Swenson County Park at Current Lake, Balaton, MN

For Minnesotans who cherish the natural beauty of their state and seek a peaceful, well-equipped retreat, Swenson County Park at Current Lake in Balaton, MN, presents an ideal destination. This county park campground is a testament to comfortable outdoor living, offering a serene environment combined with excellent amenities, making it a favorite for local families and solo travelers alike.

Swenson County Park is situated on the east side of picturesque Current Lake, providing campers with direct access to water recreation and scenic views. It’s more than just a place to park your RV or pitch a tent; it’s a thoughtfully developed recreational area managed by Murray County, ensuring a high standard of cleanliness and user satisfaction. As one delighted camper highlighted, "Very well-appointed facilities including the bathrooms/showers and playground, especially for a county park. Nice, quiet respite for me." This speaks volumes about the quality of the amenities, often exceeding expectations for a county-level facility.

The park's commitment to providing a pleasant experience is further echoed in another review: "Nice place to camp with kids and very clean nice showers quiet after 10 pm." This feedback underscores its family-friendly atmosphere and the peaceful evenings that allow for true relaxation under the Minnesota sky. Swenson County Park at Current Lake perfectly balances accessibility with a genuine connection to nature, making it a prime choice for locals looking to unwind, enjoy outdoor activities, and create lasting memories without venturing too far from home. Whether you're planning a short weekend getaway or a longer seasonal stay, this park offers a welcoming and well-maintained environment for all types of campers.

Location and Accessibility

Swenson County Park at Current Lake is conveniently located at 2199 MN-91, Balaton, MN 56115, USA. This places it directly on Minnesota Highway 91, on the east side of Current Lake, in Murray County. Balaton is a charming city in southwestern Minnesota, known for its friendly community and access to beautiful natural landscapes.

For local users across Minnesota, especially those residing in the southwestern quadrant of the state, Swenson County Park offers excellent accessibility. Highway 91 provides a direct route to the park, making it easy to reach from surrounding towns and cities. For instance, it's a comfortable drive from larger regional centers such as Marshall, MN, which is approximately 30-40 minutes away, and Worthington, MN. Even from the Twin Cities metropolitan area, Swenson County Park is a feasible weekend trip, typically around a 3-hour drive, offering a true escape to the serene rural landscape.

The park's location directly on Current Lake enhances its appeal, providing immediate access for boating, fishing, and swimming. The boat landing and dock facilities are easily accessible from the campground area. Furthermore, being a county park, it benefits from clear signage and well-maintained access roads, ensuring a smooth arrival for RVs, trailers, and family vehicles. The proximity to Balaton town center also means that campers are never too far from essential supplies, gas stations, or local eateries, blending the tranquility of nature with practical convenience.

Services Offered

Campsites with Electrical Hookups: Swenson County Park offers 31 campsites, many of which provide electrical hookups (specific amperage details available upon inquiry, but typically includes 20, 30, and 50 amp services for RVs). This allows for comfortable camping with modern conveniences.
Seasonal Campsites: Among the 31 sites, 6 are designated as seasonal sites, catering to campers who wish to set up for an extended period.
Well-Appointed Bathrooms and Showers: As highlighted by reviews, the park boasts very clean and well-maintained bathroom and shower facilities, providing a high level of comfort for all campers.
Dump Station: A convenient dump station is available on-site for RV and trailer campers, ensuring easy waste disposal.
Wireless Internet (WiFi) Available: Wireless internet access is provided, with an additional fee, allowing campers to stay connected if desired.
Picnic Facilities: The park features picnic tables and grills at campsites, as well as two picnic shelters, ideal for outdoor meals and gatherings.
Boat Launch and Dock Access: Direct access to Current Lake is provided via a boat landing and dock, facilitating boating and fishing activities.
Self-Reservation System: Campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, but a self-reservation system is in place for easy check-in, and online reservations are also an option for planning ahead.
Campground Host: A campground host is typically on-site, providing assistance and ensuring a smooth experience for visitors.
Recycling Shed: A recycling shed is available, promoting environmentally friendly practices within the park.

