State Parks Near Detroit Lakes, Minnesota

6 state park units lie within 50 miles of Detroit Lakes. The closest is Maplewood State Park, about 19 mi south of town. 1 park is within 25 miles, close enough for an evening visit.

Closest park
Maplewood State Park19 mi south
Within 25 miles
1of 6 within 50 mi
With camping
53 with cabins
Dog-friendly
3pets allowed

State parks near Detroit Lakes, nearest first

Straight-line distance from central Detroit Lakes; driving distance is usually longer.

  1. Maplewood State Park

    19 miles south · Pelican Rapids, Minnesota · State Park

    Visitors come for horseback riding, canoeing and kayaking, swimming, boating, and fishing. Water access includes a swimming beach and a fishing pier.

    4 alerts106 campsitesCabins/lodgingDogs allowedSwimmingHikingFishingBoatingAccessible features

    Hours, fees and rules for Maplewood State Park →

  2. Buffalo River State Park

    30 miles west · Glyndon, Minnesota · State Park

    The park supports fishing, ranger programs, hiking, and picnicking. The official site lists about 12 miles of trails. Overnight options include 3 camping areas, with RV sites with electric hookups, tent sites, group camping, and showers.

    1 alertCampingHikingFishing

    Hours, fees and rules for Buffalo River State Park →

  3. Glendalough State Park

    35 miles south · Battle Lake, Minnesota · State Park

    The park supports historic sites, canoeing and kayaking, swimming, boating, and biking. The official site lists about 11 miles of trails. Facilities for water recreation include a swimming beach and a fishing pier.

    1 alert22 campsitesCabins/lodgingSwimmingHikingFishingBoatingAccessible features

    Hours, fees and rules for Glendalough State Park →

  4. Itasca State Park

    43 miles northeast · Park Rapids, Minnesota · State Park

    Things to do include historic sites, canoeing and kayaking, swimming, boating, and fishing. On the water side, there is a swimming beach and a fishing pier.

    2 alerts405 campsitesDogs allowedSwimmingFishingBoatingAccessible features

    Hours, fees and rules for Itasca State Park →

  5. Inspiration Peak State Wayside

    48 miles south · Alexandria, Minnesota · State Wayside

    The park supports picnicking.

    Hours, fees and rules for Inspiration Peak State Wayside →

  6. La Salle Lake State Recreation Area

    49 miles northeast · Solway, Minnesota · State Recreation Area

    Things to do include winter sports, canoeing and kayaking, boating, swimming, and fishing. On the water side, there is a swimming beach and a fishing pier.

    4 alerts39 campsitesCabins/lodgingDogs allowedSwimmingHikingFishingBoatingAccessible features

    Hours, fees and rules for La Salle Lake State Recreation Area →

Best picks by activity

Camping near Detroit Lakes

  1. Maplewood State Park 19 mi south · 106 campsites
  2. Buffalo River State Park 30 mi west · Campground listed
  3. Glendalough State Park 35 mi south · 22 campsites
  4. Itasca State Park 43 mi northeast · 405 campsites
  5. La Salle Lake State Recreation Area 49 mi northeast · 39 campsites

Cabins and lodging near Detroit Lakes

  1. Maplewood State Park 19 mi south · Cabins or other roofed stays
  2. Glendalough State Park 35 mi south · Cabins or other roofed stays
  3. La Salle Lake State Recreation Area 49 mi northeast · Cabins or other roofed stays

Dog-friendly state parks near Detroit Lakes

  1. Maplewood State Park 19 mi south · Pets allowed under park rules
  2. Itasca State Park 43 mi northeast · Pets allowed under park rules
  3. La Salle Lake State Recreation Area 49 mi northeast · Pets allowed under park rules

Swimming near Detroit Lakes

  1. Maplewood State Park 19 mi south · Beach, pool or swim area
  2. Glendalough State Park 35 mi south · Beach, pool or swim area
  3. Itasca State Park 43 mi northeast · Beach, pool or swim area
  4. La Salle Lake State Recreation Area 49 mi northeast · Beach, pool or swim area

Hiking near Detroit Lakes

  1. Maplewood State Park 19 mi south · Hiking trails listed
  2. Buffalo River State Park 30 mi west · Hiking trails listed
  3. Glendalough State Park 35 mi south · Hiking trails listed
  4. La Salle Lake State Recreation Area 49 mi northeast · Hiking trails listed

Fishing near Detroit Lakes

  1. Maplewood State Park 19 mi south · Fishing listed
  2. Buffalo River State Park 30 mi west · Fishing listed
  3. Glendalough State Park 35 mi south · Fishing listed
  4. Itasca State Park 43 mi northeast · Fishing listed
  5. La Salle Lake State Recreation Area 49 mi northeast · Fishing listed

Questions about state parks near Detroit Lakes

What is the closest state park to Detroit Lakes?

Maplewood State Park is the closest, about 19 miles south of Detroit Lakes in a straight line. Next are Buffalo River State Park and Glendalough State Park.

How many state parks are near Detroit Lakes?

6 state park units are within 50 miles, and 1 within 25 miles. That includes parks, recreation areas, historic sites and natural areas run by the state.

Which state parks near Detroit Lakes have camping?

5 parks list camping, the nearest being Maplewood State Park, Buffalo River State Park and Glendalough State Park. Check each park page for site types, hookups and how to reserve.

Are dogs allowed at state parks near Detroit Lakes?

Yes, at 3 parks, including Maplewood State Park, Itasca State Park and La Salle Lake State Recreation Area. Dogs usually must be leashed, and some areas such as beaches or buildings may be off-limits.

Are there free state parks near Detroit Lakes?

None of the nearby parks list free entry; most charge a daily vehicle fee or accept an annual pass. Fees are on each park page.

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Built from official park data and updated as parks change; this list was last rebuilt Oct 30, 2026. Features shown are those the official source lists. Filter these parks on the map.