RV Rental Okamanpeedan Lake, MN

Encompassing around 2,300 acres, the comma-shaped lake is ringed by a thin strand of hardwood trees on all sides. Large heron nests crown the trees in spikes. Fishermen often find themselves competing with herons for their catches. Herons have long ago learned that people toting a fishing rod are a good source of easy food. Anglers can expect to catch a variety of fish, including northern pike, walleye, crappie, perch, bullhead, catfish, and carp. Though there are a couple of access points on the Minnesota side of the lake, the official boat launches are found on the Iowa side in the Okamanpeedan State Park and Tuttle Lake Recreation Area.

On the south side of Okamanpeedan Lake, Tuttle Lake Recreation Area has several miles of hiking trails. Some follow the shores of the lake, weaving through the trees. Others spider southward into the Tuttle Lake State Game Management Area, which is a mix of wetlands and prairie bordered by cultivated farmlands. There, hunting is permitted during the appropriate season. Hunters may choose to hunt deer, turkey, duck, goose, or pheasant, provided that they follow the regulations and observe the bag limits.

For even more recreational fun, there are several other state parks and lakes open to the public within a 30-mile radius. Elinor Bedell State Park boasts several miles of hiking trails that wind through woodlands and open prairie region. It’s purported to be an excellent park for wildlife observation like rabbits, foxes, and various birds.

Fishing at Okamanpeedan Lake means a very long commute from the closest town with hotels. Skip the commute by renting an RV. In the mornings, one can get out the door and go fishing or swimming within seconds. RV camp in Tuttle Lake Recreation Area, near Dolliver, IA. The campground has over 60 RV sites with water and electric hookups. Restrooms and hot showers are a short walk from most sites.

If space runs out, which happens occasionally in summers, nearby Burt’s Lake Campground in Swea City, has several sites with electric and water hookups.

The RV camp at Fort Defiant State Park in Iowa may be a good candidate, too. Close to an old army fort, it has several sites for RVs. However, only eight have electric hookups, and there are no restrooms and showers.

In rural Minnesota, it’s easy to think that there isn’t anything to see or do. On the contrary. Various towns have their charm and appeal, and exploring each is made effortless with the help of a rental motorhome. Minnesota is well known for its quirky sense of humor. Nearby town Blue Earth, claims to be the home of the world’s largest Jolly Green Giant statue, the very same character that’s featured on a certain food company’s packaging. (The local farms supply vegetables to the food company.)

One of the few meteorites known to strike land occurred in Estherville, IA, in 1879. It is possibly one of the largest strikes on record since the 1850s, and a marker commemorates the spot.

Nearby Fort Belmont in Jackson was the site of one of the first forts in southern Minnesota. Visitors can tour the replica log cabin and stockade, examine a working blacksmith shop, and study the classic prairie sod house, similar to the one Laura Ingalls and her family lived in briefly in her childhood. There is a museum with various artifacts, documents, and maps on display, as well.