Big Island Campground

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19499 780th Avenue, Albert Lea, MN 56007
Peace & QuietSummer Destination

Quick Facts

1,266 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Minnesota State Parks (Minnesota DNR) site

Official Website
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Big Island Campground
No fees available
Campsite Fees
Reservations are required for all campsites. Online reservations can be made up to 120 days in advance; on the first day a reservation becomes...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Minnesota State Parks
Provider
507-668-7060
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What Campers Say

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Limited Reviews

Based on 0 reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshowersshadesites

Some mention

noisemosquitoestrain

"Guest reviews are largely positive, praising shady, spacious sites, a clean/new bathhouse with good showers, friendly staff, and excellent bird and wildlife viewing. A minority of visitors report site drainage issues, mosquitoes in summer, and occasional background road/rail noise."

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Campground Map

19499 780th Avenue, Albert Lea, MN 56007

Big Island Campground

19499 780th Avenue, Albert Lea, MN 56007


Best Time to Camp at Big Island Campground

The park welcomes visitors daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. year-round, with the ranger station keeping extended summer hours (first weekend in May through third weekend in October, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, until 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday) and more limited winter hours (10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily). Time your visit for spring or fall migration seasons, and you'll witness spectacular concentrations of waterfowl staging on the marshes and lake—a birder's dream come true.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 14% in MN

Summer likely best for camping, paddling and hiking; reviews overall positive in warm season.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5
Below Average

Hardwood forest and rolling hills should provide good fall color and pleasant hiking.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5
Average

Marshes and ponds plus migrating wildlife make spring appealing though conditions may be wet.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5
Below Average

Winter activities not emphasized; lake is frozen in MN winters, limiting typical summer uses.

Planning Tips

    About Big Island Campground

    Discover where prairie meets forest at Myre-Big Island State Park, home to a remarkable 116-acre hardwood island rising from Albert Lea Lake's waters. This diverse landscape weaves together oak savanna, tallgrass prairie, and tranquil wetlands, with a rare glacial esker adding geological intrigue to your Minnesota camping adventure.
    Drive‑in camping on Big Island in a mature hardwood/island setting; the park also offers group camping options. Sites are wooded and spaced, with some sites offering electrical hookups.
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    Amenities available

    Showers
    Potable water
    Electricity hookups
    Flush toilets
    Fire rings
    Picnic tables

    Activities you can enjoy

    The park offers a mix of woodland, prairie and marsh experiences with trails around Big Island and access to Albert Lea Lake for paddling and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is a major draw during migration seasons.
    HikingMultiple trails including the Big Island Trail, Great Marsh loop, and the Pelican/Esker routes; the park trail network provides short loops and longer shoreline/esker hikes.
    Biking
    Boating
    Wildlife viewing
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    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & AlertsShallow, marshy lake conditions and wetlands can limit typical beach/swimming use; wetlands and grassy areas may lead to mosquitoes and ticks in warm months. Occasional background noise from nearby roads or rail (reported in visitor accounts) may be noticeable outside the island's wooded interior.
    No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

    Weather at Big Island Campground

    Reviews

    0.0
    0 reviews
    Limited Reviews
    Limited Reviews
    Big Island Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
    Guest reviews are largely positive, praising shady, spacious sites, a clean/new bathhouse with good showers, friendly staff, and excellent bird and wildlife viewing. A minority of visitors report site drainage issues, mosquitoes in summer, and occasional background road/rail noise.
    Review Summaries

    What Campers Love

    Mature hardwood shade on Big Island, clean bathhouse and showers, well‑spaced sites, strong birdwatching and wildlife viewing, convenient ranger station and firewood sales.

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Bring insect repellent and be prepared for muddy or wet sites after rain; arrive early on busy weekends and pack binoculars for migration seasons. Check current trail and water conditions at the...
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    Camper Quotes

    “Spacious, shady sites…Newer bathhouse is one of the cleanest I’ve seen.” “Quiet and I got to see deer on the island.” “Very shady…standing water after rain and lots of mosquitoes.”

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    Last updated January 5, 2026
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