Natural Resources Department

Hello, fellow Minnesotans! Are you seeking that ideal blend of serene natural beauty, extensive outdoor activities, and well-maintained facilities for your next camping adventure? Look no further than the campgrounds managed by the Natural Resources Department at Maplewood State Park in Pelican Rapids. This beloved state park offers a truly comprehensive camping experience, praised by visitors for its "friendly staff" and being a "well maintained park." For those of us who "Love our State Parks" and proudly display our "annual stickers," Maplewood State Park represents the very best of Minnesota's outdoor offerings. This article is crafted specifically for you, our local users, to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of what makes camping at Maplewood State Park an excellent choice for your next Minnesota escape.

Maplewood State Park is a jewel in Minnesota's state park system, renowned for its unique landscape that transitions from western prairies to eastern hardwood forests. This geographical diversity results in stunning scenery, especially during the vibrant fall season, and a rich array of flora and fauna. The camping facilities within the park, managed diligently by the Natural Resources Department, reflect a commitment to providing quality experiences for all types of campers, from those seeking modern conveniences to those desiring a more rustic immersion in nature.

We understand that Minnesotans cherish their state parks for their accessibility, natural beauty, and the multitude of recreational opportunities they provide. Maplewood State Park not only meets these expectations but often exceeds them, offering a welcoming atmosphere and a vast playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether your passion is hiking, horseback riding, fishing, or simply relaxing by a campfire under the stars, this park provides the perfect backdrop. Prepare to discover why Maplewood State Park is a premier destination for creating lasting memories right here in our beautiful home state.

Location and Accessibility

The main entrance and office for Maplewood State Park, which oversees its various camping areas, is located at 39721 Park Entrance Rd, Pelican Rapids, MN 56572, USA. This address places the park in northwestern Otter Tail County, a region famous for its numerous lakes and rolling, forested hills. Pelican Rapids, a friendly community, is just a short drive away, offering convenient access to supplies and services.

For Minnesotans traveling from the Twin Cities metropolitan area (Minneapolis-St. Paul), the drive to Maplewood State Park typically ranges from 3 to 4 hours, making it an excellent destination for a long weekend or a week-long vacation. From the Fargo-Moorhead area, the park is even closer, usually less than a 90-minute drive. The well-maintained state highways and park roads ensure smooth accessibility for all types of vehicles, from passenger cars to large RVs and those towing trailers, including horse trailers for the dedicated equestrian campground.

The park's location offers a perfect balance of immersion in nature and convenient access to nearby towns. While the park itself provides a secluded and natural environment, the proximity to Pelican Rapids means campers are never too far from necessary amenities. This ease of access is a significant benefit for locals, allowing for a relatively stress-free journey to a truly beautiful and amenity-rich natural escape. Visitors should note that a Minnesota State Park vehicle permit is required for entry, which can be purchased upon arrival or in advance, supporting the continued maintenance and operation of these fantastic public lands.

Services Offered

Maplewood State Park offers a diverse range of camping services and facilities managed by the Natural Resources Department to cater to various preferences:

• Drive-In Campsites: A total of 71 single-family campsites are available, including 32 with electric hookups (mostly in the Main Loop Campground on Grass Lake). These sites can accommodate RVs up to 50 feet in length and generally include a picnic table and fire ring with a grill.
• Equestrian Campground: 24 dedicated sites designed for horseback riders and their horses, providing direct access to horse trails, hitching posts, and manure bins. These sites are rustic and typically do not have electric hookups.
• Backpack/Walk-In Sites: 3 primitive sites for campers seeking a more secluded, hike-in experience.
• Camper Cabins: 5 cozy camper cabins are available, offering a rustic lodging option with beds, picnic tables, and fire rings, with some heated for year-round use.
• Group Campsite: 1 designated group campsite capable of accommodating larger gatherings (up to 30 people).
• Restrooms and Showers: Flush toilets and hot showers are available in the more developed campground loops (e.g., Main Loop), typically from May to October. Vault toilets are available year-round in less developed areas.
• Potable Water: Accessible water spigots throughout the developed campgrounds, available seasonally.
• RV Dump Station: Conveniently located for RV users to dispose of wastewater.
• Boat Ramps & Fishing Piers: Access to multiple lakes within the park (e.g., Bass Lake, Beers Lake, Lake Lida, Grass Lake) for boating, fishing, and swimming.
• Boat, Canoe, Kayak Rentals: Available at the park office for easy access to the lakes.
• Firewood Sales: Firewood can be purchased at the park office (no outside firewood allowed to prevent the spread of pests).
• Nature Store/Gift Shop: Offers souvenirs, basic supplies, and interpretive materials.
• Picnic Areas and Shelters: Designated areas for day-use picnics, including reservable shelters.
• Fish Cleaning Station: For anglers to prepare their catch.
• Pet-Friendly Policy: Pets are allowed in campgrounds and on trails, provided they are leashed and attended.
• Online Reservations: Campsites and cabins can be reserved through the Minnesota DNR website, though some sites may be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Features / Highlights

