Oak Woods Campground

For Minnesota residents seeking an idyllic escape into nature, Oak Woods Campground, situated within the beloved Lake Shetek State Park in Currie, MN, offers a truly delightful camping experience. This highly-regarded campground is celebrated for its well-shaded, often secluded sites, providing a peaceful and private retreat for campers. Whether you prefer the convenience of an RV, the simplicity of tent camping, or the comfort of a rustic cabin, Oak Woods Campground provides a variety of options designed to help you relax and reconnect with the great outdoors. Its prime location next to the stunning Lake Shetek and within walking distance to numerous park amenities makes it a top choice for families, couples, and solo adventurers looking to embrace Minnesota’s natural beauty.

Visitors consistently praise Oak Woods Campground for its serene atmosphere and excellent facilities. Many reviews highlight the generous space between sites, even when the campground is full, which contributes significantly to a sense of privacy and tranquility. The lush canopy of old-growth oak trees provides ample shade, making it a comfortable spot even on warmer days. The well-maintained restrooms and showers are frequently mentioned as a positive aspect, ensuring a pleasant stay for all guests. The friendly and helpful campground hosts further enhance the welcoming environment, making every visit a memorable one. If you're looking for a camping destination that balances convenience with genuine natural immersion, Oak Woods Campground stands out as a premier choice in Southwest Minnesota.

Oak Woods Campground is strategically located at Currie, MN 56123, USA, specifically nestled within the picturesque Lake Shetek State Park. This positioning is a significant advantage for Minnesota locals, as it places them directly in one of the state's most beautiful and accessible state parks. Lake Shetek, the largest lake in southwestern Minnesota, serves as the park's vibrant centerpiece, offering endless opportunities for water-based recreation and stunning natural vistas.

The town of Currie, while small, provides essential local amenities and contributes to the charm of the area. Access to Lake Shetek State Park is generally straightforward, with well-maintained roads leading directly to the park entrance and subsequently to Oak Woods Campground. For those traveling from larger Minnesota cities, the journey offers a pleasant drive through rural landscapes, setting the tone for a relaxing getaway. Once at the campground, its design ensures easy access to the lake and the park's day-use areas, including the swimming beach, picnic grounds, and various trailheads. This convenient accessibility makes Oak Woods Campground an ideal spot for spontaneous weekend trips or planned longer vacations for anyone living in Minnesota. The nearby Casey Jones State Trail also connects the park to the town of Currie, providing an excellent biking or walking route.

Oak Woods Campground, as part of Lake Shetek State Park, provides a comprehensive range of services designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience for all guests, catering to various camping styles and needs.

• Diverse Campsite Options: The campground offers 32 electric sites with 50-amp service, six non-electric sites, and seven unique "cart-in" sites for lakeside tent camping. These cart-in sites provide a more secluded experience, with carts available to transport gear.
• Camper Cabins: For those seeking a blend of camping and comfort, Oak Woods Campground features four cozy camper cabins. These rustic cabins offer a small porch, outdoor picnic table, and fire ring, with most cabins sleeping up to six people, featuring wood interiors and numerous windows.
• Restrooms and Showers: Modern, well-maintained flush toilets and hot showers are available in the campground, ensuring comfort and cleanliness for all campers. These facilities are generally rated as decent to great by visitors.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite comes equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, perfect for outdoor cooking and evening campfires.
• Drinking Water: Potable water is available throughout the campground, ensuring easy access for all campers.
• RV Accommodation: Campsites can accommodate RVs up to 72 feet, with electric hookups available. While Oak Woods primarily offers electric-only RV sites, a nearby campground within Lake Shetek State Park (Sunrise Campground) offers full hookups (sewer, water, and electric).
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are welcome at Oak Woods Campground, adhering to Minnesota State Park pet policies (leashed, attended, and waste removal).
• Firewood and Essentials: While not explicitly listed for Oak Woods, state park offices often sell firewood and basic camping supplies.
• Reservation System: Campsites can be reserved online through the Minnesota DNR website or by phone, allowing for convenient planning of your stay.

