Baker Park Reserve
This popular campground and day use park sits on 2,700 acres bordering Lake Independence. The campground has 210 sites; some have water and electric hookups (there are no full-hookup sites). None of the sites is on the water, but campers have a choice of open or shaded sites. The park has a slew of outdoor activities and amenities, including an 18-hole championship golf course, nine-hole executive golf course and a driving range. There's a boat launch, paddle boat and canoe rentals, swimming beach, playgrounds and picnic areas with barbecue grills. There are 26 miles of hiking trails, 6.2 miles of paved biking trails and nine miles of horse trails. In the winter, there's cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.
Baker Park Reserve
2301 County Rd 19
Maple Plain, MN 55359
(763) 694-7860
ci.orono.mn.us
KOA Minneapolis Northwest
This bustling, family-friendly campground sits on 20 acres, located less than 20 miles from Lake Independence. Spacious sites, either in the open or under shade trees, can accommodate RVs up to 75 feet. RV sites have full hookups, with 30- or 50-amp service, cable TV and free Wi-Fi. There are also cabin rentals and tent sites available. The campground has a miniature golf course, outdoor swimming pool, game room, playground and sports areas (horseshoes and basketball). There are special events, themed weekends and planned activities, including potluck dinners, ice cream socials and arts and crafts, offered throughout the summer season.
KOA Minneapolis Northwest
10410 Brockton Lane North
Maple Grove, MN 55311
(763) 420-2255
koa.com
Lake Auburn Campground at Carver Park Reserve
The campground at the 3,300-acre Carver Park Reserve is about 10 miles south of Lake Independence. There are 54 rustic sites with picnic tables and fire pits. The park has four lakes, popular for swimming, boating and fishing. Also nearby are 8.5 miles of paved biking trails, six miles of horse trails and more than 12 miles of hiking trails. In addition, campers can meander the boardwalks snaking through marshes and stands of tamarack. Campers can also connect to the Southwest Regional LRT Trail. The King Waterbird Sanctuary within the reserve is a good place to spot trumpeter swans and a variety of songbirds.
Lake Auburn Campground at Carver Park Reserve
7200 Victoria Dr.
P.O. Box 270
Victoria, MN 55386
(952) 443-2911
ci.orono.mn.us/carver_park_reserve.htm
Article Written By Pamela Wright
Pamela Wright is a freelance writer, author of more than two dozen guidebooks, and hundreds of articles. Her work has appeared in a variety of publications, including "National Geographic Traveler," "Family Circle," "Family Fun," "Backpacker," "Hemispheres," "Cooking Light," "Yankee" and more. An active member of the Society of American Travel Writers, she holds a Bachelor's from Michigan State University
