Baker Park Reserve accommodates tent campers, RV owners with various hookup needs, and cabin users across its well-maintained grounds. Located 45 minutes west of Wayzata, the campground features several distinct camping loops offering different levels of privacy and amenities. Loop C provides more wooded sites with greater separation between neighbors compared to the more open A and B loops, making it suitable for campers seeking a more secluded experience.
What to do
Explore extensive trail systems: Baker Park Reserve offers a 6+ mile paved biking trail that connects to other regional trails. A former camper noted, "There are nice paved trails around a couple of lakes/ponds for biking, and easy access to the shower and bathroom facilities (which were very nice)." Lebanon Hills Regional Park provides similar recreation with "great hiking" and "lots of biking trails" according to reviewers.
Visit nearby attractions: The campgrounds around Wayzata offer convenient access to urban amenities while maintaining a natural setting. Regarding Bunker Hills Regional Park, one camper mentioned, "Within the park is large water park and wave pool. There are many paved trails, and an activity center." Some campgrounds also feature unique facilities like archery ranges, disc golf courses, and seasonal nature programs.
Water recreation opportunities: Most area campgrounds provide lake access for fishing, kayaking and canoeing. At Lake Auburn Campground, "The swim area was cool after a hot day and the beach was gently sloping and smooth." Another camper highlighted the "nice little beach for swimming" and mentioned that the campground "even has 2 walking/hike-in campsites" for a more remote experience.
What campers like
Clean facilities: The campgrounds near Wayzata consistently receive positive reviews for their well-maintained facilities. A camper at Bunker Hills noted, "The bathrooms were nice and clean. The only down fall was there was no trash cans in the campground only with you were leaving the campground." Similarly, at Baker Park Reserve, visitors appreciate the "nice clean bathrooms" that make longer stays more comfortable.
Proximity to cities: The location of these campgrounds provides a balance of natural settings with urban accessibility. One camper at Town & Country Campground appreciated that it's "clean, friendly, and convenient to the cities. Some road noise, but you are in the city so expected, but yet still quieter then in some areas being close to things." This convenience makes these parks ideal for weekend getaways without extensive travel.
Variety of site options: The campgrounds offer diverse site types to match different camping preferences. At Lebanon Hills, a camper noted, "Sites with full hookups or more remote sites with electric that are more tucked away in the pines." This variety allows campers to choose between more developed areas with amenities or more secluded spots with natural surroundings.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds in the area fill quickly, especially on weekends and during summer months. One camper advised about Carver Park Reserve, "Reserve early online, most weekends were already booked by mid May." Reservations typically open 3-4 months in advance, and holiday weekends often book immediately when reservation windows open.
Privacy considerations: Site privacy varies significantly between and within campgrounds. A camper at Baker Park Reserve observed, "The sites are about as private as the typical state park, so not very, but that is offset by all the other positives this campground has to offer." At some parks, tent-specific areas offer more separation and natural screening than RV sections.
Seasonal factors: Minnesota camping seasons typically run April through October. Mosquitoes can be abundant in early summer—bring appropriate repellent. One visitor noted, "Lots of mosquitoes but it's MN so that's to be expected." Weather varies dramatically by season, with potential for chilly nights even in summer months.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Many campgrounds feature playgrounds within walking distance of camping loops. At Lake Auburn Campground, a camper mentioned, "Great beach, good playground, okay camp sites." Families can select sites near these facilities to minimize walking distance for younger children.
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer nature programs specifically designed for children. Minneapolis Northwest KOA was praised because "They have events planned for kids" and "It has a pool that stays open late, and it's got some playgrounds." These structured activities provide entertainment and learning experiences during longer stays.
Beach considerations: When camping with children, prioritize campgrounds with swimming beaches. A visitor to Lake Auburn noted, "The beach area looks nice" and another mentioned it was "gently sloping and smooth," making it ideal for families with young children who need gradual water entry and safe swimming conditions.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Electric hookups are widely available, but full-service sites are limited at some parks. A camper at Dakotah Meadows RV Park appreciated that "Sites are paved and have well-maintained grass" and noted the "cement parking pads with full hookups" that make setup easier for larger rigs.
Site levelness: Site conditions vary even within the same campground. One RVer at Town & Country noted, "Sites are a little close with little to no privacy in most. Fun little trails nearby for an afternoon walk." Another campground visitor mentioned, "The sites are nice and level, with plenty of space between each one."
Access and maneuverability: Some campgrounds have limitations for larger RVs. At Minneapolis Northwest KOA, a camper observed, "Roads that were poorly maintained trucks were parked sticking out into the road making it difficult to get around." Check individual campground road widths and turning radii when booking sites for larger rigs.
