Williams, MN

Zippel Bay State Park is located in far Northwestern Minnesota on the southern shores of Lake of the Woods. The 3,000 acre park offers sandy beaches, 6 miles of hiking trails and exceptional fishing opportunities. Unlike most of Minnesota's 58 State Parks, the 4 campgrounds at Zippel Bay do not have electrical hookups for the RV crowd, creating a much more rustic camping experience. I first came to to the park by chance while on a trip across Northern Minnesota in 2009 and I've returned at least once a year ever since. This is the place to go when I want a solitary camping experience, so I feel a sense of personal betrayal when I say that this is one of Minnesota's best State Parks.

There are four distinct campgrounds here: The Angler's Campground, Ridge Campground, Birch Campground, and Lady Slipper Campground. There is also a swimming beach as well as a smaller beach reserved for those who are camping.  Though the lake is never what one would consider warm, swimming can be enjoyable.