Lake Marion
About Lake Marion
Lake Marion is a 520-acre lake near Brownton in McLeod County, Minnesota. It reaches 15 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 10 feet, and has roughly 6.7 miles of shoreline. By surface area it ranks No. 3 among the 11 McLeod County lakes in this directory. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 2.4 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 12 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. 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. Lake Marion Park Campground is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Lake Marion
- 520 acres, up to 15 feet deep, near Brownton
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the county and Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 2.4 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Camping close to the water at Lake Marion Park Campground
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- county, Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 520 acres
- Max depth
- 15 ft
- Average depth
- 10 ft
- Shoreline
- 6.7 mi
- Water clarity
- 2.4 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 520 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)
- Camping: Lake Marion Park Campground
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- 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
- 12
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- Yes
- 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.
Camping & Reservations
Lake Marion Park Campground is mapped on or near Lake Marion. 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 Lake Marion
Compare Lake Marion against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Lake Marion ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Lake Marion ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Lake Marion ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Lake Marion ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Otter Lake
41 out of 100 Lake ScoreMcLeod · Hutchinson642 acres
6.8 miles away
Preston Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreRenville · Buffalo Lake655 acres
7.6 miles away
Round Grove Lake
39 out of 100 Lake ScoreMcLeod · Stewart (McLeod)296 acres
7.8 miles away
Allie Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreRenville · Buffalo Lake509 acres
8.6 miles away
Schilling Lake
27 out of 100 Lake ScoreSibley · New Auburn763 acres
10.4 miles away
Swan Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreMcLeod · Silver Lake352 acres
11.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake Marion?
Lake Marion is in McLeod County, Minnesota, near Brownton. It covers 520 acres and reaches 15 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Lake Marion?
Lake Marion covers 520 acres with about 6.7 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 15 feet and its average depth is about 10 feet.
What fish can you catch at Lake Marion?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, 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 Lake Marion?
Yes. Lake Marion 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 Lake Marion?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Lake Marion. Minnesota's public waters are open to swimming where you have legal access, but there are no lifeguards or water-quality monitoring away from designated beaches.
Is Lake Marion stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Lake Marion; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Can you camp at Lake Marion?
Yes. Lake Marion Park Campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.