Lake Maria State Park Backpack Campsites

About

Lake Maria State Park provides a unique backpacking experience with 17 primitive campsites distributed throughout its 1,756 acres of protected Big Woods habitat. Unlike traditional drive-in campgrounds, all sites require a hike ranging from 0.5 to 2 miles from the parking area, offering solitude and immersion in one of Minnesota's few remaining stands of maple, oak, and basswood forest. The backpack sites are strategically located near remote lakes and ponds throughout the park, with concentrations around Bjorkland Lake and Putman Lake. Each site features basic amenities including a picnic table, fire grate, and food storage box to protect supplies from wildlife. Vault toilets are located within reasonable walking distance of the camping areas. The park's trail system winds through diverse terrain of hardwood forests, prairies, and wetlands, providing opportunities for hiking, cross-country skiing, and wildlife observation. The remote nature of the sites makes Lake Maria an ideal training ground for novice backpackers while still offering the peaceful wilderness experience sought by veterans, all within easy reach of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area.

Directions

From Monticello, Minnesota, take County Road 39 west for approximately 7 miles. Turn left onto Clementa Avenue NW and continue for about 1 mile to reach the park entrance.