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Zippel Bay
Overview
Zippel Bay State Park offers a truly unique coastal experience on the southern shores of the legendary Lake of the Woods. While much of this northern region is known for its rugged and rocky shorelines, this park is famous for its three-mile stretch of white sand beach, providing a rare beachfront atmosphere in the heart of Minnesota. It serves as a peaceful, nature-first gateway for travelers looking to escape into a landscape defined by the rhythmic sounds of the water and the whispering pines.
Location & Surroundings
Located just a short drive from Baudette, a town famously recognized as the Walleye Capital of the World, the park is nestled within a diverse ecosystem of birch, poplar, and jack pine forests. The surrounding area is dominated by the immense scale of Lake of the Woods, which stretches across the international border into Canada. This remote northern location offers incredible stargazing opportunities and a deep sense of wilderness seclusion far removed from urban noise.
Amenities & Park Features
The park caters to RV travelers with several camping loops, including 45 electric RV sites that can accommodate various rig lengths. Guests have access to essential facilities such as a seasonal dump station and fresh water filling points. Anglers and boaters are well-supported by the protected marina and boat ramp, which offer a safe harbor and easy access to the bay. A dedicated fish cleaning station is also available for those returning from a successful day on the water.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor recreation here centers heavily on the water, where visitors enjoy world-class fishing for walleye, sauger, and northern pike. On land, the park features over six miles of hiking trails that transform into cross-country skiing paths during the winter months. Birdwatchers should keep an eye out for the rare piping plover and sandhill cranes. For a local landmark, a quick trip into Baudette to see the Willie Walleye statue is a tradition for many first-time visitors.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is an ideal match for avid anglers and families who desire a traditional camping experience focused on natural beauty and outdoor activity. It is a perfect fit for RVers who prefer a quiet, rustic atmosphere over the amenities of a high-end luxury resort. If your travel style involves spending long days on the water or relaxing on a pristine sandy beach, this park provides the perfect backdrop for your next northern adventure.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Jeff Kordell
Not my worst trip nor stay. However: paying a premium price for end of season, off the beaten path, our boat kept getting moved to other docks even after paying for a boat slip infront of our cabin, the fridge was covered in blood on check in, and the entire duplex "side-by-side cabin" smelt like urine and dirty diapers. No matter how much Clorox are Lysol we used to continually clean, we could not get rid of the smell. That is a bit unacceptable so, no "good" review on this place. The staff tried as hard as they could to rectify or help with what they had to work with.
EA
My first time ice fishing was here. I had so much fun. Lake ice is very well maintained. Igloo bar is where you go after a day on the lake. You can even ice fish inside the igloo at your table if you are so inclined.
Diane Carlson
Rented a housekeeping cabin adjoining w another, they were very well stocked, beds were ok. Just need to bring food & clothes. A boat dock comes w each cabin. The place is quiet at nite. Next year we want to go back rent a log cabin, they look very nice. Awesome outdoor swimming pool gr kids loved that.
Kim Kestner
If you don't want internet this is the place for you! They have not done any improvements since I was there 15 years ago either... kitchen light switches had to be toggled to work and literally every outlet you had to spread the prongs on your plug in devices to get a connection and not fall out. The jacuzzi came on twice by itself in the middle of the night and I had to turn the breaker off. The showers were not one piece and 20 years old... soap scum on the back side of everything... I used a credit card to pay and it cost me $108 so be prepared to write a check. Slips were free but weed choked and my motor got wound up in an old minnow trap tied to the dock. Fish cleaning house was nice and air conditioned, which was nice and hot water too. We didn't eat there but won a $100 playing pull tabs which covered the $9 fire ball shots lol The couple that owned the place are sweet. Also there is a great boat repair place 10 minutes down the rode off you are unfortunately in need of repairs. They fixed my problem in less than 24 hours!
Anita Werner
Our family had a great time at Zippel Bay! We stayed in a Housekeeping cabin that was perfect for us. We paid for 2 days of guided fishing, all tackle and bait is provided and they filet and packaged our limit of walleye. Carl was our guide and did an amazing job! Fishing off the dock was also a highlight for our son. Unless you are familiar with Lake of the Woods I would recommend doing the charter versus renting a boat. Pricing seemed comparable to other resorts in the area.