Rice Lake State Park
2 notices: Camping · Boat Launch Access/Watercraft Rentals (rev. 10/22/26) — details
- Status
- Open (per official listing)Daily 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- Entrance fee
- Statewide rule — see below
- Day-use reservations
- None mentioned
- Dogs
- Statewide rule — see below
- Camping
- Yes
- Official site
- dnr.state.mn.us(507) 414-6191
Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. Details last changed Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current
Current alerts 7
Alert Park alertUpdated 10/22/2026
Posted by the park. Official alert
Closure Campingis CLOSED for the season.
Posted by the park. Official alert
Water quality Waterfowl SeasonWhile there is no hunting in Minnesota state parks, waterfowl hunting is allowed on Rice Lake. Please be aware that you may hear gun shots on the… (more)
While there is no hunting in Minnesota state parks, waterfowl hunting is allowed on Rice Lake. Please be aware that you may hear gun shots on the lake. Contact the park office at 507-414-6191 if you have any questions.
Posted by the park. Official alert
Partial closure Road Construction44th Ave (Steele County 43) north of MN Hwy 14 north to Kenyon Road (Steele County 8) is being resurfaced and is closed to through traffic. To avoid… (more)
44th Ave (Steele County 43) north of MN Hwy 14 north to Kenyon Road (Steele County 8) is being resurfaced and is closed to through traffic. To avoid the construction and reach the park: Westbound on Highway 14: * Take Exit 185 - Claremont/Dodge County 3. * Turn right (north) on DC 3 (130th Ave) to 620th Street. * Turn left (west) on 620th St to Dodge County 1 (120th Ave). * Turn right (north) on DC 1 to Dodge County 20 (585th St) * Turn left (west) on DC 20 to park entrance; about 3 miles west on the left. Eastbound on Highway 14: * Take I-35 North Minneapolis/St. Paul Interstate exit to Exit 42A-B - Steele County 2 & 45 to Hoffman Drive. * Turn right on Hoffman Dr (east then curves south) to Rose St. * Turn left (east) and take Rose St. out of town about 8.5 miles to park entrance on the right.
Posted by the park. Official alert
Closure Boat Launch Access/Watercraft Rentals (rev. 10/22/26)Duck hunters with motor boats are able to get out of the channel a bit easier than canoes or kayaks. But access conditions may change daily, or even… (more)
Duck hunters with motor boats are able to get out of the channel a bit easier than canoes or kayaks. But access conditions may change daily, or even hourly, due to floating bogs getting blown into the channel. Canoe and kayak rentals are CLOSED for the season.
Posted by the park. Official alert
Partial closure We have goats! (rev. 10/22/26)Goats are still in the park through sometime in November They are here to conduct prescribed grazing in areas with buckthorn and other woody… (more)
Goats are still in the park through sometime in November They are here to conduct prescribed grazing in areas with buckthorn and other woody invasives. They are currently located in a paddock east of the main park road to the main campground and south of the campground road. Please do not hike off trail in this area. Do not try to pet or feed the goats, as the fencing is electric and will shock if touched. Use caution when hiking in areas where the fencing is close to the trail edge or road.
Posted by the park. Official alert
Weather Courtesy phoneOur courtesy phone is not available at this time, and cell phone reception for some carriers (T-Mobile, AT&T, Sprint) can be spotty to nonexistent in… (more)
Our courtesy phone is not available at this time, and cell phone reception for some carriers (T-Mobile, AT&T, Sprint) can be spotty to nonexistent in the park. WiFi is available at the park office for better phone and internet signal (MNGuestWiFi). If you need to purchase a daily permit through Yodel and you are unable to get online, you will need to drive west toward Owatonna (take a left at the park entrance) until you can get an internet signal. We recommend visitors purchase their daily and annual permits online before leaving home.
Posted by the park. Official alert
Overview
In Steele County, about 8 miles east of Owatonna, Rice Lake State Park covers about 781 acres.
Things to do include snowmobiling, winter sports, canoeing and kayaking, boating, and wildlife watching. Facilities for water recreation include a fishing pier. Overnight options include 7 camping areas, with RV sites with electric hookups, group camping, and showers.
