Lake Menno Campground

🏞️ **Introduction / Overview: Discovering the Tranquil Lake Menno Campground**

For South Dakotans seeking a peaceful, affordable, and authentic lakeside camping experience away from the major crowds, the **Lake Menno Campground**—often referred to locally as **Huber Campground**—is a cherished gem in the state's southeastern region. Situated directly on the shores of the restored Lake Menno, this small recreation area offers a simple, yet fully functional escape for both RVers and tent campers. The entire area is managed to prioritize **quiet recreation, fishing, and family time**.

The campground’s charm lies in its simplicity and value. It features a limited number of sites, which ensures a quiet atmosphere. Crucially, the site operates on a **first-come, first-served basis**, appealing to local users who prefer spontaneous travel. With a remarkably low nightly fee (often $10, with donations appreciated for maintenance), it is known as one of the most budget-friendly electric camping options in the area. Lake Menno itself is a new lake, having been restored in 1995 after the original WPA-era dam failed, and is now celebrated as an excellent fishery for Bluegill and Largemouth Bass. As one local user noted, visiting during the week means it’s a **“good bet you’ll have it to yourself,”** ensuring a truly peaceful experience.

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🗺️ **Location and Accessibility: A Peaceful Rural Setting**

Lake Menno Campground is located near the small, charming community of **Menno, SD 57045**. The specific address, **Lake Menno Rd**, directs visitors to the recreational area approximately one mile west, one and a half miles north, and a half mile west of the town center. This location places it firmly within Hutchinson County, in the agricultural heartland of Southeast South Dakota.

The campground is entirely **drive-in accessible** via rural county roads, making it easy to reach for all vehicle types, including large RVs. Despite its rural setting, the site is well-known and generally easy to find, often listed under the more general name, **Menno Lake Recreation Area**, in navigation systems. Its slightly remote, flat terrain offers open spaces, which enhances the feeling of tranquility and allows for stunning night sky viewing, as noted by local campers. The easy access combined with its seclusion provides the perfect blend of convenience and peaceful retreat for South Dakota residents.

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🛠️ **Services Offered: Essentials for an Affordable Stay**

The Lake Menno Campground provides essential, no-frills amenities that deliver great value, particularly given the low cost. The focus is on providing necessary utilities for a comfortable overnight stay while prioritizing the recreational aspects of the lake.

• **Limited Campsites:** There are approximately **nine to eleven camping pads** available, with a mix of asphalt and gravel surfaces. This limited number ensures a non-crowded experience.
• **Electric Hookups:** All camping pads are equipped with **electrical hookups**, featuring a mix of 30-amp and potentially some 50-amp service, along with 110V outlets at many sites.
• **Potable Water:** A **drinkable water supply** is available on site, often near the restrooms or a maintenance shed. Fresh water is also available at the nearby community dump station.
• **Restroom Facilities:** The campground provides basic restroom facilities, including an **outhouse/vault toilet** and possibly older, more rustic stone building toilets.
• **Sanitary Dump Station:** A convenient **dump station** is located just outside the football/track field complex at the south end of Park Street in Menno, available for campers' use.
• **Affordable Fee Structure:** Camping is available for an incredibly low fee (frequently **$10 per site per night**), payable via a drop box on site. Some local sources indicate a donation is appreciated, underscoring its community-supported nature.
• **First-Come, First-Served:** The site operates strictly on a **first-come, first-served basis**, with a generally enforced maximum stay limit of seven days.

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🌟 **Features / Highlights: Fishing and Scenic Relaxation**

The key features of the Lake Menno Campground revolve around the high-quality water recreation and the tranquil environment it provides to South Dakota families.

• **Excellent Fishing Lake:** Lake Menno is a renowned fishery managed for **Bluegill and Largemouth Bass**, with high catch rates for both species. Black Crappie and Channel Catfish also offer additional angling opportunities.
• **Boat Launch and Dock:** A well-maintained **boat ramp and steel fishing dock** are available for three-season use. Given the lake’s small size (approximately 47 acres) and “no wake” status, it is ideal for fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and electric trolling motors.
• **Peaceful and Secluded Atmosphere:** Campers consistently praise the quiet, peaceful environment, particularly during weekdays. The campground offers minimal crowds, making it perfect for genuine relaxation.
• **Scenic Backdrop:** The lake sits in a valley surrounded by low hills, providing a scenic, natural backdrop for photography and enjoying sunrises and sunsets.
• **Family Amenities:** The recreation area includes **picnic shelters with electricity** and a **children's playground**, making it a great spot for family gatherings and weekend outings.
• **Stunning Night Sky:** The rural location, far from city lights, offers campers a fantastic opportunity for **stargazing**—a truly memorable highlight.
• **Community Supported:** The lake's restoration in 1995 and the community's management of the facilities underscore the genuine local pride in this recreation area.

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☎️ **Contact Information**

Since the Lake Menno Campground (Huber Campground) is often managed by the City of Menno or a local development corporation, contact information is generally centralized through the city office.

**Address:** Lake Menno Rd (Menno Lake Recreation Area), Menno, SD 57045, USA

**City of Menno Contact:** For the most current information on fees, local regulations, and lake conditions (especially water levels), it is best to contact the City of Menno administration.

**City of Menno Phone:** (605) 387-2427 (Use this number for official inquiries regarding the recreation area's operation.)

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✅ **What is Worth Choosing: Unbeatable Value and Quiet Fishing**

The **Lake Menno Campground (Huber Campground)** is an outstanding choice for South Dakotans who value **affordability, peaceful seclusion, and high-quality fishing** above large-scale amenities. It is worth choosing because it delivers electric hookups, potable water, and a boat launch for a remarkably low nightly cost, making it an incredible value for budget-conscious RVers and tenters.

This campground provides a much-needed break from the more trafficked state park systems. If your perfect weekend involves casting a line for Bluegill or Bass in the early morning, watching a stunning, unpolluted night sky, and enjoying the tranquility of a truly quiet, first-come, first-served site, then Lake Menno is your go-to destination in Southeast South Dakota. **It is the definition of a peaceful, community-supported, hidden gem.**