Just North West of the Twin Cities is Lake Maria State Park,

 I thought this to be one of the prettiest parks.

 

 

Lake Maria is a beautiful lake that you can access by car.

Lake Bjorkland is only accessible by walkin. They do have canoe rentals here with canoes by

Lake Bjorkland so you don't have to carry yours in.

 

Several of the parks have self guided trails

 

 

So far I have found the parks have these maps throughout the trails

which makes it much easier to find your way out if you get turned around.

 

This park has walk in campsites which are well tucked back into the woods. I did not see much here as far as playground equipment but they do have a very nice picnic area.

I look forward to returning to this park to do a little camping but since everything has to be carried in it might be more challenging with little children.