Welcome to the Sakatah Lake State Park virtual tour! Campers have many places to enjoy, and lakeside views to admire. Join visitors fishing from the pier or get on a bike and explore the Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail. We hope it prompts you to visit the park in person sometime soon.
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Bicycle Trail Entrance
Located between Faribault and Makato, the Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail is a 39-mile multiple use trail which has been developed on an abandoned railroad grade. Three miles of the trail run through Sakatah Lake State Park alongside Upper Sakatah Lake. Parking and access points can be found along the trail, including at Sakatah Lake State Park.
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Bicycle Trail
This trail is a favorite for bikers, walkers, joggers, and in-line skaters. The paved trail is level. The trail skirts a number of lakes and passes by quaint towns where food and services are available. Snowmobiles use the trail in winter months.
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Boat Ramp
Sakatah Lake State Park's boat ramp was upgraded and paved in 2007. The ramp will accommodate most boats. Mooring is not available. Canoe and kayak rental is available seasonally. The lake is home primarily to pan fish, along with a few sport fish species. The lake provides access to Tetonka and Lower Sakatah lakes.
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Picnic Area
Situated on the shores of Upper Sakatah Lake, the main picnic area is well-shaded. The fishing pier is adjacent to the picnic area. A restroom building is available seasonally. Although the picnic area is handicapped accessible, the nearest parking lot is a distance of 300'. The picnic area parking lot is 0.1 miles from the Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail.
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Fishing Pier
The park's t-shaped fishing pier brings visitors onto the lake where the view is always good. Fishing is less predictable, but it's always fun to wet a line. The lake is home to pan fish primarily, along with a few sport fish species. Minnesota residents can fish for free from shore in state parks (inquire at the park for more information). Fishing poles with tackle boxes can be checked out from the park office for free.
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Big Woods Trail
The Big Woods Trail goes through the most varied terrain in the park. This loop may feature a wildflower carpet in spring, cool shade in summer, and brilliant fall colors. The trail takes its name from the remnant of Big Woods landscapes in the area.
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Office & Nature Store
Begin your Sakatah Lake Park experience at the park office. In addition to camper registration and supplies, visitors can rent canoes or kayaks, check out fishing poles, latch onto a birding kit, or sign out a GPS unit. Why not pick up a souvenir from the Nature Store before you leave?
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Campground & Cabin
Sakatah Lake State Park features 62 wooded campsites, 14 of which have electricity. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. If you have questions about sites and your equipment, call the park for help selecting the most appropriate site. Campsites can be reserved a year in advance. The park has one camper cabin.
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Shower Building
The modern restroom building services the park's 62 semi-modern campsites and camper cabin from early May to mid-October. Amenities include sinks, flush toilets, showers, mirrors and electrical outlets. Information and interpretive messages are posted on the kiosk next to the building.
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Restroom Interior
Amenities include sinks, flush toilets, shower, mirrors and electrical outlets. The modern restroom building services the park's 62 semi-modern campsites and camper cabin from early May to mid-October. The park is known for the cleanliness of its facilities.
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Bicycle Touring Camp
The bicycle touring camp features a cluster of five campsites adjacent to the Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail. Sites are available only to visitors traveling on bicycles. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Water and outhouses are 350" from the bike camp on the edge of the Upper Group Camp.
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Upper Group Camp
The Upper Group Camp is located along the shore of Upper Sakatah Lake. This site has running water and outhouses. Electricity is also available for a fee. The site accommodates tents, and a limited number of trailers, with a capacity of 50 people. The Upper Group Camp is located near the boat landing, and next to the state trail.
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Lower Group Camp
The Lower Group Camp is located away from the main park use area on the shore of Lower Sakatah Lake. This site has a hand pump for water and an outhouse. The site accommodates tents only, with a capacity of 50 people. This first view shows the largest camping area, which is downhill from the parking area a distance of 325'. The Lower Group Camp has its own dock. This camp is 0.6 miles from the Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail, requiring travel on paved and gravel roads.
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Lower Group Camp Parking Level
The Lower Group Camp is situated on two levels. The parking area, outhouse, hand pump and a small are for camping are located on top. The primary camping area is located below next to the lake, 325" from the parking lot. Parking is limited.
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Lower Group Camp Dock
The Lower Group Camp features its own dock for fishing, boating, watching the sunset, or gazing at the stars. Lake conditions and fishing are better in the spring and fall. Boaters can access Upper Sakatah Lake from Lower Sakatah Lake.
Sakatah Lake State Park home page
This program is made possible by funds from the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment.