Best Camping Spots near the Twin Cites NW Metro

After what seemed like the longest winter ever it’s finally almost summer and what better way to spend time outside than with a fun filled weekend at one of the best camping spots near the Twin Cites NW Metro. I’ve been to several over the years, and my favorites are listed here. Where’s your go-to spot?

Baker Park Reserve – Maple Plain

Baker Park Reserve is a 2700 acre park located in Maple Plain, on the shores of Lake Independence. You can enjoy the lake and beach, new playground, hiking trails and much more! The campground has over 200 sites, many with electric hookups. There are also a couple camper cabins. There are modern bath houses and even a dish washing station outside the bath house. Click here for campground reservations.

Lake Maria State Park

Lake Maria State Park is a heavily wooded 1500 acre park located near Monticello MN. It is one of the few remaining remnants of the historic “Big Woods” that used to cover 3000 square miles of Minnesota.

When visiting in fall, the drive into the park under the stunning canopy of Maple and Oak trees is breathtaking. Most of the trails are unpaved and hilly, and all very scenic. They range from a 2 mile loop to a 5.5 mile loop. There is a visitor center near the parking lot with restrooms. Lake Maria Summer Trail Map. You can fish on one of the small lakes and they also provide kayak and canoe rental.

All camping facilities in the park are hike-in with a 1/2 to 1 mile hike. There are no rv sites. There are 17 rustic campsites overlooking lakes or ponds and 3 rustic camper cabins with wood stoves for heat but no electricity. You can reserve sites at the Minnesota DNR Website.

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Sand Dunes State Forest

The Sand Dunes State Forest is 11,000 acres of prairie and oak savanna forest located about 3 miles outside of Zimmerman. The Ann Lake Campground and day use area has 36 primitive camp sites – with water and vault toilets available in the campground. There are 3 miles of hiking trails and a swimming beach on Ann Lake.

What are your favorite camping spots near the Twin Cites NW Metro? Let us know in the comments below.