Lake Independence
About Lake Independence
Lake Independence is an 832-acre lake near Maple Plain in Hennepin County, Minnesota. It reaches 58 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 7.5 miles of shoreline. By surface area it ranks No. 3 among the 40 Hennepin County lakes in this directory. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 3.8 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 17 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the county. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. Oak Knoll Group Camp and Baker Park Reserve Campground are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 2, based on 22 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Lake Independence
- 832 acres, up to 58 feet deep, near Maple Plain
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the county
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 3.8 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
- Camping close to the water at Oak Knoll Group Camp and Baker Park Reserve Campground
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 832 acres
- Max depth
- 58 ft
- Shoreline
- 7.5 mi
- Water clarity
- 3.8 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 425 acres
Rules & Regulations
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older
- Drain plugs must be out and all water drained before leaving any access; remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers
- Children under 10 must wear a life jacket on a boat that is underway
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Swim beach
- Camping: Oak Knoll Group Camp and Baker Park Reserve Campground
- Picnic area
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Swimming and beach days
- Lakeside camping
- Ice fishing
- Low-clarity lakes are prone to summer algae blooms; keep dogs out of green, scummy water
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 17
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 2
- Years of record
- 22
- Earliest
- March 7, 2017
- Latest
- May 4, 2018
- Most recent
- March 31, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
Oak Knoll Group Camp and Baker Park Reserve Campground are mapped on or near Lake Independence. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Lake Independence
Compare Lake Independence against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Lake Independence ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Lake Independence ranks among swimming lakes nearby.
See how Lake Independence ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Lake Independence ranks among camping lakes nearby.
See how Lake Independence ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Lake Independence ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Spurzem Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Medina82 acres
1.5 miles away
Lake Sarah
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Rockford557 acres
2.6 miles away
Lake Rebecca
74 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Rockford263 acres
5.1 miles away
Long Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Long Lake285 acres
5.4 miles away
Holy Name Lake
32 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Ditter71 acres
5.8 miles away
Dutch Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Mound175 acres
6.2 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake Independence?
Lake Independence is in Hennepin County, Minnesota, near Maple Plain. It covers 832 acres and reaches 58 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Lake Independence?
Lake Independence covers 832 acres with about 7.5 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 58 feet.
What fish can you catch at Lake Independence?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Lake Independence?
Yes. Lake Independence has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the county. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Lake Independence?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake. Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Lake Independence stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Lake Independence; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Lake Independence?
The median ice-out date is April 2, from 22 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 7, 2017 and the latest is May 4, 2018.
Can you camp at Lake Independence?
Yes. Oak Knoll Group Camp and Baker Park Reserve Campground are mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Lake Independence have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Lake Independence as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.