Lake St. Catherine State Park has long been a destination for visitors seeking an area to relax, refresh and recreate. The 117-acre park has been in operation since it opened as a picnic and swimming area in 1953 on the shore of picturesque Lake St. Catherine. The park offers an array of recreation opportunities for campers and day-use visitors alike. These include a 61-site campground, a nature center, two sandy beaches, a large grassy field including a children’s playground and a snack-bar concession with rentals of rowboats, canoes, kayaks and pedal boats. A boat launch is available for those seeking a day of fishing or water skiing on the lake. A short hiking trail offers visitors a tour of the Big Trees of Lake St. Catherine and a breathtaking view of Birdseye Mountain.
Lake St. Catherine provides excellent fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. Panfish, largemouth and smallmouth bass, rainbow and brown trout, yellow perch and northern pike can all be found in the lake’s cool waters. Lucky visitors may catch a glimpse of a white-tailed deer or even an occasional moose. Regularly scheduled nature programs are held at the nature center.
Prior to state ownership, the area comprising Lake St. Catherine State Park consisted of a summer camp for boys and farmland. Remnants of these past activities can still be found within the park.
Facilities / Amenities
The campground contains 50 tent/RV sites and 11 lean-to sites. Grassy open areas, wooded sites and lake access make this camping area very popular. Restrooms with toilets, coin-operated hot showers and a dump station are provided. The park has well-developed picnic and swimming areas. In addition to a nature center, there is a snack bar concession with canoes, kayaks, rowboats and pedal boat rentals.
ACTIVITIES
Camping: There are 50 rent/RV sites and 11 lean-to sites at the park.
HikingHiking: There is a universally accessible nature trail leads to great views.
SwimmingSwimming: There is a beautiful sandy beach with a designated swimming area.
BoatingBoating: There is a boat launch at the park and canoes, kayaks and pedal boats are available to rent.
FishingFishing: Panfish, largemouth and smallmouth bass, rainbow and brown trout, yellow perch and northern pike can all be found in the lake’s cool waters. This park also participates in the Reel Fun Program.
PicnickingPicnicking: Lots of picnic tables and grassy areas make this park a popular destination for picnickers.
Nature ProgramNature Programs: This park offers nature programs. Please call the park directly for more information.