Ok, I have looked at several options and Willow River State Park north of Hudson is the best option in my opinion. The only down fall to this park is that every non WI resident will need to have a daily park pass which are $10. The group sites are $40 per night, which when divided up is not too bad.

Another option is Cleary Lake Park 20 min south of Minneapolis. They have a group camp that accommodates up to 120 people and goes for $120 per night. Not too bad of a price if we have 10 or more campers. The Cleary group site is not available for the Fri night, but they do have several family sites available on that Fri which are $11 each night. The group camp is on a point and has canoe access and a private doc. Cleary Lake park also does not have any daily entrance fees which would be great for those who just want to stop by for the day.

Ok, so give me some feed back regarding which of these two parks folks prefer and I will try to book tomorrow.

Thanks, gbusk

PS, Cleary park does not allow alcohol or the hanging of tarps or hammocks in trees, but then neither did Baker Park last spring.

My opinion: Willow River.

My reasons:

1. It is at least 45 minutes closer for me, which is a lot when you're riding with a 2 year old. ;-) It's 240 miles versus 284 miles. And if there is traffic in the Cities, it will be a lot longer than 45 minutes more. I would guess kiporby feels the same way I do about this issue (if he is coming).

2. I will already have a year-round state park sticker, so I don't care about the daily fee. Though I recognize this is not valid for anyone else. ;-)

I do really like the idea of the personal dock at Cleary Lake, though it isn't like a shared dock is any big deal. Just a novelty.

Perhaps starting now and in the future, we could rotate where we have the event: north of cities, east, west, south...

I plan to come and I vote for Willow River. Should only be a 5 hour drive for me then! :)

Cleary Lake Park sounds good w. me, but we can manage either.

Selfishly, since we are coming from the south(NW Missouri 6.5 hrs to the twin cities), the further south the better.

baker was ok with beer, not hard alcohol.

Take it from a local. The group sites at Willow River are outstanding. Nice hiking opportunities and some of the best largemouth and smallmouth bass fishing in the area.

"if you book it, they will come" (where ever it is)

Three Rivers Parks - alcohol FAQ

Cleary will permit beer and wine, but no kegs or bulk containers unless you obtain a permit. I've hosted events at Cleary before at their pavilion and stayed at the group camp on the island there (paddle across). Don't recall how many that holds, but it was kind of cool to have our own island. That was maybe 9-10 years ago, so don't ask for details (one biffy?, no tent pads, just nice green lawn under shade trees).

I haven't paddled the lake in ages... it's fairly small and shallow (137 acres) and has experienced drastic winter kill for fishing, though they have restocked a while back and aerate in the winter. Small motors are permitted if I recall correctly.

There is a PAVED 3.5 mile trail around the lake that is excellent for kiddos - fairly gentle for roller blades, bikes, or strollers. There is also a swim beach, but not high quality IMO though we wade there on occasion. The concession area also used to rent paddle boats and canoes if I recall. There is a golf course within park boundaries AND a dog park, though I've used neither.

The woods (where the group sites are) are nice and peaceful, there are also meadows/prairie around the lake. I see deer pellets often.

If we end up at Cleary (this time or later), I'd be able to volunteer whatever prep is needed... it's mere minutes away for me! ;-) Nola, whatever you'd need for 2yo and forgot or can't fit in the car, we'd drag over from here :-)

In fact gbusk, if you have any questions about it or want a scouting/photo report, I can head over there this evening. BUT, I am not opposed to a Wisconsin adventure either. Cleary will always be here.

In case it wasn't clear, Baker and Cleary are in the same park network - Three Rivers District Parks. So alcohol policy is same for both. Not sure who said it wasn't permitted in Baker... but the link above applies to both parks as far as I can tell.

I'm already getting pumped, the Spring WIng Night was a blast, I think everyone had an even better time than they thought they would. Many including myself were disappointed that they did not or could not camp out.

These WIng Nights are a lot of fun and I really hope we have a HUGE turn out.

I'm thinking we will go with the WI park since it was on the far West Metro last time.

Koda and all other WI residents, be sure to mark your calendar.

I think it's a good thing to alternate regions... Wisconsin it is!

Can someone clarify the tarp policy at some point? I recall camping at a WI state park south of Madison and a ranger telling us we had to take our tarp down... Not sure if it's a blanket policy or if it's changed over time.

quote BWPaddler: "Can someone clarify the tarp policy at some point? I recall camping at a WI state park south of Madison and a ranger telling us we had to take our tarp down... Not sure if it's a blanket policy or if it's changed over time."

BWP, nowhere on the WI state parks website can I find anything about tarps.

I need some clarification: "wing night" is it anything about the wings? When this thread first started we had conversations about Afton State Park which I thought was good because it isn't far from a Buffalo Wild wings. Also near to my home. I am willing to travel a little but what about the WINGS?? mmmmm wings

Tarps and hammocks are fine, just got of the phone with Willow River State Park office.

butthead

Thanks for clarifying butthead!

quote pswith5: "I need some clarification: "wing night" is it anything about the wings? When this thread first started we had conversations about Afton State Park which I thought was good because it isn't far from a Buffalo Wild wings. Also near to my home. I am willing to travel a little but what about the WINGS?? mmmmm wings"

Well, I think the first one was, but no longer....it's evolved from an evening get together for some grub to a camping event.

quote nojobro: "

quote pswith5: "I need some clarification: "wing night" is it anything about the wings? When this thread first started we had conversations about Afton State Park which I thought was good because it isn't far from a Buffalo Wild wings. Also near to my home. I am willing to travel a little but what about the WINGS?? mmmmm wings"

Well, I think the first one was, but no longer....it's evolved from an evening get together for some grub to a camping event."

But feel free to bring "take out" wings and I hope you can make it.