Tent camping near Becker, Minnesota offers primitive and rustic camping experiences within a 25-mile radius. This north-central Minnesota region sits at approximately 930-1,000 feet elevation with a humid continental climate featuring warm summers and cold winters. The area's watersheds feed into the Mississippi River, creating watercraft-accessible campsites and opportunities for paddling-based camping adventures.
What to do
Hiking and wildlife watching: Lake Rebecca Park Reserve has extensive trail systems for various activities. One visitor notes, "Big park! Great for birding and walking trails! One of my favorite places to go near home." The park features both paved and unpaved trails suitable for different skill levels.
Horseback riding: Crow Hassan Park Reserve has dedicated equestrian trails and camping areas. A reviewer shares, "This is my all-time favorite park to bring my horse to, and it's her favorite trail too. Seriously, when we head back to our trailer she will stop and refuse to proceed. Do a 180 on the trail and she is happy to trot away from the trailer."
Water activities: The Mississippi River provides several boat-in camping options for paddlers. At Oak Island Watercraft Campsite, a camper reports: "This island on the Mississippi has a picnic table and a very primitive toilet. It's a great spot to take a rest while cavorting the Mississippi."
What campers like
Backcountry experience near the Twin Cities: Lake Maria State Park Campground offers genuine seclusion without traveling far from urban areas. A visitor remarks, "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."
Private natural settings: The backcountry sites offer isolation despite being relatively close to other campers. According to one camper: "Only about a mile from the parking lot. This site was nearly surrounded by a lake which lended to a lot of bugs, but was absolutely gorgeous! We could see one other camper in a different site, but it still felt like you were in the wilderness."
Family-friendly amenities: At Lake Rebecca Park Reserve, campers appreciate facilities designed for children: "This has an amazing beach. Great Trails. Sweet single track for mountain biking. The best kids park at any campground I've been to."
What you should know
Bug preparation is critical: Summer brings significant insect activity, especially at Lake Maria State Park. One camper warns: "The black flies were dive bombing the car like a scene from Armageddon. We prepared the kiddos for a quick grab and run and jumped out of the car... First step onto the grassy trail exploded in a cloud of mosquitos."
Water access challenges: Water pumps can be slow and inconvenient at backcountry sites. A camper at Lake Maria notes: "First: my only complaint... The pump for the water was very slow. Ok done... 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."
Weather and seasonal variations: Spring brings mud and fall offers quieter camping with cooler temperatures. Elm Creek Horse Camp stays open into fall, with one visitor noting: "Campsite 2 hits all the right notes: trails close by, fire ring ready, and enough space for a tent, a camp chair, and a dog who thinks every stick is a gift from heaven."
Tips for camping with families
Start with shorter backcountry hikes: For families new to backcountry camping, choose sites with minimal hiking distances. A Lake Maria camper suggests: "Beginners Be Warned (BP7)... If you're new to hiking, I suggest doing some research if you're going to attempt stuff like this. I camped here back in 2020 of November. Overpacked, along with not packing the right gear and didn't have a cart."
Bring appropriate gear for kids: Pack extra bug protection and activities for children. At Lake Maria, one family shares: "When we pulled up to the parking lot we knew we were in trouble... We prepared the kiddos for a quick grab and run and jumped out of the car."
Consider seasonal timing: Visit in late fall or early spring for fewer bugs and crowds. A visitor mentions, "I would like to come back to this park in late fall and try out a camper cabin. There are three of them all on lakes so if you can get past buggy season it has the potential to be a great experience."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options near Becker: Most camping in the immediate area is tent-focused with few developed RV sites. A J Acres Campground in nearby Clearwater offers RV hookups but presents challenges: "Navigating around trees was not so fun with our 5th wheel. We got the slideouts to fit in between the trees. A drive around showed many seasonal, if not permanent, trailers and campers."
Seasonal site considerations: Many RV sites in the area are seasonal rather than for short-term stays. One camper notes: "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."
Water and boat access: Some campgrounds offer water activities for RVers. A reviewer shares: "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."
