Kamp Dels Campground

Waterville campers will want to explore the state park located right on their doorstep. Sakatah Lake State Park is located just across the lake and stretches for nearly 40 miles along the lake's southern shoreline. This lake is popular for a variety of watersports thanks to its calm waters, with canoeing and fishing among the most popular activities. Anglers can expect a good haul at this lake, with catches that include bass, pike, and catfish. There are five miles of hiking trails that lead along the lake and through the woods surrounding it, and hikers should keep an eye out for local wildlife, such as mink, coyotes, and deer. Another scenic park not far from Kamp Dels Campground is Minneopa State Park. This hilly state park features lush forests along the Minneopa River, and the park is famed for its gorgeous waterfall. There is a trail that leads up a limestone staircase which passes the waterfalls, and along the way, hikers will be treated to sublime vistas of the valley below. During this challenging climb, hikers should keep a lookout for local wildlife. This park is popular with birdwatchers, and common species include western meadowlark, red-winger blackbirds, and eastern bluebirds. There are also several scenic state parks to the south of Waterville. Myre-Big Island State Park consists of a diverse environment, with wetlands, forests, and grasslands around Albert Lea Lake. There are 20 miles of hiking trails in the park, which lead through rolling hills and forests to the magical Big Island located in the middle of the lake. Nature watching is a favorite pastime at this park due to an abundance of migratory waterfowl, and mammals you might see during your visit include muskrats, snapping turtles, and white-tailed deer.