Big Island Campground

For Minnesotans yearning for a true escape into nature without venturing too far from convenient amenities, Big Island Campground, nestled within the expansive Myre-Big Island State Park near Albert Lea, offers an idyllic retreat. This campground is celebrated for its serene atmosphere, well-spaced sites under the canopy of "great big trees," and its direct access to a wealth of outdoor activities. Whether you're planning a quiet weekend getaway, a winter camping adventure, or a base for exploring the diverse landscapes of southern Minnesota, Big Island Campground provides a comfortable and authentically wild experience.

Myre-Big Island State Park itself is a gem in Minnesota's park system, encompassing a rich blend of oak savanna, wetlands, and the prominent Big Island, which gives the park its name. The campground on Big Island is particularly cherished by locals for its sense of privacy and the immersive natural setting it provides. This article will guide you through the compelling reasons why Big Island Campground should be on your radar for your next Minnesota outdoor adventure, detailing its location, the services it offers, its unique features, and why it's such a perfectly suited destination for locals seeking both tranquility and recreation.

Big Island Campground is located at 19499 780th Avenue, Albert Lea, MN 56007, USA. It is situated within Myre-Big Island State Park, approximately three miles southeast of the city of Albert Lea, in Freeborn County. This location offers a convenient balance of natural seclusion and accessibility to town services.

Accessibility to Myre-Big Island State Park is straightforward for Minnesotans. Interstates 90 and 35 intersect just north of Albert Lea, and both interstates have clear signs directing visitors to the park. From Interstate 35, take exit 11, turn east on Freeborn County Road 46, follow it for about half a mile, then turn south on Freeborn County Road 38 and continue for approximately 1.5 miles to the park entrance. From Interstate 90, visitors can take Interstate 35 South and follow the same directions. Once inside the park, signage leads to Big Island Campground. While the main roads are paved, some internal park roads might be gravel, but they are generally well-maintained. This easy access from major highways means that Minnesotans from Minneapolis/St. Paul (approximately 90 minutes away) or other parts of the state can reach this peaceful haven with relative ease, making it a viable option for a weekend trip or a longer vacation without excessive travel time.

Big Island Campground offers a range of services designed to provide a comfortable and authentic camping experience within a state park setting.

• Campsites with Electric Hookups: The campground offers a mix of sites, including those with electric hookups (17 out of 34 wooded sites) and non-electric sites, catering to various camping styles from RVs to tents.

• Clean Restrooms and Showers: While some facilities may close seasonally (e.g., in late January, as noted in a review, flush bathrooms might be closed), the park is praised for having "new bathrooms that are very nice and updated" in both Big Island and White Fox campgrounds. When open, these facilities provide flush toilets and hot showers.

• Clean Vault Toilets: For periods when flush facilities are closed or at more remote areas, clean vault toilets (pit toilets) are available, with one reviewer specifically mentioning they "smell like coconut," indicating good maintenance.

• Drinking Water: Potable water sources are available throughout the campground, ensuring campers have access to fresh water.

• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, ideal for outdoor cooking and enjoying campfires.

• Sanitary Dump Station: An on-site dump station is available for RV campers, making waste disposal convenient.

• Firewood Sales: Firewood bundles are typically available for sale at the park office, adhering to Minnesota DNR regulations about not moving firewood to prevent the spread of invasive species.

• Online Reservations: Campsites can be reserved in advance through the Minnesota State Parks reservation system, allowing for better trip planning, though some sites may be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Park permits are required for vehicles and can be purchased daily or annually.

Big Island Campground, situated within the broader Myre-Big Island State Park, offers numerous features and highlights that make it a compelling destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Minnesota.

• Spacious and Wooded Sites: Campers consistently appreciate the "nice big trees" and "spaced out camp spots," which provide ample shade and a sense of privacy, making for a truly immersive nature experience. Many sites are fully shaded.

• Extensive Trail System: The park boasts 16 miles of hiking trails, including the Big Island Hiking Trail loop, which winds through a lush northern hardwood forest. There are also 7 miles of mountain biking trails and 8 miles of cross-country skiing trails in winter. The paved Blazing Star State Trail (6.5 miles within the park, extending further) is also accessible, perfect for biking, walking, or rollerblading.

• Cross-Country Skiing Opportunities: In winter, the park transforms into a cross-country skiing haven, with groomed trails mentioned by reviewers, offering a fantastic cold-weather activity. Snowshoes are also available for rent.

• Rich Wildlife Viewing: The park's diverse habitats (oak savanna, wetlands, forest) are home to abundant wildlife, including white-tailed deer, red and gray foxes, raccoons, muskrats, opossums, squirrels, various bat species, and wild turkeys. It's especially renowned for birdwatching, particularly during spring and fall migrations, with notable sightings of American white pelicans on Albert Lea Lake.

• Albert Lea Lake Access: The campground offers access to Albert Lea Lake, though it's noted as shallow and weedy, making it unsuitable for swimming. However, it provides opportunities for fishing (black bullhead, carp, northern pike, panfish), canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Rentals for canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards are available at the visitor's center. A boat ramp is also available on Little Island.

• Winter Camping Options: The park remains open year-round, offering limited winter camping sites, providing a unique experience for hardy campers.

• Dog-Friendly Trails: Pets on a leash are welcome on the 16 miles of hiking trails, making it a great destination for dog owners to explore nature with their companions.

• Affordability: As a state park campground, the fees are generally reasonable, making it an accessible option for many Minnesotans.

Big Island Campground is part of Myre-Big Island State Park and is managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). For specific information, reservations, or inquiries about park conditions, you can contact them directly.

Address: 19499 780th Avenue, Albert Lea, MN 56007, USA

Phone: (507) 668-7060 (This is the main park office number)

Toll-Free Reservations: (866) 857-2757 (TTY: 952-936-4008)

It is highly recommended to check the Minnesota DNR website for Myre-Big Island State Park for the most current information regarding campsite availability, seasonal closures of facilities, trail conditions, and any specific park alerts or regulations. Vehicle permits are required for entry into all Minnesota State Parks.

Big Island Campground within Myre-Big Island State Park is an exceptional choice for Minnesotans, providing a truly local and authentic outdoor experience. For those of us who value peaceful immersion in nature, this campground excels. Its "spaced out camp spots" and "great big trees" offer a level of privacy and natural ambiance that can be hard to find in more urbanized areas, making it ideal for a genuine escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The affordable pricing as a state park campground also makes it an accessible option for various budgets.

The versatility of activities offered, from extensive hiking and mountain biking on well-manicured trails to cross-country skiing in winter, means there's something for every season and interest. The ability to easily access Albert Lea Lake for fishing and paddling further enhances its appeal for water enthusiasts. Importantly, the commitment to maintaining clean facilities, even the vault toilets, reflects a dedication to visitor comfort that Minnesotans appreciate. Being able to bring your dog and explore the trails together is another significant draw. Big Island Campground truly offers a well-rounded and deeply satisfying outdoor adventure, allowing Minnesotans to reconnect with the natural beauty of our state right in our own backyard.