Crow Hassan Park Reserve
One of the best dog parks in MN
I never tire walking the dog park circle along the crow river! Great for birding and tons of beautiful trails!
73 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Lake Maria State Park Campground welcomes pets with backcountry tent sites and cabins that offer privacy and natural surroundings. All 14 backpacking sites require a hike of 0.25-1 mile from parking areas, with trails that can be moderately hilly and challenging when carrying gear and supplies. Each site includes a fire ring, picnic table, and access to vault toilets. Backpackers with dogs appreciate the secluded camping experience where the only sounds are rustling leaves, birdsong, and frogs singing at dusk. Ann Lake Campground in Minnesota Sand Dunes State Forest also allows pets at its drive-in and walk-in sites, offering electric hookups and drinking water from May through November. South of Sand Dunes State Forest provides dispersed camping options for those seeking a more primitive experience with their pets, though facilities are minimal with no drinking water or toilets available.
Trails throughout Lake Maria State Park provide excellent opportunities for hiking with leashed pets, with many sites positioned near small lakes or ponds where dogs can cool off after a walk. The park's backpacking sites are spread far enough apart that campers rarely encounter other visitors, creating a peaceful environment for pets that may be anxious around strangers or other animals. Visitors should be prepared for seasonal conditions, as summer months bring mosquitoes and black flies that can be particularly aggressive. Winter camping at Lake Maria offers a unique experience with far fewer insects and opportunities for snowshoeing under a full moon. Pet owners should pack adequate water supplies, as the park's water pump operates slowly and carrying water from parking areas to remote sites can be challenging. Firewood is available for purchase at the park office through a self-pay system when staff is not present.
"This park is only about 50 minutes away from me, and for hiking/camping I only think it is worth a trip in the fall."
"I chose Lake Maria for a solo camping excursion because it was close to the Cities, but still offered the level of seclusion I wanted."
from $22 - $80 / night
Check Availability"Lots of close camp sites for larger groups near the entrance. The further back you go on the road, the more spread out sites get. There are a few walk-in sites that I absolutely love."
"We picked this spot as we had dogs with and liked that there was a row of trees where we could tie them away from the fire . Would be a GREAT lot for multiple hammocks. "
from $50 / night
Check Availability"For the proximity to the city and nearby highways, this was a good spot. Didn’t expect to see as many campers as I did, but all seemed to be friendly."
"I love that it's so close to home. I was able to walk in and find an incredible spot to camp and lay in my hammock."
"We have a pop up so we parked on a grassy spot next to the cabins that backed up to a field. It was nice to be there instead of in the thick of the big camper section. Pool was nice and store too."
"If this place was close to home I’d be here every weekend. Absolute beautiful weather with a nice breeze no mosquitoes not something you get in Florida in July !!"
"There was some suggestion that there was some drive in sites that were not reservable, that is. They were first come first serve. But I was unaware or unable to find those."
"Meadow setting where the campsites are, but then TONS of hiking trails with significant trees& shade. Really beautiful. Nice people staying in adjacent sites. We would return."
"Lots of walking trails , well groomed. Camping spots were large and specious."
"There is also a fishing pier and boat launch available, great lake for water ski and other water sports. Fishing is mostly pan but you can catch large bass and northern on this lake."
"One of our kids & her husband live in Minneapolis, a sister & several nieces & nephews live close by."
"Baker Park near Minneapolis Minnesota was a our camp choice for inexpensive camping on the last leg of our Minnesota vacation in 2017."
from $21 - $29 / night
Check Availability"But far enough you feel away from the cities Full hook ups. Bit on the higher price side. Friendly owners. Small bar Lots of fun"












I never tire walking the dog park circle along the crow river! Great for birding and tons of beautiful trails!
This is a nice city campground with lovely views of the Rum River. There is a nice playground with a small climbing wall, benches to sit looking over the river. Picnic tables and a shelter are great for eating at. There is a dog park just across the river, within easy walking distance.
