Big Stone Lake Campground

The Great Outdoors

There will be plenty of ways to enjoy the great outdoors right at Big Stone Lake State Park, where you will be camping with an RV. Recreation in the park centers around the 26-mile lake filled with bluegills, walleye, yellow perch, and northern pike. There is also a boat launch. Wildlife in the park includes ground squirrels, deer, raccoons, wild turkey, pheasants, mourning doves, meadowlarks, sedge wrens, thrashers, and bobolinks. There are picnic areas, a playground, and horseshoe pits. Handheld geocaching units are available for use. Other recreational opportunities include hiking and biking trails, water sports, winter activities, wildlife observation, and nature viewing and photography.Other recreational opportunities around Big Stone Lake, which forms the border between Minnesota and South Dakota, include fishing, hunting, boating, and beaches. It is the lowest recorded point in South Dakota. There are also trails and picnic areas. Vacation resorts offer golf and other ways to enjoy the great outdoors, including winter sports and activities. Since it is a very popular tourist area, there are excellent restaurants, retail therapy, and other attractions and amenities to make the most of your stay here. The Big Stone Lake Dam is also worth a visit and some playtime when you are RV camping at the Big Stone Lake Campground.The Big Stone Lake National Wildlife Refuge is another way to celebrate the spectacular natural beauty of this area when you camp in an RV near Ortonville. The refuge features over 11,000 acres of wetlands, tallgrass prairie, granite outcrops, and river woodlands. It is operated to provide recreational opportunities for people, conservation, and refuge for native wildlife, fish, and migratory birds. There is a scenic self-guided wildlife drive. Other recreational opportunities include hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, and photography. Interpretive and environmental education programs are held throughout the year. The refuge headquarters and office is the main visitor contact point.

Exploring the Area

When you’re camping at the Big Stone Lake Campground, you'll be near Ortonville, a sweet little town with plenty to explore. Among the sites to see are the Sioux Historic Pavilion, the Bonanza Education Center, and the Big Stone County Museum. The Big Stone Arts Council sponsors events, including art crawls and other exhibitions. There is a golf course and there are pontoon rides and rentals available as well as other outdoor recreational activities. You’ll have plenty of chances to see the best of what this area has to offer while you’re here. The Valley Express covers local news and events. Make sure to check out the Big Stone Lake Area Chamber of Commerce for the latest in area events, happenings, local news, and visitor information.Big Stone City is the sister city to Ortonville, and it sits right across the South Dakota border. Make sure to spend some time here when you're RV camping at Big Stone Lake State Park. Granite outcroppings emerged here during the Glacier Age and it is now one of the top three granite mining areas in the country. There are lots of parks and other outdoor recreational opportunities, including hunting, fishing, ice fishing, and bird watching. Special events that take place here every year include fishing tournaments, horse trail rides, historical boat tours, and the annual Corn Fest. The Charles Hanson North American Wildlife Collection of over 500 waterfowl is displayed inside the former Artichoke Lake General Store. Visit the South Dakota Department of Tourism to learn more about happenings, events, and tourist information.When you venture out of the RV park looking for something to eat, you’ll find locally owned and operated eateries featuring comfort food, grill fare, pizza, and other family-friendly choices. You’ll need to fill your rig's tank as well as your body, and there are numerous service stations, convenience stores, and truck stops with both gasoline and diesel fuel.