Monson Lake Campground

About

Monson Lake State Park is a small, 346-acre park located 20 miles northwest of Willmar in Swift County. The campground sits near the shores of Monson Lake, a 152-acre glacial lake renowned for excellent fishing opportunities including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, and panfish. Six electric campsites offer 20, 30, and 50-amp service, while the remaining 14 non-electric sites are wooded and shady. Most sites provide a peaceful, secluded atmosphere with some offering limited lake views. Facilities include a historic 1930s Veterans Conservation Corps stone building housing modern flush toilets, showers, and sinks within a short walk of all campsites. Each site comes equipped with a picnic table and fire ring with cooking grill. The park features approximately 1.2 miles of hiking trails along the wooded lakeshore, an accessible wooden fishing pier, and a boat launch with portage access to West Sunburg Lake for paddlers. The park holds significant historical importance as the site of the August 1862 Dakota War conflict. The diverse landscape of wetlands and hardwood forests attracts excellent spring bird and wildflower viewing, with opportunities to spot white pelicans, herons, western grebes, and various songbirds.

Directions

Located 20 miles northwest of Willmar, Minnesota, off Minnesota State Highway 9, just west of Sunburg.