Small little campground next to large casino. We lucked out and were able to stay 2 nights without reservations….only had to move because they were fully booked for the 4th…large concert event happening across the street. You will need to call early in the day to talk to office staff…who are very friendly. If after hours and there are no spots, you can dry dock in large lot in front of office. There is fuel on site as well as RV wash station. Bath house and laundry and card controlled ($5 card deposit on check in)…well maintained facilities. Dog park available, watch a few spots in fence near bottom where fencing has risen up…little dogs could easily climb under. Very convenient for visiting Minneapolis…25/30 minutes from airport/Mall of America (Aquarium) and Security patrols regularly and there is shuttle if you want to visit casino. Pool at hotel is not included. Golf attraction is being completed next door so there was some construction traffic during day as expected.
We stayed at the campground during the week, it was so relaxing and not a lot of campers out felt like we had the park to ourselves. Had a nice park area with playground, clear lake swimming area. We had a dog with so limited areas that pets can go. It was very enjoyable. Would recommend
Sites are close to each other, but easy access, clean grounds and facilities, friendly staff, and a K9 fenced area for a pet friendly campground.
This was such a great spot! The campground is so nice and quiet!
Located 50 Miles NW of Minneapolis, and only 15 Miles from St. Cloud, MN.
We stayed here for a weekend in May. The campsites are a little bit on top of each other. There aren't many campsites that you're able to reserve. The majority of the campsites are seasonal campsites. There are a lot of mature trees that help with the shade! The beach area is nice, but the only problem is that boaters and kayaks are in the same general area so you have to be careful so you don't get hit. There is a dock for fishing as well. You can also rent boats, kayaks and paddleboards for a small fee. If you want to walk the whole campground having a golf cart would be nice. Also there is NO petting zoo as stated on the website or on the campground maps. There hasn't been one for a few years but they have yet to edit the website or the campground maps. We went there partly because there was a petting zoo for the little kids. Seems lazy to me that they can't update the website or the campground maps.
First the negatives. No internet, medium phone signal. The campsites are too small and too crowded. The adults let their young kids drive their cold carts and atvs back and forth from the campground to the beach all day long. I counted one particular one make 34 trips in less than 6 hours. I used to golf and I occasionally used a cart but usually I walked. Kids and young parents are way too lazy now, because it's a small campground and short walk to the beach from the farthest site. I think they do it for 2 reasons, they are bored, and they can. There is only one road in and out so there is constant traffic, and the road is gravel so prepare to eat dust. The sites aren't paved or even gravel, you park on the grass. Now for the positives. Some sites have 50 amp, most just 30 amp or less. Water hookups at most. No full hookups or dump site. There is a beach and swim area on Skunk Creek. A playground by the bathroom and showers. That building is clean, showers are free. Lots of shade from all the trees. Mosquitoes are few, flies plentiful. It is a quiet park after 10pm, but although they say closed after 8pm there was traffic all night long. Ask for a site in the back to avoid headlights shining on you all night long. Rates are $40/night for the pull through site we had w50 amp service. It has a few seasonal sites, all located at the rear. There is a golf course right next door across the creek. That is where the office is located. The town is small, only a gas station and small grocery store, so bring what you need. A Subway and nice drive-in are close by. Oh, the water is in me/my dogs opinion not for drinking. I wouldn't suggest weekends here unless you're into hearing every conversation your neighbors have or want to sleep in. Maybe the week days are better? They do allow leashed pets.
New owner as of 2022- huge jump in prices! Extra fees added everywhere-more than two children fee, guest fees, pet fees, river view fees, holiday fees. One year difference our bill went from $235 up to $347 for a 3 night stay. Not worth it! Not family budget friendly for the average family. I could stay in a hotel for cheaper.
Lake Maria State Park offers backcountry camping just 10 miles northwest of Becker, Minnesota, at an elevation of 1,056 feet. The park's glacial terrain creates a unique camping environment with rolling hills and kettle lakes throughout its 1,580 acres. Winter temperatures typically range from 2°F to 22°F, while summer sees averages between 58°F and 83°F.
