Dispersed camping options near St. Michael, Minnesota range from wooded sites in sand dune terrain to prairie landscapes along the Crow River. This region sits at approximately 950 feet elevation with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping season. Most campgrounds operate from April through October, though some offer year-round access with winter facilities.
What to do
Wildlife watching at Lake Maria State Park: Campers can explore 14 miles of hiking trails with regular wildlife sightings. "We saw pileated woodpeckers, red squirrels, and a chorus of chorus frogs. Nature feels close here — in the best way," notes one visitor at Lake Maria State Park Campground.
Mountain biking at Lake Rebecca: The park features 13.25 miles of single-track trails with options for various skill levels. A visitor shares, "Sweet single track for mountain biking. The best kids park at any campground I've been to," making Lake Rebecca Park Reserve a versatile option for active families.
Water activities at Baker Park: The park provides swimming beaches, boat rentals, and fishing docks. "There are nice paved trails around a couple of lakes/ponds for biking, and easy access to the shower and bathroom facilities (which were very nice)," explains a camper who enjoyed the convenient layout.
What campers like
Private tent sites: Backpacking sites at Lake Maria offer secluded camping experiences. "Site B6 at Lake Maria State Park feels like a secret woodland sanctuary — set up on a slight rise, tucked beneath a cathedral of towering oaks and maples," writes one reviewer who appreciated the privacy.
Accessible amenities: Many campgrounds feature well-maintained facilities. "The bathrooms were nice and clean. The only down fall was there was no trash cans in the campground only with you were leaving the campground," notes a visitor at Bunker Hills Regional Park.
Camping without reservations: Some locations offer first-come, first-served options. "This campground is on a first come, first serve basis. I highly recommend the walk-in-sites for the most private tent camping experience," suggests a camper at Ann Lake.
What you should know
Bug activity varies by location: Wooded areas typically have more insects than open areas. "The fun thing about this state park is that all the sites are hike in. No drive up camping... 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," cautions a Lake Maria visitor.
Trail conditions and accessibility: Trail difficulty varies significantly between parks. "It has a couple camper cabins as well. But everyone is spread out along a few trails so it's a little quieter than your typical campground," explains a camper about Lake Maria's layout.
Weather preparedness: The region experiences significant seasonal changes. At South of Sand Dunes State Forest, a visitor advises, "Bug up at first signs of dusk—mosquitoes and ticks love these woods."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature child-friendly facilities. "With great fishing, playground, swimming, and biking trails very nearby, the kids were kept as busy as they wanted to be," shares a parent who camped at Baker Park Reserve.
Shorter hiking options: For families with young children, certain trails provide easier access. "The walk from the car isn't far, but the sites are off the road and in the pines," notes a camper at Ann Lake, making it suitable for families with varying hiking abilities.
Swimming beaches: Multiple dog friendly campgrounds near St. Michael offer swimming areas. "This has an amazing beach. Great Trails. The best kids park at any campground I've been to," reports a visitor to Lake Rebecca Park Reserve.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Many campgrounds have varied site types. "Sites are large with varying degrees of privacy. Well spaced out, just some have less undergrowth," explains an RVer at Ann Lake, highlighting the importance of choosing sites based on specific needs.
Hookup availability: Bertram Chain of Lakes offers full-service options. "I ended up paying a fair amount of money for a full hookup site. The bathrooms were extremely modern and clean," shares a visitor at Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park Campground.
Road conditions for larger vehicles: Access roads can present challenges for bigger rigs. "30' class C motor home. Some overhanging branches on the road in scrape the top and sides. Campsites are nice, mowed, gravel parking," notes an RVer at Ann Lake, providing useful information for those with larger vehicles.
