T S.
Guide
GuideSouth of Sand Dunes State Forest
Loved it!
Nice spot right on the lake. Lots of animal noises! Pretty sunrise/sunset.
Best Campgrounds near Becker, MN
The Minnesota terrain surrounding Becker supports multiple camping environments ranging from dispersed sites to fully developed RV parks. Lake Maria State Park Campground, located about 20 miles southwest of Becker, provides tent camping, RV sites, cabins, and glamping options with boat-in and hike-in access throughout the year. Sand Dunes State Forest offers both established camping at Ann Lake and dispersed opportunities south of the forest boundary. Several county and regional facilities like Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park Campground supplement these state-managed properties with additional tent and RV options.
Road conditions vary significantly between campground types, with established locations featuring maintained access while dispersed areas often require navigation of unmarked forest roads. Sand Dunes State Forest dispersed camping areas have primitive sites along gravel roads with no amenities, suitable for self-contained camping. Most established campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from May through October, though some remain open year-round with reduced services during winter. Cell service becomes increasingly limited in forested areas, particularly around Lake Maria and Sand Dunes State Forest. "Lots of poison ivy. Weak cell service but manageable," noted one camper about the dispersed areas south of Sand Dunes State Forest.
Waterfront locations represent common destinations for campers in the Becker area, with multiple campgrounds situated on or near lakes. Ann Lake in Sand Dunes State Forest features both lakeside camping and a swimming beach, while Lake Maria State Park offers more secluded wooded sites. Several visitors mention privacy differences between campgrounds, with state forest sites typically providing more seclusion than county parks. One reviewer described Lake Maria State Park as having "nice campsites and private, this just felt too close to home and too similar to parks that are closer." Insect protection is essential during summer months, with mosquitoes and ticks prevalent in wooded areas, particularly in the state forests. Most established campgrounds provide basic amenities including drinking water, picnic tables, and fire rings, while dispersed sites require campers to pack in all supplies and leave no trace.
Best Camping Sites Near Becker, Minnesota (93)
1. Lake Maria State Park Campground
34 ReviewsSilver Creek, MN6 milesWebsite+1 (763) 878-2325$22 - $80 / night
"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."
2. Ann Lake Campground — Sand Dunes State Forest
23 ReviewsZimmerman, MN9 milesWebsite+1 (763) 878-2325$50 / night
"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."
"Just a quick one night trip but a perfect getaway close to home. Very quiet. Camp host was nice . Found a tucked away site that we could park Infront of for more privacy"
3. South of Sand Dunes State Forest
15 ReviewsZimmerman, MN10 miles"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."
4. St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park
8 ReviewsClearwater, MN10 milesWebsite+1 (320) 558-2876"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 !!"
5. Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park Campground
3 ReviewsMonticello, MN6 milesWebsite+1 (763) 295-0409"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."
"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."
6. Schroeder County Park
5 ReviewsAnnandale, MN12 milesWebsite+1 (763) 682-7693"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."
7. Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve
38 ReviewsMaple Plain, MN27 milesWebsite+1 (763) 694-7662$21 - $29 / night
"Baker Park near Minneapolis Minnesota was a our camp choice for inexpensive camping on the last leg of our Minnesota vacation in 2017."
"The beaches are some of the best in Minnesota. The bike trails are nearby and plentiful."
8. Olsons Campground
4 ReviewsSilver Creek, MN7 miles"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"
9. RiversEdge RV Park
1 ReviewBecker, MN3 milesWebsite+1 (763) 262-3440"Located 50 Miles NW of Minneapolis, and only 15 Miles from St. Cloud, MN."
10. Oak Island Watercraft Campsite
1 ReviewBecker, MN3 milesWebsite
Recent Camping Photos near Becker, MN
101 Photos of 93 Becker Campgrounds
Joanna B.
Lake Maria State Park Campground
Bill K.
Olsons Campground
Caleb T.
Ann Lake Campground — Sand Dunes State Forest
S L.
St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park
Skip H.
