Sakatah Lake State Park
Overview
Established in 1963, Sakatah Lake State Park offers you the opportunity to camp, hike and recreate by the lake, while still protecting forests, wetlands, prairies and the creatures that depend on them. Members of the Dakota Nation, the Wahpekute (Wapacoota) tribe gave this area the name Sakatah, meaning "the sights and sounds of children playing on the hill," or loosely translated to "Singing Hills." The rolling terrain is the work of glaciers that deposited mounds of rocks and mineral debris (called moraines) some 14,000 years ago. In some places these deposits are up to 400 feet deep.
- Trails
- 5
- Viewpoints
- 4
- Activities
- 0
- POIs
- 26
Opening Hours
08:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Emergency SOS
Amenities Available
- Paved Parking Lots
Designated vehicle parking areas with clearly marked spaces and ADA-accessible spots mandated by federal law. Most parks offer free or low-cost daily parking passes.
- Restrooms / Flush Toilets
Modern restroom facilities with running water and proper sanitation. Subject to seasonal closures in northern states during winter months.
- Drinking Water Fountains
Potable water stations distributed throughout the park, tested regularly for safety to ensure clean water access for all visitors.
- Picnic Areas & Shelters
Covered pavilions equipped with tables and built-in grills. Shelters are often reservable for group events and birthday parties.
- Visitor / Ranger Station
Information hub staffed by rangers or volunteers offering maps, wildlife briefings, and educational programs for school groups and families.
- Hiking & Nature Trails
Marked paths ranging from easy, paved walks to rugged backcountry routes, blazed with color-coded markers and difficulty ratings.
- Campgrounds
Tent and RV sites featuring fire rings and picnic tables. Some include full electric hookups, reservable through Recreation.gov.
- Fishing Piers & Access
Accessible fishing spots and ADA-compliant piers along rivers and lakes. A valid state fishing license is required to fish.
- RV Sanitation Station
- Fish cleaning Shelter
- Trailer Access
0.4 mi from park centre
Open · 08:00 – 22:00
- Paved Parking Lots
- Restrooms / Flush Toilets
- Drinking Water Fountains
- Picnic Areas & Shelters
- Visitor / Ranger Station
- Hiking & Nature Trails
- Campgrounds
Required Permits
VEHICLE PERMITSRequired
Permits required; purchase at ranger station or entrance kiosk.
Alerts & Advisories
Stay informed before heading out
Safety Tips
Safety Advisory
- Sakatah Lake State Park has no designated swimming beach and frequently experiences midsummer algae blooms due to its shallow water depth.
- Visitors must only burn approved or local firewood purchased at the park office or via the Yodel app to prevent the spread of invasive tree pests.
Popular/Nearby Trails
Campground Access to state trail
Snowmobile Access to state trail
Hiking (Wahpekute/Timber Doodle Trail)
Hiking (Bluestem/Big Woods Loop/Oak Tree/Hidden Pond/Sumac Trail)
Hiking/Biking/Snowmobile (Sakatah Singing Hill Trail)
Nearby Viewpoints
Picnic Area
0.2 mi
Campground
0.4 mi
Primitive Group Camp
Campsite
0.6 mi
Primitive Group Camp
Campsite
1.2 mi
Nearby Points of Interest
Reviews & Ratings
Community Photos
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours of Sakatah Lake State Park?
Sakatah Lake State Park is open every day from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
What is Sakatah Lake State Park?
Established in 1963, Sakatah Lake State Park offers you the opportunity to camp, hike and recreate by the lake, while still protecting forests, wetlands, prairies and the creatures that depend on them.
Where is Sakatah Lake State Park located?
Sakatah Lake State Park is located in Waterville, Minnesota, United States.
How many trails are there at Sakatah Lake State Park?
Sakatah Lake State Park has 5 mapped trails covering 11.4 miles in total. The longest is Hiking (Bluestem/Big Woods Loop/Oak Tree/Hidden Pond/Sumac Trail) at 4.6 miles.
What is there to see at Sakatah Lake State Park?
Places to see at Sakatah Lake State Park include Camper Cabin, Fish Cleaning Shelter, Fishing Pier, Park Entrance and Restroom/Showers.
What facilities are available at Sakatah Lake State Park?
Facilities at Sakatah Lake State Park include Campgrounds, Drinking Water Fountains, Fish cleaning Shelter, Fishing Piers & Access, Hiking & Nature Trails, Paved Parking Lots, Picnic Areas & Shelters, Restrooms / Flush Toilets and 3 more.
Is there parking at Sakatah Lake State Park?
Yes, Sakatah Lake State Park has parking (Paved Parking Lots).
Can I camp at Sakatah Lake State Park?
Yes, Sakatah Lake State Park has 5 campsites marked on its map, including Primitive Group Camp, RV Sanitation Station and Walk-In Campground.
How can I contact Sakatah Lake State Park?
You can contact Sakatah Lake State Park by phone at 8886466367.
What safety tips should visitors to Sakatah Lake State Park know?
Sakatah Lake State Park has no designated swimming beach and frequently experiences midsummer algae blooms due to its shallow water depth. Visitors must only burn approved or local firewood purchased at the park office or via the Yodel app to prevent the spread of invasive tree pests. Because weather and seasonal conditions can cause sudden path changes or temporary restrictions, check the Minnesota DNR Current Conditions before heading out.
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