DLM Distribution

Split Rock Creek State Park – A Peaceful Prairie Getaway in Southwestern Minnesota

Tucked away in Pipestone County near the South Dakota border, Split Rock Creek State Park offers a quiet escape with scenic views, a tranquil lake, and a well-kept campground. Known for its WPA-era stone dam and bridge, this small but charming park provides a relaxing atmosphere for campers, anglers, and anyone looking for a short, easy hike through rolling prairie terrain. Whether you're unwinding lakeside, enjoying a picnic, or taking in a leisurely stroll, Split Rock Creek delivers simplicity, beauty, and the kind of peaceful experience that makes you want to stay a little longer.

A Touch of History: Dam, Bridge, and WPA Legacy

Split Rock Creek State Park was established in 1937 during the New Deal era. In 1938, the Works Progress Administration (WPA) constructed a dam made of Sioux quartzite to create a lake where there was once only a seasonal stream. This impressive dam is still in use today and stands as a testament to the craftsmanship of the time. The adjacent stone-arch bridge—also built by the WPA—is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and adds even more charm and historic value to the area.

Camping and RV-Friendly Comfort

The park's well-maintained campground features 35 spacious campsites, some with electric hookups. These large sites are ideal for RVs, campers, and smaller travel rigs like the Mini-T Campervan. Many sites are shaded, though not overly dense, allowing breezes to pass through and providing partial lake views. The campground includes modern restrooms with showers, a dump station, and a group camp area.

If you're traveling in a self-contained, off-grid capable camper like the Mini-T Campervan, or Mini-T HR, this park is an excellent spot. While there are electric sites, the ability to comfortably camp in a primitive site with no hookups makes it easy to enjoy some of the park’s most scenic campsites closer to nature.

Relaxed Hiking and Lakeside Views

While not a destination for long-distance hiking, the park offers about 4.5 miles of well-kept trails, thanks to the ongoing care of local hiking clubs. The trails are short and accessible, great for families or anyone wanting a gentle walk. A path across the dam and a route up Prairie Hill provide great views of the lake and prairie.

This is a perfect spot for an evening stroll or a morning stretch before settling in for a lakeside picnic or some time fishing from the pier.

Recreation on Split Rock Lake

The man-made lake created by the dam is at the heart of the park’s activities. Visitors can enjoy canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing for sunfish, bass, northern pike, and perch. A fishing pier, boat ramp, and designated swimming beach make it easy to enjoy the water.

For those traveling in a campervan or RV, Split Rock Creek offers a relaxed, lakeside base camp where you can fish, paddle, hike, and relax all within a few minutes’ walk of your campsite.

Scenic Beauty and Prairie Wildlife

Split Rock Creek lies in the Coteau des Prairies region, known for its gently rolling prairie and native wildflowers. In summer, the hills and grasslands surrounding the lake come alive with coneflowers, prairie clover, and vibrant bursts of goldenrod. Birdwatchers will enjoy spotting meadowlarks, red-winged blackbirds, and various waterfowl. Other common wildlife sightings include deer, beavers, and fox squirrels.

Close to Pipestone National Monument

One of the advantages of visiting Split Rock Creek State Park is its proximity—just minutes away—to Pipestone National Monument. This nearby national site offers a deeper dive into the region’s Indigenous history, sacred pipestone quarries, and interpretive trails. Pairing a visit to both locations makes for a well-rounded, enriching camping trip.

An Ideal Spot for those Exploring Minnesota’s State Parks or Enjoying a Quiet Camping Getaway

Split Rock Creek State Park is an ideal destination for travelers passing through southern Minnesota, especially those traveling in RVs or campervans looking for a quiet, scenic place to stop overnight or spend a few days. Its clean facilities, roomy campsites, easy water access, and well-maintained hiking trails make it an enjoyable stop—particularly if you appreciate smaller parks that are easy to explore.

Whether you're road-tripping across the Midwest, touring state parks in a Mini-T Campervan, or simply looking for a beautiful, uncrowded place to camp, this little prairie lake park is well worth a visit.

Happy Camping!

~ DLM-Campervans