Baker Park Reserve offers multiple campsite options for visitors seeking a getaway near Crystal, Minnesota. The campground features both secluded and open sites with various levels of privacy. Sites range from heavily wooded areas to more exposed group camping spots in loops designated for different camping styles. Water and electric hookups are available at most sites, with clean shower facilities and restrooms throughout the campground.
What to do
Trail exploration: Baker Park Reserve provides extensive paved biking trails circling several lakes and ponds. "There is a nice 6+ mile biking trail that connects to others, so bring the bikes," notes Jennifer H., highlighting the well-maintained trail system that extends throughout the 2,700-acre park.
Water activities: Lake Independence at Baker Park offers multiple recreation options. "Access to lake independence. A lot of biking trails. Nice clean bathrooms. Nice park for kids just a small hike away. Plus a decent amount of rentals," shares Matt H. The park maintains two separate swimming beaches—one for day visitors and one exclusively for campground guests.
Winter camping options: Lake Maria State Park maintains year-round camping with heated cabins available during colder months. "I would like to come back to this park in late fall and try out a camper cabin. There are three of them all on lakes," explains Steph H., who appreciates the park's seasonal versatility.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Bunker Hills Regional Park offers wooded sites with natural buffers between camping areas. "This park and campground is surprisingly woodsy, secluded and spacious. There are both primitive (tent) non-electric sites, and sites with electricity, even some 50 amp," explains Doug B. Most sites in the lower loops feature enough tree cover to create a sense of solitude.
Urban accessibility: Many campers appreciate the proximity to metropolitan areas. "We spent two nights in the campground. It was fairly busy, but we still felt secluded despite a full campground," mentions ERolf P. about Baker Park, highlighting its convenience just 30 minutes from Minneapolis while maintaining a natural setting.
Clean facilities: Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park provides well-maintained amenities. "The bathroom facility has seen better days. The nature center is nice and a great place to spend some time if it is raining during their open hours," says Krista T., noting both the maintained restrooms and the indoor options during inclement weather.
What you should know
Site selection matters: Each park organizes camping areas differently. "The lower loops are definitely better for tent campers, even though quite a few spots could support an RV. The upper loop is definitely more geared towards RVs, so not what I would consider an ideal tent site," advises Krista T. about Bunker Hills Regional Park.
Reservation requirements: Most parks require advance bookings. "You'll need to book for at least two nights and book as soon as you can. There are 200 sites but on the July weekend we stayed, I'd say almost all of them were booked," shares Joe R. regarding Baker Park Reserve.
Seasonal bug considerations: Afton State Park and other regional parks experience significant insect activity during summer months. "First step onto the grassy trail exploded in a cloud of mosquitos. Walking along the kids all looked like Pig-Pen from Peanuts," describes Steph H., highlighting the importance of proper bug protection from May through August.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for sites with playground access and scheduled activities. "With great fishing, playground, swimming, and biking trails very nearby, the kids were kept as busy as they wanted to be," explains Bryan S. about Baker Park, which offers organized recreation programs throughout summer months.
Beach access: Lake Auburn Campground provides family-friendly water options. "Great playground and green space for the kids, beach is very nice. Bathrooms are clean," reports Amy K., highlighting the dedicated swimming area with gentle slopes for younger children and shade umbrellas for sun protection.
First-timer locations: For families new to camping, consider the more developed options. "This is the closest campground to our home, so it has the distinction of being the place where my kids had their love of camping kindled!" shares Bryan S. about Minneapolis Northwest KOA, noting its beginner-friendly setup.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many campgrounds require some adjustment for larger vehicles. "While some sites are a little uneven and better suited to RVs than to tents, all sites are spacious and clean," notes Sarah S. about Lake Auburn Campground, emphasizing the importance of leveling blocks at most area campgrounds.
Hookup variations: Crow Hassan Park Reserve offers limited services at most sites. "In normal times you can rent this group campsite for $70-$80 a night, which is ridiculously cheap considering that you can fit quite a bit of horse trailers on here," explains Krista T., highlighting the more primitive camping setup where most utilities may be limited.
Reservation timing: RV sites book quickly during peak months. "Based on the lack of Dyrt reviews and the overabundance of weekend availability for this campground, it might be a nice option for you to get camping even if you are a state-park-loving metro dweller like me," suggests Krista T. regarding availability at less-known parks during busy periods.
