Baker Campground offers more than 200 sites with a blend of wooded and open areas for camping near Mound, Minnesota. Located about 15 miles northwest of Mound, the campground sits in a scenic area with oak-hickory forest and prairie restoration areas. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing while summer camping brings temperatures in the 70s-80s°F, with mosquitoes most active from June through August.
What to do
Explore hiking trails: Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park features well-maintained paths with connections to the beach area. One visitor noted, "Great walking paths and clean restrooms. Great for a quick weekend camping trip."
Visit the dog park: Crow Hassan Park Reserve offers an exceptional area for four-legged companions. A camper mentioned, "I never tire walking the dog park circle along the crow river! Great for birding and tons of beautiful trails!"
Go disc golfing: Bunker Hills Regional Park maintains a top-rated disc golf course for all skill levels. A recent visitor shared, "Close to a top 10 disc golf course if that's your thing."
Try horseback riding: The equestrian facilities at Crow Hassan Park Reserve provide options for horse owners. As one regular visitor explained, "This is my all-time favorite park to bring my horse to, and it's her favorite trail too. The barn stalls are available for use, otherwise there are overhead horse hitch lines."
What campers like
Private tent sites: Lake Auburn Campground provides spacious areas for tent camping with natural buffers. A camper mentioned, "All sites are spacious and clean. Campground management is helpful and friendly, and even has little fire starting bundles if you're having a rough time getting that fire going."
Clean facilities: Bunker Hills Regional Park maintains well-kept restrooms and shower buildings. A visitor commented, "The bathrooms were nice and clean. The facilities are well kept, the park is patrolled by rangers and the local sheriff after closing hours."
Quiet atmosphere: Cleary Lake Regional Park offers a peaceful setting away from city noise. A camper noted, "I really like the hike in sites. Short walk from the car and right by the water yet spaced nicely for privacy."
Beach access: Many campgrounds feature swimming areas with sandy shores. A Lake Auburn visitor shared, "The swim area was cool after a hot day and the beach was gently sloping and smooth."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Minneapolis Northwest KOA and other area campgrounds often fill quickly during peak season. A camper advised, "We stayed here for an overnight stop through MN. Easy late check in with campsite hosts."
Bug conditions: Lake Maria State Park and other wooded areas can have intense insect activity. One camper 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."
Site privacy varies: Minneapolis Southwest KOA has limited natural screening between sites. A visitor noted, "Small sites and it's packed in here. Looking at the Southwest KOA website they advertise the tent sites back into the woods... however the woods were 20ish feet behind a rope."
Site selection strategy: For improved camping experiences at Three Rivers Park District Baker Campground, request specific site types. A recent visitor shared, "Met a friend for a relaxing weekend in loop C. Quiet, lots of trees, nice fire rings. Bathrooms were close and well kept."
Tips for camping with families
Water parks: Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve provides water recreation options for children. A parent explained, "With great fishing, playground, swimming, and biking trails very nearby, the kids were kept as busy as they wanted to be."
Playgrounds: Multiple area campgrounds feature play areas for children of different ages. A visitor to Bunker Hills noted, "Perfect for kids, they have 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."
Group camping: Cleary Lake Regional Park offers designated group sites ideal for family reunions. One visitor shared, "We always stay at the Cleary point group camp and we love it. The camp is great, 4 or 5 hookups and a private dock and the whole site is private and on a little point so the lake is surrounding you."
Biking options: Many regional parks feature paved trails suitable for children. A Baker Park visitor mentioned, "There is a nice 6+ mile biking trail that connects to others, so bring the bikes."
Tips for RVers
Hookup availability: Minneapolis Southwest KOA provides full service sites with 50-amp electrical connections. A visitor noted, "The sites are well maintained. Great spot."
Site leveling: Prepare for uneven terrain at some campgrounds. One RVer warned, "The site was very unlevel and the water Spicket didn't really work very well."
Dump station access: Baker Park Reserve provides sanitary facilities for RVs. A camper mentioned, "We spent two nights in the campground. The shower and bathroom facilities were very nice."
Satellite reception: Tree coverage varies significantly between campgrounds. A camper at Baker Park observed, "The sites are good sized, and the bathroom/showers are great. The sites are about as private as the typical state park, so not very."
