The city of Sauk Centre is located in western Minnesota, approximately 100 miles northwest of Minneapolis/St. Paul and 45 miles from St. Cloud. Interstate 94 runs directly through the city. Big Sauk Lake begins in the city and runs some 10 miles north of the town, providing opportunities for fishing and water sports. Visitors to Sauk Centre can enjoy the rugged outdoors at a local campground in three of the four seasons.
Sauk Centre, Minnesota is a town of just over 4,000 residents. The city has an elected mayor along with several appointed officials. The town has public safety, parks and recreation, public works and administrative departments to carry on important government functions. These departments operate year-round to serve the residents and guests of Sauk Centre.
There is one campground within the city. It is the Sinclair Lewis Campground and it is operated by the city's parks and recreation department. Sites at the campground range from primitive sites with no water or electricity to sites with water, sewer and electricity. Other amenities include trail access, lake access, picnic tables, playground, picnic shelter and a shelter for local bands to play.
The campground has 80 sites for RV campers. There are 40 full hook-up sites that have water, electric and sewer connections. There are 36 sites with water and electricity only and four primitive sites for tent campers. Sites may be rented daily, weekly, monthly or for the entire season. No sites will be rented when the park is closed for the winter.
The campground officially opens during the month of May each year. That is because April temperatures in Sauk Centre are still only around 35 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. In May, the weather begins to warm and there should be little snow. Campers should bring light jackets, gloves, thick socks and firewood for keeping away the evening chills.
June, July and August are peak camping months in Sauke Centre. Daytime temperatures range from 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. There can be high humidity and campers should be prepared for summer storms. Campers will enjoy fishing during these months but should come adequately prepared with insect repellent, sunscreen and plenty of water.
The campground will be open until October 15 each year. The closing date could actually come earlier in the month if the weather is unusually cold. During October, temperatures are usually close to 40 degrees Fahrenheit but may begin to dip below freezing. Daytime September temperatures are usually around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Campers should bring heavy blankets and sleeping bags, winter jackets, gloves and plenty of firewood.
Camping is not permitted in Sauk Centre, Minnesota during the winter months. Temperatures during January can reach as low as zero degrees Fahrenheit during the day with heavy snowfalls and high winds. The city of Sauk Centre does not maintain trails within the Sinclair Lewis Park during the off-season. Visitors to the town between mid-October and late April may stay at the local bed-and-breakfast inn known as The Palmer House.
