Camping around Maple Lake, Minnesota features mostly secondary forest ecosystems across low-lying terrain that averages 1,050 feet above sea level. The region receives approximately 30 inches of annual precipitation, creating a humid continental climate with distinct seasonal changes. Most dispersed campsites near Maple Lake remain accessible from May through September, though spring flooding can limit early season access.
What to do
Trail exploration: Lake Maria State Park Campground trails offer varied terrain for day hiking. "The trails are a lot of fun.. lots to see," notes Johnny H. who has camped at nearby Ann Lake for over 30 years. The park features both short loops and longer connections through thick forest stands.
Swimming options: Multiple campgrounds provide lake access with varying amenities. "The beach front is long and beautiful, lots of room to roam," mentions one visitor at Schroeder County Park, which maintains a swimming area with lifeguard supervision during peak summer months. The park charges a $5 daily vehicle fee for beach access.
Winter activities: Unlike many seasonal camping areas, Lake Maria State Park remains open year-round with winter-specific options. "Appreciated the camper cabin and the clean sites," writes Brian K., highlighting that these structures provide shelter during colder months when tent camping becomes impractical.
What campers like
Backpacking privacy: The dispersed sites at Lake Maria offer seclusion with moderate hike-in requirements. "Site 1 is my favorite despite the road noise due to the location of the tent pad and being on almost a peninsula offering lots of lake views," explains Tori K. about the backpacking options.
Family amenities: Baker Campground receives consistently positive feedback for its facilities. "With great fishing, playground, swimming, and biking trails very nearby, the kids were kept as busy as they wanted to be," writes Bryan S., highlighting the activity options within walking distance of campsites.
Budget options: For cost-conscious campers, Ann Lake provides basic sites at lower rates. "I highly recommend the walk-in-sites for the most private tent camping experience. The walk from the car isn't far, but the sites are off the road and in the pines," advises Emily H., noting these sites typically cost $15-20 per night.
What you should know
Weather preparedness: Summer storms can develop quickly in this region. "We came outside to assess damages and instead of the park owner checking on us he belligerently screamed at my children," reports one family at St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park after experiencing "nickel to quarter size hail" that damaged their equipment.
Insect management: Multiple campers mention significant insect pressure. "The black flies were dive bombing the car like a scene from Armageddon," reports Steph H. from Lake Maria State Park. Mosquitoes become especially problematic in June through August near wetland areas.
Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds require advance booking during peak season. Baker Park Reserve fills its electric sites first, often 1-2 months ahead for summer weekends. "It's a great place to spend a weekend close to home, but feel like you are getting away," notes Jennifer H.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection strategy: Choose sites based on proximity to amenities with children. "For our first time camping, this was a great site! It was very clean, had friendly staff, and was close to a really fun park for our kids," shares Heather V. about Bertram Chain of Lakes, where playground equipment sits within 500 feet of campsites.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campgrounds offer structured nature programs. "Lots of walking trails, well groomed. Camping spots were large and spacious," reports Tinya P. about Schroeder County Park, which maintains a nature center with scheduled programming during summer weekends.
Seasonal considerations: Family camping works best between late June and early September when facilities operate at full capacity. "It has a 9 hole mini golf, shuffleboard, salt water pool, and a lobby/gift shop. They also offer a nice seating area for those hot or raining days with free arcade," mentions a visitor to St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Most RV sites in the region offer 30-amp service with water, though some parks have upgraded. "It has awesome trails and so many deer! It's like they were camping with us," reports Christopher C. from Bertram Chain of Lakes, which provides full hookup sites with 50-amp service for larger rigs.
Site dimensions: Many campgrounds have size restrictions. "Some sites have nice long driveways that can accommodate multiple cars, or even a truck with a boat/trailer," explains Emily H. about Ann Lake, though most parks limit RV length to 35 feet.