Features / Highlights

Located on Current Lake: The park's prime location on Current Lake offers immediate access to a variety of water-based activities, including fishing, boating, and a designated swim beach.
Disc Golf Course: Swenson County Park features a 9-hole disc golf course (Current Lake Disc Golf Course), installed by the Lakers 4-H Club, which is free to play. Frisbees, scorecards, and maps are available from the campground hosts.
Family-Friendly Playground: A well-maintained playground area is available for children, making it an excellent choice for families camping with kids.
Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: Reviews consistently praise the park for its quiet environment, particularly after 10 PM, providing a truly restful camping experience.
Cleanliness and Maintenance: The park is highly regarded for its cleanliness, including the restrooms and showers, reflecting the diligent efforts of the Murray County Parks Department.
Diverse Camping Options: With 31 sites, including electrical hookups and seasonal spots, the park caters to various camping preferences, from RVers to tent campers.
Beautiful Natural Setting: The park's location on Current Lake offers scenic views and opportunities for enjoying the natural beauty of southwestern Minnesota.
County Park Management: Being a county park ensures consistent management, affordable pricing, and a focus on serving the local community's recreational needs.

Promotions or Special Offers

As a county park campground managed by Murray County, Swenson County Park at Current Lake typically operates on a straightforward, affordable daily rate structure rather than complex, time-limited promotional packages. The consistent low price itself serves as a significant "promotion" for local Minnesotans seeking economical camping options.

Current overnight camping fees are set at a very competitive $20.00 per night for sites with shower and bathroom facilities and electrical hookups. This pricing strategy makes it an attractive choice for budget-conscious individuals and families.

For those looking for a longer-term stay, Swenson Park also offers seasonal sites at an annual fee of $1,300.00 per site. This provides a substantial saving for campers who wish to have a consistent base for the entire camping season (May through October), essentially offering a long-term value proposition.

While specific discount codes or "buy-one-get-one-free" deals are not typically advertised for county parks, the inherent value derived from its well-maintained facilities and accessible amenities at such a reasonable price point is a continuous benefit. Additionally, access to recreational features like the disc golf course is free to campers, adding further value to the stay.

To get the most accurate and up-to-date information on availability, seasonal site opportunities, and any potential changes to pricing, it is always recommended to contact the Murray County Parks Department directly. Their transparent approach ensures campers receive reliable information.

Contact Information

For reservations, inquiries about Swenson County Park at Current Lake, or general information regarding Murray County Parks, you can reach out through the following contact details:

Address: 2199 MN-91, Balaton, MN 56115, USA

Phone: (507) 836-1195 (This is the primary contact number for Murray County Parks, managed by Justin Hoffmann, Parks/Fairgrounds/Aeration Director).

You can also find additional information on the Murray County website under their Parks and Fairgrounds Department section. For reservations, direct calls to the phone number are often the most effective method, especially for first-come, first-served sites and seasonal inquiries.

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

For residents of Minnesota, especially those in the southwestern region, Swenson County Park at Current Lake offers an exceptionally suitable and appealing option for a local camping experience. It strikes a remarkable balance between natural beauty, family-friendly amenities, and affordability, making it a prime destination for various outdoor enthusiasts.

The primary suitability for locals stems from its combination of well-appointed facilities and a peaceful environment. As highlighted by campers, the "very well-appointed bathrooms/showers and playground" ensure comfort and entertainment, particularly for families with children. The consistent praise for its cleanliness and the "quiet after 10 pm" policy create a truly restful atmosphere, allowing Iowans to genuinely unwind and escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Furthermore, its location directly on Current Lake provides immediate access to a wealth of water-based activities, including fishing, boating, and swimming. The availability of a boat launch and dock makes it incredibly convenient for those with watercraft. The added feature of a free 9-hole disc golf course within the park adds another layer of recreational fun, appealing to a broader range of interests.

Being a county park managed by Murray County, Swenson County Park offers consistent, affordable pricing ($20 per night for electrical sites) that stands out in today's camping landscape. This accessibility, coupled with options for seasonal sites, caters to both casual weekend campers and those seeking a longer-term outdoor retreat. The presence of a campground host and a self-reservation system also ensures a smooth and welcoming experience.

In essence, Swenson County Park at Current Lake is more than just a campground; it's a well-managed community asset that provides Minnesotans with an easy-to-reach, enjoyable, and budget-friendly opportunity to connect with nature, engage in outdoor activities, and create cherished memories right in their own state.