Lake Maria State Park

This guide is for hikers, first-time backpackers, cabin campers who want quiet, and skiers. It covers the sites and cabins, the trails and lakes, what is open as of November 2026, costs and directions. Facts come from the Minnesota DNR park page, its live data feed and the DNR summer map unless noted; sources are at the end.

The park in brief

The DNR map says the park was established in 1963. Its size is given two ways: the DNR record lists 1,756 acres, while the map says the park "protects almost 1,600 acres."

The DNR explains that the Big Woods once covered 3,030 square miles of south-central Minnesota, so thick in places that sunlight did not reach the ground; French explorers called it "Bois Grand" or "Bois Fort." Farms, towns and suburbs replaced most of it, and Lake Maria keeps a remnant at the northern edge of the old forest. The terrain is glacial moraine, with rolling hills, ponds and marshes.

Wildlife: the DNR reports about 205 bird species in the park (the map says "over 200"), including bald eagles, osprey, trumpeter swans and loons, and lists nesting osprey and eagles among the park's highlights. The Blanding's turtle, with bright yellow spots on its shell, is "one of Minnesota's threatened species," according to the park page and the map (the park's highlights list calls it endangered).

Backpack sites and camper cabins

How far to the backpack sites? The DNR's campsite listing says "about a 1 mile walk" from parking, while its park introduction says the sites are "one to two miles from the trailhead parking." Pack as if it could be two.

There are no showers and no dump station. Reservations are required for all campsites, group sites and camper cabins, and the DNR says registration is required before you occupy a site. The DNR reservation FAQ allows booking up to 120 days ahead, with online booking for a newly opened date starting at 8 a.m. Central, and no reservation fee for same-day bookings. See the state park reservations guide for how ReserveMN works.

Firewood: the DNR sources differ. The park page says to buy firewood at the office or through the Yodel app and that gathering firewood "is against state park rules," and the DNR's statewide firewood page says "Collection of firewood in state parks is not allowed." The park's own map, however, says firewood "must be purchased at this park or from vendors who sell wood approved for this park" and that "firewood collection is allowed in backpack camping areas only." Ask the park before relying on gathered wood.

Ann Lake Campground: Lake Maria also manages this state forest campground in Sand Dunes State Forest near Big Lake, which the DNR places 20 miles from the park (from Big Lake, take County Road 5 north from Highway 10 and follow signs). As of November 2026 it is closed for the season.

Trails, lakes and things to do

Only have an hour? The DNR suggests parking at the trail center for the Bjorkland Trail, then the wildlife observation area.

On the water: Little Mary Lake has a fishing pier, docks and a small-craft launch for canoes and kayaks, reachable by car; the Maria Lake canoe access is walk-in only. Canoe and kayak rentals are offered at the ranger station during office hours. The picnic area on Little Mary Lake has tables, grills, water and fishing piers, and the trail center has indoor tables, outlets and restrooms.

For other parks with hike-in camping near the cities, see the Afton State Park guide and the William O'Brien State Park guide for drive-in sites.

Winter at Lake Maria

• Skiing: 6.2 miles of groomed classic trail per the trail list ("over six miles" in the seasonal update), mostly intermediate, through old-growth forest and past lakes. 2 miles of skate trail are groomed "as snow depth and staff time permit." A Great Minnesota Ski Pass is required for skiers 16 and older.
• Snowshoeing: anywhere except groomed ski trails. Snowshoes are rented during office hours.
• Warming house: the trail center, open daily year-round, with bathrooms and an indoor picnic area.
• Camping: backpack sites and camper cabins stay open year-round; the DNR highlights the remote ski-in cabins.

What's open as of November 2026

From the DNR alert (updated November 3, 2026) and the park's seasonal update:

• Muzzleloader deer hunt: the park will be closed December 11, 12 and 13. Only registered deer hunters may be in the park those days.
• Ranger station: closed for the season. The DNR notes there is no courtesy phone outside, so bring a cell phone.
• Water: available inside the trail center and at its outside hydrant. Other wells (group camp, Little Mary Lake, equestrian lot) run May 1 to November 1.
• Little Mary Lake gate: closed for the season.
• Camping: camper cabins open; backpack sites open (site 1 closed indefinitely); group camps closed.
• Horse trails and equestrian parking lot: closed for the season.
• Parking: street parking is not allowed anywhere in the park or on the roads leading into it.

Fees and permits

From the DNR vehicle permit page and fee schedule, before tax:

Example (derived from the ranges above): two nights at a backpack site is 2 × $20 + $8 = $48 at the low end, or 2 × $23 + $8 = $54 at the high end, before tax, plus a vehicle permit ($7 overnight or $35 year-round). For multi-night stays, ask the park which permit covers your whole stay; the year-round permit covers every visit for a year.

Getting there

The DNR gives two routes:

• Via I-94 exit 193: Highway 25 south to Chelsea Road, then Highway 39 west and Wright County Road 111.
• Via I-94 exit 183: Highway 8, then County Road 39 and County Road 111.

The nearest town is Monticello. See more Twin Cities and St. Croix Valley guides or compare parks in the park finder.

Before you go

1. Reserve your backpack site or cabin ahead, and plan to carry gear up to two miles.
2. Skip December 11 to 13, 2026, unless you hold a hunt permit.
3. Bring a charged phone; there is no courtesy phone at the closed ranger station.
4. Fill water at the trail center in the off-season.
5. Park only in lots; street parking is banned on the approach roads.
6. Check the firewood rule with the park before your trip.

Related guides: Afton State Park · Fort Snelling State Park · William O'Brien State Park · Minnesota state park reservations explained

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Sources

• Minnesota DNR, Lake Maria State Park (camping, trails, alerts, history, directions): https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state-parks/park.html?id=spk00217
• Minnesota DNR, Lake Maria State Park summer map and guide (PDF): https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/state_parks/spk00217_summer.pdf
• Minnesota DNR, State park fees: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/fees.html
• Minnesota DNR, Vehicle permits: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state-parks/permit.html
• Minnesota DNR, Reservation FAQ: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/reserve-faq/index.html
• Minnesota DNR, Firewood information: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/firewood/index.html
• Minnesota DNR, Lake Maria State Park winter map and guide (PDF): https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/state_parks/spk00217_winter.pdf