Primitive tent camping sites populate the Mayer, Minnesota area, with most located within park reserves and state parks. Summer temperatures range from 65-85°F, while spring and fall typically fluctuate between 40-65°F with reduced humidity. The surrounding Crow River watershed features glacial moraine landscapes, creating rolling hills and scattered wetlands that influence campsite placement and trail difficulty.
What to do
Horseback riding trails: The extensive trail system at Crow Hassan Park Reserve offers equestrian-friendly camping with dedicated facilities. "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," shares Krista T., who also notes that "the best place to be bug-free happens to be the sandy prairie trails."
Paddling opportunities: The Mississippi River provides water-based adventures from several launch points near Mayer. "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," explains LaMina H. about Oak Island Watercraft Campsite, which is accessible only by boat.
Winter camping: For cold-weather adventurers, some parks remain open year-round. At Lake Maria State Park Campground, Tori K. mentions, "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."
What campers like
Secluded sites: Many campers appreciate the sense of isolation at backpacking sites. "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," describes Lydia N. at Lake Maria State Park.
Wildlife viewing: The best tent camping near Mayer, Minnesota often includes wildlife encounters. "Big park! Great for birding and walking trails! One of my favorite places to go near home," shares Alison O. about Lake Rebecca Park Reserve, which features extensive natural areas along with camping facilities.
Night sky viewing: Many campsites offer minimal light pollution for stargazing. "If you're looking for a peaceful escape where the only sounds are rustling leaves, birdsong, and frogs singing at dusk — Site B6 at Lake Maria State Park is the one," writes Alison O., adding that there's "just enough open sky for stargazing by the fire."
What you should know
Challenging hikes to sites: Many tent sites require significant hiking, sometimes with difficult terrain. "I camped here back in 2020 of November. Overpacked, along with not packing the right gear and didn't have a cart. Buddy and I parked at the southeast parking lot so the hike was about a mile and also hilly," warns cheeming Y. about Elm Creek Horse Camp, noting "Carrying firewood, food, water, gear, on a hilly trail through the woods can become real tough real fast."
Limited facilities: Most tent sites near Mayer feature basic amenities only. "BP7 didn't have much dead wood around so we had to reserve the firewood we purchased," explains cheeming Y. about Lake Maria, while Brian C. adds, "The pump for the water was very slow" - a common complaint at backpacking sites.
Seasonal bugs: Insect activity varies dramatically by season. "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," recalls Steph H. about summer camping at Lake Maria, suggesting fall visits instead.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some parks offer child-friendly amenities despite being primitive. Daniel R. raves about A J Acres Campground, saying, "This has an amazing beach. Great Trails. Sweet single track for mountain biking. The best kids park at any campground I've been to."
Water activities: Beaches and water access points provide entertainment for children. Joe S. notes, "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."
Short hike options: For families new to tent camping near Mayer, start with shorter trails. "Backpack sites only. Love this park as it offers many backpacking sites with some being very short hikes in and some being longer hikes," explains Tori K. about Lake Maria, providing options for families with different hiking abilities.
Tips from RVers
Seasonal site availability: Most RV sites in the Mayer area are occupied by long-term guests. According to Nettie W. at A J Acres Campground, "Limited availability to sewer hookups, only about 5 true pull thrus, taken by seasonal. Navigating around trees was not so fun with our 5th wheel. We got the slideouts to fit in between the trees."
Spacing challenges: RV campsites tend to be closer together than tent sites. Joe S. observed, "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!"
Private ownership considerations: Some RV parks operate with different rental structures. At Mississippi Riverwood RV Park, Dan O. explains, "This hidden gem is a PRIVATE RV Park where each lot is individually owned and most owners live South in the winter. Individual owners can rent their lot with restrictions and those rentals are between the owner and the renter."
