Sakatah Lake State Park
Notice: Special Muzzleloader Hunt — details
- Status
- Temporarily closedDaily 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- Entrance fee
- Statewide rule — see below
- Day-use reservations
- None mentioned
- Dogs
- No dogs
- Camping
- 83 campsitesAlso cabins, glamping or camper cabins
- Official site
- dnr.state.mn.us(507) 698-7851
Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current
Current alerts 1
Closure Special Muzzleloader HuntSakatah Lake State Park will host a Special Permit only Muzzleloader hunt the weekend of December 5-6, 2026. The park will be closed to the public… (more)
Sakatah Lake State Park will host a Special Permit only Muzzleloader hunt the weekend of December 5-6, 2026. The park will be closed to the public during this time. If you need additional information, please call the park office.
Posted by the park 2026-10-18. Official alert
Overview
In Le Sueur County, about 2 miles east of Waterville, Sakatah Lake State Park covers about 733 acres.
Popular activities here are boating, biking, wildlife watching, fishing, and hiking. Its trail network totals roughly 5 miles, according to the park. Water access includes a fishing pier. For overnight stays there are 83 campsites across 4 camping areas (RV sites with electric hookups, tent sites, group camping, and showers). There are also cabins and camper cabins or similar shelters for rent.
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 | Sat–Sun | noon – 3 p.m. | — |
| Campground | The campground is closed for the 2026 season on October 19th, 2026. The park has 62 drive-in campsites available during the regular camping season. Camping will be available again April 1, 2027. | ||
| Park | Bathrooms: The restroom facilities are closed for the season. Vault toilets are available year-round in the park. Rentals: Seasonal watercraft rentals are closed for the 2026 camping season. We will resume watercraft rentals again in May of 2027. Dump station: The park's dump station is closed for the season effective October 19th, 2026. RVs: Please check site specifications carefully when making reservations as spur length varies, and not all sites in our wooded campground can accommodate slide-outs. Water: Water is off for the 2026 camping season effective Monday, October 19th 2026. Water will be back on in Early May of the 2027 camping season. Trails: The park has 5 miles of hiking trails and 3 miles of surfaced biking trail which is part of the 39-mile Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail. Approximately 3 miles of the 39-mile-long Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail runs through the park and is available for snowmobiling in the winter. Snowshoeing is permitted anywhere in the park. The Wahpekute trail that runs along the lake shore is a low maintenance trail and may be difficult to hike. Drinking water: Drinking water is available year-round from the red hydrant north of the park office and at the hand pump in the picnic area. Campgrounds: The campground is closed for the 2026 season on October 19th, 2026. The park has 62 drive-in campsites available during the regular camping season. Camping will be available again April 1, 2027. Electric sites: The campground has 14 electric sites, with 20 amp and 30 amp service available. Showers: The Shower Building is closed for the season. | ||
Official wording
Daily from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m.
Monday-Friday: Closed Office hours are subject to change based on available staffing. If you need assistance during the week, please call the park office and we can assist you. Saturday-Sunday: 12pm-3pm
The campground is closed for the 2026 season on October 19th, 2026. The park has 62 drive-in campsites available during the regular camping season. Camping will be available again April 1, 2027.
Bathrooms: The restroom facilities are closed for the season. Vault toilets are available year-round in the park. Rentals: Seasonal watercraft rentals are closed for the 2026 camping season. We will resume watercraft rentals again in May of 2027. Dump station: The park's dump station is closed for the season effective October 19th, 2026. RVs: Please check site specifications carefully when making reservations as spur length varies, and not all sites in our wooded campground can accommodate slide-outs. Water: Water is off for the 2026 camping season effective Monday, October 19th 2026. Water will be back on in Early May of the 2027 camping season. Trails: The park has 5 miles of hiking trails and 3 miles of surfaced biking trail which is part of the 39-mile Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail. Approximately 3 miles of the 39-mile-long Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail runs through the park and is available for snowmobiling in the winter. Snowshoeing is permitted anywhere in the park. The Wahpekute trail that runs along the lake shore is a low maintenance trail and may be difficult to hike. Drinking water: Drinking water is available year-round from the red hydrant north of the park office and at the hand pump in the picnic area. Campgrounds: The campground is closed for the 2026 season on October 19th, 2026. The park has 62 drive-in campsites available during the regular camping season. Camping will be available again April 1, 2027. Electric sites: The campground has 14 electric sites, with 20 amp and 30 amp service available. Showers: The Shower Building is closed for the season.
Source: official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Times are local to the park (America/Chicago).
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
- Camping
- Recommended
- Booking system
- Reserve MN (US eDirect)
- Phone
- 866-857-2757
Reservations are recommended for electric sites on weekends during the spring, summer and fall camping seasons.
We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.
Pets
No dogs
No pets allowed.
Service animals are generally permitted where pets are not. Check with the park for specific areas.
Camping
| Campground or site type | Sites | Hookups / features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drive-in Sites 62 Sites — Sites are located in a shaded area with heavy canopy woods. Majority of the sites are well spaced, most with good privacy. | 62 | ShowersRVs up to 55 Feet | — |
| Electric Sites 14 Sites — Sites are located in two of the four camping loops. | 14 | ElectricShowersRVs up to 55 Feet | — |
| Bike-in Sites 5 Sites — Sites are available only people who bike into the park without motorized vehicles. There are no vehicle parking spots near these sites. Drinking water and toilet facilities are located nearby in the park's upper group camp. | 5 | Showers | — |
| Group Camp 2 Sites - Each accommodates up to 50 people — Parking spaces limited in both sites.
Upper Camp - located on Upper Sakatah Lake. Spigot for drinking water and vault toilet available.
Lower Camp - located on Lower Sakatah Lake. Hand pump for water and vault toilet available. | 2 | Showers | — |
Camping details from the park
Drive-in Sites — 62 Sites: Sites are located in a shaded area with heavy canopy woods. Majority of the sites are well spaced, most with good privacy.
Electric Sites — 14 Sites: Sites are located in two of the four camping loops.
RV Length Limit — 55 Feet: Length is measured from front of tow vehicle to rear of vehicle being towed.
Accessible Sites — 2: The campground has two accessible drive-in sites. One has electric hookup.
Bike-in Sites — 5 Sites: Sites are available only people who bike into the park without motorized vehicles. There are no vehicle parking spots near these sites. Drinking water and toilet facilities are located nearby in the park's upper group camp.
Group Camp — 2 Sites - Each accommodates up to 50 people: Parking spaces limited in both sites.
Upper Camp - located on Upper Sakatah Lake. Spigot for drinking water and vault toilet available.
Lower Camp - located on Lower Sakatah Lake. Hand pump for water and vault toilet available.
From the official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Site counts and prices can change; confirm when booking.
Cabins and lodging
- Camper Cabins1 Cabin — Sleeps 5 (wheelchair accessible). Cabin has a screened porch and electricity. No indoor plumbing. Available April through October. No pets allowed. More information on camper cabins.
Accessible Lodging — 1 accessible camper cabin
Camper Cabins — 1 Cabin: Sleeps 5 (wheelchair accessible). Cabin has a screened porch and electricity. No indoor plumbing. Available April through October. No pets allowed. More information on camper cabins.
Things to do
HikingBikingCampingWildlife viewing and birdingPicnickingFishingBoating
Trails
| Trail | Length | Difficulty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accessible (summer) | 4 mi | — | 1/4 mileAccessibleAccessible |
| Hiking (summer) | 5 mi | — | 5 Miles — Hiking trails are moderate to challenging. The State Trail provides a level walking surface.Hiking |
| Paved Bike (summer) | 3 mi | — | 3 Miles — Three miles of the Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail passes through the park boundaries. This former rail bed is paved from Faribault to Mankato.Paved Bike |
| Snowmobile (winter) | 3 mi | — | 3 miles — Snowmobiles are allowed only on the Sakatah Singing Hills Trail that runs from Faribault to Mankato through the state park.Snowmobile |
| Snowshoe (winter) | — | — | Anywhere in ParkSnowshoe |
Trail descriptions from the park
Summer — Accessible — 1/4 mile
Summer — Hiking — 5 Miles: Hiking trails are moderate to challenging. The State Trail provides a level walking surface.
Summer — Paved Bike — 3 Miles: Three miles of the Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail passes through the park boundaries. This former rail bed is paved from Faribault to Mankato.
Winter — Snowmobile — 3 miles: Snowmobiles are allowed only on the Sakatah Singing Hills Trail that runs from Faribault to Mankato through the state park.
Winter — Snowshoe — Anywhere in Park
Trail conditions: The park has 5 miles of hiking trails and 3 miles of surfaced biking trail which is part of the 39-mile Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail. Approximately 3 miles of the 39-mile-long Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail runs through the park and is available for snowmobiling in the winter. Snowshoeing is permitted anywhere in the park. The Wahpekute trail that runs along the lake shore is a low maintenance trail and may be difficult to hike.
Boating and paddling
Boat Access — Upper Sakatah Lake
Boat Docks
Fishing
Fishing Pier — Upper Sakatah Lake: The pier is accessible.
A state fishing license is usually required.
Amenities
Facilities
- Restrooms
- Flush toilets
- Vault or pit toilets
- Showers
- Picnic areas
- Park or camp store
- Group facilities
Water
- Marina or boat slips
- Fishing pier
Camping
- RV dump station
- Tent camping
- RV camping
- Electric hookups
- Group camping
Lodging
- Cabins
- Glamping or camper cabins
Accessibility
- Accessible cabins or lodging
✓ 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 cabins or lodging
Accessible Sites — 2: The campground has two accessible drive-in sites. One has electric hookup.
Accessible Lodging — 1 accessible camper cabin
Camper Cabins — 1 Cabin: Sleeps 5 (wheelchair accessible). Cabin has a screened porch and electricity. No indoor plumbing. Available April through October. No pets allowed. More information on camper cabins.
Showers — Wheelchair accessible: Showers are available from mid-May through mid-October, weather permitting.
Flush Toilets — Wheelchair accessible: Flush toilets are available from mid-May through mid-October, weather permitting.
Vault Toilets — Throughout the park: Vault toilets are available year-round. Some vault toilets are wheelchair accessible.
Fishing Pier — Upper Sakatah Lake: The pier is accessible.
Accessible — 1/4 mile
Official accessibility information
Conditions change. Contact the park to confirm specific accessible features before your visit.
Getting there
- Address
- 50499 Sakatah Lake State Park Road
Waterville, MN 56096 - Nearest town
- Waterville — about 2 mi east (straight line)
- Coordinates
- 44.2178, -93.5323
- Phone
- (507) 698-7851
- sakatahlake.statepark@state.mn.us
Google Maps directionsApple MapsOfficial park map (PDF)
Directions from the park
Park entrance is located on State Highway 60, 14 miles west of Faribault, or one mile east of State Highways 13 and 60 in Waterville.
Nearby state parks
Sources and freshness
- Minnesota State Parks and Trails — park page — last checked Oct 29, 2026; page says updated Oct 18, 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. No change has been detected since this page was first published. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology