Lake Louise Campground

For Minnesotans seeking a tranquil and well-maintained outdoor retreat, Lake Louise Campground, nestled within Lake Louise State Park in Le Roy Township, offers a genuinely refreshing experience. This hidden gem in southeastern Minnesota provides a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle, making it an ideal destination for those who value quiet contemplation, pristine natural beauty, and well-kept facilities. While it may be described as "small," visitors consistently praise its ample size for a state park, emphasizing the quality of the camping experience over sheer scale.

One of the standout features of Lake Louise Campground, as highlighted by numerous happy campers, is the exceptional cleanliness and modern upkeep of its bathroom facilities. "The bathroom buildings are excellent as they are updated and clean," is a common sentiment, ensuring a comfortable stay even when roughing it. The campground's layout offers versatility, with "outer ring" sites providing more seclusion and space, while "inner spots" remain shaded and pleasant, albeit a little more condensed. Whether you're an experienced camper or looking for a relaxing family getaway, Lake Louise Campground provides a serene and well-managed environment that truly allows you to connect with Minnesota's beautiful outdoors.

Lake Louise Campground is located within Lake Louise State Park at 12385 766th Avenue, Le Roy, MN 55951, USA. This address places the campground in southeastern Minnesota, approximately 1.5 miles north of the charming town of Le Roy in Mower County, and near the Iowa border. Its position makes it a convenient and accessible destination for many residents across southern Minnesota, including those from Rochester, Mankato, and other nearby communities.

Accessing the campground typically involves a gravel road entrance, as noted by visitors. While this contributes to its "out of the way" and secluded feel, it's a detail worth noting for those driving large rigs, as keeping an eye out for branches may be advised. Despite this, the overall accessibility is considered good, ensuring a smooth arrival for most campers.

The surrounding Lake Louise State Park encompasses a mix of woodlands, savanna, and meadows, offering a diverse natural landscape to explore. The focal point, Lake Louise itself, is a historic mill pond formed at the confluence of the Upper Iowa and Little Iowa Rivers, providing opportunities for water-based recreation. For those who enjoy biking, the paved Shooting Star State Trail runs within a quarter mile of the campground, offering a scenic 20-mile path that connects LeRoy to Rose Creek. This excellent accessibility to both the campground and surrounding natural attractions makes Lake Louise Campground a prime spot for a peaceful Minnesota outdoor adventure.

• Well-Maintained Restroom and Shower Facilities: Consistently praised for being updated and clean, ensuring a comfortable experience for campers.
• Electric Hookup Sites: Eleven of the 20 semi-modern campsites offer electric hookups, catering to RVs and those needing power.
• Semi-Modern Campsites: Each of the 20 campsites comes equipped with a fire ring and picnic table.
• Camp Host: Positive reviews highlight the presence of a "great camp host," indicating on-site assistance and support for campers.
• Firewood Availability: While not explicitly detailed as a sales service, state parks typically have policies regarding firewood, often requiring approved firewood to prevent the spread of tree diseases. It's advisable to check current rules for purchasing on-site or bringing approved wood.
• Dump Station: State park campgrounds generally offer a dump station for RV waste.

• Small, Quiet Campground: Ideal for those seeking a peaceful and relaxed camping experience, free from excessive crowds or noise.
• Updated and Clean Bathrooms: A major highlight, ensuring a comfortable and hygienic stay.
• Secluded Outer Ring Sites: Offers more spread-out and private camping spots for enhanced tranquility.
• Shaded Inner Spots: Even the more condensed inner sites provide ample shade.
• Direct Access to Shooting Star Bike Trail: A paved, 20-mile trail runs very close to the campground, perfect for cyclists.
• Lake Access (Lake Louise): The historic mill pond is ideal for canoeing, fishing, and offers a designated swimming area with a sandy beach.
• Hiking Trails: The park features three hiking trails, including the Wildwood Loop, offering opportunities to explore woodlands, savanna, and prairie.
• Equestrian Trails and Horse Camp: The park includes a separate horse camp area with six campsites for those who wish to combine camping with horseback riding.
• Picnic Areas and Shelter: Available for day use or gatherings, with picnic tables, fire rings, and an electric shelter.
• Nature Watching: The park is home to diverse wildlife and wildflowers, with opportunities for birdwatching and observing various species.
• Stargazing Opportunities: Located in a rural area, it offers clear night skies away from city light pollution.
• Historical Significance: The lake and picnic area have a rich history dating back to the late 1800s as Wildwood Park.

