Baker Campground sits in the western metro area, 20 miles from Minnetonka at an elevation of 940 feet. The campground operates from April through October with 204 campsites spread across several loops. Sites have varying levels of shade and privacy, with most accommodating tents, RVs, and some offering luxury glamping accommodations with modern amenities.
What to do
Biking on paved trails: Baker Campground features a 6-mile trail system connecting to multiple lakes. "There are nice paved trails around a couple of lakes/ponds for biking, and easy access to the shower and bathroom facilities," reports one camper.
Swimming at two beaches: The park maintains separate swimming areas for day visitors and campers. "The lake is nice. There are 2 swimming beaches: 1 for the campground and one for all of the day visitors," notes a visitor. Beaches typically open from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Water sports on Lake Independence: Rentals available during weekend hours include canoes, paddle boats and stand-up paddleboards. "A lot of biking trails. Nice clean bathrooms. Nice park for kids just a small hike away. Plus a decent amount of rentals," shares one reviewer.
Nature exploration: Crow Hassan Park Reserve offers miles of trails through prairie lands. "I never tire walking the dog park circle along the crow river! Great for birding and tons of beautiful trails!" states a visitor who frequently returns to the park.
What campers like
Large, well-maintained sites: Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park receives praise for its spacious sites. "The site was large and flat with a nice fire pit. Thank you!" mentions one camper who appreciated the campground's accommodating nature.
Clean shower facilities: Many regional parks prioritize bathroom maintenance. "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," notes a visitor at Rice Creek Chain of Lakes.
Proximity to Minneapolis: Afton State Park Campground offers a quick escape from urban life. "Less than an hour drive from Minneapolis this is a good get away. As expected it has many walk trails. Highlight of this location is beach which is nice for swim and sun bath," reports a reviewer.
Seasonal glamping options: Luxury camping structures are available at several parks from spring through fall. "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!" shares an enthusiastic glamper at Afton State Park.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require two-night minimum stays, particularly on weekends. "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," advises a Baker Park visitor.
Site privacy varies: Lake Auburn Campground has an open layout. "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," notes a camper.
Water access may be limited: Some parks have seasonal issues with water sources. "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 a visitor.
Noise considerations: The closer to urban areas, the more ambient noise. "It's off the road behind a construction company. It's clientele was pretty rough on our trip. One of the playgrounds was closed. Small sites and it's packed in here," reports a camper at Minneapolis Southwest KOA.
Tips for camping with families
Choose parks with playgrounds: Many regional parks have well-maintained play structures. "The playhroubd is nice, the vault toilets have automatic lights at night, which is pretty nice, and the beach has couple large shade umbrellas and a fishing dock," shares a Lake Auburn visitor.
Consider water parks for entertainment: Bunker Hills Regional Park features additional attractions. "Huge waterpark, miles of bike trails," notes a visitor. Another camper adds, "There is a water park with a wave pool, a disc golf course, a golf course, several pavilions with grills, a few playgrounds and plenty of trails both paved and unpaved."
Look for parks with ranger patrols: Safety measures vary between locations. "The park is patrolled by rangers and the local sheriff after closing hours. Very safe place to camp. Perfect for kids," says a Bunker Hills visitor.
Book camper cabins for comfort: Glamping near Minnetonka offers family-friendly alternatives to tents. "We went with a ground of friends (all families with young kids). It was the perfect place to easily get in, set up, hangout, and just relax," reports a Baker Park visitor.
Tips from RVers
Check site levelness: Many campgrounds have uneven sites. "While some sites are a little uneven and better suited to RVs than to tents, all sites are spacious and clean," notes a Lake Auburn visitor.
Reserve early for holiday weekends: Popular times fill months in advance. "This campground was big with privacy between the camp spots. There were nice trails to help explorer the regional park," reports a Bunker Hills camper.
Consider seasonal timing: Spring and fall offer less crowded experiences. "We spent a weekend close to home, but feel like you are getting away!" shares a Baker Park visitor describing their early season trip.
Look for campgrounds with sanitary dump stations: Most regional parks provide this amenity. "Stayed here when we got our first camper and it is nicely shaded large sites. Great walking paths and clean restrooms. Great for a quick weekend camping trip," notes a Rice Creek Chain of Lakes visitor.
