Lake Maria State Park features 17 rustic campsites and camper cabins near Becker, Minnesota. Campers stay at hike-in sites accessible via trails ranging from a quarter-mile to over a mile from parking areas. The terrain varies from wooded hills to open prairie with summer temperatures typically ranging from 65-85°F and winter lows often dropping below freezing. The park sits on glacial moraine landscape with multiple small lakes and ponds throughout its 1,780 acres.
What to do
Hike backcountry trails: At Lake Maria State Park, backpacking sites are tucked away from main paths. "Backpack sites only. Love this park as it offers many backpacking sites with some being very short hikes in and some being longer hikes. Some are lake front and some are more woodsy sites," writes Tori K. about Lake Maria State Park Campground.
Visit nearby waterpark: Just 30 minutes from Becker, Bunker Hills Regional Park offers cabin accommodations with waterpark access. "Huge waterpark, miles of bike trails," notes Tiffany W. about Bunker Hills Regional Park.
Explore multiple lakes: Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park offers cabin camping with access to four connected lakes and extensive trail systems. "Really nice campground! Meadow setting where the campsites are, but then TONS of hiking trails with significant trees & shade. Really beautiful," says Kathy L. about Bertram Chain of Lakes.
What campers like
Secluded wilderness experience: Lake Maria backcountry sites provide solitude rare for campsites so close to urban areas. "The site was pretty awesome. Like others said, nice and secluded. If you're new to hiking, I suggest doing some research if you're going to attempt stuff like this," notes cheeming Y. from Lake Maria State Park.
Wildlife viewing: Many campers report abundant wildlife at cabin sites. "Site B6 feels like a secret woodland sanctuary — set up on a slight rise, tucked beneath a cathedral of towering oaks and maples... We saw pileated woodpeckers, red squirrels, and a chorus of chorus frogs," shares Alison O. about Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve.
Easy access from Twin Cities: Most cabin camping options are within an hour drive of Minneapolis. "This was a great park and close to everything. This campground was big with privacy between the camp spots. There were nice trails to help explorer the regional park," writes Melissa A. about Bunker Hills Regional Park.
What you should know
Water access varies: Water pumps at backcountry sites can be temperamental or slow. "First: my only complaint... The pump for the water was very slow. This lovely spot is a one mile hike from the parking lot, so be ready to walk if you need to make more than one trip," advises Brian C. about Lake Maria State Park.
Insect preparation critical: Bug season (May-August) requires serious preparation, especially at wooded sites. "The black flies were dive bombing the car like a scene from Armageddon... First step onto the grassy trail exploded in a cloud of mosquitos," warns Steph H. from St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park.
Overnight preparation: Pack accordingly for rustic cabins which typically lack electricity. "Pro tip: Pack light and bring permethrin-treated clothes during bug season. And don't forget a headlamp — the darkness here is wild and beautiful," recommends Alison O. about Lake Maria State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Consider proximity to bathrooms: When booking cabin sites with children, check bathroom distance. "The bathrooms were locked up, so no feedback on those at this time. They looked relatively modern though," reports Krista T. about Crow Hassan Park Reserve.
Book early for summer weekends: Family-friendly cabin sites fill quickly from Memorial Day through Labor Day. "We went with a ground of friends (all families with young kids). It was the perfect place to easily get in, set up, hangout, and just relax," says Jennifer H. about Baker Park Reserve.
Pack entertainment options: Some cabin sites lack immediate water access or playgrounds. "It has a couple camper cabins as well. But everyone is spread out along a few trails so it's a little quieter than your typical campground," notes Steph H. about Lake Maria State Park.
Tips from RVers
RV-accessible cabins limited: Most rustic cabins near Becker require hiking access, but RV-accessible options exist. "Friendly staff, quiet during the week and busy on the weekends. Nice pool, laundry facility, nice restrooms with showers. Stayed for a little more than a month after selling my house," reports Cheri W. about St. Cloud Campground & RV Park.
Consider seasonal options: RV parks often offer cabins with more amenities than state park options. "This a nice family campground. It has a 9 hole mini golf, shuffleboard, salt water pool, and a lobby/gift shop. They also offer a nice seating area for those hot or raining days with free arcade," notes S L. about St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park.
