Big Stone Lake State Park
About
To enter the state parks, you need a state permit. There is potable water available for drinking, and there is also non-potable water available for rinsing.
Amenities & Services
Water
Reviews
Based on 163 reviews
Big Stone Lake State Park is a peaceful and scenic getaway on the Minnesota–South Dakota border. The campsites right along the lake are a major highlight—quiet, beautiful, and perfect for morning coffee by the water or evening sunsets over the prairie. The lake itself is stunning, great for fishing, boating, or simply relaxing on shore. The hiking trails are enjoyable but limited, with a few short routes through prairie and oak woods. It’s not a park for long treks, but it’s ideal for light walks, birdwatching, and soaking in the tranquil surroundings. The facilities are clean and well-kept, and the park has a calm, uncrowded atmosphere. This is an excellent weekend stop for campers, road trippers, and anyone looking for a quiet retreat in western Minnesota. Especially in fall, the golden prairie grasses and colorful trees make it a truly beautiful place to unwind.
The park has 3 miles of total hiking, majority is flat, grass/prairie. The trails that weren't part of the loop were overgrown and inaccessible. The park offers some scenic camp spots but in my opinion are not adequately spaced out like some other MN parks. The park has a small beach as well. I think the park has more potential than what it offers right now, at least the development of future trails and maybe expansion of the beach area.
A small park with Minnesota on one side of the water and South Dakota on the other. We walked the hiking club trail and the woodland was so verdantly green.
A nice small park and campground right on the lake! My wife and I had a great time camping here. Only bad part was annoying neighbor campers, but not something the park has to do with! The park ranger here was extremely friendly and helped out right away if we needed something.
Kinda basic for a MN state park. Not much for trails or amenities. It feels like it is forgotten or neglected in the park system. Has a decent day use area and campground along the lake. It has boat access and some decent views and vistas in otherwise bland area of the state. If you want to stay on Big Stone lake go across to the other side. Hartford Beach park on the SD side looks to be a way better option for this lake.