• Diverse Camping Options: Offers a wide array of camping experiences, from modern RV sites with electricity to rustic tent sites, specialized equestrian camps, and comfortable camper cabins, catering to all preferences.
• Stunning Natural Beauty: Located in a unique transition zone of rolling hills, hardwood forests, and numerous lakes, providing breathtaking scenic vistas, especially during the vibrant fall colors.
• Extensive Trail System: Features approximately 25 miles of hiking trails (including interpretive trails and sections of the North Country Trail), 20 miles of dedicated horseback riding trails, and winter trails for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.
• Abundant Water Recreation: With eight major lakes and many ponds, the park offers fantastic opportunities for fishing (including a trout-managed Bass Lake and muskie in Beers Lake), boating, kayaking (rentals available), and swimming at the sandy beach on Lake Lida.
• Wildlife Viewing: A haven for nature lovers, hosting over 150 bird species and 50 mammal species, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife observation.
• Well-Maintained Facilities & Friendly Staff: Consistently praised by visitors for its clean facilities and the helpful, welcoming demeanor of the park staff.
• Hallaway Hill Overlook: A popular spot offering panoramic views of the park's rolling landscape and lakes.
• Family-Friendly Environment: With playgrounds, diverse activities, and a safe setting, it's ideal for family vacations and creating lasting memories in the outdoors.
• Accessible Location: Relatively easy to reach from major population centers in Minnesota and North Dakota, making it a convenient escape.

Contact Information

Address: 39721 Park Entrance Rd, Pelican Rapids, MN 56572, USA

Phone: (218) 863-8383

Mobile Phone: +1 218-863-8383

Email: maplewood.statepark@state.mn.us

For reservations, current park conditions, trail statuses, fees, and detailed information about specific camping areas or activities, it is highly recommended to contact the Maplewood State Park office directly or visit the official Minnesota DNR website for state parks. This will ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information for planning your visit.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Maplewood State Park, with its excellent campgrounds managed by the Natural Resources Department, is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended destination for Minnesotans. Its suitability for locals stems from its comprehensive offerings, accessibility, and the embodiment of what makes our state's outdoors so special.

For Minnesotans, our state parks are not just places; they are extensions of our backyard, providing essential spaces for recreation, relaxation, and connection with nature. Maplewood State Park perfectly encapsulates this, offering a diverse range of camping experiences, from electric hookup sites for RVers to more rustic options for tent campers and unique equestrian sites. This versatility means there's a perfect spot for nearly every Minnesotan, regardless of their camping style or equipment.

The park's well-maintained facilities and the "friendly staff" consistently noted by visitors underscore the commitment to quality that Minnesotans appreciate in their public services. Knowing that the park is cared for, clean, and staffed by helpful individuals enhances the overall experience, fostering trust and encouraging repeat visits. This contributes to the sense of pride we feel in our state parks, reinforcing why we "Love our State Parks" and willingly buy our "annual stickers."

Furthermore, Maplewood State Park provides an unparalleled variety of activities that resonate deeply with Minnesota's outdoor culture. Whether it’s exploring miles of hiking or horseback riding trails, enjoying the numerous lakes for fishing and boating, or simply taking in the breathtaking fall colors, there’s something for everyone. This richness of experience, combined with its relatively accessible location from many parts of the state, makes it an ideal choice for both short getaways and extended vacations. It allows Minnesotans to easily immerse themselves in the natural beauty and recreational opportunities that define our unique landscape.

In essence, Maplewood State Park, through its Natural Resources Department and its fantastic campgrounds, offers a complete and authentic Minnesota outdoor adventure. It’s a place where convenience meets wilderness, and where every visit promises new memories amidst the cherished beauty of our home state.

Natural Resources Department

39721 Park Entrance Rd, Pelican Rapids, MN 56572, USA