Baker Park Reserve features several cabin accommodations with electric hookups. Some cabins require a walk from the main parking area, with site C1 offering a rain garden and necessary amenities. The campground has clean shower facilities and well-maintained restrooms available throughout the season. Sites in Loop C provide good tree cover and level tent pads for campers preferring a more rustic experience. Most cabins include basic furnishings, fire pits, and access to water. Firewood is available for purchase on-site, though supplies may vary seasonally.
What to do
Hiking and biking trails: Baker Campground offers extensive trail systems for day activities. "We love to camp here. Access to lake independence. A lot of biking trails. Nice clean bathrooms. Nice park for kids just a small hike away," notes a camper at Baker Park Reserve.
Water activities: Many cabin locations provide lake access for swimming and boating. "The lake is nice. There are 2 swimming beaches: 1 for the campground and one for all of the day visitors. You can rent canoes, paddle boats and SUP boards," explains a visitor to Baker Park Reserve.
Wildlife viewing: Lake Maria State Park offers exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities from cabin locations. "We saw pileated woodpeckers, red squirrels, and a chorus of chorus frogs. Nature feels close here — in the best way," reports a visitor to Lake Maria State Park Campground.
What campers like
Cabin privacy: Some sites offer more seclusion than others. "This site was pretty awesome. Like others said, nice and secluded. If you're new to hiking, I suggest doing some research if you're going to attempt stuff like this," mentions a Lake Maria camper.
Clean facilities: Bathroom and shower buildings receive consistent praise for 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 Regional Park.
Year-round options: Several parks offer cabin camping beyond summer months. "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 a camper at Afton State Park.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Cabins fill quickly, especially during peak season. "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.
Accessibility factors: Some cabins require significant walking distance. "The hike to the campground is short and grueling. A few of the sites are in wooded areas, but we stayed in one of the prairie sites," explains a camper at Afton State Park.
Bug preparation: Seasonal insects can affect outdoor comfort at cabins. "The bugs are aggressive here, especially near the tent sites which are located near a swampy area. Definitely more of a place to stay as you are passing through, not really a destination campground," warns a camper at Minneapolis Northwest KOA.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Parks offer various family-friendly options beyond standard camping. "With great fishing, playground, swimming, and biking trails very nearby, the kids were kept as busy as they wanted to be," notes a visitor to Baker Park Reserve.
Site selection: Choose cabins based on proximity to amenities for easier family logistics. "The sites are well maintained. The staff is very kind and accommodating. There are a few restaurants around that deliver. Great spot," shares a camper at Minneapolis Northwest KOA.
Space considerations: Cabin and campsite sizes vary significantly between locations. "The campground is big with privacy between the camp spots. There were nice trails to help explorer the regional park," explains a visitor to Bunker Hills Regional Park.
Tips for RVers
Hookup availability: Electric options vary between cabins and RV sites. "We stayed 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," shares a camper at Baker Park Reserve.
Site spacing: RV sites offer varying degrees of privacy between units. "This campground is a gem so very close to the Twin Cities. The sites are good sized, and the bathroom/showers are great," notes a Baker Park visitor.
Seasonal considerations: Some facilities close during winter months. "The campsites are grouped, we'll maintained, and always have firewood (etc) stocked for their guests," shares a visitor to Baker Park, which operates from April through October.
