Little Rock Lake
About Little Rock Lake
Little Rock Lake is a 1,311-acre lake near Rice in Benton County, Minnesota. It reaches 17 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 8 feet, and has roughly 10.6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 2.3 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 21 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There are 2 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the county and Minnesota DNR. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. Benton Beach Campground is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. The lake is listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 10, based on 40 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Little Rock Lake
- 1,311 acres, up to 17 feet deep, near Rice
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the county and Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 2.3 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
- Camping close to the water at Benton Beach Campground
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- county, Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 1,311 acres
- Max depth
- 17 ft
- Average depth
- 8 ft
- Shoreline
- 10.6 mi
- Water clarity
- 2.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 1,240 acres
Rules & Regulations
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older
- Drain plugs must be out and all water drained before leaving any access; remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers
- Children under 10 must wear a life jacket on a boat that is underway
Facilities
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Swim beach
- Camping: Benton Beach Campground
- Picnic area
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Swimming and beach days
- Lakeside camping
- Ice fishing
- Low-clarity lakes are prone to summer algae blooms; keep dogs out of green, scummy water
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 21
- Game fish
- 10
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 10
- Years of record
- 40
- Earliest
- March 9, 2024
- Latest
- May 2, 2018
- Most recent
- March 26, 2025
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
Benton Beach Campground is mapped on or near Little Rock Lake. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Little Rock Lake
Compare Little Rock Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
Nearby Lakes
Mayhew Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreBenton · Mayhew128 acres
3.9 miles away
Sagatagan Lake
23 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Collegeville227 acres
15.2 miles away
Rice Lake
26 out of 100 Lake ScoreMorrison · Vawter339 acres
15.2 miles away
Ochotto Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Avon40 acres
15.4 miles away
Kraemer Lake
32 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Saint Joseph195 acres
15.4 miles away
Lower Spunk Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Avon179 acres
16 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Little Rock Lake?
Little Rock Lake is in Benton County, Minnesota, near Rice. It covers 1,311 acres and reaches 17 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Little Rock Lake?
Little Rock Lake covers 1,311 acres with about 10.6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 17 feet and its average depth is about 8 feet.
What fish can you catch at Little Rock Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Channel Catfish and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Little Rock Lake?
Yes. Little Rock Lake has 2 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the county and Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Little Rock Lake?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake. Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Little Rock Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Little Rock Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
When does the ice go out on Little Rock Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 10, from 40 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 9, 2024 and the latest is May 2, 2018.
Can you camp at Little Rock Lake?
Yes. Benton Beach Campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Little Rock Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Little Rock Lake as infested with zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.