Knoll Loop Campground: Experience Secluded, Rustic Camping in Maplewood State Park, MN

For Minnesotans seeking a genuine escape into the state’s transitional landscape of rolling hills and hardwood forests, Knoll Loop Campground offers the ideal rustic retreat. This campground is part of the expansive and exceptionally beautiful Maplewood State Park, a 9,250-acre natural gem known for its stunning autumn colors and abundance of recreational water. Knoll Loop is particularly appealing to campers who prefer a more traditional, secluded experience, as its sites are non-electric, promoting a quieter, back-to-nature atmosphere.

Knoll Loop is one of several camping areas within the larger Grass Lake Campground at Maplewood State Park, and it is highly regarded for its tranquility. It is perfectly suited for tent campers and those with smaller RVs (up to 50 feet can generally be accommodated in the park). The entire park operates year-round, although full services like running water and showers are seasonal, typically from May to mid-October. This focus on preservation and rustic amenity means you get to enjoy the park's natural features—like the eight major lakes and many ponds—with minimal distraction from modern conveniences.

The setting of Knoll Loop is a major draw. Situated on a hill and often overlooking Grass Lake, many of the 14 sites are well covered with trees, providing excellent shade and a sense of privacy that many state park campgrounds lack. Visitors often praise the peacefulness of the area, making it an introvert’s dream and a perfect location for stargazing, as the area is far enough from light pollution to allow for spectacular night sky views. It is a true opportunity to disconnect from the hustle of daily life and immerse yourself in west-central Minnesota’s unique natural splendor.

Knoll Loop Campground is nestled deep within Maplewood State Park, offering a sense of remoteness while remaining accessible from major regional routes.

The campground’s address is in Maplewood Township, MN 56572, USA, placing it in Otter Tail County, a region famous for its concentration of lakes. Maplewood State Park is located conveniently near the towns of Pelican Rapids and Vergas. The park is a manageable drive from larger population centers in West Central Minnesota, such as Detroit Lakes and Fargo/Moorhead, making it a viable weekend escape for many locals.

Accessing Knoll Loop requires driving through the main entrance of Maplewood State Park and following the internal park roads, a scenic drive that introduces visitors to the park’s signature rolling hills and forested landscape. While the park is large and the campground is situated well within its boundaries, the roads are well-marked. While the Knoll Loop itself is rustic—the road leading in may be rough in spots—the seclusion is the reward. Conveniently, all campers staying in the non-electric loops, including Knoll Loop, still have access to the main, more developed amenities like the dump station, fish cleaning shelter, and the new shower house located in the nearby Main Loop Campground.

As a rustic loop within a Minnesota State Park, Knoll Loop offers essential services focused on providing a comfortable, yet nature-immersed, camping experience.

Non-Electric Campsites: The 14 sites in Knoll Loop are non-electric, catering to tent campers and those seeking a true primitive experience (though RVs up to 50 feet are permitted in the park, the focus here is smaller units).
Vault Toilets: Accessible, maintained vault toilet facilities are available within the Knoll Loop camping area for convenience.
Campsite Furniture: Every site is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring with a cooking grill, perfect for preparing meals over an open fire.
Potable Water Access: Drinking water is centrally located in the campground area, though running water facilities are seasonal (May to October).
Shared Shower Facilities: Access to modern restrooms and hot showers (seasonal availability) is provided at the Main Loop Campground, just a short drive away.
RV Dump Station: A sanitary dump station is available within the Grass Lake Campground area for RV and trailer use.
Firewood and Supplies: Firewood approved for use in the park can be purchased at the park office, as outside or gathered wood is prohibited to protect the park from pests.
Pet-Friendly: Pets are welcome in the campground and on the extensive trails, provided they are kept on a leash.

Maplewood State Park, and the Knoll Loop in particular, is a treasure trove of unique experiences and natural beauty for the Minnesota outdoors enthusiast.

Stunning Fall Colors: The park is famous statewide for its spectacular autumn display, thanks to its diverse hardwood forests of sugar maple, basswood, and oak. Knoll Loop is nestled right in this vibrant landscape.
Eight Major Lakes: The park encompasses numerous water bodies, offering exceptional opportunities for fishing (bass, pike, panfish), boating, canoeing, and kayaking. Boat and canoe rentals are available at the park office.
Hallaway Hill Overlook: Easily accessible via a short but steep hike, this overlook provides one of the most breathtaking panoramic views of the Maple-Leaf Hills and the surrounding lakes.
Extensive Trail System: With over 25 miles of multi-purpose trails—including hiking, horseback riding, and designated portions of the North Country Trail—the park offers endless exploration, ranging from easy mowed-grass paths to hilly challenges.
Seclusion and Quiet: Knoll Loop specifically offers highly valued privacy and a quiet atmosphere, often with wooded or lake views, making it ideal for those seeking true rest and disconnection.
Year-Round Recreation: While water is seasonal, the park remains open in winter, offering groomed trails for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling, and dedicated sites for winter camping.

As a Minnesota State Park campground, all reservations and general information are managed through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Address (Maplewood State Park Headquarters):

Maplewood Township, MN 56572, USA (Note: Specific driving directions to Knoll Loop will be provided upon reservation or at the park entrance.)

Park Office Phone:

(218) 863-8383

Vehicle Permit:

A Minnesota State Park Vehicle Permit is required for all vehicles entering the park and can be purchased at the park office or entrance kiosk.

For Minnesota locals, Knoll Loop Campground is an essential destination because it provides an accessible yet authentic immersion into the state’s natural heritage. It offers an escape from the busy, electric-site-dominated camping scene, appealing to those who love the peace of non-electric sites and the deep shade of a mature hardwood forest. Whether you are a solo hiker on the North Country Trail, a family seeking a secluded spot to teach kids about the outdoors, or an enthusiast chasing the famous Minnesota fall colors, Knoll Loop is your quiet corner of Maplewood State Park. It is a well-maintained, feature-rich base camp that encourages exploration of the region's lakes, hills, and trails, making it a highly valuable and sought-after asset for the local outdoor community.