South of Sand Dunes State Forest
Zach H.
Minneapolis Northwest KOA
Wade H.
Three Rivers Park District Baker Campground
Janet R.
Creekwood Acres
ERolf P.
Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve
Carol H.
Country Camping RV Park
Josh B.
Collinwood County Park
Tori K.
Benton Beach Campground
Recent Reviews near Becker, MN
396 Reviews of 93 Becker Campgrounds
Greg M.GuideSouth of Sand Dunes State Forest
Good spot for a night
Got in late on a Sunday night and there was plenty of space. Most sites are right along the gravel road so not super private. Wouldn’t recommend for large trailers/RVs as sites are small. Found a couple sets of deer bones right next to my site, not sure if it’s from hunters dumping their waste or coyotes but keep an eye out either way.
DIANNE T.GuideSouth of Sand Dunes State Forest
Girl on first car camping trip
Kind of confusing for first time. Was not sure where I could camp. But then found out it's the spots right along road. Beautiful. Some good spots. Ended up in a pull thru around w view.
Cindy
TravelerAvatan Family Nudist Campground
"Family-Friendly" in Name Only: A Cautionary Tale from a Disillusioned Par
We visited Avatan Nudist Campground last July with our two kids (ages 8 and 11) for what was supposed to be a wholesome, body-positive family getaway. The website and brochures paint a perfect picture: serene woods, a sparkling pool, family activities, and a "welcoming community" vibe. And on the surface? Yeah, the grounds are stunning—pristine trails, a well-maintained pool. The facilities are clean, the staff (mostly) polite, and the natural setting is genuinely relaxing. If you're just looking for a quiet spot to shed your clothes and unwind in nature, it checks those boxes.
But dig a little deeper, and Avatan reveals itself as something else entirely—a place that's quietly optimized for adult fun, with kids as an inconvenient footnote they have to tolerate to keep the "family" label. From the moment we arrived, it was clear the real energy was elsewhere. Evenings around the fire pits and at the "Squirrel's" (code for the bar area) had this unmistakable swinger-party undercurrent. Lots of lingering glances, couples disappearing into the woods or private cabins, and a vibe that felt more like a discreet resort for the lifestyle crowd than a spot for building sandcastles with the little ones. Our kids picked up on it fast—whispers about "grown-up games" and awkward questions we had to deflect. The camp "tolerates" families, sure, but it's obvious the core membership would prefer a child-free zone. Activities for kids are minimal: a basic playground and the occasional nature hike, while the adults get themed nights, "sensual yoga," and late-night mixers that go until dawn.
What really soured the experience was the toxic underbelly of the community itself. This place is a powder keg of power struggles, with a small cadre of long-time board members and "elders" locked in a perpetual cold war. Gossip flows like the creek itself—endless whispers about who's sleeping with whom, who's "stealing" prime cabin spots, or who's cozying up to the President for favors. We overheard more drama in one week than in a season of reality TV. Cliques form fast: the "party crew" vs. the "purists," the swingers vs. the swingers-who-pretend-they're-not. As newcomers (and parents, no less), we felt like outsiders crashing a private club. Smiles were surface-level; the second you stepped away, the backstabbing started.
And then there's the elephant in the (clothing-optional) room: the camp's ugly history with sexual predators. We didn't know it going in, but after a few days, the stories trickled out from sympathetic members—multiple incidents over the years involving members who turned out to be registered offenders or worse, preying on the vulnerable in this "trust-based" environment. The rules around anonymity are ironclad: no photos, no last names, "what happens at Avatan stays at Avatan." It's sold as protecting privacy in a nudist space, which sounds noble until you realize it shields the creeps. Anyone who dares speak up—whether it's a parent noticing a sketchy guy lingering too long near the kids' area or a survivor sharing a red flag—is immediately branded a "troublemaker," "paranoid," or "anti-community." We've heard of families getting shamed in group meetings, then quietly asked to leave for "disrupting the harmony." Evictions happen fast if you rock the boat, all in the name of keeping the peace and the paying members happy.
