Lake Maria State Park offers secluded cabin accommodations located within central Minnesota's hardwood forest region at approximately 1,000 feet elevation. These rustic lodging options sit amid rolling hills formed during the last glacial period, providing camping opportunities approximately 13 miles west of Maple Lake. The park maintains year-round operations with seasonal adjustments to facility availability and trail conditions.
What to do
Wildlife viewing trails: Hiking paths through Lake Maria State Park provide opportunities to spot local wildlife. "The birds are singing and so are the kids because this place has so much to do for them," notes a visitor at St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park when describing outdoor recreation opportunities in the region.
Mushroom identification: The forested areas contain diverse fungi species to observe. "We were all entertained by the plethora of mushroom varieties that surrounded the camp," mentions a Lake Maria State Park visitor who stayed at a hike-in site.
Hammock relaxation: Several sites have trees positioned for hammock setup. "A couple of good spots outside you can hang hammocks from too," reports a camper from Lake Maria about the cabin areas.
Cross-country trails: The wider paths at Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park accommodate winter cross-country skiing and summer hiking. "There were some really nice wide trails around the lake. I think those were basically designed for cross-country skiing in the winter," explains a camper.
What campers like
Secluded sites: Cabins at Baker Campground offer privacy away from main camping areas. "Nestled in a picturesque setting, this campsite offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and essential amenities," writes a visitor who stayed at Campsite C1.
Lake proximity: Many cabins sit near water features with wildlife viewing. "Only about a mile from the parking lot. This site was nearly surrounded by a lake which lended to a lot of bugs, but was absolutely gorgeous!" describes a camper at Lake Maria State Park.
Campsite spacing: The cabin areas typically provide more distance between units than standard campsites. "We tent camped here for a night while passing through. It's a basic KOA with a few amenities. The lots were really big and we had no one near us, so it was nice and private," reports a camper at Minneapolis Northwest KOA.
Clean facilities: Cabins and nearby bathrooms receive regular maintenance. "The campground was nice, but there were a few things that could be done to make it better. We were in a pull through at the north end of the campground and the site itself was nice and had decent spacing between sites," notes a visitor at St. Cloud Campground.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Minneapolis Northwest KOA requires advance booking for cabins, particularly during summer months. "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!" states a regular visitor.
Insect protection: Bug repellent remains essential for cabin camping near Maple Lake, especially during summer months. "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," recounts a Lake Maria State Park visitor.
Distance from vehicles: Several cabin sites require walking from parking areas to the accommodation. "BP7 didn't have much dead wood around so we had to reserve the firewood we purchased. Carrying firewood, food, water, gear, on a hilly trail through the woods can become real tough real fast for anyone that isn't physically active," cautions a backcountry cabin user at Lake Maria.
Seasonal variations: Cabin availability changes with the seasons. "While Lake Maria State Park operates year-round, other facilities like St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park only open seasonally from May to October," the park website indicates.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly cabins: St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park provides cabin options with amenities suitable for first-time campers. "Clean bathrooms with hot water, clean laundry room," reports a visitor, highlighting features important for family stays.
Entertainment options: Recreation facilities enhance cabin experiences with children. "Pool is clean, everything is so well marked, lots of shade/grass. LOVE IT, COMING BACK!!" exclaims a family who visited St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park.
Site selection strategy: Research cabin locations before booking to ensure appropriate amenities. "Super peaceful vibes, nice tree cover, flat tent pad, and plenty of space to spread out. It's tucked just enough off the path to feel private, but not so far that you feel isolated," advises a Baker Campground visitor about selecting optimal cabin locations.
Tips from RVers
Facility differences: Cokato Lake RV Resort offers different amenities than rustic cabins at state parks. "Inground, heated swimming pool; mini golf; pickleball; tennis; arcade room attached to the office. Ice cream shop has 8 flavors of hand-dipped yum!" details a resort visitor, highlighting infrastructure not found at more primitive cabin locations.
Winter access considerations: Year-round cabins require planning for snow and cold conditions. "I was traveling Eastward through the upper Midwest and had a really hard time in this area finding a place to camp. I finally came across this place," explains a Bertram Chain of Lakes visitor who needed accommodations during colder weather.
Utility availability: Different cabin types provide varying hookups and amenities. "I appreciated the camper cabin and the clean sites. Most if not all sites are in the woods from what I could tell so there is a lot of leaves," observes a Bertram Chain of Lakes camper.
