Enjoy the rolling hills and the scenic views along the trails at Baker Park Reserve. Bikes and child trailers may be rented from the campground office or online when the campground office is open.

A paved boat launch is available at Lake Independence. There is currently a no-wake restriction in effect on Lake Independence. An unpaved boat launch is located at Spurzem Lake, and a carry-in access is available at Half Moon Lake. No wake at Half Moon and Spurzem. Gas motors are allowed at Spurzem.

For kayaking, canoeing and other non-motorized boating, see our paddling page.

There is more than one way to camp. Baker Park Reserve offers a traditional campground as well as camper cabins and group campsites. The campground offers sites with and without electrical hookups. Five camper cabins sleep five-six people; two are accessible for people with disabilities. All camper cabins feature screened-in porches, tables, bunks, electricity and heat. The campground and camper cabins have access to modern restrooms facilities with showers and access to drinking water. There are five group campsites that offer a range of amenities from simple open air to sites with shelter and electricity, water and flush toilets. The Half Moon Group Campsite is available year round. All camping requires reservations.

Reserve a campsite.

Baker offers high-quality trails for skiers of all abilities. Trails are groomed for traditional touring and skate skiing.

Rentals

Classic and skate ski equipment rentals are available to reserve online up to seven days in advance, when conditions permit. Reserve equipment can be picked up from the Baker Winter Trailhead (Baker Clubhouse).

A Three Rivers Park District Cross-Country Ski Pass is required for skiers ages 12 and older. Check trail conditions.

Dogs are allowed on paved and turf trails except where otherwise noted. Dogs must be kept on a six-foot, non-retractable leash. During the winter, the multi-use trails provide access for dog sleds and skijor. Owners must pick-up after their dog.
 

Write your own fish story from a fishing pier on the south end of the beach on Lake Independence or Half Moon Lake. The pier is wheelchair accessible. In the winter, Independence, Half Moon and Spurzem Lakes provide access for ice fishing. Anglers must have a valid Minnesota fishing license.
 

Geocaching is a family-friendly, high-tech treasure hunt that combines respect for the environment with a sense of adventure. This activity involves placing or looking for a cache using global positioning system (GPS) equipment. 

Baker National is one of the finest public golf courses in the Twin Cities. This facility features a challenging 18-hole championship golf course, a nine-hole executive course, driving range, practice facilities and concessions. Lessons and leagues are available. Designated as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary from Audubon International. Baker National demonstrates efforts to improve environmental quality, through habitat and water quality management.

The Timber Trail is for turf hiking only and is accessible near the Marshview Group Camp. Hiking is also encouraged on the paved bike trail and turf horse trails. Although these trails are closed in the winter, visitors can enjoy miles of hiking on the winter multi-use trail or on the plowed path at the Baker Campground. GPS units are available to check out for free at the campground office during office hours.

Please note: In winter, hiking on cross-country ski trails is not permitted.

Baker offers scenic mowed trails for horseback riders, and trailer parking is available off of Homestead Trail. Trails are closed during the winter season. Check the Horseback Riding page for trail status updates. Three Rivers Park District does not rent horses.

This winter-only, multi-use trail is open 5 AM–10 PM as snow conditions permit. A pass is not required. Click below to check trail conditions and learn more about mountain biking in Three Rivers.

Rediscover the natural world and indulge in the simple joys. Baker Outdoor Learning Center offers you and your family a unique opportunity to reconnect with the natural world. Cultivate camaraderie with friends and family by staying in one of eight comfortable cabins or meeting in the expansive multipurpose lodge. Site is only accessible during a program or by reservations.
 

Baker Park offers numerous lakes for paddling. Rent a canoe, kayak, paddleboat or stand-up paddleboard at Baker Campground and explore Lake Independence, or launch your own boat on Independence, Half Moon or Spurzem lakes.

Watercraft rentals are available from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day every year. Boats can be reserved online up to seven days in advance or in person. Reserving online is encouraged to ensure availability. Reserve a boat online.

Soak in the rays and the gorgeous vista of Lake Independence. Three Rivers offers picnic areas in beautiful, natural settings and Baker has some of the best. A spacious, first-come, first-served family picnic area and four reservation picnic sites are available for your needs.

Remember the fun of playing on a playground? Climbing, sliding, swinging higher and higher. Baker Play Area is just the right size for younger kids.

Skijoring is permitted on the multi-use trail and does not require a ski pass. Access the trail off of Homestead Trail.

Baker sledding hill is groomed and offers lots of space for excitement. Access the hill from the Baker Winter Trailhead. Snowboards, tubes or railed sleds are not permitted.

Baker provides links through the park along the west boundary to state Grants-in-Aid snowmobile trails. Snowmobile trailer parking is available at the Recreation Area.
 

Opportunities abound for snowshoeing at Baker! Rent snowshoes online and hit the designated trails at the cross-country ski chalet. For the 2021-21 season, snowshoes must reserved in advance. Or those looking to venture on their own can travel along the multi-use trail or go off trail at Baker Campground.

Please note: Snowshoeing is not permitted on cross-country ski trails unless otherwise noted.

It’s hot, the sun is shining, and it’s a beautiful day! Baker Park has two swimming beaches on Lake Independence with spectacular views of the lake. The water is regularly monitored to ensure safe water quality. The beaches are unguarded and free. They are open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, 9 AM–8 PM daily.