Sibley State Park

Introduction of Sibley State Park

Sibley State Park is a top-tier RV vacation location, with five beautiful lakes, three campgrounds, and plenty of family-friendly recreational activities. Sibley State Park’s history begins in 1917, when locals realised that many visitors believed the surrounding area was a beautiful spot to spend a relaxed day. The park was named after Minnesota’s first governor, Henry Hastings Sibley, and was officially established in 1919. The Civilian Conservation Corps erected several of the structures that still survive on the park grounds today between 1935 and 1938. The park was also included to the National Register of Historic Places for its historical significance.

While Sibley State Park is on the tiny side, it has 41 acres to enjoy with your family all year. Because the park is open all year, there are numerous winter and summer activities to enjoy during your visit. The five lakes that encircle the park are some of the main attractions, with Norway Lake being the largest. Andrew Lake has a nice beach that is open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, as well as a beach store where you may buy items that you may have forgotten to pack. Water activities include boating and fishing, while land activities include strolling, horseback riding, hiking, and biking routes.

If you prefer to learn about the various flora and creatures that live in the park, you can visit the interpretive centre, try geocaching, or consult Minnesota’s Birding Checklist.

Sibley State Park’s camping options are superb, with two RV-friendly campgrounds available for you to make home. Both campgrounds include power hookups, and there is also an equestrian campground if you are travelling with your horse. Any time of year is ideal for bringing your RV to Sibley State Park, so pack your belongings and plan your RVing vacation!

Sibley State Park Camping

Oak Ridge Campground

The Oak Ridge Campground, the smaller of Sibley State Park’s two RV-friendly lodging options, is open from April to November. This park has 58 campsites in total, including 34 with electric hookups. There are no water or sewer hookups, however there are a handful of water collecting stations and a dump station available from early April to late October before temps drop below freezing. The gravel pads at Oak Ridge Campground can accommodate trailers and RVs up to 70 feet long. Each lot has a picnic table and a fire ring and is shaded. The campsites are further apart and provide more solitude from your neighbours than Lakeview Campground.

You’ll also be near Tom’s Mountain and a number of additional trailheads. Hot showers and facilities are also available at the campground. Reservations are strongly advised and can be made up to 11 months in advance. You can stay for up to 14 days during your visit, but keep in mind that the campground is closed from the end of November to the beginning of April.

Lakeview Campground

Lakeview Campground (the park’s largest campground) is located near Andrew Lake and the beach area. The sites in Lakeview Campground, unlike those at Oak Ridge Campground, do not provide much seclusion because they are closer together. Despite this, you will have plenty of shade and will be closer to the beach.
From April to November, there are 74 campsites accessible, with 53 of them having electric hookups and the rest being rustic. There are water collection spots nearby, as well as a trash station.

 Each site features a picnic table and fire ring, while the shared amenities of the campground include hot showers and restrooms. Firewood can be purchased from the park office since the state won’t permit you to bring your own. Pets are also allowed in Lakeview Campground, but they should be leashed at all times. Like the Oak Ridge Campground, you can make a reservation for no more than 14 days at a time and up to 11 months in advance.

Equestrian Campground

The equestrian campground has nine spots that are ideal for you and your horse. There are no hookups here, but there is a dump station close and a water spigot. Each site can accommodate six persons and a trailer with a maximum length of 60 feet. The pads are green and level, making it easy to set up your tent. A fire ring and a picnic table are provided at each site.

There are no showers in this location, however the showers in the other campgrounds are available. This campground is open from April to November, and the trails may be open as well, depending on the weather. This campground has parking near Henchien Lake. Only approved firewood is permitted in the park and can be obtained from the park office.

Sibley State Park Activities

Fishing

Fishing enthusiasts will be glad to learn that there are multiple docks and launching ramps near the park’s several lakes. You can launch your boat into Andrew Lake at Lakeview Campground, making it simple to fish from a tranquil spot in the middle of the lake. There are also fishing piers and a cleaning facility to assist you with your day’s catch. Catfish, bass, crappie, sunfish, bullhead, and perch are common catches at Sibley State Park. If you require fishing equipment, you must obtain it outside of the park, and remember that if you are over the age of 17, you must have a valid Minnesota fishing licence.

Hiking

There are 18 miles of easy to moderate hiking trails throughout the park available for you to explore. The trails are open all year and provide spectacular fall colours as well as a beautiful winter view during the off-season. Tom’s Mountain Trail, a three-mile trail with numerous ups and downs, is one of the more difficult trails. Pay close attention to the trail signage and have a map with you. You’ll need a pair of good hiking boots (bring them), and if you’re trekking in the winter, bundle up and wear snowshoes to make the hike a little easier.

Going to the Beach

The shores of Andrew Lake is a white sandy beach with kilometres of summer pleasure. You can bring your family there for a relaxed day on the beach or to play volleyball on the volleyball court. You will be responsible for your personal safety if you go swimming at the beach. There is also a beach store nearby where you can rent various watercraft or simply grab some food for your beach vacation.

Horseback Riding

Sibley State Park includes seven miles of horseback riding paths, making it an ideal option for RVers who also like riding. All trails within the park begin and conclude at the Horse Trail Center near Henchien Lake, thus this is where you will spend the majority of your time. The Equestrian Campground near Henchien Lake also has parking and stables for your horses. If you are 16 or older, you will need a Horse Pass, which you may purchase online or in the camp’s main office.

Birding

Birding is a fun family activity that is ideal for the passionate nature lover who wants to learn about what lives in the trees. If you want to learn more about the birds that live in Sibley State Park, stop by the camp store and pick up a bird checklist. The checklist will give you with a list of common and uncommon birds. Tom’s Mountain is one of the top birding spots in the park. House sparrows, great blue herons, Canadian geese, indigo buntings, and egrets can be found here.

Remember to bring binoculars and a strong pair of hiking boots with you as you explore and learn about the various species and their diverse environment.

Cross-Country Skiing

Sibley State Park has eight miles of cross-country routes for expert skiers to enjoy throughout the winter months. The paths range from easy to difficult, with mountainous terrain to keep your heart rate up. The trails are not free and require a ski pass, which may be purchased at the park office. It is advised that you go exploring with a friend so that you are not alone out in the colder weather where things can go wrong.

Sibley State Park Location

If all roads go to Rome, half of them must pass through Sibley State Park. Illinois State Route 48 runs directly through the park, and IL-9, IL-5, and IL-71 all run around the park’s periphery. The park lies in New London, which is close to Sunburg, Spicer, Norway Lake, and Hawick. You can stop by any of these towns and get some supplies or fishing equipment. Each town is situated near beautiful lakes, and many of them offer great tiny shopping boutiques and restaurants for a night out on the town.

The entrance to Sibley State Park is marked by a huge sign. The roads are narrow and mountainous, with a few potholes here and there, and some sections of the trip feature low-hanging branches. Please keep in mind that the sites are not equal, therefore you may need to use a few bricks to help balance your rig. Because of the steep angles and narrow areas, the park is not advised for RVs longer than 60 feet. While the park welcomes large rigs, the Lakeview Campground sites are close together, giving little room for privacy. Oak Ridge and the equestrian campgrounds are significantly larger.

The campgrounds are open during the winter, however many facilities are unavailable. In the event of severe weather, the park may close, judging the trails and campground hazardous for visitors. There are plenty of parking options for individuals who are only visiting for the day. If you are concerned about the park’s state, you may always call the park office to confirm that it will be open.

Parking

Parking is available.

Public Transport

Public Transport is not available.