Main Loop Campground

- Maplewood Township, MN 56572

For Minnesota campers who love the great outdoors but don't want to sacrifice modern convenience, the Main Loop Campground at Maplewood State Park is the perfect destination. As the primary and most developed section of the popular Grass Lake Campground, the Main Loop is where you will find the highest concentration of amenities, including the coveted electric hookup sites. Nestled within the spectacular, rolling hills of Otter Tail County, this campground serves as an ideal basecamp for exploring the park’s 9,250 acres of hardwood forests, prairie remnants, and eight major lakes.

The Main Loop caters specifically to families, RV enthusiasts, and those requiring power for medical devices or a more comfortable stay. It’s known for its well-maintained, easily accessible sites and the convenience of having the most developed facilities—like the shower building and dump station—centrally located nearby. Visitors consistently appreciate that this loop provides a blend of accessible park services and the deep, shaded natural beauty that Minnesotans expect from their State Parks. Whether you are bringing a large RV or simply prefer a comfortable tent setup with electricity, the Main Loop ensures your focus remains on relaxation and adventure, not logistics.

Maplewood State Park, and consequently the Main Loop, is particularly famous among local users for its stunning display of fall colors, offering some of the best autumn leaf viewing in the state. By choosing the Main Loop, you position yourself centrally to enjoy all of Maplewood's attractions, from the numerous hiking trails to the popular boat launches and fishing piers.

The Main Loop Campground is a key component of the overall camping area within Maplewood State Park, conveniently located in the park's eastern section near Grass Lake, Bass Lake, and Beers Lake. While the general area is Maplewood Township, MN 56572, USA, the specific access point is via the main park entrance, making it highly accessible for residents coming from the Fargo-Moorhead area or other parts of central Minnesota.

The main entry and park headquarters are located approximately seven miles east of Pelican Rapids on State Highway 108. The official navigational address for the park is:

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

Upon entering the park, the campground is clearly marked and located just past the park headquarters and the RV sanitation station. The Main Loop is intentionally set in a wooded area, providing shade and a natural feel, while its proximity to the entrance and main park road ensures easy navigation even for long RVs (sites can typically accommodate rigs up to 50 feet). This central placement within the park makes accessing trailheads, the park office for rentals, and the nearby fishing pier on Beers Lake exceptionally straightforward.

The Main Loop is distinguished from other loops in the park by its focus on convenience and modern comfort, particularly for RV and travel trailer users. It provides some of the best-developed facilities in the area:

• Electric Campsites: The Main Loop is where the majority of the park’s 32 electric hookup sites are located. These sites offer 50-amp electricity outlets, which are essential for running AC units, large RV appliances, and charging electronics.
• Modern Bathhouse Facilities: Campers in this loop have close access to the recently updated central bathhouse, featuring flush toilets and hot showers (available seasonally from approximately May to October).
• RV Sanitation Station: A dedicated dump station is conveniently located near the Grass Lake Campground entrance, which services the Main Loop, allowing for easy clean-out before departure.
• Individual Site Amenities: Every drive-in campsite includes a sturdy picnic table and a fire ring with a cooking grill, enabling traditional camp meals.
• Drinking Water: Potable water spigots are available centrally within the campground loops during the operating season.
• Fish Cleaning Shelter: A centrally located, dedicated facility allows anglers to clean their daily catch conveniently and hygienically.
• Firewood Sales: Approved firewood can be purchased at the contact station or park office, ensuring compliance with park rules and protecting the local forest from invasive species.

Beyond the excellent amenities, the Main Loop's location within Maplewood State Park provides access to unmatched recreational and natural features:

• Hub for Trail Access: The campground sits near the starting points for the park’s extensive 25 miles of hiking trails and 20 miles of equestrian trails. The Grass Lake Trail and other scenic paths are easily reached from this central location.
• Ideal for RVs and Trailers: With paved roads leading to the general area and electric hookups, the Main Loop is the most user-friendly choice for larger recreational vehicles, offering a hassle-free setup compared to more rustic loops.
• Lake Access for Anglers and Boaters: Located near Grass Lake, and offering quick routes to the boat launches on Beers Lake and South Lake Lida, campers here have unparalleled access to fishing (walleye, northern pike, panfish, and even rainbow trout).
• Proximity to the Swimming Beach: A short drive or bike ride connects the Main Loop to the popular sandy swimming beach on South Lake Lida, a perfect spot for cooling off on a warm summer day.
• Wildlife Observation: Due to the park's location in the transition zone between eastern forests and western prairies, the area is rich in wildlife, including deer, loons, raccoons, and over 150 species of birds, providing fantastic nature watching opportunities right from your campsite.

The Main Loop Campground is operated under the auspices of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) as part of Maplewood State Park.

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

Phone: (218) 863-8383

Reservations: Sites, especially the electric hookup sites in the Main Loop, are highly sought after and must be reserved well in advance. Reservations can be made through the Minnesota State Parks reservation system online or by calling 1-866-857-2757. Note that a Minnesota State Park vehicle permit is also required for entry.

For Minnesota residents, the Main Loop Campground is the smart, strategic choice for a comfortable and adventure-filled State Park vacation. It addresses the common needs of local campers—particularly those with modern setups—by providing crucial electric services, easy accessibility for RVs up to 50 feet, and proximity to all the park’s most essential facilities, including clean showers and the dump station. This blend of comfort and convenience ensures that your State Park experience is relaxing and rewarding. You can spend less time worrying about power and more time enjoying the rolling hills, pristine lakes, and world-class fall colors that make this corner of Minnesota truly special. The Main Loop is more than just a place to park; it's the premium gateway to making lasting memories in one of the state's most ecologically diverse and beautiful parks.

Main Loop Campground

Maplewood Township, MN 56572, USA