Manipogo Provincial Park is a reclusive and somewhat mysterious place named after a mythical sea monster that is said to lurk in the deeper waters of Lake Manitoba.The Park is located on the north-west shores of Lake Manitoba and east of Dauphin Lake and was established in 1961. It offers its guests a quiet and serene camping experience in an area stretching over 60 acres. As it is still a well-kept secret among campers and anglers it is seldom crowded.
Poplar and Spruce trees grow along the campsites to protect campers against the wind. The park itself lies on a relatively flat, low-lying ridge of land that is covered in tall grasses. Manipogo Provincial park offer kilometers of sandy beach to walk on and two marina channels nearby for water-based activities.
This small but remote park offers campers a peaceful beach side experience surrounded by nature's wonders. The park is home to a diverse ecosystem with plenty of wildlife and exotic birds often spotted in the outer fringes of the park and alongside the lake shore.
Visitors can have a blast enjoying the many recreational activities available at the park. Fish, hike, swim, windsurf, boat, birdwatch, or play volleyball to your hearts content with plenty of amenities and facilities available nearby to help ensure that the entertainment never stops!
Manipogo Provincial Park is located around 55 km or about 35 miles north of Ste. Rose du Lac on Highway 276. Upon arriving at Dauphin travel south on Hwy 10. Take a left onto Hwy 5 and continue east until you arrive at Road 276. Take a left and continue traveling north until you reach the park entrance. Alternate routes also lead to the park so check your GPS before setting out. The remote setting of the park is partially the reason why it isn't always crowded which make it worth the journey. Gravel roads lead to the various campsites and facilities inside the park and the roads leading to the park may not be suitable for larger vehicles, RVs or Big Rigs.
Manipogo Provincial Park has over a hundred campsites out of which 33 offer electric (30 amp) hook-ups while the rest are basic campsites with no hook-ups available. The campground is divided into four parts; North Bay, South Bay, West Bay and East Bay. The North Bay area is close to the North Marina, volleyball court, concession stand, playground, horseshoe pitch, refuse disposal, changing rooms and modern washrooms with the North Marina also providing access to a fish cleaning station and boat launch area.
The South, West and East Bay campsites are closer to the southern marina that also has a fish cleaning station but no boat launch area. South Bay also has a shower facility and playground area with access to nearby firewood. All campsites are close to modern washrooms, access to drinking water, refuse disposal and campground office.
Manipogo Provincial Park also offer tent camping sites for those seeking a more primitive camping experience.
Many of the campsites are lake facing offering plenty of shade and relative privacy thanks to the tall bush grasses and poplar and spruce trees. Picnic shelters and a day-use area is also situated close to the campgrounds.
The park is named after a mythical sea serpent that is said to dwell in the deeper waters of Lake Manitoba with sightings of the creature dating back to the 1800s. Exploring the lake and learning about the origins of this mythical sea creature is fascinating and adds to the mystery and overall experience of camping at Manipogo Provincial Park.
Manipogo Provincial Park is home to abundant species of birds, some of which are local to Manitoba, while others are migratory birds that visit these vast lake waters to refuel and breed during migration season. Campers can hear and if they look close enough spot ring-neck pheasants, geese, waterfowls, grouse and many other species of birds native to this neck of the woods.
Manipogo Provincial Park in many ways is an ideal spot for a day spent picnicking. The large sandy beach area and day use picnic sites make for an entertaining and enjoyable day out. The park has a designated day use picnic site equipped with picnic tables and a fire pit. A picnic shelter and cook-out area is also available for those who fancy a picnic BBQ. The beach area has change rooms, a concession stand, pit toilets, washrooms, and a fish cleaning site offering all the amenities you need to have a memorable camping experience.
Short-hiking trails offer visitors the opportunity to explore the lake shore area while meditating to the sound of song birds and rolling waves. The constant breeze coming from the lake is perfect for revitalizing and reenergizing body and mind to help you continue your hike along this picturesque landscape. The vast stretches of sandy beach is also ideal for those long walks that help you clear your mind and take in your surroundings.
Plenty of opportunity to take your kayak, canoe, paddle board, windsurfer or sail boat out on to Lake Manitoba's vast waters. Plenty of wind make for a thrilling sailing and windsurfing experience while kayakers and canoers can explore the lake shoreline spotting wildlife and birds or settling down for a spot of lake fishing. The two marina channels and a boat launch area offers visitors all the facilities needed to get their boats onto the aquamarine lake waters.
Perhaps one of the biggest attractions of camping alongside Lake Manitoba is the abundant fishing opportunities it offers. The lake waters are teaming with walleye, nothern pike, sauger, freshwater drum and perch that makes for a thrilling fishing experience. With a vast beach area and the ability to take to the lake waters by boat, anglers have the ideal place to test their skills and land a prized scalp. A fish cleaning station located on site enables you to clean your catch for dinner.