Hours
Park, gate, office and facility hours are listed separately because they often differ. Alerts above override normal hours.
| Facility | Days | Hours | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park | Daily | 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. | — |
| Office | Thu | noon – 4 p.m. | — |
| Fri | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. | — | |
| Sat | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. | — | |
| Sun | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. | — | |
| Campground | Camping is CLOSED for the season. The anticipated open date is 4/1/2027, weather permitting. | ||
| Park | Campgrounds: Camping is CLOSED for the season. The anticipated open date is 4/1/2027, weather permitting. Electric sites: There are 18 electric sites with 50/30/20 amp hookups, all in the main campground's B Loop marked with an "E". NOTE: Site B14 is NOT an electric site. Rentals: Canoe and kayak rentals are closed for the season. When rentals become available, they are rented on a first-come, first-served basis. Rentals may not be available during high winds or other poor weather conditions. Cost for all watercraft is $15 for up to four hours (1/2 day), or $25 for four to eight hours (full day). Fees include paddles (2/boat) and life jackets. Watercraft and gear must be locked up and keys returned before the office closes for the day, so plan your start times accordingly. Dump station: The park does not have a dump station. But there are several located in the area. Heading west? There are two are located approximately ten miles west of the park in Owatonna. If you are heading east, there is a dump station in Mantorville about 17 miles from the park. Bathrooms: Camping is CLOSED for the season. Vault toilets are available year round throughout the park, and can be found on the all season map. Other: The park no longer has a playground. Buildings: The picnic shelter is available to rent for the day. The cost is $60 (non-refundable). Please contact the park office to reserve. Showers: The campground and shower building are CLOSED for the season. Only campers staying in the main campground (Loops A and B) may use the showers! Campers staying on any other sites, including group, walk-in, cart-in and canoe-in, may NOT use these facilities as they do not have the capacity to accommodate more than the main campground sites. Programs: Naturalist programs are usually available from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Check for upcoming events. RVs: • The park has gravel spurs (driveways). Spur length ranges from 35' to 55'. Be sure to measure from the front of your tow vehicle to the back of your camper when determining the total length needed. There is an overflow parking lot near B Loop if the tow vehicle does not fit on the spur. And to fit on the spur, the tow vehicle must be backed into the spur in front of the camper. It cannot be next to camper or across the spur. Trails: Please check our "Alerts and notices" link above for any trail closures or updates. Drinking water: Water is available year-round at the office. There is a spigot located at the back of the office under the overhang. Water: Camping is CLOSED for the season. Water is available at the park office year-round. | ||
Official wording
Daily from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m.
Updated 10/18/2026 Office hours may vary based on staff availability, so please call the park office (507/414-6191) to confirm if needed. MON - WED: CLOSED THU: 12 PM - 4 PM FRI: 9 AM - 4 PM SAT: 9 AM - 4 PM SUN: 9 AM - 4 PM
Camping is CLOSED for the season. The anticipated open date is 4/1/2027, weather permitting.
Campgrounds: Camping is CLOSED for the season. The anticipated open date is 4/1/2027, weather permitting. Electric sites: There are 18 electric sites with 50/30/20 amp hookups, all in the main campground's B Loop marked with an "E". NOTE: Site B14 is NOT an electric site. Rentals: Canoe and kayak rentals are closed for the season. When rentals become available, they are rented on a first-come, first-served basis. Rentals may not be available during high winds or other poor weather conditions. Cost for all watercraft is $15 for up to four hours (1/2 day), or $25 for four to eight hours (full day). Fees include paddles (2/boat) and life jackets. Watercraft and gear must be locked up and keys returned before the office closes for the day, so plan your start times accordingly. Dump station: The park does not have a dump station. But there are several located in the area. Heading west? There are two are located approximately ten miles west of the park in Owatonna. If you are heading east, there is a dump station in Mantorville about 17 miles from the park. Bathrooms: Camping is CLOSED for the season. Vault toilets are available year round throughout the park, and can be found on the all season map. Other: The park no longer has a playground. Buildings: The picnic shelter is available to rent for the day. The cost is $60 (non-refundable). Please contact the park office to reserve. Showers: The campground and shower building are CLOSED for the season. Only campers staying in the main campground (Loops A and B) may use the showers! Campers staying on any other sites, including group, walk-in, cart-in and canoe-in, may NOT use these facilities as they do not have the capacity to accommodate more than the main campground sites. Programs: Naturalist programs are usually available from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Check for upcoming events. RVs: • The park has gravel spurs (driveways). Spur length ranges from 35' to 55'. Be sure to measure from the front of your tow vehicle to the back of your camper when determining the total length needed. There is an overflow parking lot near B Loop if the tow vehicle does not fit on the spur. And to fit on the spur, the tow vehicle must be backed into the spur in front of the camper. It cannot be next to camper or across the spur. Trails: Please check our "Alerts and notices" link above for any trail closures or updates. Drinking water: Water is available year-round at the office. There is a spigot located at the back of the office under the overhang. Water: Camping is CLOSED for the season. Water is available at the park office year-round.
Source: official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Times are local to the park (America/Chicago).
Pets
Pets allowed on a leash six feet or shorter (or in a portable enclosure) and personally attended; only service animals in buildings, lodging, camper cabins, yurts, tipis, tours and beach areas.
Statewide rule from Minnesota's park system (source). This park’s page doesn’t state its own pet rules, so check for local restrictions.
