Big Lake State Park — Attraction in Big Lake

One of my favorite small lakes in the Midwest. It just has a certain laid-back Vibe about it and it offers enough amenities that you have everything you want but aren't overwhelmed by a bunch of stuff you don't need. There is an excellent Campground right next to the lake featuring camping cabins that are fully modernized and even a few that are handicap accessible and two that allow pets! They are mere steps from the water and an excellent value as a rental that sleeps up to six people. There is a convenience store that also has vending machines available on the east side of the lake and on weekends there is a food truck available as well. You are 15 to 20 minutes from no less than two towns including Mountain City that has everything you could need for a lake trip from , fast food, groceries and adult beverages. The lake itself is a decent size and watercraft are able to be loaded from boat launch directly off the State Park area. There is also a day use area, playgrounds for the kids, and rental properties available that are not associated with the State Lake itself. Definitely worth an investment of your time for a...

I'm conflicted about this place. On the one hand the RV sites are very nice, clean, concrete pads and all in all excellent. On the other hand, should you need the bathrooms you would get, what I would think, an excellent idea of what it would be like to be in prison. The barest minimum, stainless steel without seats, showers of similar fashion. One other item. The grass there is beautiful, well kept, and very inviting. While walking our dog there seemed like a good idea, a day later I had the worst case of chiggers that I've had in my life, of 75 years. In those years I've spent quite a bit of time in the woods, dealing with poisonous snakes, black bear bobcats, spiders, etc etc, but never had a case of chiggers like I got there at Big lake. Literally, they are all over my body from shoulders down. Now, 2 weeks later the itching is finally subsiding, but not the red marks. So, be be warned when walking the dog in...

This is an odd place. There is indeed a big oxbow lake here. The problem is the lake is surrounded by private housing, and these people PARTY on the weekend. There is no tranquility here. The park staff seem like they let the locals run the show. As someone looking for a quiet camping getaway I was disappointed by the disrespectful other "campers" in the park. Children literally everywhere with no parents in sight, bikes strewn in the road, screaming until way after quiet hours, and I swear the parents just didn't care. Adults were just as bad; but I had the pleasure of experiencing them intoxicated in one form or another. I thought I would rent a kayak, but the lake traffic was crazy. Didn't really feel there was much to kayak to considering most of the lake was...