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.
