Orwell Lake
RV Guide
Introduction
Near Fergus Falls, Minnesota, you'll find the Army Corps of Engineers project at Orwell Lake in Otter Tail County. The pristine wilderness, coupled with excellent water recreation opportunities, make this area a popular site for tourists. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, hiking, and wildlife viewing - all the components of a fantastic outdoor vacation.
Constructed in 1953, the Orwell Dam impounds the Otter Tail River for flood control, storage of irrigation water, and drinking water. The reservoir that the dam creates is known as Orwell Lake. This COE lake has a typical water surface of 1.3 square miles and is spring runoff water that the Corps stores here to prevent flooding in times of high water. Adjacent to Orwell Lake and Dam, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources runs a wildlife management area that covers 1,985 acres. This should definitely be a stop off on your visit to the lake.
There are no COE campgrounds at Orwell Lake, but the area surrounding it offers campsites at Glendalough State Park and Maplewood State Park, both around 35 miles from Orwell Lake. If you want to spend some time in the city on your road trip, Orwell Lake is about an hour south of Fargo, North Dakota.
RV Rentals in Orwell Lake
Transportation
Driving
To reach the park from Fergus Falls, follow County Route 15 southwest for ten miles. The roads leading to Orwell Lake are paved and in generally good condition. Watch out for fallen branches or obstacles if the weather is windy.
During the winter, this area experiences high levels of snowfall and ice is a common sight. If you are visiting in the winter, be prepared to re-route due to road closures or weather-related obstacles like black ice and accidents. Don't forget to pack all the necessary gear and supplies for safe winter travel.
Parking
Designated parking lots are available at Orwell Lake and can accommodate larger rigs. To ensure easy parking, it's best to arrive early during the peak summer months.
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in Orwell Lake
Campsites in Orwell Lake
Reservations camping
Maplewood State Park Campground
Around 35 miles north of Orwell Lake you'll find Maplewood State Park. This campground is open all year and RVs and trailers 50 feet or less are welcome. There are 50 amp electric hookups and a total of 71 campsites, but only four of the campsites are open in the winter.
When you choose to stay here you can take advantage of everything this beautiful state park has to offer. The access to hiking trails and picnic areas is easy and you can swim or boat on eight different lakes within the park. They even have boat rentals on site.
The campground is pet-friendly and has both showers and flush toilets along with a dump station.
Glendalough State Park Campground
There are no COE campgrounds at Orwell Lake, but you can head to Glendalough State Park, which is under 35 miles away. RV camping here is limited to one site but they also have an additional 25 tent-only sites. The campground is open year-round and there only a total of 23 sites available in the winter.
The campground features all the amenities you will need for an enjoyable stay. They have flush toilets and hot showers as well as easy access to hiking trails. Take a dip at the onsite swimming beach or rent a boat to get out on the water.
Seasonal activities in Orwell Lake
In-Season
Swimming
Swimming in Orwell Lake is not encouraged but in the summer, when you really need to cool off, venture to the other side of the dam and take a dip in the Otter Tail River.
The waters of the Otter Tail are clear and refreshing. There are no official swimming areas at the dam site, so heading further upstream is your best option. Swimming is unsupervised and is done at your own risk. Beware of floating objects and changes in current and don't swim alone.
Fishing
Anglers stopping in at Orwell Lake will be rewarded with excellent fishing for crappie, walleye, and redhorse sucker. You can head out in a boat or simply cast your line in from the lakeshore.
Smallmouth bass are found in the Otter Tail River and a popular spot to catch them is just below Orwell Dam. Sturgeon were also reintroduced to the river. If you do catch one, it must be returned to the water immediately and its details recorded in order to preserve the population.
Boating
Orwell Lake permits boats with motors of 10 horsepower or less and offers two boat ramps to gain access to the lake. The first boat ramp, on the south shore is primitive and suitable for duck or flat-bottom boats only. The second, on the north side of the lake, is for larger boats and has concrete planks.
The Otter Tail River is a designated water trail and a favorite among both locals and tourists. Hop in your canoe or kayak and travel on this generally slow-moving river. Be prepared, though, to navigate some areas of fast moving water, rocks, and culverts with minimal headroom.
Off-Season
Hiking
There is no official trail around Orwell Lake but that doesn't mean you can't tour around the lake on foot. Much of the lakeshore is covered in grass and is relatively flat, making it a great way to see this COE park. Wandering around here is suitable for hikers of any level and you can easily turn around or find your way back if you encounter a difficult section.
The banks of the Otter Tail River are another scenic place to walk. They are home to colorful wildflowers and in the fall the surrounding trees turn vibrant shades of orange and yellow. The sound of the river flowing makes for instant relaxation.
Wildlife Viewing
Adjacent to this COE lake is a wildlife area covering over 1,900 acres that are managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. You can head here to see wildlife but you will likely also encounter animals and birds just traveling and hanging out at Orwell Lake.
When you are in the area, the resident wildlife you might see include white-tailed deer, fox, geese, and ducks. Hunting is permitted in certain locations of the wildlife management area - always obey signs and respect the regulations.
To spot more wildlife, consider a trip on a portion of the Otter Tail Scenic Byway. You drive through Otter Tail County and it covers a total of 150 miles. Travel past perfect habitats for wildlife like wetlands and lakes. Just make sure you have your camera ready.
Picnicking
The grounds surrounding Orwell Lake the perfect place to have a picnic in the spring, summer or fall. The Army Corps of Engineers provides two day-use areas for picnics and other activities.
One of the day-use areas, at the main entrance to the site, has a picnic area, shelter, and playground. The other official picnic area is located just north of Orwell Dam. It has a picnic shelter and is peaceful and quiet. It can be a great place to relax and spot wildlife.
If you find the perfect place for your picnic, it's easy just to stop and spread out a blanket if you have one. The flat, grassy areas that are found throughout the COE park are ideal for lunch with a view.