Look, we're no prudes. Nudism can be liberating, and we've been to other resorts where it felt truly inclusive and safe. But Avatan? It's a divided house built on denial. The adult-party atmosphere thrives because the kids are an afterthought, and the predator problem festers because calling it out gets you exiled. If you're a child-free couple into the full swinger scene, this might be your paradise—plenty of like-minded folks and zero judgment. But if you're a family hoping for that advertised "safe, empowering space"? Steer clear. Your kids deserve better than being tolerated in a place where silence is golden and the wrong questions get you blacklisted. We won't be back, and I hope this review saves someone else the regret.
- Lex G.Traveler
Love's RV Hookup-Rockville MN 842
Only place open in the state
If you’re just passing through especially in the off-season, this is an extremely convenient location. Propane run out in the middle of the night? They got you. Need more beer? They got you. 10/10 if you just need a place to sleep. View is irrelevant
David R.GuideSouth of Sand Dunes State Forest
Quick overnight
Nice spot with plenty of space between sites, which gives you some privacy. It’s right off a busy road, so you’ll hear some traffic noise. The hunters were out during my stay, so there were gunshots throughout the day, but that’s to be expected this time of year. Overall, a good spot for a quick overnight stay and it’s conveniently close to the cities.
- HHeather V.
ScoutBaker Campground - Baker Park Reserve
First time camping!
For our first time camping, this was a great site! It was very clean, had friendly staff, and was close to a really fun park for our kids. We will be back!
- CCaleb T.Scout
Ann Lake Campground — Sand Dunes State Forest
Quite camping just out of town
Just a quick one night trip but a perfect getaway close to home. Very quiet. Camp host was nice . Found a tucked away site that we could park Infront of for more privacy
- RRick M.
RangerRum River State Forest
Free parking in solitude.
No potable water, grey dump, nor trash cans, but it's rugged wilderness along a gravel road with plenty of space to park.
Guide to Becker
The Becker area sits at approximately 950 feet above sea level where sandy soil and glacial till create a landscape of mixed forest, wetlands, and lakes. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F with frequent afternoon thunderstorms, while spring and fall camping often means temperature swings of 30+ degrees between day and night. Local campgrounds typically open in mid-April when overnight temperatures consistently stay above freezing.
What to do
Hiking at Lake Maria State Park: Backpack-only camping sites range from short 0.5-mile hikes to longer treks with lake views. "Site B6 at Lake Maria State Park is about a half-mile walk from the parking area, and the journey in is half the magic: winding wooded trails, wildflowers, and glimpses of the lake through the trees," notes Alison O. at Lake Maria State Park Campground.
Mushroom identification: Multiple camping areas feature abundant fungi varieties. "We were all entertained by the plethora of mushroom varieties that surrounded the camp," reports Steph H. about Lake Maria State Park, making it perfect for amateur mycologists.
Swimming beaches: Ann Lake in Sand Dunes State Forest offers dedicated swimming areas with sandy shorelines. "The beach is nice and private, but it's a bit of a hike from the campsites. I'd recommend just hopping in the car and driving over if you've got young kids with you," suggests Emily H. at Ann Lake.
Trail running: Bertram Chain of Lakes features extensive paved and unpaved trails. "This place had awesome trails and so many deer! It's like they were camping with us," shares Christopher C. about Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park Campground.
What campers like
Secluded backcountry spots: Lake Maria's backpacking sites provide isolation despite proximity to town. "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," explains Tori K.
Widely spaced sites: Ann Lake campground accommodates larger groups with adequate separation. "Sites are large with varying degrees of privacy. Well spaced out, just some have less undergrowth," notes Kari P. at Sand Dunes State Forest.
Family activities: Baker Park Reserve offers extensive recreational options beyond camping. "With great fishing, playground, swimming, and biking trails very nearby, the kids were kept as busy as they wanted to be," says Bryan S. at Baker Campground.
