One of the my best core memories was made here this past weekend. We were able to book one of the group camping grounds and have such a lovely place to stay for 4 days and 3 nights. We got to climb the fire tower, fish at the local lakes and dams, dance around with our family and friends, and enjoy the stars at night. Everything is very clean when arriving. Bathrooms are outhouses that are well maintained, but once toilet has ran out we didn't get much of a refill. Parking space was big enough for our party and the other down the hill from us. read more

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We visited in the fall and the park was spectacular. So many beautiful colors. We started with the Fire Tower Trail. The tower steps are definitely steep so hang onto the sides. Outstanding view from up top. You get a 360 view of the area and can see the lake. It was much cooler and windier up there but definitely worth the hike up. The loop around the tower is about a mile and worth it as well. We also did the Mille Lacs loop. Part of it follows the hiking trail but add another couple of miles. This was definitely worth it. Beautifully colored forests, hidden lakes, and open fens greeted us along the way. It was a very hilly route but the trails were well maintained, wide, and mostly smooth. The park is huge. We stopped in the visitor center to buy a post card and staff was helpful. Great experience. read more

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Nice hiking trails with interpretive signs. The climb up the Observation Tower was fun too. Picnic tables and restrooms are available. read more

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I stayed in a camper cabin here in September 2022. Quiet park with nice walking trails in the forest. Great place to go to get away from people and cities! My only advice is be prepared prepared for slightly cooler temperatures in the park. The temperature dropped about five degrees as soon as I drove through the park entrance. Other than that I had a wonderful experience. read more

Mille Lacs Kathio State Park - Curtains inside the cabin. - Parks Near Me - Onamia, Minnesota

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Finally stopped and visited this state park, after many years of driving by on 169. It was well worth the stop! Nice hiking trails. Quiet woods (other than birds singing and squirrels). Bring your bug repellant! Next time we will plan on spending more time here! read more

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Kathio State Park is the closest state park to us, so we visit regularly. In the summer it can be very busy, but even in the busy season there are trails that make you feel like you're alone in the forest with just the shadows of past native Americans who lived and worked on this land. The transitional forests, burial mounds from the mound builder era, and beautiful natural waterways are just some of the things you'll see at Kathio. The only thing I think can be improved is- it would be easy to put in some biking trails- and biking would open up more activity opportunities within the park. The equestrian trails are very nice, however, and if you have a horse, these are a must travel. Though I know summer is the busy season, I highly recommend visiting the park in the fall. The colors are spectacular and the vantage point from the fire tower is breathtaking. There are archaeological days that include a dig and other historical lessons. Bring bug spray and enjoy the sights! Winter also has events like snowshoeing, bird watching classes, and winter animal survival classes. There is something for everyone and every season. read more

Mille Lacs Kathio State Park - The fire tower offers spectacular views during the fall color season! - Parks Near Me - Onamia, Minnesota

One of the larger state parks in the system with multiple camping areas and trails. Be sure to pick up a map at the trail quarters or use your Avenza. The trails aren't as well maintained as some other parks and can suddenly almost vanish to a swampy mosquito soaked path with a few sudden ruts and mud holes. read more

Beautiful park!! Camped here for a week last 4th of July and it was awesome!! We camped at the Petaga campground which is three walk-in sites after you pass the rental cabins. The first few nights we stayed at site 64. I believe this site should also be listed as the breeding ground for daddy long legs!! There were thousands of them and they were EVERY where!! We didn't mind them as they're harmless, we'd just grab them by a leg and toss them. After the first few nights we moved over to site 66 (this was a pre-planned move). We would have preferred to stay at site 64 as the best part of having the daddy long legs there was that they ate ALL the mosquitoes!! No mosquito bites while we stayed at 64, however, at site 66 we couldn't keep the mosquitoes away no matter how much spray we used. The park is beautiful and quiet. It was great to stay there during the week because most everyone else had gone. One afternoon we climbed to the top of the lookout tower and it was beautiful! We did some geocaching around the park and out in town. We walked down to the park dam for some catch and release. We rented a canoe one gorgeous afternoon. We swam in the man made lake/pool each afternoon. It was always a decent temperature. The horseflies are relentless and the minnows like to take a nibble off of you if you're not swimming around. When the horseflies got to be too annoying we would drive up the road and swim in Mille Lacs. You won't run out of things to do at the park!! The rangers are polite and helpful too. Definitely looking forward to going back!! read more

Brought a friend here for a beautiful hike! Beautiful and peaceful place. Make sure you bring but spray, all the bogs and marshes are full of mosquitoes. read more

Traveled to this state park which we reserved the group camp in April for our extended family to stay in July and found they double booked us so we had no place for family to stay for weekend and ended up at a stupid resort. State would not refund our money totally wrong. Totally. read more

This is a nice park with great trails. It also has a great history with interpretive trails with information about the Petaga Native Americans that settled the area grew wild rice there. Really, a wonderful park. We had a great time, despite the KILLER BUGS! There was a jet ski rental nearby, I think it was Randy's Rentals? Visit Randy for Jet Ski and Mullet fun. You should be able to see the rental place on HWY 169 just before you hit the park on the right hand side of the road, near the water, he has a big sign. We rented those for 30 minutes, and it was a blast on Mille Lacs Lake. The lake is quite shallow and tough to swim in, so be prepared to walk out quite a way for swimming. I've been here a couple times, and they have a 100ft Fire Tower, which is always fun. This area is great for people who love to fish or love general water sports. Stop by for a wonderful getaway, the area is great. read more

Had a blast walking the trails on a girl's weekend... Walked the majority of the Hiker's Club trail, and then went over to the observation tower and climbed to the top (amazing view of Mille Lacs). Well worth the visit, especially for only $5 per car. read more

Mille Lacs Kathio State Park - Parks Near Me - Onamia, Minnesota

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Had an absolute *blast* renting snowmobiles from Randy's Rentals! Randy himself offered rentals at reasonable rates, with all the 'extras' like helmet rentals etc included- something that seemed to be a hidden cost other rental places. He was even so kind to offer his services as a tour guide onto the lake and through the beautiful Kathio State Park. He provided ample knowledge of the park, showed us wildlife, and really made sure it was a good experience. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a good time while on vacation. read more