Fees and passes
Per vehicle: a state park vehicle permit (one-day $7 or year-round $35) is required for every vehicle; same price for residents and nonresidents. Four free park days per year. Iron Range OHV SRA states 'There is no entrance fee'.
Statewide fee rule from Minnesota's park system; this park’s page doesn’t list its own fees.
Minnesota park passes
- Year-round vehicle permit — $35. Unlimited visits to every Minnesota state park and recreation area for 12 months from the month of purchase Details
- One-day vehicle permit — $7. One day, one vehicle Details
- Additional year-round vehicle permit — $26. Additional vehicles owned by a year-round permit holder Details
- Year-round motorcycle permit — $30. Motorcycle, 12 months Details
- One-day group permit — $5. Group vehicles, one day Details
From the Minnesota state guide. Confirm which passes this park accepts.
Reservations
- Day use
- No day-use reservation requirement mentioned
- Booking system
- Reserve MN (US eDirect)
- Phone
- 866-857-2757
We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.
Camping
| Campground or site type | Sites | Hookups / features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drive-in Sites The park has 40 campsites. Both the A and B loops in the main campground are one-way roads. All campsites are back-in sites. Shade coverage varies from open to wooded. | — | ShowersRVs up to Parking spurs vary in length from 35 to 55 feet. Length is measured from front of tow vehicle to rear of vehicle being towed. We do have overflow parking for tow vehicles that do not fit on the spur. | — |
| Electric Sites The B Loop has 18 campsites marked on the map with an "E." (Note that site B14 is not electric.) All electric sites are 50 amp; the box also has 20 and 30 amp outlets. | — | ElectricShowersRVs up to Parking spurs vary in length from 35 to 55 feet. Length is measured from front of tow vehicle to rear of vehicle being towed. We do have overflow parking for tow vehicles that do not fit on the spur. | — |
| Walk-in Sites The park has five rustic walk-in campsites 25 yards or less from the parking area, each with access to a vault toilet. Showers are not available for campers in these sites. | — | Showers | — |
| Cart-in Sites The park has four rustic cart-in campsites 100 yards or less from the parking area, each with a lake view and access to a vault toilet and a shared cart for hauling gear. Showers are not available to campers in these sites. | — | Showers | — |
| Canoe-in Sites The park has five rustic canoe-in campsites, each with a lake view and access to a vault toilet. Showers are not available to campers in these sites. There is no drinking water at these sites, so you need to bring water with you. If you need to rent a canoe, please call the park office to confirm canoe availability. This MUST be done at least two days prior to your arrival date. | — | Showers | — |
| Group Camp The park's rustic group camp accommodates up to 30 people and 12 vehicles. Vault toilets are available. Showers are not available to campers in the group camp. | — | Showers | — |
| Other Campsite limits
Other than the group camp, all campsites have a limit of one shelter (tent, RV, trailer, etc.) and six people per site, unless approved by the park manager prior to reserving.
Hammocks and other items on trees
Not all sites can accommodate hammocks or other items attached to trees. If you rely on a hammock, call the park before you reserve to confirm which sites have suitable trees. Check the hammocking rules - you must follow ALL of them! No ropes, chains or cables of any kind may be attached to trees. | — | Showers | — |
Camping details from the park
Drive-in Sites: The park has 40 campsites. Both the A and B loops in the main campground are one-way roads. All campsites are back-in sites. Shade coverage varies from open to wooded.
Electric Sites: The B Loop has 18 campsites marked on the map with an "E." (Note that site B14 is not electric.) All electric sites are 50 amp; the box also has 20 and 30 amp outlets.
RV Length Limit: Parking spurs vary in length from 35 to 55 feet. Length is measured from front of tow vehicle to rear of vehicle being towed. We do have overflow parking for tow vehicles that do not fit on the spur.
Accessible Sites: Two of the three accessible drive-in sites are electric. All three have hard-packed gravel on the entire site.
Walk-in Sites: The park has five rustic walk-in campsites 25 yards or less from the parking area, each with access to a vault toilet. Showers are not available for campers in these sites.
Cart-in Sites: The park has four rustic cart-in campsites 100 yards or less from the parking area, each with a lake view and access to a vault toilet and a shared cart for hauling gear. Showers are not available to campers in these sites.
Canoe-in Sites: The park has five rustic canoe-in campsites, each with a lake view and access to a vault toilet. Showers are not available to campers in these sites. There is no drinking water at these sites, so you need to bring water with you. If you need to rent a canoe, please call the park office to confirm canoe availability. This MUST be done at least two days prior to your arrival date.
Group Camp: The park's rustic group camp accommodates up to 30 people and 12 vehicles. Vault toilets are available. Showers are not available to campers in the group camp.
Other: Campsite limits
Other than the group camp, all campsites have a limit of one shelter (tent, RV, trailer, etc.) and six people per site, unless approved by the park manager prior to reserving.
