Backpack Campsites

Star4.51
83 reviews
11411 Clementa Ave NW, Monticello, MN 55362
Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietSummer Destination

Quick Facts

Price

$8 - $10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

No Pets

Opens Minnesota State Parks (Minnesota DNR) site

Official Website

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026
Backpack Campsites
$8.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
A non-refundable reservation fee is charged for each advance reservation ($10 by call center, $8 online). Campground/campsite nightly fees apply but...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Minnesota State Parks
Provider
888-646-6367, 651-296-6157
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What Campers Say

4.51

Top-Rated

Based on 83 reviews

896 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietspaciouslake

Some mention

mosquitoessmall

"Visitor sentiment is strongly positive: reviewers praise the park's quiet, well-maintained trails, private and scenic hike-in campsites, and good wildlife viewing. Common negatives noted are seasonal mosquitoes/biting flies and occasional limited supplies at latrines."

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Campground Map

11411 Clementa Ave NW, Monticello, MN 55362
No map location available
Nearby places
Monticello (~5 miles, per visitor reports)

Best Time to Camp at Backpack Campsites

Summer brings the best hiking weather and long daylight hours for exploration, though you'll want to pack bug spray for the mosquitoes and flies that share your love of the season. When winter blankets the park in snow, the trails transform into serene cross-country ski routes with far fewer visitors—a magical time for those seeking true solitude. Opening and closing dates shift with Minnesota's unpredictable weather, so check ParkFinder before you pack to ensure your chosen dates align with current conditions.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer suits lakeside backpacking, wildlife, and family trips.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Trails, wildlife viewing and solitude make fall attractive (foliage implied).

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Good for birdwatching and trails, but spring conditions (mud, bugs) are possible.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

No winter access or activities noted; Minnesota winters likely limit use.

Planning Tips

    About Backpack Campsites

    Escape into true wilderness at Lake Maria's hidden backpack campsites, where a short hike rewards you with your own private slice of Minnesota's backcountry. These rustic, hike-in sites are thoughtfully scattered around tranquil lakes and ponds, giving you the space and solitude to truly disconnect and immerse yourself in nature.
    Hike-in backpack campsites — remote, spread-out tent sites located around small lakes and ponds in the park. Sites are primitive with no utility hookups.
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    Amenities available

    Fire rings
    Picnic tables
    Vault toilets

    Activities you can enjoy

    The backpack sites provide access to the park's hiking and multi-use trail network and are used for overnight backpacking and wildlife viewing year-round; trails are also used for cross-country skiing in winter. Nearby lakes and ponds provide additional outdoor opportunities reported by visitors.
    HikingBackpack sites are accessed via short hikes (roughly 0.5–2 miles according to visitor reports) on the park's trail network; some trails are shared with horses and some routes are used for cross-country skiing in winter.
    Wildlife viewing
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    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes and biting flies can be significant in warmer months; shared trails may have horse droppings. Follow park rules: use local/approved firewood, light fires only in rings, extinguish fires, and pack out trash. Latrines may not be stocked with toilet paper—bring your own.
    No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

    Weather at Backpack Campsites

    Reviews

    4.5
    83 reviews
    Top-Rated
    Top-Rated
    Backpack Campsites is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Visitor sentiment is strongly positive: reviewers praise the park's quiet, well-maintained trails, private and scenic hike-in campsites, and good wildlife viewing. Common negatives noted are seasonal mosquitoes/biting flies and occasional limited supplies at latrines.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 83 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Very private, spread-out backpack sites with lake views; well-marked and varied trail system; good for families, birdwatching, and winter cross-country skiing; spacious tent pads and natural, quiet...
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    Based on 83 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Bring bug spray and toilet paper; expect short hikes to sites (about 0.5–2 miles); site B2 is frequently recommended for its peninsula location and views; citronella or other insect deterrents help...
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    Based on 83 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    “The hike in camp sites near the lake looked perfect for a more remote camping experience.” — reviewer; “The campsites are remote, being all backpack campsites, and some are on the water…” — reviewer
    Based on 83 reviews

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    Last updated February 17, 2026
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