Traverse Lake
RV Guide
Introduction
Traverse Lake is a large lake in Wheaton, Minnesota. Forming part of the Minnesota Lakes, the Lake Traverse Project consists of two dams, one dike, and two lakes: Traverse and Mud. The primary purpose of the project is to prevent flooding along the Bois de Sioux River.
Lake Traverse has plenty of fascinating history. Looking back, it’s apparent the lake shores were used as a trading post as far back as 1786, followed by the Hudson Bay Company in 1792. Today, the 11,000-acre lake is a playground for water sport enthusiasts. Visit during summer, and you’ll find the water a hive of activity for swimming, boating, sailing, canoeing, water skiing, fishing, and more. During the cooler months, popular winter sports include cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing.
If you plan to spend the day here, there are Army Corps of Engineers parks recreation areas available at Reservation Control Dam on Traverse Lake, White Rock Dam on Mud Lake, and Browns Valley Dike. Facilities include picnic areas, shoreline fishing areas, and toilets. There are also several boat launch areas scattered around the lake should you wish to bring your own watercraft.
If you’re looking to stay overnight, RV camping is available at Traverse County Park and other campsites around the lake. The lake is open 365 days of the year.
RV Rentals in Traverse Lake
Transportation
Driving
Traverse Lake can be found just four miles from Wheaton, Minnesota, off the US Highway 75. There are no driving restrictions around the lake, but campers should stick to designated roads to the campgrounds, especially in big rigs.
Keep an eye out for pedestrians and low-hanging branches when you enter the campground. Once you’ve set up your RV camp, you can get around on foot, bike or boat – there are eight boat launch areas around the lake.
Parking is available at various points around the lake, including at the three Army Corps recreation areas, boat launch area, and at the campgrounds. Overflow parking is also available at the campgrounds.
Parking
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in Traverse Lake
Campsites in Traverse Lake
Reservations camping
RV Park
A nearby RV Park offers 74 campsites on Lake Traverse, Minnesota. Water and sewer hookups are available for RVs of 70 feet (larger sites may be available so call ahead to check).
Guests staying here can enjoy use of a large sandy beach, water trampoline and launch pad, sandy volleyball court, and a basketball court. Kids will also love the children’s playground area.
Facilities include an event center, a fish cleaning shack, fishing pier, garbage disposal, a coin-operated laundry facility, and a boat ramp.
RV camping rules state that only one licensed RV camper and two vehicles are permitted per site. Additional vehicles need to be parked in the overflow parking area. The RV Park is pet-friendly but dogs need to be kept on a leash when outside.
Quiet hours are regulated between the hours of 22:00 and 08:00.
First-come first-served
Traverse County Park
Traverse County Park is a public campground with 60 campsites, including eight campsites for RVs. Some campsites have a shelter and electric hookups. Facilities include garbage disposal, restrooms, and a well house.
Reservations are not permitted here; campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis only.
Seasonal activities in Traverse Lake
In-Season
Water Recreation
The 11,000-acre Traverse Lake that stretches from Wheaton to Browns Valley is a hive of activity in the summer months. It’s perfect for all manner of water sports, such as swimming, boating, sailing, jet-skiing, water skiing, canoeing, kayaking, and much more. Public boat ramps can be found scattered around the lake so you can bring your own watercraft along.
Picnics
Three COE parks recreation areas provide picnic spots and shelters along Traverse Lake, the Browns Valley Dike, and White Rock Dam. You’ll have no shortage of picnic spots. There are also plenty of other picnic areas available at the campground’s day-use areas around the lake or you can go for a stroll and find a quiet spot on the lakeshore.
Hunting
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the Corps of Engineers parks regulate hunting around Traverse Lake. In fact, there are over 1,500 acres of wildlife management areas that are open to public hunting. Try your luck hunting for small game, such as duck, pheasant, goose, fox, Hungarian partridge, and white-tailed deer. Please ensure you have all the necessary hunting permits to hand.
Off-Season
Fishing
Fishing at Traverse Lake is one of the most popular activities, and as it’s open 365 days a year, you can fish here all year round. Try your luck fishing for walleye, white bass, northern pike, freshwater drum, white crappie, black crappie, yellow perch, and bluegill. The spring months are the best times to fish for bullheads, northern pike, walleye and crappie. Please ensure you have all the necessary fishing permits beforehand.
Wildlife Watching
If you love nature, you’ll be in your element on the shores of Traverse Lake. Why? Well, there’s plenty of fascinating wildlife, birds, and plants to discover. Pack your binoculars and keep an eye out for aquatic birds like herons, grebes, egrets, pelicans, and cormorants as they wade in the lake. During spring and fall, you’ll also see plenty of migratory birds as well as visiting ducks.
Winter Sports
Traverse Lake and its surrounds are not just a summertime destination. When the weather cools down and the snow starts to fall, there are plenty of wintertime recreation activities to look forward to. These include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling on the quiet snow-covered county roads, or ice fishing for walleye, pike and perch in the lake. Please check with the DNR for ice fishing regulations.
