Zippel Bay State Park

"Blue Moon"

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 Minnesota's best State Park.

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. This smaller beach even has a fire pit and picnic table. Though the lake is never what one would consider warm,  swimming can be enjoyable.

"Zippel Bay Moonrise"

"Zippel Bay Campsite"

"Lake of the Woods"

"Beach at Zippel Bay State Park"

"Hand Pump At Zippel Bay State Park"

"Zippel Bay Shores"

"End of Civil Twilight At Zippel Bay State Park"