Maple Grove camping areas feature diverse natural settings from dense forests to prairie landscapes with elevations ranging from 900 to 1000 feet above sea level. Most campgrounds operate seasonally from April through October, with a few facilities offering limited winter options. Seasonal temperatures fluctuate significantly, with summer highs reaching 85°F and winter lows often dipping below freezing.
What to do
Biking trails: 6+ miles of paved paths at Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve connect to larger networks perfect for family outings. "There is a nice 6+mile biking trail that connects to others, so bring the bikes," notes Jennifer H., who appreciates the interconnected trail system.
Water activities: Beach access within walking distance at many campgrounds provides swimming opportunities from May through early September. "This campground was nice and the bathrooms were nice and clean. They have nice walking trails to the lake and beach area," explains a visitor about the access paths leading to recreation spots.
Horse riding: Designated equestrian paths at Crow Hassan Park Reserve make it popular with riders. "This is my all-time favorite park to bring my horse to, and it's her favorite trail too. Seriously, when we head back to our trailer she will stop and refuse to proceed," shares Krista T. about the quality of the equestrian trails.
Wildlife viewing: Bird watching opportunities abound throughout the area's wetlands and forests. "I never tire walking the dog park circle along the crow river! Great for birding and tons of beautiful trails!" reports one enthusiast about the diverse ecosystems supporting local birdlife.
What campers like
Private sites: Secluded tent pads at Lake Maria State Park Campground offer a true backcountry feel just minutes from Maple Grove. "Site B6 at Lake Maria State Park is about a half-mile walk from the parking area, and the journey in is half the magic: winding wooded trails, wildflowers, and glimpses of the lake through the trees," writes Alison O. about the park's hike-in sites.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms with modern amenities receive consistent praise. "The bathrooms/showers are great. With great fishing, playground, swimming, and biking trails very nearby, the kids were kept as busy as they wanted to be," remarks Bryan S. about the reliable upkeep at local parks.
Diverse camping options: Glamping sites in Maple Grove provide canvas accommodations with varying levels of luxury. "Lots of space between campsites. They aren't very private though. Great playground and green space for the kids, beach is very nice. Bathrooms are clean," comments Amy K. about the Lake Auburn Campground setup.
Proximity to attractions: Waterpark access enhances family camping experiences in warmer months. "Huge waterpark, miles of bike trails," notes Tiffany W. about Bunker Hills Regional Park, highlighting the added amenities beyond basic camping.
What you should know
Bug pressure: Heavy mosquitoes and black flies plague the area from late May through August. "The black flies were dive bombing the car like a scene from Armageddon. We prepared the kiddos for a quick grab and run and jumped out of the car," explains Steph H. about her experience with the seasonal insect challenges.
Seasonal limitations: Water availability fluctuates throughout the camping season. "This may be an ongoing issue but none of the water faucets or water pumps on the trails at Afton State Park are working. The good news is you can fill up on cold drinking water at the visitor center before trekking around the park's beautiful hiking trails!" warns Warren H. about potential water access challenges.
Glamping site selection: Canvas accommodation options near Maple Grove range from basic tents with electricity to fully-furnished yurts. "For being in the middle of the northern suburbs of Minneapolis, this park and campground is surprisingly woodsy, secluded and spacious," notes Doug B. about the unexpected natural setting amid suburban surroundings.
Physical demands: Some walk-in glamping locations require carrying gear considerable distances. "I camped here back in 2020 of November. Overpacked, along with not packing the right gear and didn't have a cart. Buddy and I parked at the southeast parking lot so the hike was about a mile and also hilly," shares cheeming Y. about the physical requirements of certain sites.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple play areas provide entertainment options during downtime. "We spent two nights in the campground. It was fairly busy, but we still felt secluded despite a full campground. There are nice paved trails around a couple of lakes/ponds for biking, and easy access to the shower and bathroom facilities," notes ERolf P. about the family-friendly amenities.
Site selection: Reserve early for the most desirable family-friendly spots. "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. We will be back!" exclaims Heather V. about her family's positive experience at Three Rivers Park District Baker Campground.
Animal encounters: Petting areas at some campgrounds provide additional entertainment for younger campers. "The campground has a couple of ponds, as well as access to Ham Lake where the watercraft is launched. There is a petting arena with goats, ponies, and a llama," describes Kristin C. about the diverse activities available for children.
Alternative accommodations: Camper cabins provide a glamping experience in Maple Grove for families new to outdoor recreation. "Camper Cabin (Eastern Bluebird) - perfect little cabin nestled in the southern half of the park! Screened in porch, heated with electricity, and two double bunk beds!" describes Alison O. about these convenient family options.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing: Variable privacy levels exist between different campgrounds and loops. "The sites are stacked on top of each other, but there is a pool (unheated) and a cute little camp store," observes Bryan S. about the Minneapolis Northwest KOA, noting the tradeoff between privacy and amenities.
Reservation specifics: Request preferred sites directly rather than relying on automated systems. "I asked why I was given such an undesirable site when I booked so far in advance and he told me that there is an algorithm that determines the site selection and if I wanted one with trees I needed to put a note on my reservation," shares Diane A. about her experience with the booking process.
Hookup availability: Electricity options vary between campgrounds with some offering 50-amp service while others provide only basic connections. "There are both primitive (tent) non-electric sites, and sites with electricity, even some 50 amp," notes Doug B. about the range of power options available to RVers.
