to close by Sibley State Park.

Matthew Scott

A small quiet state park on a good fishing lake. 20 camping sites with only six electric sites. The sites are large and private, most would handle a larger rig of 30-35'. Two spigots available for filling RV water tanks. Older bathroom with plumbing and shower. No dump station or fire wood on site. Office not staffed, and some areas of the park are starting to look a bit unkempt. Great for an older couple who loves quiet and fishing, but the not the greatest park if you have kids. No swimming beach or playground, but there is a fishing pier and boat launch.

Amanda Hawkins

This park is a quiet gem. It does not have the bells and whistles of the larger state parks, but what it does have is peace and quiet, tranquility, and spots that are neatly tucked away in the trees for privacy. This is a great place to relax and do some light hiking. If you want to do a day trip into Sibley State Park, its only a short drive away and has the beach and Mount Tom for hiking. The bathroom was OK, water went out while we were there but they got it up and running same day. The office was not open here and firewood is sold at Sibley, so be prepared. We stayed in 16e, very spacious and perfect for our needs.

Carrie Wilmot

We visited to hike the hiking club trail. There is little hiking at the park, but I was surprised how much was packed into the 1 mile trail. Although the campground was full, we saw no-one during our sunrise visit. Birding was excellent and I have not heard such a rich dawn chorus in many years. If I did not have the dogs with me, I could have spent 3 hours with the birds.

Wyatt W. Penke

Very quiet and small park that you mite just have all to yourself. The campground is small but ha large individual sites that are spread out and has some excellent sites overlooking the lake. The picnic area is smaller but sufficient for the park. The lakes are the main attraction to the park. Not much for trails, just one basically and no real amenities. A playground or swimming area would help. Another smaller park in Minnesota that with a little TLC could be so much better. Feels like it should be a state recreation area.

Bre

Beautiful nature area in Central Minnesota! During my visits, I kayaked on Monson Lake and walked the hiking trail around the park. A diverse wildlife setting just west of Sibley State Park with less traffic.

Leah C

This is a beautiful small state park right on the lake. The sites seem like a decent size (ours was huge) with plenty of tree coverage. I really enjoyed my stay there but it might not be for everyone. There is flush toilets and a shower but there's no bike trail, playground, or beach for kids. There's only one hiking trail that's a mile long but it was just fine for our dogs. I don't think the office is ever open anymore so if you need firewood or ice you'll have to go to Sibley SP which is about 15 minutes away. If you want a small quiet park without a lot of traffic that really gives you the feeling of camping in the woods then this is the place for you. However if you want a park with lots of amenities then you might want to keep looking elsewhere.

Heather Anderson

We visited in late May. The restrooms are clean, and the campsites are decently spread, spacious, and private. A few of the signs are hard to read, which was a bit frustrating when pulling in a long camper. There is decent cell service which is nice, and the roads are quiet so kids could ride their bikes without much worry of traffic. The state hike was short and the sunsets were spectacular! The office was not open during our visit.

Anne Mulvihill

Wish they had some maps on the trails, we liked what we did get to walk but cut a bit short because we didn't know where the other trails went. Lakes provide some great views, terrain is pretty easy so you can enjoy looking around. We added this on after visiting sibley state park nearby and found it a good cool-down after that.

Manisha Dutta

Very beautiful, lake side is picturesque. Each camp site is distant from each other. Though at night we could hear sounds of Cayote or fox. Didn't feel it family friendly with kids.

tessa silver

5 stars if you're an RV with a generator. 4 if you're tent camping and wish you could hear more of nature at night than RV generators. The park and campgrounds itself are great. We were there on a "heavy" 3-day weekend and on the whole the facilities were more than adequate. The lake lovely. Also, it's smaller and quaint, be prepared to know your neighbor. Also also: Pick up your firewood at Sibley about 18 miles away.

Karen Ratzlaff

Just got started but i can tell it's good

Susan Anderson

Small park. Lots of birds. Nice, easy trails.

Sarah Carsello

Very small park around the beautiful Monson Lake. We did a day trip there and hiked all of the trails in a couple of hours. We had fun sitting along the shoreline watching birds and waves roll in. Very peaceful spot. The campground is small but everyone is very friendly. A trail we tried following on the 's Avenza map brought us to a campsite and everyone was really nice and helpful. There was no hand sanitizer in the outhouse while we were there but was kept clean.