Baker Park Reserve spans over 2,700 acres along Lake Independence, featuring rolling woodland, wetlands, and prairie landscapes that contrast with the suburban surroundings of St. Bonifacius, Minnesota. Winter temperatures drop to below freezing from November through March, while summer highs typically reach the mid-80s, making seasonal camping considerations important. The park system connects multiple camping areas through extensive trail networks that wind through diverse ecosystems.
What to do
Cycling on dedicated trails: Baker Park Reserve offers paved biking paths connecting different sections of the campground. "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," notes ERolf P. at Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve.
Winter camping options: Several campgrounds remain open during colder months for hardy campers. "I camped here back in 2020 of November. Overpacked, along with not packing the right gear and didn't have a cart," reports a camper at Lake Maria State Park Campground, who recommends better preparation for the colder weather.
Horseback riding: Crow Hassan Park Reserve features specialized equestrian facilities and trails. A reviewer explains, "Horse camping is available in two locations in the park... The barn stalls are available for use, otherwise there are overhead horse hitch lines." The reviewer advises that "the best place to be bug-free happens to be the sandy prairie trails."
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Many campgrounds offer secluded spots despite being near metropolitan areas. At Cleary Lake Regional Park, a camper raves about site 13: "It's HUGE with lots of trees and absolutely beautiful scenery. I imagine in the middle of summer, it might feel slightly less secluded as there are 3 other sites relatively close by... but in early September, no one else was around and it was PERFECT!"
Family-friendly amenities: Bunker Hills Regional Park combines natural spaces with recreational facilities. "This campground is a gem so very close to the Twin Cities. The sites are good sized, and the bathroom/showers are great. With great fishing, playground, swimming, and biking trails very nearby, the kids were kept as busy as they wanted to be," shares Bryan S. at Bunker Hills Regional Park.
Proximity to Minneapolis: Many campsites allow easy access to urban amenities. "Accessible, Affordable, Beautiful... It's right off the highway, and very easy to find. The camp is very well-maintained, the beach is gorgeous, and the staff was extremely nice over the phone when I set my reservation," notes Sam S. about Lake Auburn Campground.
What you should know
Bug seasons vary by location: Insects can be problematic during certain times of year. "We went in the middle of Summer. High bug season... the sites are very open and offer little privacy between sites," explains one camper at Lake Auburn Campground, while another at Minneapolis Northwest KOA notes, "The bugs are aggressive here, especially near the tent sites which are located near a swampy area."
Bathroom facilities vary widely: Some parks offer modern facilities while others have more basic options. "The bathrooms were locked up, so no feedback on those at this time. They looked relatively modern though," reports a visitor to Bunker Hills, while another camper mentions, "The vault toilets have automatic lights at night, which is pretty nice" at Lake Auburn Campground.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak season. "My reservation for a rustic site wound up being $30 for one night," notes a camper at Bunker Hills Regional Park. At Baker Park, sites fill quickly, with one camper mentioning, "It's a great place to spend a weekend close to home, but feel like you are getting away!"
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature recreational areas specifically designed for children. At Baker Campground, one reviewer shares: "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!"
Easy hike-in options: Some campgrounds offer walk-in sites that aren't too challenging for kids. At Cleary Lake, a camper notes: "I really like the hike in sites. Short walk from the car and right by the water yet spaced nicely for privacy," making it manageable for families with young children to experience slightly more secluded camping.
Water activities: Lakes and swimming areas provide entertainment for all ages. "The swim area was cool after a hot day and the beach was gently sloping and smooth," shares Sarah S. about Lake Auburn Campground, indicating safe water access for children of different swimming abilities.
Tips from RVers
Site placement considerations: RV sites vary in privacy and layout across parks. A visitor to Minneapolis Southwest KOA warns: "Roads that were poorly maintained trucks were parked sticking out into the road making it difficult to get around. The site was very unlevel and the water Spicket didn't really work very well." This highlights the importance of researching specific sites before booking.
Electrical hookup availability: While many parks offer electrical connections, amperage varies. Minneapolis Northwest KOA provides both 30-amp and 50-amp hookups, with one camper noting, "Sites are close to each other, but easy access, clean grounds and facilities, friendly staff, and a K9 fenced area for a pet friendly campground."
Sanitary facilities: Dump stations and water access points are important considerations. "Water fill stations readily available so we loaded up prior to continuing out west," mentions a recent visitor to Bunker Hills Regional Park, noting the convenience for RVers passing through the region.
