Split Rock Creek State Park is located in the Coteau des Prairies (highlands of the prairie) in Pipestone County. The main attraction of Split Rock Creek State park is Split Rock Lake the largest body of water in the region thanks to a dam built in 1938. The lake waters offers RV and camping enthusiast the opportunity to experience many water-based activities while enjoying the native grasses, wildflowers and wildlife.
The park offers guests the opportunity to boat, hike and camp by the beach side trail center that features many amenities to ensure your stay is a pleasant and memorable one. Late summer is the ideal time to visit Split Rock Creek State Park to enjoy the vivid and vibrant colors of the prairie grasses and wildflowers.
The park is also home to lake and prairie animals that make up a diverse and rich ecosystem. Split Rock Creek State Park is also home to the the famous Pipestone National Monument located just seven miles north of the park. For RV and camping enthusiast the park features many on-site recreational activities and facilities including a boat ramp, electric hookups, showers, kayak rentals and much more. This beautiful prairie landscape offers scenic views, amazing weather and refreshing lake water that makes it an ideal spot for camping and picnicking.
The drive to Split Rock Creek State Park is a fairly easy one as it is located just seven miles southwest of Pipestone County, off State Highway 23. The roads leading to the park are wide and easily big enough for RVs, cars and motorhomes. Once inside the park hard-surface roads lead to the park office, historic sites, gift shop, picnic areas and of-course the drive-in campsites.
The park has 35 campsites in total out of which 34 are drive-in sites that offer shade and are adjacent to Split Rock Lake. The camp sites are large enough for RVs and motorhomes and offer basic amenities such as showers, flush toilets, vault toilets and dump stations. 21 out of the 34 drive-in campsites offer electric hook-up with one of these sites also allowing wheelchair access. Generator use is permitted within park timings and guests can stay for 14 days at a time.
A large group camp can also be reserved for parties of up to 75 people. The site is a tent only campsite that is shaded and includes fire rings, picnic tables, access to drinking water, and vault toilets. A great rugged camping environment for large groups that love a more primitive style of camping.
Split Rock Creek State Park offers hikers of all skill levels a chance to stretch their legs on various trails that wind through the park, dam and lake area. A half a mile wheelchair accessible trail begins at the beach area and goes across the dam allowing all guests the chance to enjoy the scenic views and natural beauty. Self-guided trails are also available to hikers along with more rugged trails that wind through the prairies and grass lands.
Split Rock lake offers boating enthusiast calm waters to kayak, canoe or paddleboard across the lake. The park offers rentals for those who fancy a day out on the lake waters. Boating enthusiast will love the peace and tranquility of the surrounding landscape and maybe even catch glimpses of wildlife including meadowlarks, beavers and waterfowl that can be often spotted along the lake shores.
The park also attracts anglers of all ages to come out and enjoy time fishing in the lake waters. A fishing pier located close to the park entrance is wheelchair accessible and offer a great vantage point for a spot of relaxing fishing. Anglers can fish for many types of panfish that are native to the lake waters while also enjoying their natural surroundings.
During winter months the regular hiking trails of the summer are groomed to offer cross country skiing enthusiast the chance to ski alongside the frozen lake and through the bare snow-covered woodlands. A sledding hill also offers additional winter fun and is located adjacent to the boat landing with a warming house situated at the top of the sledding hill in case things get a bit frosty. Snowshoeing is also permitted during the winter and snowshoes can be rented from the park office.
Split Rock Creek State Park is an ideal picnicking destination all-year round to enjoy the scenic views and wildlife. Designated picnic areas overlook the lake and surrounding prairies and each site is equipped with picnic tables, fire pit, and grills with shaded picnic spots available adjacent to the lake. An enclosed picnic shelter is also available for reservation for a more comfortable and relaxing experience. Playgrounds close to picnic sites are also great for kids while the adults can have some fun by the beach playing volleyball or the many other fun recreational activities present at the park.
Home to an abundant species of lake and prairie animals Split Rock Creek State Park is a haven for birdwatchers and animal lovers alike. The lake waters attract many migrating birds to its shores and is home to meadowlarks and beavers as well apart from the many species of panfish that lie within its depths. In the southern more wooded area of the park animals like the woodpecker, fox squirrel and other small mammals can be spotted scurrying along the landscape.
