Sep 19 2012
Camping at Schreier’s on Shetek near Currie, Minnesota
This summer, we tested the waters of a seasonal campsite, where we could park our camper and leave it rather than towing it each time we wanted to camp. We found the right campground fit for our family at Schreier’s on Shetek in southwestern Minnesota.
Schreier's on Shetek Entrance
In looking for a seasonal site, we had a pretty lengthy list of amenities we were looking for:
- No more than two hours from home
- Family-friendly campground
- Would allow a small tent for our boys to sleep in alongside our camper
- On a lake with a swimming area
- Allows fishing from a dock or shoreline
- Close to a bicycle trail
- Reasonable rates
- Lawnmowing included
We found Schreier’s to have all of these things.
Schreier’s on Shetek is located on the shores of Lake Shetek, about 35 minutes southeast of Marshall, Minnesota. Most of its 100+ sites are set up as seasonal sites, but there are some overnight sites available as well. Many of the sites overlook Lake Shetek as ours did. I had a beautiful sunset view from our camper bedroom.
Sunset View from our Campsite
Most of the lakeview sites such as ours are on a small treelined bluff, with stairs leading down to a shoreline trail and both public and private docks.
Stairs to Lake Shetek
Playground and Sand Volleybal
In the family-friendly category, Schreier’s has several playground areas, basketball and sand volleyball courts, shuffleboard, a repurposed barn with arcade games that is also used for Saturday evening movies, and a compact yet challenging 18-hole miniature golf course (for which a small fee is charged). Parents may enjoy the free coffee and wifi alongside the coin laundry area in the barn.
Schreier's Mini Golf and Activity Barn
Speed bumps throughout the campground roads keep it safe for kids on their bikes or on foot. The campground is well-maintained and the owners live on-site, so any problems can be addressed immediately.
Campground Road
The only thing from our list that wasn’t at the campground itself was a bicycle trail, but this is where Schreier’s location shines. It is adjacent to Lake Shetek State Park, through which the six-mile paved Currie loop of the Casey Jones Trail runs. Bicyclists and pedestrians can ride a mile or so down a quiet gravel road and go in a rear entrance to the park, which is closed to vehicle traffic.
Schreier's Driveway; Lake Shetek State Park is down and to the right
Riding from the campground, through the park, around the loop, and back, is about 10 miles. Some of the route is paved, some is gravel, and there are a few challenging hills, but overall it is a family-friendly route with scenery that varies from prairies and farmland to shaded river and lake views. Our whole family, including our youngest, who is six, were able to complete the trail with a stop for a break at the End-o-Line Museum just off the trail in Currie.
Casey Jones Bicycle Trail near Currie
Restrooms and showers are located in a few different places in the campground, making them convenient to different groups of campsites.
Restroom/Shower Building that includes a picnic shelter; another playground
The campground office includes a milk, eggs, and a few other basic provisions available for purchase. For more supplies, there’s a convenience store near the state park entrance, and the town of Tracy is just 15 minutes away. Because of the threat of emerald ash borer, no outside firewood is currently allowed at Schreier’s, but there is firewood available for purchase at the campground office.
Schreier's Campground Office
During one of our stays, we had tickets for the Wilder Pageant in Walnut Grove, and it was an easy 20-minute drive back to the campground after the pageant. We talked to some other weekend campers who had also chosen Schreier’s in conjunction with the pageant and other Laura Ingalls Wilder events.
Non-Seasonal/Overnight Camping Area
For families looking for a nice campground with many amenities in southwest Minnesota, I can heartily endorse Schreier’s on Shetek. It’s in a beautiful location, is well-maintained, and is family-friendly with lots to do.
Thanks for all the info. We’ve considered this campground in the past, but have never tried it. We were wondering about the water quality of the lake as the kids like to swim. Does it get that turquoise algae?
Jenny, the lake isn’t very deep, so the water was getting green by late July, especially with the extreme heat and lack of rain this summer.
Growing up, our family stayed at a seasonal campground every summer. We’d drive out on Fridays, stopping for ice cream at a homemade ice cream stand along the way. We’d spend long, lazy days swimming, riding bikes, and cooking outdoors and then sleep hard at night. It’s been almost 40 years (OH am I old!) since those summer memories, but they set the stage for a lifetime of valuing family togetherness.