RV Rental Big Stone Lake, SD

Nearly as wide as the mighty Mississippi River, Big Stone Lake is only 16 feet deep. The lake is extremely shallow in spots, and it’s recommended that boaters choose water vehicles suitable for such conditions. On the upside, fishing in this lake is excellent, often producing trophy-sized fish. Fishermen and anglers come from all over the country to try their luck at catching a record-setting fish. Among 30-odd species of fish, walleye, northern pike, and bluegill are especially good. There are 12 public boat ramps along both sides of the Minnesota-South Dakota border.

Hikers and other outdoorsmen don’t have to miss out on the fun. There are several miles of hiking trails that skirt along the steep but shallow valley that forms this lake. The trails serpentine and weave through thick woods where leaves and branches knit overhead to form a lush green canopy. Sharp-eyed hikers might spot a shy black bear, swift white-tailed deer, and many other small-game animals that roam the wild hills. In wintertime, the fun doesn’t stop. Join the locals and set up sheds and shanties on the lake for an ice-fishing session or glide through the woods on a pair of cross-country skis. Ascend the steep sides of the valley and run through the open prairie meadows. In springtime, the lush green fields of wild grass are sprinkled with colorful pastel blooms. Search for fossils in the rocky outcroppings. Fossil shark teeth are common finds.

Across the lake are even more opportunities for outdoor fun; however, note that there are no bridges crossing the lake. It is necessary to travel to the north or south end of the lake to get to the east side; a journey made more convenient in an RV rental.

Wake up to the sound of birdsong and waves lapping gently at the shore. Camp at Hartford Beach State Park, a few miles from Corona, SD, to fulfill that fantasy. This campground is open year-round, though some of the public amenities like showers may be shut down. The campground offers electric hookups, and also, canoe and kayak rentals.

Big Stone Lake State Park camping might be a good alternative. On the Minnesota side of the lake, there are 37 sites for RV camping, though only ten sites have electric hookups. Note that while the facility is open in winters, the access road is not plowed.

There are many private campgrounds and RV parks in the area, too, providing you with an array of options to choose from. Close to Big Stone City, SD, Camping 109 RV Park boasts amenities like a horse pasture, laundry, and full hookups.

Pioneers and settlers descended upon this area as early as the mid-19th century, and some of their original homes, structures, churches, and cemeteries stand to this day. Spread out in tiny towns dotting the landscape, exploring each one to get a glimpse into this country’s history will require a rental motorhome. Along the way, keep an eye out for quaint little shops, farm stands, and antique stores that every town seems to have on their main streets. Ogle Paul’s Bunyan’s massive anchor, which is purported to be the world’s largest boat anchor, in Ortonville.

On the fringes of Ortonville are several “you-pick” apple orchards and vegetable farms. There’s nothing like fresh fruit that’s ripened naturally. So crisp and flavorful! In autumn after the crops have been harvested, local farmers convert their fields into complicated corn mazes. Can you find your way through without help?

To foster community as well as to bring in tourists, Clinton, MN, hosts a massive annual county fair, the Big Stone County Fair. Held in mid-July, the fair draws thousands of attendants. Though the events change from year to year, it traditionally has a headline act for evening entertainment, a rodeo, 4-H competitions, and livestock auctions. Food and craft vendors also set up stands, booths, and trucks at which they sell their goods.

Create a memorable vacation by renting an RV in South Dakota and head off to explore the state with the family.