Union Lake Sarah Campground

***

***Union Lake Sarah Campground: Your Full-Service Lakeside Escape in Erskine, Minnesota***

For Minnesota residents, camping is more than just an activity—it’s a tradition deeply rooted in lake life and a desire for convenient access to the Northwoods. **Union Lake Sarah Campground**, nestled perfectly between its two namesake lakes near Erskine, offers a comprehensive, full-service camping experience that caters to both overnight travelers and seasonal residents looking for a summer home base in Polk County. This destination provides a classic Minnesota getaway, combining modern conveniences with unparalleled water access, making it an ideal choice for fishing enthusiasts, boating families, and those simply seeking a scenic, restful lakeside retreat.

Located in the heart of Northwestern Minnesota, the campground leverages its unique position on a narrow strip of land between Union Lake and Lake Sarah to maximize water activities. The family-owned atmosphere and the extensive amenities—from a dedicated snack shop to numerous rental options—ensure that guests have everything they need right on-site. The positive buzz about the hospitality, including high praise for the "Great ice cream" and "nice people" suggests a welcoming environment that many Minnesota campers value. This guide provides a detailed, factual look at what Union Lake Sarah Campground offers, helping you plan your next memorable Minnesota camping trip.

***

***Introduction / Overview***

Union Lake Sarah Campground is a long-established, private, seasonal campground that has been serving the region since the mid-1950s, growing from a small resort named Linger Longer into its current 72-site capacity. Located just off Polk County 41, the campground operates during the prime Minnesota camping season, typically from May through September, but also notes that it offers lake access in the winter for local ice fishermen.

With 71 total campsites, including approximately 5 dedicated tent-only sites, the campground caters primarily to the RV and seasonal trailer community, providing extensive infrastructure to support longer stays. The true appeal of this location lies in its duality, giving guests access to both Union Lake (877 acres, known for Walleye, Northern Pike, Bass, and Crappie) and Lake Sarah (366 acres, also featuring Walleye and Pan Fish). This dual-lake access is a significant draw, ensuring varied fishing and boating opportunities for all skill levels.

The campground structure is designed to be largely self-sufficient, featuring a snack shop and various convenience services on-site. While the majority of sites are booked seasonally, the availability of daily rentals ensures that travelers passing through the Erskine area can also benefit from the excellent facilities and lake access. It is an ideal spot for Minnesotans looking for a classic, amenity-rich lake camping vacation.

***

***Location and Accessibility***

Union Lake Sarah Campground is strategically located in Polk County, in the northwestern quadrant of Minnesota. It sits just outside the small town of Erskine, which provides immediate access to major routes, including Highway 2, connecting the area to larger communities like Crookston and Thief River Falls.

The physical address for the campground is:

Address: **20049 Campground Rd SE, Erskine, MN 56535, USA**

The location on Campground Road SE places it directly between Union Lake and Lake Sarah, creating a picturesque setting where water is easily accessible from almost any point on the property. This proximity to major regional roads and the surrounding lakes makes it a convenient drive for residents from the Fargo-Moorhead area, Grand Forks, and other North Minnesota communities. The site is situated off Polk County Highway 41, ensuring good road access for large RVs and trailers. The surrounding region is characterized by lakes, wetlands, and forests, including the nearby Rydell National Wildlife Refuge, providing additional options for exploration beyond the campground boundaries.

***

***Services Offered***

Union Lake Sarah Campground distinguishes itself as a full-service destination by offering a wide array of high-quality amenities and essential services, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay for all guests, particularly those utilizing RVs and enjoying the lakes:

• **Campsite Utility Services:** The majority of the 72 campsites feature essential hookups, including **water and electrical hookups**, with many likely offering full **sewer hookups** as well, suitable for long-term RV use.
• **Sanitation and Comfort Facilities:** The campground provides modern, centralized amenities, including **flush toilets** and **two central showers** for guest use, which is a major convenience for tent campers and RVs without extensive facilities.
• **Support Facilities:** A **sanitary dump station** is available on-site for RVs, and **laundry facilities** are provided, which is highly valued by seasonal and extended-stay campers.
• **Convenience Retail:** The facility operates a **snack shop** and sells **ice, groceries, bait, and tackle**, minimizing the need for frequent trips into town. This on-site supply feature enhances the relaxing experience.
• **Recreational Rentals:** The campground offers a variety of watercraft rentals, including **pontoon boat(s)** for group outings, **fishing pontoons** for dedicated anglers, **canoes, kayaks, and paddleboats**, ensuring everyone can get out on the water easily.
• **Water Access:** Features include a dedicated **boat landing**, **dock space/slips/mooring buoys** for guests, and a **swimming beach** for safe, family-friendly water play.

***

***Features / Highlights***

The Union Lake Sarah Campground offers several distinctive features that make it a compelling choice for Minnesota campers:

• **Dual Lake Access:** Its unique location between Union Lake and Lake Sarah provides unparalleled access to different fishing and recreational opportunities without having to transport boats long distances. This makes it a true watersport enthusiast's paradise.
• **Extensive Rental Fleet:** The availability of various boats, especially the pontoon and fishing pontoon rentals, makes the lake experience accessible even to those who do not own their own watercraft.
• **On-Site Convenience:** The presence of a snack shop, groceries, and bait/tackle means guests can quickly grab ice cream, bait, or essential supplies without leaving the campground, maximizing relaxation time.
• **Family Amenities:** Features like the **playground** and the designated **swimming beach** ensure that children have safe, engaging activities, supporting its reputation as a family-friendly destination.
• **Seasonal Community Focus:** The large seasonal base creates a strong sense of community, though prospective long-term campers should carefully review all contract terms, including any obligations like the "ditch cleaning" mentioned in customer feedback, and be prepared to adhere strictly to all published campground rules regarding **quiet hours (after 10:00 PM)** and **golf cart usage** to ensure a smooth stay.
• **Angler’s Paradise:** The campground is situated in an "ideal site for camping and fishing" for popular species like **walleye, northern pike, bass, crappie, and sunfish**, offering great angling action right off the docks or from a rental boat.

***

***Contact Information***

For Minnesota residents looking to inquire about daily site rentals, seasonal waiting lists, boat rentals, or to verify specific campground rules and contract details, the following contact information should be used:

Address: **20049 Campground Rd SE, Erskine, MN 56535, USA**

Phone: **(218) 687-5155**

Mobile Phone: **+1 218-687-5155**

Potential seasonal campers are strongly advised to contact the office directly to obtain and thoroughly review a copy of the seasonal contract and all campground rules, including those pertaining to maintenance duties, quiet hours, and the operation of personal recreational vehicles (such as golf carts), to ensure full compliance and a harmonious stay within the established community guidelines.

***

***What is Worth Choosing***

Union Lake Sarah Campground is an excellent choice for the Minnesota camper who values **full-service amenities** and **superior lake access** in a dedicated seasonal environment. It is worth choosing for several compelling reasons:

First, the **convenience factor is exceptional**. With **72 campsites**, two central bathhouses with **hot showers**, **laundry facilities**, and an **on-site snack shop/grocery**, the campground minimizes the logistics of a camping trip. You can spend more time relaxing and less time running errands, which is the definition of a great Minnesota lake vacation.

Second, the **direct dual-lake access and rental options** are unparalleled. The ability to launch a boat into Union Lake or Lake Sarah, rent a pontoon for the day, or simply grab a kayak and paddle around from a designated swimming beach makes this a premier water recreation spot. The high quality of fishing for popular species like Walleye further cements its value to Minnesota anglers.

Finally, choosing Union Lake Sarah is choosing a **structured community experience**. While the nature of the community requires strict adherence to rules—as reflected in customer feedback regarding quiet hours and property rules—this structure ensures a tidy, predictable, and generally peaceful environment for the majority of long-term guests. Prospective campers, particularly those seeking seasonal spots, should prioritize a detailed review of all rules upon booking to ensure the management's expectations align perfectly with their own camping style, thereby guaranteeing a positive experience with the management and the "nice people" who offer great ice cream!

***