Hiking through diverse terrain: Lake Maria State Park features trail systems ranging from flat, easy walks to more challenging hilly sections with elevation changes. "Site comes with a fire ring, picnic table, and bear locker. Site 1 is my favorite despite the road noise due to the location of the tent pad and being on almost a peninsula offering lots of lake views," notes Tori K. about Lake Maria.
Mushroom hunting: The forested areas in and around campgrounds provide excellent opportunities for mushroom spotting. "We were all entertained by the plethora of mushroom varieties that surrounded the camp," a camper reported after visiting Lake Maria State Park.
Swimming and cooling off: Several campgrounds near Becker offer lake access with sandy beaches. At Schroeder County Park, "The beach front is long and beautiful, lots of room to roam," according to Kelli D., making it ideal for hot summer days when temperatures regularly exceed 80°F.
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds in the area provide ample spacing between campsites. At South of Sand Dunes State Forest, "There's lots of little spots off the main gravel road... Couple vehicles pass a day," says Heather W., highlighting the secluded nature of this pet-friendly dispersed camping area.
Night sky viewing: The minimal light pollution around Becker creates opportunities for stargazing. A visitor to Baker Park Reserve mentioned: "It's tucked just enough off the path to feel private, but not so far that you feel isolated... the kind of birdsong that makes you forget your emails exist."
Wildlife encounters: The natural areas around Becker support diverse wildlife. "We saw pileated woodpeckers, red squirrels, and a chorus of chorus frogs. Nature feels close here — in the best way," reports a camper who visited Lake Maria State Park, indicating the richness of wildlife observation opportunities.
Seasonal bug challenges: Insect activity intensifies during summer months in Minnesota. One camper at Ann Lake Campground warns: "Sites are large with varying degrees of privacy. Well spaced out, just some have less undergrowth. Be aware that the undergrowth is at least 25% poison ivy."
Limited cell service: Many camping areas have restricted connectivity. At South of Sand Dunes State Forest, campers report "Weak cell service but manageable," making it necessary to download maps before arrival.
Water access considerations: Water availability varies significantly between campgrounds. Brian C. noted about Lake Maria: "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."
Choose sites with playground access: Some campgrounds provide dedicated play areas for children. At Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park, a visitor noted: "Really nice campground! Meadow setting where the campsites are, but then TONS of hiking trails with significant trees & shade. Really beautiful."
Consider proximity to bathrooms: When camping with children, bathroom access becomes important. Baker Park Reserve offers family-friendly facilities, with one reviewer commenting, "The bathroom/showers are great. With great fishing, playground, swimming, and biking trails very nearby, the kids were kept as busy as they wanted to be."
Start with shorter hikes: For families new to backpacking, begin with sites closer to parking areas. A camper at Lake Maria advised: "If you're new to hiking, I suggest doing some research if you're going to attempt stuff like this... Carrying firewood, food, water, gear, on a hilly trail through the woods can become real tough real fast for anyone that isn't physically active."
Site selection for larger rigs: Not all campgrounds accommodate big RVs. At Ann Lake Campground, Andy L. reported: "30' class C motor home. Some overhanging branches on the road in scrape the top and sides. Campsites are nice, mowed, gravel parking... Sites range from open and flat to secluded and a little hilly."
Check hookup availability: Electrical and water connections vary between parks. A visitor to Ann Lake noted that the campground has "electric hookups" and "drinking water" available from May to November.
Road conditions awareness: Some access roads present challenges for larger vehicles. A camper at South of Sand Dunes State Forest warned: "Primitive roads; bring anything from AWD to 4×4 depending on your rig and route," highlighting the importance of researching road conditions before arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Becker, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Becker, MN is Lake Maria State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 34 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Becker, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 73 dog-friendly camping locations near Becker, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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