Lake Maria State Park and surrounding areas offer extensive hiking and backpacking opportunities within the deciduous forest landscape typical of central Minnesota. The region maintains an average summer high of 83°F with significant humidity during July and August. Winter camping remains available at select locations with temperatures often dropping below 10°F during January and February.
What to do
Winter snowshoeing adventures: Lake Maria State Park provides unique off-season camping experiences with trails specifically designed for winter activities. One camper noted, "We went snowshoeing around midnight under a full moon and had the place to ourselves," highlighting the park's appeal beyond summer months.
Hiking backpack sites: Lake Maria State Park Campground offers various backpacking sites at different distances from parking areas. A reviewer explains, "Love this park as it offers many backpacking sites with some being very short hikes in and some being longer hikes. Some are lake front and some are more woodsy sites."
Kayaking and water activities: Nearby lakes provide water recreation options for all skill levels. According to one visitor at Lake Ripley County Park Campground, "Even though we flipped our kayaks, we had a great time here on the lake!" The campground offers water access with most sites positioned along the lake shore.
Multi-use trail systems: Several parks connect to extensive trail networks suitable for hiking and biking. As one camper at Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park Campground stated, "There were some really nice wide trails around the lake. I think those were basically designed for cross-country skiing in the winter."
What campers like
Bear-proof storage options: Many sites come equipped with practical wildlife management features. A Lake Maria visitor mentioned, "Site comes with a fire ring, picnic table, and bear locker," which provides security for food and scented items.
Variable site locations: Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve offers different site configurations to match camper preferences. According to one reviewer, "The sites are good sized, and the bathroom/showers are great. With great fishing, playground, swimming, and biking trails very nearby, the kids were kept as busy as they wanted to be."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the area maintain high cleanliness standards. One visitor at St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park reported, "Clean bathrooms with hot water, clean laundry room," which enhances the comfort level for glamping close to Darwin, Minnesota.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The natural setting provides opportunities to observe local fauna. A camper at Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park Campground shared, "This place had awesome trails and so many deer! It's like they were camping with us."
What you should know
Bug preparation essential: Insects can be intense during summer months. One Lake Maria visitor warned, "The black flies were dive bombing the car like a scene from Armageddon... First step onto the grassy trail exploded in a cloud of mosquitos."
Hike-in difficulty levels: Some backpacking sites require physical preparation. A camper cautioned about Lake Maria, "If you're new to hiking, I suggest doing some research if you're going to attempt stuff like this... Carrying firewood, food, water, gear, on a hilly trail through the woods can become real tough real fast."
Seasonal considerations: Park facilities change throughout the year. One reviewer at Lake Auburn Campground mentioned, "I think there are more things that you can rent when the office is open as well (only during prime season)," highlighting the importance of checking seasonal availability.
Site privacy varies: Campground layouts differ in how much separation exists between sites. A Lake Auburn visitor observed, "While the park is nice and has mature trees, the sites are very open and offer little privacy between sites. The only separation is the driveway where you park your car."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play facilities for children. A visitor at Baker Park noted, "Nice playground, swimming, and biking trails very nearby, the kids were kept as busy as they wanted to be."
Beach facilities: Water access points are designed with families in mind. According to a Lake Auburn camper, "Great playground and green space for the kids, beach is very nice. Bathrooms are clean."
Open play areas: Many campgrounds include communal spaces. As one Lake Ripley visitor described, "Sites have large open areas in front of camps for kids to play. Great hosts as well."
Proximity to amenities: Some locations offer easy access to forgotten supplies. One visitor at Cokato Lake RV Resort Cooperative Association noted, "Impressed with the distance to/from the metro (less than an hour on Highway 12 heading west to Cokato)," making it a practical option for luxury glamping near Darwin, Minnesota.
Tips from RVers
Site positioning: RV sites at some campgrounds offer specific features. A Lake Ripley visitor shared, "They have you park your vehicle behind a row of bushes to help keep the view clear for everybody."
Water and electric access: Hookup availability varies by location. One St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park camper mentioned, "Just stayed for the weekend and we had a wonderful time. Shaded lot, much quieter than other sites I've been too."
Navigational challenges: Some locations present obstacles for larger vehicles. A visitor at A J Acres Campground warned, "Navigating around trees was not so fun with our 5th wheel. We got the slideouts to fit in between the trees."
Seasonal site options: Long-term stays are available at select locations. As one A J Acres camper observed, "A drive around showed many seasonal, if not permanent, trailers and campers. A golf cart would be best for getting around."
