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Sakatah Lake
Overview
Sakatah Lake State Park offers a serene escape into Minnesota's natural landscape, where the hardwood forests of the Big Woods meet the edge of the prairie. Spanning over 800 rolling acres, this park provides a lush canopy of maple, basswood, and elm trees that offers excellent shade and privacy for visiting RVers. The atmosphere is quiet and reflective, making it an ideal spot for those looking to reconnect with the outdoors in a truly peaceful, nature-focused setting away from more developed camping resorts.
Location & Surroundings
Located in Waterville, MN, the park is uniquely positioned on a moraine formed by glaciers thousands of years ago. It sits along the southern shores of Sakatah Lake, which is technically a widening of the Cannon River system. The surrounding landscape is characterized by its transition from open prairie to dense forest, offering a diverse ecological backdrop for your stay. Its proximity to Highway 60 makes the park easily accessible for larger rigs while still maintaining a deeply secluded and wooded feel.
Amenities & Park Features
The campground caters well to RV travelers with several electric sites that can accommodate rigs up to 50 feet in length. The layout is designed to maximize the natural landscape rather than packing in sites. Key features for visitors include:
- Modern seasonal bathhouses equipped with flush toilets and showers.
- A sanitary dump station located conveniently near the park entrance for departing travelers.
- Spacious picnic areas and a boat launch for easy water access to the lake.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor recreation is the primary draw here, specifically for those who enjoy silent sports. The Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail offers 39 miles of paved surface for biking, hiking, and skating, running directly through the park grounds. Visitors also enjoy:
- Fishing for walleye, northern pike, and panfish on Sakatah Lake.
- Canoeing or kayaking along the scenic and calm Cannon River.
- Exploring the local heritage and shops in Waterville, just a few minutes away.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is a haven for cyclists and hikers who want immediate trail access from their campsite without having to unload gear elsewhere. It is also well-suited for birdwatchers and nature photographers who appreciate the diverse wildlife found in the transition zone between forest and lake. If you prefer a rustic, natural experience with basic electric amenities rather than a high-activity commercial park, the quiet evenings and star-filled skies here will perfectly fit your travel style.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Discounts
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Ned Peterson
Great walking trail by the lake…colors were beautiful and it was a very relaxing walk.
Shari Berndt
First - did anyone camping the week of Oct 10-12th find Brooks Trail Running Shoes??? They fell off the back of our van 😭 Otherwise, the stay was pretty good! The bathrooms were clean and the walking trails were nice. Close to a lot of fun things to do! The campsite was on a hill which was a little annoying for sleeping and we did smell sewer both mornings. You can hear traffic like others have mentioned.
Anonymous Fun
We were in the upper camp and they had SO MANY bugs, especially flies and spiders. Don’t get me wrong it’s a great area for camping but they just need to kill the bugs.
ja berg
It was definitely worth the stay. The lake was weedy and it was cold and rainy when we stayed. We had the kayaks with but didn't take them out. Instead we experienced the calm, quiet campground and the trails winding through the state park.
DLM-Distribution Campervans
We’ve camped at Sakatah Lake State Park several times over the years, and it continues to be a great place to camp in southern Minnesota. The campsites are well-maintained and nicely spaced, the restrooms are clean, and the park itself is awesome. Wildlife viewing is always a highlight—but like many other places, mosquitoes can be a factor. Be mindful of the season and recent weather. In a wetter year, the mosquitoes can be intense! So far in 2025, they haven’t been nearly as bad compared to previous visits. Still, packing bug spray is always a smart move. Overall, it’s a great place to relax, hike, bike the Sakatah Trail, and enjoy nature. Highly recommended!