Oak Woods Campground's appeal extends beyond its basic services, offering numerous features and highlights that enhance the camping experience and provide ample opportunities for recreation and relaxation within Lake Shetek State Park.

• Shaded and Secluded Sites: A primary highlight is the excellent shade provided by old-growth oak trees and the sense of privacy offered by many sites, particularly the outer rings and cart-in options, which campers frequently praise.
• Lakeside Proximity: The campground is located next to Lake Shetek, the largest lake in Southwest Minnesota, providing easy access to its waters for fishing, boating, swimming, and various water sports. The lake is known for walleye, northern pike, crappies, perch, and bullheads.
• Walking Distance to Day Use Area: Campers enjoy the convenience of being within walking distance to the park's main day-use area, which includes the swimming beach, fishing pier, and picnic grounds.
• Hiking and Biking Trails: Lake Shetek State Park boasts 14 miles of hiking trails, including the popular Loon Island Trail accessible via a causeway, offering scenic views and opportunities for nature observation. A six-mile paved bicycle trail also connects the park to the town of Currie.
• Historic Sites: Explore the Koch Cabin, the only remaining cabin from the original Lake Shetek settlement, and the Lake Shetek Monument, commemorating pioneer settlers during the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862.
• Wildlife Viewing: The park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including white pelicans (the lake's namesake), various waterfowl, deer, squirrels, and beavers, providing excellent birdwatching and nature photography opportunities.
• Recreational Rentals: During the season, the park offers rentals for canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, rowboats, and paddleboats, making it easy to get out on the water.
• Playground and Sports Courts: The wider state park features playgrounds for children, as well as horseshoe pits and a games field for family fun.
• Winter Activities: While primarily a warm-weather destination, the park offers winter activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing, with a warming house available for ice fishers.

As part of the Minnesota State Park system, Oak Woods Campground's fees and any potential promotions are generally managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). While specific daily or weekly "promotions" in the commercial sense are uncommon for state park campgrounds, there are ways to make your visit more economical or special. Minnesota residents with physical disabilities may be eligible for half-priced campsite fees Sunday through Thursday nights. The Minnesota DNR also offers an annual park vehicle permit, which provides unlimited visits to all Minnesota State Parks and Recreation Areas for a year, a significant saving for frequent visitors. Daily vehicle permits are also available. Always check the official Minnesota DNR website for Lake Shetek State Park, or contact the park office directly, for the most current information on camping fees, potential seasonal discounts, or any special programs like "I Can Camp!" which might offer introductory rates or equipment rentals for new campers. Booking in advance, especially for popular weekends and during peak season, is highly recommended to secure your preferred site.

For reservations, inquiries, or more information about Oak Woods Campground and Lake Shetek State Park, please use the following contact details:

• Address: Currie, MN 56123, USA (located within Lake Shetek State Park)
• Park Office Phone: (507) 763-3256

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on campsite availability, specific site features, and park regulations, contacting the Lake Shetek State Park office directly is recommended.

Oak Woods Campground in Lake Shetek State Park is an exceptional choice for Minnesota locals seeking a convenient yet deeply rewarding outdoor experience. Its location in Southwest Minnesota makes it easily reachable from various parts of the state, allowing for more time spent enjoying the natural surroundings and less time traveling. For those who appreciate the quintessential Minnesota camping experience, Oak Woods delivers: well-shaded sites under majestic oak trees, a sense of privacy even in a popular park, and the constant presence of beautiful Lake Shetek.

The versatility of camping options, from electric RV sites to rustic tent spots and comfortable camper cabins, ensures that there’s a perfect fit for every type of camper and group size. The consistently positive reviews from fellow Minnesotans highlight the friendly atmosphere, clean facilities, and the sheer joy of being immersed in such a picturesque setting. Beyond the campground itself, the abundance of activities within Lake Shetek State Park—including excellent fishing, diverse trails for hiking and biking, a swimming beach, and historical attractions—means there's always something to do, catering to all interests and ages. Oak Woods Campground isn't just a place to stay; it's a gateway to rediscovering the natural beauty and recreational opportunities that make Minnesota such a special place to live, making it an ideal local retreat for creating cherished memories.