Hammocks and other items on trees
Not all sites can accommodate hammocks or other items attached to trees. If you rely on a hammock, call the park before you reserve to confirm which sites have suitable trees. Check the hammocking rules - you must follow ALL of them! No ropes, chains or cables of any kind may be attached to trees.
From the official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Site counts and prices can change; confirm when booking.
Things to do
Wildlife viewing and birdingCanoeing and kayakingHikingWinter sportsSnowmobilingCampingRanger and interpretive programsPicnickingFishingBoating
Trails
| Trail | Length | Difficulty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accessible (summer) | 0.5 mi | — | 0.5 milesAccessibleAccessible |
| Hiking (summer) | — | — | The park has five miles of hiking trails. Prairie trails are mowed grass. Trails along the lake or through the woods are natural surface or wood chips.Hiking |
| Snowmobile (winter) | — | — | The park has approximately three miles of snowmobile trails that connect to the Steele County grant-in-aid trail system.Snowmobile |
| Snowshoe (winter) | — | — | Snowshoeing is allowed anywhere in the park, except on groomed snowmobile trails.Snowshoe |
| Other (winter) | — | — | Trails are packed for winter hiking.The park has three ungroomed miles of ski trails.Other |
Trail descriptions from the park
Summer — Accessible — 0.5 miles
Summer — Hiking: The park has five miles of hiking trails. Prairie trails are mowed grass. Trails along the lake or through the woods are natural surface or wood chips.
Winter — Snowmobile: The park has approximately three miles of snowmobile trails that connect to the Steele County grant-in-aid trail system.
Winter — Snowshoe: Snowshoeing is allowed anywhere in the park, except on groomed snowmobile trails.
Winter — Other: Trails are packed for winter hiking.The park has three ungroomed miles of ski trails.
Trail conditions: Please check our "Alerts and notices" link above for any trail closures or updates.
Boating and paddling
Boat Access: Use the boat launch area to access Rice Lake.
Boating Restrictions: Rice Lake is very shallow. Call the park office for restrictions or recommendations.
Boat Docks
Fishing
Fishing: Because Rice Lake is a designated wildlife lake, it is not managed for fishing. However, some game fish such as northern pike and perch are stocked to help control the rough fish population. You can find better fishing opportunities in the Owatonna and Faribault areas.
Fishing Pier: There is an accessible fishing pier/observation platform in the picnic area.
A state fishing license is usually required.
Amenities
Facilities
- Restrooms
- Flush toilets
- Vault or pit toilets
- Showers
- Picnic areas
- Picnic shelters
- Nature center or museum
- Park or camp store
- Group facilities
- Drinking water: not available (stated by the park)
Water
- Marina or boat slips
- Fishing pier
Camping
- RV dump station
- RV camping
- Electric hookups
- Group camping
✓ listed by the park · ✕ the park says it is not available. Anything not shown here isn’t mentioned by the official source — that means unknown, not unavailable.
Accessibility
Accessible Sites: Two of the three accessible drive-in sites are electric. All three have hard-packed gravel on the entire site.
Showers: The park's accessible showers are seasonally available to those camping in the main campground's A and B loops, not to campers in rustic sites.
Flush Toilets: The park's accessible flush toilets are available seasonally to those camping in the main campground's A and B loops, not to campers in rustic sites.
Picnic Area: The lakeside picnic area is accessible.
Picnic Shelter: The accessible open-sided shelter in the picnic area has electricity. The picnic shelter is first-come, first-served.
Fishing Pier: There is an accessible fishing pier/observation platform in the picnic area.
Accessible — 0.5 miles
All-Terrain Track Chair: The park has an all-terrain, electric powered chair that may be used on designated trails within the park. Learn more about track chairs.
Official accessibility information
Conditions change. Contact the park to confirm specific accessible features before your visit.
Getting there
- Address
- 8485 Rose Street
Owatonna, MN 55060 - Nearest town
- Owatonna — about 8 mi east (straight line)
- Coordinates
- 44.0956, -93.0635
- Phone
- (507) 414-6191
- rice.lake.statepark@state.mn.us
Google Maps directionsApple MapsOfficial park map (PDF)
Directions from the park
Located 7 miles east of Owatonna on Rose Street. From Hwy 35, take exit 42A. Follow the signs to Rose Street. East on Rose Street to the park.
Nearby state parks
Sources and freshness
- Minnesota State Parks and Trails — park page — last checked Oct 29, 2026
- MN DNR A-Z list of state parks and recreation areas (park IDs in server-rendered <noscript> links) + state waysides page; details from the compass feature_detail JSON API used by park.html
- Wikidata
- USGS PAD-US 4.1 (boundary and acreage)
“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. “Last changed” (Oct 29, 2026) is when the information shown here last differed from the previous check. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology