State Parks Near Austin, Minnesota
10 state park units lie within 50 miles of Austin, including 4 parks across the line in Iowa. The closest is Myre-Big Island State Park, about 17 mi west of town. 1 park is within 25 miles, close enough for an evening visit.
- Closest park
- Myre-Big Island State Park17 mi west
- Within 25 miles
- 1of 10 within 50 mi
- With camping
- 95 with cabins
- Dog-friendly
- 1pets allowed
State parks near Austin, nearest first
Straight-line distance from central Austin; driving distance is usually longer.
Myre-Big Island State Park
The park supports canoeing and kayaking, swimming, boating, wildlife watching, and ranger programs. The official site lists about 15 miles of trails. Water access includes a swimming beach.
Hours, fees and rules for Myre-Big Island State Park →Lake Louise State Park
Popular activities here are horseback riding, canoeing and kayaking, swimming, wildlife watching, and ranger programs. Its trail network totals roughly 11.6 miles, according to the park. Water access includes a swimming beach.
Hours, fees and rules for Lake Louise State Park →Rice Lake State Park
Things to do include snowmobiling, winter sports, canoeing and kayaking, boating, and wildlife watching. Facilities for water recreation include a fishing pier.
Hours, fees and rules for Rice Lake State Park →Rice Lake State Park
The park supports picnicking. Facilities for water recreation include a swimming beach.
Hours, fees and rules for Rice Lake State Park →Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park
Popular activities here are cave tours, horseback riding, historic sites, wildlife watching, and ranger programs.
Hours, fees and rules for Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park →Pilot Knob State Park
Visitors come for horseback riding and hiking. Overnight options include campsites, with RV sites with full hookups, group camping, and showers.
Hours, fees and rules for Pilot Knob State Park →Clear Lake State Park
The park supports swimming and hiking. On the water side, there is a swimming beach. Camping is available: campsites, including RV sites with full hookups and showers. If you'd rather not camp, the park offers lodge rooms.
Hours, fees and rules for Clear Lake State Park →McIntosh Woods State Park
Things to do include boating, fishing, and hiking. Facilities for water recreation include a boat ramp. Camping is available: campsites, including RV sites with electric hookups and showers. Roofed lodging includes yurts.
Hours, fees and rules for McIntosh Woods State Park →Nerstrand Big Woods State Park
Popular activities here are wildlife watching, hiking, and picnicking. Camping is available: 83 campsites across 5 camping areas, including RV sites with electric hookups and showers.
Hours, fees and rules for Nerstrand Big Woods State Park →Sakatah Lake State Park
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.
Hours, fees and rules for Sakatah Lake State Park →
Best picks by activity
Camping near Austin
- Myre-Big Island State Park 17 mi west · 130 campsites
- Lake Louise State Park 25 mi east · Campground listed
- Rice Lake State Park 30 mi north · Campground listed
- Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park 38 mi east · 151 campsites
- Pilot Knob State Park 41 mi southwest · Campground listed
+ 4 more in the list above
Cabins and lodging near Austin
- Myre-Big Island State Park 17 mi west · Cabins or other roofed stays
- Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park 38 mi east · Cabins or other roofed stays
- Clear Lake State Park 44 mi southwest · Cabins or other roofed stays
- McIntosh Woods State Park 45 mi southwest · Cabins or other roofed stays
- Sakatah Lake State Park 47 mi northwest · Cabins or other roofed stays
Dog-friendly state parks near Austin
- Myre-Big Island State Park 17 mi west · Pets allowed under park rules
Swimming near Austin
- Myre-Big Island State Park 17 mi west · Beach, pool or swim area
- Lake Louise State Park 25 mi east · Beach, pool or swim area
- Rice Lake State Park 33 mi southwest · Beach, pool or swim area
- Clear Lake State Park 44 mi southwest · Beach, pool or swim area
Hiking near Austin
- Myre-Big Island State Park 17 mi west · Hiking trails listed
- Lake Louise State Park 25 mi east · Hiking trails listed
- Rice Lake State Park 30 mi north · Hiking trails listed
- Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park 38 mi east · Hiking trails listed
- Pilot Knob State Park 41 mi southwest · Hiking trails listed
+ 4 more in the list above
Fishing near Austin
- Myre-Big Island State Park 17 mi west · Fishing listed
- Rice Lake State Park 30 mi north · Fishing listed
- Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park 38 mi east · Fishing listed
- McIntosh Woods State Park 45 mi southwest · Fishing listed
- Sakatah Lake State Park 47 mi northwest · Fishing listed
Questions about state parks near Austin
What is the closest state park to Austin?
Myre-Big Island State Park is the closest, about 17 miles west of Austin in a straight line. Next are Lake Louise State Park and Rice Lake State Park.
How many state parks are near Austin?
10 state park units are within 50 miles, and 1 within 25 miles. That includes parks, recreation areas, historic sites and natural areas run by the state.
Which state parks near Austin have camping?
9 parks list camping, the nearest being Myre-Big Island State Park, Lake Louise State Park and Rice Lake State Park. Check each park page for site types, hookups and how to reserve.
Are dogs allowed at state parks near Austin?
Yes, at 1 park, including Myre-Big Island State Park. Dogs usually must be leashed, and some areas such as beaches or buildings may be off-limits.
Are there free state parks near Austin?
None of the nearby parks list free entry; most charge a daily vehicle fee or accept an annual pass. Fees are on each park page.
State parks near other cities
- Near Rochester, MN34 mi northeast
- Near Mason City, IA38 mi south
- Near Faribault, MN46 mi north
- Near Mankato, MN60 mi northwest
- Near Red Wing, MN65 mi north
- Near Lakeville, MN71 mi north
- Near Fairmont, MN74 mi west
- Near River Falls, WI84 mi north
Or see all Minnesota state parks, Iowa state parks or every city we cover.
Built from official park data and updated as parks change; this list was last rebuilt Oct 30, 2026. Features shown are those the official source lists. Filter these parks on the map.