Hollow Loop Campground

- Maplewood Township, MN 56572

For Minnesota residents seeking an authentic, woodsy camping experience far from the hum of modern life, the Hollow Loop Campground at Maplewood State Park offers an irresistible retreat. Located in the beautiful Leaf Mountains of Otter Tail County, this section of the Grass Lake Campground is specifically designed for campers who prioritize nature and tranquility over electrical hookups and bright lights. It provides a more traditional, rustic feel, allowing visitors to truly unplug and immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of the surrounding hardwood forest.

Maplewood State Park, spanning over 9,250 acres, is a cherished destination known for its rolling hills, spectacular autumn colors, and a mosaic of forests, prairies, and eight major lakes. The Hollow Loop embraces this setting, offering campsites that are "Nestled amidst Maplewood's characteristic sugar maple, basswood and oak tree forest," creating a deeply shaded and private atmosphere. This makes it an ideal spot for those who prefer tent camping, desire a quieter stay, or want to enjoy the spectacular autumn foliage from an intimate vantage point.

The campsites within the Hollow Loop are thoughtfully positioned to blend seamlessly with the natural environment. Each spot comes equipped with the essentials—a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill—ensuring that all the fundamentals for a classic Minnesota camping trip are covered. While intentionally rustic, this loop remains a core part of the larger Grass Lake Campground system, meaning essential amenities are within easy reach, offering the perfect balance of seclusion and convenience for local outdoor enthusiasts.

The Hollow Loop Campground is situated within the expansive grounds of Maplewood State Park, a key feature of the Otter Tail County area, often called Minnesota's Lakes Country. While the specific provided address—Maplewood Township, MN 56572, USA—defines the general area, the campground is officially part of the main Grass Lake camping area, located deep inside the park boundaries.

The official entrance to Maplewood State Park is located approximately seven miles east of the city of Pelican Rapids on State Highway 108. The main park address for navigation is:

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

Upon entering the park and passing the headquarters, visitors to the Hollow Loop will follow internal park signage. It is one of three main loops in the Grass Lake area, intentionally distanced from the main, electrified sites, guaranteeing that the rustic experience begins the moment you pull into your spot. Its proximity to other campground loops like the Main Loop and Knoll Loop (only 0.2 to 0.4 miles away, respectively) ensures that while you enjoy a quiet, non-electric spot, you are not entirely isolated from the park's more developed facilities. The easy access to nearby Pelican Rapids provides a quick route for resupply, blending a wilderness experience with the convenience Minnesotans expect.

The Hollow Loop is one of 71 single-family drive-in campsites available in Maplewood State Park and shares access to the essential facilities of the broader campground area, though the loop itself maintains a rustic focus:

• Non-Electric Campsites: The key service of this loop is providing a completely non-electric experience, perfect for tent campers and those with smaller RVs (up to 50 feet accommodated in the park) who desire a quieter stay without the noise of generators or bright lights.
• Individual Site Amenities: Each site is equipped with a picnic table and a sturdy fire ring with an attached grill grate, ready for outdoor cooking and campfire enjoyment.
• Toilet Facilities: Vault toilets are available within the Hollow Loop and throughout the immediate campground area for convenience.
• Access to Central Bathhouse: Although the Hollow Loop sites are rustic, campers have access to the main campground facilities, which typically include flush toilets and hot showers (available seasonally, generally May through October).
• Potable Water Access: Drinking water is available seasonally at central locations within the Grass Lake Campground area.
• Sanitation Services: Campers can utilize the dump station and fish cleaning shelter located at the main Grass Lake Campground area, close by for ease of use.

The Hollow Loop Campground is celebrated by local users for its unique combination of natural features and location within a recreational hub:

• Prime Fall Color Viewing: Being nestled deep within the park's signature hardwood forest—featuring sugar maple, basswood, and oak—the Hollow Loop offers a front-row seat to Minnesota's most breathtaking autumn display, with trees bursting into brilliant reds, oranges, and gold.
• Deep Forest Privacy: Unlike more open or exposed loops, the Hollow Loop's forest setting provides excellent shade and a sense of privacy, making it a perfect sanctuary for those looking to truly get away from the daily grind.
• Gateway to Multi-Use Trails: The campground offers easy access to the park’s extensive trail system, which includes nearly 30 miles of hiking paths for day trips and scenic overlooks like the famous Hallaway Hill.
• Excellent Water Recreation: With 8 major lakes and numerous ponds, the park provides opportunities for swimming at the sandy beach on South Lida Lake, fishing (including trout in Bass Lake and panfish in Grass Lake), and boating with two available boat ramps (on Beers Lake and South Lake Lida).
• Year-Round Opportunity: The park is open year-round, and while running water facilities are shut off in mid-October, winter camping is available for the adventurous Minnesotan, providing a base for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.

The Hollow Loop Campground is an official part of the Minnesota State Park system and is managed by Maplewood State Park staff. For current pricing, seasonal hours, and to secure a reservation, the main park office is the best contact point. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during the peak summer and fall color seasons.

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

Phone: (218) 863-8383

Reservations: All Minnesota State Park campsites can be reserved online through the official state reservation system or by phone.

The Hollow Loop Campground is the quintessential choice for Minnesotans who appreciate the simple joys of traditional camping. Its appeal lies in its intentional lack of electricity, which fosters a quiet, star-gazing environment and encourages genuine connection with nature. For local families and individuals, this campground offers a precious opportunity to step back into the wilderness of the state's beautiful Leaf Hills. You get the desired seclusion and deep forest canopy—a hallmark of great Upper Midwest camping—while retaining convenient access to the comprehensive amenities and incredible recreational resources of a Minnesota State Park. Whether you're hiking Hallaway Hill for a stunning vista, casting a line for trout, or simply enjoying the peaceful silence broken only by the crackle of your campfire, the Hollow Loop provides an accessible, authentic, and profoundly rejuvenating outdoor experience right here in our own backyard.

Hollow Loop Campground

Maplewood Township, MN 56572, USA