Maplewood State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Maplewood State Park is a 9,250-acre park that is a sportsman’s paradise. Eight lakes offer numerous fishing opportunities while rolling hills and hardwood forests provide homes for exciting wildlife along with the opportunity to view fall colors. In 1923, the Minnesota state legislature first proposed the idea of using this land to establish a park, although it would not be until 1963 that this became a reality.
Spring 18 - 69 F
Summer 56 - 82 F
Fall 21 - 71 F
Winter -1 - 24 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Maplewood State Park
Two separate campgrounds within Maplewood State Park provide a total of 71 sites. Grass Lake Campground is the main campground and consists of three separate loops. The Main Loop is where you will find campsites with an electric hookup while the other two loops, Knoll and Hollow, do not have any electric hookups. Each site in the Grass Lake Campground can accommodate an RV up to 50 feet in length. Lake Lida Campground is the other campground in the park and has similar characteristics to Grass Lake Campground but does not have any electric hookups. Visitors will find a fire ring with a grill and a picnic table at each site, and vault toilets are available in both campgrounds. Grass Lake Campground has a dump station. Both campgrounds are pet-friendly and have quiet hours between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m.
What to Do at
Maplewood State Park
Maplewood State Park is one of the larger state parks in Minnesota. The 9,200-acre park offers numerous activities throughout the year, including fishing on one of the eight inland lakes, hiking, nature watching and boat rentals during the summer. The park also offers several winter activities, such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. In the spring, visitors can attend maple syrup events.
Fishing
Fishing is a popular adventure in the park as there are several different lakes you can gain access to via your own boat or a rental. There is also a fishing pier on Beers Lake where anglers can attempt to catch bass, northern pike, bluegill and other pan fish. A state of Minnesota fishing license is required.
Nature Watching
Maplewood State Park provides nature lovers a great opportunity to spot wildlife, including raccoons, squirrels, rabbits and chipmunks. Some of the bird species that have been recorded in the park include swallows, cuckoos, cerulean warblers and blue-gray gnatcatchers.
Stargazing
Stargazers will marvel at the night sky in this remote location of central Minnesota. The park is far away from any light pollution that would hinder your ability to view the night sky, making it a great place to see shooting stars.
Hiking
The park features four different hiking trails with scenic views of Lake Lida when trekking along Hallaway Hill Trail. All of the trails consist of mowed grass and feature rolling hills wildflowers in the spring.
Boating
Canoes, kayaks and row boats are available to rent at the park office. You can also bring your own boat and use one of the numerous boat launches to gain access to the eight inland lakes.
Swimming
A sandy swimming beach is located along the shore of Lake Lida. This beach area also contains the Memorial Picnic Shelter.
How to Get to
Maplewood State Park
Maplewood State Park is located at 39721 Park Entrance Rd, Pelican Rapids, MN 56572. If you are traveling to the park from Fergus Falls, MN, you will need to take US-59 N until you hit Otter Trail Scenic Byway where you will turn right onto this road. From Otter Trail Scenic Byway, you will travel 2.5 miles and turn left onto Cross Point Rd and travel another 2.6 miles. Turn right onto MN-108 E and then make another right-hand turn when you reach Park Entrance Rd. This will take you into the park.
Entering Maplewood State Park
The park is open year-round from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and winter camping is also available. However, all running water is shut off in the park in mid-October. When you enter the park, you will pass the park headquarters and RV sanitation station and come to a fork in the road. If you turn to the right, you will head towards Lake Lida Campground. If you turn to the left, you will need to follow the road until you reach Grass Lake Campground.
Minnesota State Park vehicle permit (daily) : $7.0
Minnesota State Park vehicle permit (annual) : $35.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Maplewood State Park
The best time of year to visit Maplewood State Park depends on what you like to do while camping. The summer months provide warmer weather to enjoy boating or kayaking on one of the many lakes while winter offers cross-country skiing and snowmobiling opportunities.
There is a variety of wildlife inside the park, including squirrels, rabbits, raccoons and deer as well as over 150 species of birds.
Yes, there are designated RV camping spots within the park. Both campgrounds offer RV parking with a maximum RV length of 50 feet.
Yes, you need to reserve a campaign spot, which can be done online. If you need a campsite with an electrical hookup, the fee is $34 per night. All sites without electrical hookups are $24 per night.
Yes, pets are encouraged at Maplewood State Park and must be kept on a leash at all times. Pets are not allowed in buildings or on ski trails but can go anywhere else in the park.