Rice Lake Campground

Open — Currently operating first-come, first-served. The campground typically operates from early May through mid-October, with reservations available during the main season.

About

Rice Lake State Park campground provides a variety of camping experiences in southeastern Minnesota's Steele County. The main drive-in campground consists of 40 sites divided into two loops. Loop A offers 21 non-electric sites nestled in the woods with one accessible site, while Loop B provides 19 sites with 50-amp electric hookups, ranging from wooded on the west to open and grassy on the east. Both loops share access to a restroom and shower building, with accessible parking and three accessible sites total throughout the campground. For those seeking more seclusion, the park offers several rustic options. Four cart-in sites sit along the lakeshore trail within 200 yards of parking, each with a picnic table, fire ring, and vault toilet access. Walk-in sites require only a short 25-yard walk from parking and nestle in the woods or overlook the prairie. Five canoe-in campsites on the south shore of Rice Lake offer the most remote experience, requiring a 20-30 minute paddle from the boat launch. A primitive group camp accommodates up to 60 people and is accessed by a short walk from parking. The campground sits under tall hardwood trees, primarily oaks, and provides easy access to the park's nearly five miles of trails. Rice Lake itself is shallow, averaging 3-5 feet deep with marshy edges that attract numerous waterfowl during spring and fall migrations. The park's landscape includes restored prairie and wetlands, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, paddling, and seasonal activities like cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.

Directions

From Interstate 35, take Exit 42A onto Hoffman Drive. Travel east for 0.6 miles, then turn east onto East Rose Street (County Road 19). Continue for 7 miles to reach the park entrance on the right.

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