Ruttger's Pine Mountain Camping Resort can be found on the south side of the city of Backus, Minnesota. The establishment, as well as the town it is located in, has been around for an extensive period of time and has been owned by a number of people. A large portion of the city, Backus, is taken up by Pine Mountain Lake, which is where the camping resort has gotten its name. The town itself is not very big, consisting of only around 300 permanent residents. In the past, Backus was known for the vast amount of lumber work that was done in the surrounding forests and fields.
Ruttger's Pine Mountain Camping Resort has a grand total of 46 sites available for rent to the public. Of these, there are thirty campsites, ten cabins, and six cottages. The cottages have a full kitchen that is stocked with essential kitchen needs, such as utensils, a microwave, a coffee maker, and a toaster. While the cottages don't have running water or any personal bathrooms, guests can find those a short distance away by means of a restroom/shower building.
Each cabin comes with two bunk beds and a few different small appliances, including a small microwave, refrigerator, coffee pot, charcoal grill, and a fire pit on the outside. Pets are allowed in the cabins and cottages, but guests will need to pay a 25 dollar fee in order to allow them. The campgrounds are built a little bit more specifically for those with motorhomes and fifth wheels that can hook up to water and sewer stations. Every campsite comes with a minimum of 30 AMP electrical stations, while a select few come with 50 AMP hook-ups.
There is no official store on the property, though the establishment still offers a variety of items that guests can purchase if they would like. Several of the things available for guests to buy include pop, ice cream, bags of ice, firewood, and more. The campground offers many different amenities for families and visitors to enjoy while they stay on the property. Some of the more significant features at Ruttger's Pine Mountain Camping Resort include a swimming pool, a basketball court, and horseshoe pits. The property also allows guests to take kayaks onto the lake free of charge, and, for guests looking for a more extensive water vehicle, they offer pontoons for rent.
Outside of the property, there is also a variety of places to see and activities that guests have the ability to enjoy. Several of these that are listed on their website include Nisswa and Longville turtle races, go-karts, antique shops, multiple golf courses, the Pine River Community Library, and a number of restaurants that can fit every type of budget.
The owner of Ruttger's Mountain Camping Resort says that the goal of their establishment is to create a family-friendly environment, one that can fit various types of families. Depending on how guests wish to camp, the campground has multiple options to meet a broader range of camping preferences. If visitors want a rustic campground experience, it is likely that they can find something of that nature.
At Ruttger's Pine Mountain Camping Resort, activities can be found both on and off of the property. With such close and easy access to the lake, visitors can spend their time paddle boating, kayaking, swimming, or fishing. On the land are found attractions such as a playground area for kids, as well as a heated pool for families to play in. The camping resort also has a game room, a volleyball court, and various hiking trails.
Many guests have commented that Ruttger's Pine Mountain Camping Resort has achieved the goal that they have continually set out to complete: to create a family-centered atmosphere. Visitors often leave positive reviews, commenting on the resort's cleanliness and the personable owners. One reviewer writes, "Great atmosphere, nestled back in the woods, with easy access to the marina and amenities. Everything was very clean and presented well. Bill and Candy are great hosts; very friendly and responsive." The town of Backus has a comparable atmosphere and culture to Ruttger's Pine. Due to the fact that it isn't comparatively large or populated, it tends to be quieter and easier for guests to relax.
The current owners of Ruttger's Pine Mountain Camping Resort—whose names are William and Candy Ruttger—have been in ownership for 21 years, claiming it in the year 2000. Ruttger's Pine Mountain Camping Resort was first established in 1898 by a couple named Joseph and Josephine Ruttger. Ever since that time, the camping resort has been passed down from generation to generation, all the way to the current owners of the resort. William and Candy Ruttger are the fourth-generation family owners of the campgrounds and continue to enjoy running Ruttger's Pine Mountain Camping Resort.
William Ruttger has put in many years of work to get the campground to where it is today. The couple runs the campsite themselves, maintaining the buildings and the grounds. Though they are busy with running all of the different functions that a campground requires, they say making their guests feel welcome and at ease at their campsite is their number one priority.
5068 Minnesota 87 SW
Backus, Minnesota 56435
United States
Campground
Bill & Candi Ruttger