Shady Acres Resort: Your Lakeside Getaway in Le Sueur County, MN

Introduction / Overview

For Minnesota locals seeking a quintessential lakeside retreat, Shady Acres Resort in Le Sueur County offers a fantastic destination where relaxation and outdoor adventure seamlessly blend. This resort, known to operate in two locations (one on Roberds Lake in Faribault and another on Clear Lake in Le Center), provides a versatile vacation experience, whether you're looking for a comfortable cabin stay or a spot for your RV. Often described as a place "where relaxation begins," Shady Acres Resort is renowned for its tranquil environment and direct access to beautiful Minnesota lakes, making it a prime choice for fishing enthusiasts, families, and anyone looking to unwind. Guests consistently praise the friendly and supportive nature of the management, with many seasonal residents expressing deep satisfaction and a sense of belonging that makes it feel like a second home. The resort caters to both short-term visitors and those seeking a longer seasonal stay, offering flexible options to suit various needs. Beyond just camping, Shady Acres Resort provides a range of activities and conveniences that enhance the guest experience, from pontoon rentals that allow for leisurely lake excursions to on-site dining options. The charm of its locations, even described as being "in the middle of nowhere" by one appreciative guest, contributes to its allure as a true escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. For Minnesotans, Shady Acres Resort represents a beloved tradition, offering the perfect blend of natural beauty, comfortable accommodations, and a welcoming community atmosphere for memorable lakeside getaways.

Location and Accessibility

Shady Acres Resort holds a highly accessible and convenient location for Minnesota residents, operating with facilities in two key areas within Le Sueur County: one on Roberds Lake in Faribault and another on Clear Lake in Le Center. Both locations are strategically positioned to offer a peaceful lakeside experience while remaining within a reasonable driving distance from major population centers. The Faribault location, situated at 17759 177th Street West, Faribault, MN, is notably convenient, being approximately 40 minutes south of the bustling Twin Cities metropolitan area (Minneapolis and St. Paul) and 40 minutes north of the Iowa border. This makes it an ideal getaway for those looking to escape the city for a weekend or longer without extensive travel. The Le Center resort, located at 35032 Clear Lake Lane, LeCenter, MN, offers a similar blend of solitude and accessibility. It provides the chance to "experience the solitude of Minnesota's beautiful outdoors and great fishing on Clear Lake," while still being "located close to Mankato and the Twin Cities." This dual presence ensures that more Minnesotans can easily reach a Shady Acres Resort, depending on their starting point and preferred lake. The relative proximity to major highways and well-maintained county roads means that whether you're bringing an RV, car, or a boat, access to either resort is straightforward. This ease of access, combined with the promise of a serene lakeside environment, makes Shady Acres Resort a highly desirable and practical choice for local Minnesota campers and vacationers seeking a convenient and relaxing escape.

Services Offered

RV Sites (Seasonal & Overnight/Weekly/Monthly): Shady Acres Resort offers a variety of RV sites. The Faribault location has 80 seasonal RV rental sites on Roberds Lake, which include soft water, sewer, lawn care, winter storage, and no visitor fees. Nightly, weekly, and monthly RV sites are also available, including electric, water, and sewer hookups. The LeCenter resort offers new oversized full hookup lots with cement driveways, water, sewer, and electrical.
Cabin Rentals: Both rustic and comfortable cabins are available for rent, some with outstanding lake views, particularly at the Roberds Lake location. These are suitable for vacation rentals.
Pontoon and Boat Rentals: Guests can rent pontoons and possibly other boats (e.g., 14ft Lund with trailer, motors by inquiry) for use on the lakes, enhancing recreational opportunities.
Restaurant and Full-Service Bar: At least one of the locations (LeCenter) features an on-site "LAKE View restaurant and full service bar," offering convenient dining options. The Faribault location also has a "welcoming restaurant and bar."
Seasonal Camping: Both locations offer seasonal camping options, with a season running from Mid-April to the end of September (Faribault) or May 1 - October 1 (LeCenter), with extended season availability by calling.
Clean, Renovated Restrooms/Showers: The LeCenter resort highlights "clean, renovated, heated restrooms/showers" in their Recreation Hall.
Wi-Fi: Wireless internet is available, particularly in common areas like the Recreation Hall at the LeCenter location.
Propane Filling Station: The LeCenter campground offers a propane filling station, open to the public during operational months, and by appointment in winter.
Firewood Delivery: Firewood delivery service is available, providing convenience for campers.
Maintenance and Repair On Site: The LeCenter location mentions on-site maintenance and repair services.
Charitable Gambling: The Faribault location mentions charitable gambling as an on-site activity.
Fish Cleaning Area: At least one related resort (Shady Shore) mentions a 24-hour fish cleaning area available to all guests, implying similar facilities might be present at Shady Acres given its focus on fishing.