As a Minnesota State Park campground, Lake Louise Campground generally operates under the state park system's fee structure rather than offering individual commercial promotions or discounts. However, there are inherent "offers" that make state parks like Lake Louise a great value for Minnesota locals:

• Affordable State Park Permits: Access to all Minnesota State Parks for a full year can be obtained with an annual vehicle permit, offering significant savings for frequent visitors. A daily permit is also available for single visits.
• Consistent Pricing: Camping rates are typically standardized across Minnesota State Parks, providing transparent and predictable costs for electric and non-electric sites. This allows for easy budgeting without the fluctuation of private campground pricing.
• Access to Extensive Park Amenities: The camping fee grants you access to all the state park's features, including well-maintained hiking trails, lake access for fishing and paddling, a swimming beach, and picnic areas. This comprehensive offering is a significant value in itself.
• Family-Friendly Programs: Minnesota State Parks often host interpretive programs and activities during the summer season, providing free or low-cost educational and recreational opportunities for all ages. It's advisable to check the park's specific calendar for such events.

For current camping rates and to make reservations, visitors should utilize the Minnesota DNR's online reservation system. Reservations can typically be made up to 180 days in advance, especially important for securing popular sites during peak season (Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend). While direct monetary discounts might not be prevalent, the overall value and quality of the experience provided by Lake Louise State Park Campground make it a consistently attractive choice for Minnesota campers.

To plan your visit or for more information about Lake Louise Campground and Lake Louise State Park, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 12385 766th Avenue, Le Roy, MN 55951, USA
• Phone: (507) 352-5111 (c/o Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park, as Lake Louise is managed by them)

You can also find detailed information and make reservations through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) State Parks website.

Lake Louise Campground is an exceptionally suitable destination for Minnesota locals seeking an authentic, peaceful, and amenity-rich outdoor experience. Its location in southeastern Minnesota, within Lake Louise State Park, strikes a perfect balance between being "out of the way" for a true escape and being conveniently accessible for many residents across the state. This makes it an ideal spot for weekend getaways or longer family vacations without the burden of excessive travel.

For Minnesotans, who deeply value clean public spaces and well-maintained natural areas, Lake Louise Campground stands out with its consistently praised "excellent" and "updated and clean" bathroom facilities. This attention to detail significantly enhances the camping experience, ensuring comfort even in a natural setting. The campground's design, offering both "secluded" outer ring sites and shaded inner spots, caters to various preferences, whether you're seeking privacy or a slightly more connected experience.

Beyond the camping itself, the surrounding Lake Louise State Park offers a wealth of activities that align perfectly with the Minnesota outdoor lifestyle. The presence of the Shooting Star Bike Trail, readily available hiking and horse trails, and opportunities for fishing and canoeing on Lake Louise, means there's no shortage of ways to explore and enjoy nature. The option to combine camping with horseback riding is a unique draw for equestrian enthusiasts.

Finally, the "great camp host" and the overall quiet atmosphere contribute to a relaxing and enjoyable stay, fostering the kind of peaceful environment that many Minnesotans seek when heading outdoors. As a state park, it represents a well-managed public resource providing consistent quality and access to the beautiful natural landscapes of Minnesota, making Lake Louise Campground a premier choice for locals looking to reconnect with nature and create lasting memories.