Water recreation: Several campgrounds feature direct water access. "The lake is nice. There are 2 swimming beaches: 1 for the campground and one for all of the day visitors. You can rent canoes, paddle boats and SUP boards," reports Jennifer H. about Baker Park Reserve.
What you should know
Poison ivy prevalence: Multiple campsites report significant poison ivy growth. "Be aware that the undergrowth is at least 25% poison ivy. Sites are large so they are clear. If you're susceptible, not for you," warns Kari P. about Sand Dunes State Forest.
Insect intensity by season: Bug populations peak in June and July. "When we pulled up to the parking lot we knew we were in trouble. The black flies were dive bombing the car like a scene from Armageddon," recounts Steph H. about a mid-summer Lake Maria visit.
Dispersed camping regulations: South of Sand Dunes State Forest permits free dispersed camping with limitations. "I just did an overnight camp one night in a truck camper and it was very easy to navigate and it was cleaned quiet area to spend the night. The bad part a lot of the side roads are closed to motor vehicles," explains Adam W. at South of Sand Dunes State Forest.
Cell service variations: Reception differs dramatically between campgrounds. "2 bars of 4g service made it a little difficult to pay online over the phone. No reception in lower elevation sites," notes Andy L. about Ann Lake campground.
Tips for camping with families
Best family-friendly campsites: Baker Park Reserve offers dedicated family areas. "We went with a group of friends (all families with young kids). It was the perfect place to easily get in, set up, hangout, and just relax. The sites are fairly large, but very open," shares Jennifer H.
Bathroom cleanliness considerations: Facility maintenance varies significantly. "The bathrooms and showers are nice and clean, some of the best I've seen at a campground!" reports Jennifer H. about Baker Park Reserve.
Kid-friendly amenities: Campgrounds with dedicated play areas reduce setup stress. "Nice park for kids just a small hike away. Plus a decent amount of rentals," notes Matt H. about Baker Park Reserve.
Pack weight awareness: Backpacking sites require preparation with children. "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," cautions Cheeming Y. about Lake Maria State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: RV sites vary significantly in access and privacy. "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," advises Andy L. about Ann Lake campground.
Electric options: Multiple campgrounds offer hookup variations. "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. Verizon cell coverage is good here," reports S L. about St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park.
Road condition alerts: Access routes may challenge larger vehicles. "Campsite C1 at Baker Park Reserve is an excellent choice for campers seeking a peaceful retreat with the added convenience of essential amenities," notes Alison O.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best campgrounds near Becker, Minnesota?
What are the best campgrounds near Becker, Minnesota?
The Becker area offers several excellent camping options. Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve is highly recommended for its cleanliness, helpful staff, and excellent beaches and bike trails. For a more rustic experience, Ann Lake provides both group sites near the entrance and more secluded spots further back, including some walk-in sites. Both locations are family-friendly with Ann Lake offering a more natural setting, while Baker Park provides more amenities in a well-maintained environment.
Where can I find camping options in and around Becker, Minnesota?
Where can I find camping options in and around Becker, Minnesota?
Near Becker, you'll find diverse camping options to suit different preferences. St. Cloud Campground & RV Park offers well-maintained facilities including a pool, lodge, bath house and laundry facilities with reasonably sized sites. For a more natural experience, South of Sand Dunes State Forest provides rustic dispersed camping without amenities following MN DNR guidelines. There's also Charles A. Lindbergh State Park Campground with wooded sites, though they're somewhat close together compared to other state parks.
Where can I rent an RV in Becker, Minnesota?
Where can I rent an RV in Becker, Minnesota?
While there aren't dedicated RV rental facilities directly in Becker, several nearby options serve the area. The Twin Cities metro area, about 45-60 minutes away, offers numerous RV rental companies with various vehicle classes and sizes. For RV-friendly camping after securing your rental, consider Ham Lake Resort for a convenient location on the north metro outskirts with boat launch and bathrooms, or Holdingford City Park on the Lake Wobegon Trail which provides several campsites with hookups specifically suitable for RVs. Both locations are well-positioned for exploring the Becker region.
Keep Exploring