Features / Highlights

Lakeside Access & Views: Both resort locations are situated directly on beautiful Minnesota lakes (Roberds Lake in Faribault and Clear Lake in LeCenter), offering stunning lake views, sandy beaches, and immediate access for swimming, boating, and fishing.
Excellent Fishing: The lakes are noted for superb fishing, with potential catches including Walleye, Small-Mouth Bass, Northern Pike, and the elusive Muskellunge, making it a prime destination for anglers.
Variety of Accommodations: Shady Acres Resort provides diverse options, from rustic lakeside cabins to spacious RV and tent camping sites, catering to different preferences and budgets. Seasonal RV sites are a significant draw for long-term campers.
Family-Friendly Environment: The resort aims to be a great vacation destination for families, offering a variety of recreational activities and a welcoming atmosphere for all ages, from "young families to retired couples."
On-Site Dining & Social Hub: The presence of a restaurant and full-service bar at both locations provides convenient dining, social opportunities, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Supportive Management: Reviews consistently highlight the owners/management (Pam and Roy, and Jim and Jean at Winjum's Shady Acres) as very nice, supportive, and helpful, contributing to a strong sense of community and a "home away from home" feeling for seasonal residents.
Planned Activities: Seasonal RV residents at the Faribault location reportedly organize "fun activities planned throughout the summer," fostering a vibrant community spirit.
New/Improved Facilities: The LeCenter resort specifically notes recent improvements, including new oversized lots with cement driveways, new water, sewer, roads, and electrical, as well as a new multisport court (pickleball and basketball) and a dog park area (new for 2022).
Winter Storage: Seasonal RV sites typically include winter storage on-site, a valuable feature for those wanting to leave their RV in place year-round.

Promotions or Special Offers

While specific, real-time promotional discounts are best confirmed directly with Shady Acres Resort, their existing offerings and operational model inherently provide value and potential savings for Minnesota locals:

Seasonal Camping Value: One of the biggest "promotions" for dedicated campers is the seasonal RV site option. These typically include soft water, sewer, lawn care, and often winter storage, making them a comprehensive and cost-effective solution for extended stays without the hassle of moving an RV multiple times. The non-taxable nature of seasonal camping with a signed lease also offers financial benefits.
Weekly and Monthly Rates: For those not committing to a full season, Shady Acres offers discounted weekly and monthly rates for RV sites compared to nightly rates. For instance, nightly rates might be $75.00, while a week is $500.00, and a 30-day period is $1000. This provides significant savings for longer visits.
Pre/Post-Season Discounts: The Faribault location mentions "10% discounts prior to Memorial weekend and after Labor Day weekend for camping," encouraging visits during the quieter, often beautiful, shoulder seasons.
Included Services for Seasonal Campers: Services like soft water, sewer, lawn care, and winter storage are typically included in seasonal rates, offering a comprehensive package that adds value.
Pontoon Rental Packages: While not explicitly stated as a discount, resorts often offer package deals for cabin or RV site rentals that include pontoon rental time, which would be worth inquiring about.
Loyalty/Return Visitor Incentives: Given the strong seasonal community and repeat visitors, there might be unadvertised loyalty programs or preferences for returning guests, which can be uncovered through direct communication.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on rates, seasonal availability, and any specific offers (e.g., first-time seasonal renter incentives or special event packages), Minnesota residents are highly encouraged to contact Shady Acres Resort directly via phone or by submitting an inquiry through their website. Booking well in advance, especially for popular seasonal sites or prime summer weeks, is also advisable.

Contact Information

To learn more about Shady Acres Resort, inquire about cabin or RV site availability, or make a reservation for your Minnesota lakeside getaway, please use the following contact details:

For both locations (Roberds Lake in Faribault and Clear Lake in LeCenter):

Phone: (507) 334-6661

Toll-Free Phone: 1-866-334-6661

The primary address listed in the prompt is Le Sueur County, MN 50674, USA. However, more specific addresses for the individual resorts are:

Roberds Lake Resort (Faribault): 17759 177th Street West, Faribault, MN, USA

Clear Lake Resort (LeCenter): 35032 Clear Lake Lane, LeCenter, MN 56057

Email inquiries are also an option, though they suggest allowing up to a week for a response, advising phone calls for the fastest service. You can also visit their official website (e.g., winjumsshadyacres.com or winjums.com) for more information and to potentially download seasonal camping applications or view rates.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Minnesota locals, Shady Acres Resort stands out as an exceptionally suitable and appealing destination, offering a versatile lakeside experience right in their backyard. Its strategic locations in Le Sueur County, providing easy access from the Twin Cities and Mankato, mean less travel time and more time enjoying the beautiful Minnesota outdoors. Whether you're seeking a quick weekend escape or a full seasonal retreat, the resort caters to diverse needs with a range of accommodations, including comfortable cabins and fully-equipped RV sites. This flexibility is perfect for various family structures and vacation styles. The direct access to Roberds Lake and Clear Lake is a significant draw, offering prime opportunities for fishing, boating (with pontoon rentals available), and simply relaxing by the water. For anglers, the promise of abundant fish species is a major highlight. What truly sets Shady Acres Resort apart for Minnesotans is the strong sense of community and the genuinely supportive management. Many seasonal campers have found a "home away from home," a testament to the welcoming atmosphere that fosters lasting friendships and cherished memories. The continuous improvements, especially at the LeCenter resort with its new facilities, ensure a modern and comfortable stay. This combination of natural beauty, recreational activities, comprehensive amenities, and a warm, inviting community makes Shady Acres Resort an ideal choice for Minnesota locals looking to embrace the best of lakeside living, create new traditions, and unwind in a truly Minnesotan setting.