Rice Lake State Park campground
Rice Lake State Park
Reservations are accepted at Rice Lake State Park, making it convenient for campers to secure their preferred campsite. It is advisable to make reservations in advance, particularly during peak seasons, to ensure availability. The best time to visit this camping area is during the summer months when the weather is warmer, and outdoor activities can be enjoyed to the fullest. However, it is important to note that Minnesota's weather can be unpredictable, so it is always a good idea to check the forecast before planning a trip.
While camping at Rice Lake State Park, visitors can explore the surrounding nature and take advantage of the park's hiking trails. These trails provide opportunities for scenic walks, birdwatching, and wildlife observation. It is essential to be cautious and aware of ticks, as they are prevalent in the area during certain times of the year. Proper precautions, such as wearing long sleeves and pants and applying insect repellent, should be taken to minimize the risk of tick bites. Overall, Rice Lake State Park offers a picturesque camping experience with its amenities, stunning landscapes, and recreational opportunities.
What's on-site at Rice Lake State Park
Key facilities Snoflo tracks for this campground. Confirm with the operator before booking -- amenities can change seasonally.
Plan your trip down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max so trends jump out at a glance.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks. Hover any point for the full breakdown.
Other campgrounds in the area
Snoflo-tracked campsites within driving distance of Rice Lake State Park, with reservations status.
| Campground | Reservations | Toilets | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hope Oak Knoll Campground | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Nerstrand Big Woods State Park | ✓ | ✗ | → |
| Oxbow Park Campground | ✓ | ✗ | → |
| Covered Bridge Park Campground | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Sakatah Lake State Park Campground | ✓ | ✗ | → |
Nearby streamflow
USGS streamgauges within reach of Rice Lake State Park -- pulled live from the National Water Information System.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Straight River Near Faribault | 253 cfs | → |
| South Fork Zumbro River At Rochester | 143 cfs | → |
| Cedar River Near Austin | 182 cfs | → |
| Cannon River At Welch | 554 cfs | → |
| Vermillion River Near Empire | 39 cfs | → |
| Mississippi River At Red Wing | 23,900 cfs | → |
Nearby snow depths
NRCS SNOTEL stations within reach of Rice Lake State Park -- relevant when planning a shoulder-season or alpine trip.
| SNOTEL station | Snowpack | 24h Snowfall | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ew0729 Rochester | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
| Elgin 2ssw | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
| Hastings Dam 2 | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
| Jordan 1ssw | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest parks, lakes, boat launches, and paddle runs so a camping night can grow into a full weekend.
Camping essentials & Leave No Trace
- Pack it in, pack it out
- Take all trash, food scraps, and gear back with you to keep campsites clean and protect wildlife.
- Respect wildlife
- Observe animals from a distance, store food securely, and never feed wildlife to maintain natural behavior and safety.
- Know before you go
- Check weather, fire restrictions, trail conditions, and permit requirements to ensure a safe and well-planned trip.
- Minimize campfire impact
- Use established fire rings, keep fires small, fully extinguish them, or opt for a camp stove when fires are restricted.
- Leave what you find
- Preserve natural and cultural features by avoiding removal of plants, rocks, artifacts, or other elements of the environment.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Rice Lake State Park as a favorite, set a custom threshold (precipitation, snowpack, freezing temperatures), and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About Rice Lake State Park
Can I make reservations at Rice Lake State Park?
Yes -- this campground accepts reservations. Snoflo recommends booking early for peak season; check the operator (Recreation.gov / state park system / private operator) for the booking window and cancellation policy.
How fresh is the weather data on this page?
The hourly forecast updates throughout the day from the NOAA / yr.no public feeds. Streamflow data is pulled live from USGS streamgauges and snowpack from the NRCS SNOTEL network.
What's the best time of year to visit?
Use the 15-day temperature & precipitation outlook on this page to plan -- pick a window with comfortable temperatures and low precipitation. For longer trips, the 5-day hourly meteogram shows snow + rain accumulation hour-by-hour.
How do I get to Rice Lake State Park?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions in Google Maps, or Open in map to center the Snoflo interactive map on the campground.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed through the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this campground, set a threshold (temperature, snowpack, precipitation), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other campgrounds near here
Snoflo-tracked campgrounds within driving distance of Rice Lake State Park.