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Best Campgrounds near Aitkin, MN

359 Reviews

The Aitkin area offers an array of campgrounds and outdoor accommodations among Minnesota's lakes and forests. True North Basecamp and Red Rider Resort provide cabin options alongside traditional tent and RV camping, while Father Hennepin State Park offers waterfront sites on Lake Mille Lacs approximately 30 miles south of Aitkin. The Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area, located about 20 miles west of Aitkin, features yurt glamping options in addition to standard camping. Aitkin County Campground provides convenient access within city limits for those wanting proximity to town services.

Many campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, typically from May through mid-October, making advance reservations essential during summer months. The area experiences significant seasonal changes, with mosquitoes particularly prevalent during summer evenings near lakes and forested areas. Water access represents a major draw for campers, with numerous sites situated on or near lakes including Mille Lacs, Pine Mountain, and Serpent Lake. Facilities range from primitive sites with minimal amenities to developed campgrounds offering electric hookups, showers, and dump stations. As one camper noted about Father Hennepin State Park, "Smaller sites and a little privacy in the lake campground. The ones next to the waters edge have a nice view and are more completely in the shade."

Recreational opportunities near Aitkin campgrounds include fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and water activities. The Cuyuna mountain bike trail system attracts visitors specifically for cycling adventures, while the Mississippi River offers paddling opportunities. Campers frequently mention the quality of fishing in area lakes as a highlight. Several campgrounds provide boat access, with some offering rentals during peak season. Public campgrounds tend to fill quickly on summer weekends, particularly those with electric hookups and water views. Sites in the Crosby-Deerwood area provide easy access to the Cuyuna trail system, with Crosby Memorial City Park offering "easy trail access to the Cuyuna MTB trails and paved bike paths. Right on Serpent Lake for boating and swimming access."

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Best Camping Sites Near Aitkin, Minnesota (165)

    1. True North Basecamp

    9 Reviews
    Crosby, MN
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 833-2267

    "The cabins are my favorite because of the lake views, proximity to the bathhouse, and heat/AC units. Cabin #5 has the best unobstructed views of the lake. Cabins have WiFi."

    "A great little campground right near the town (easy to bike in for coffee or beer) but it feels like you're deep in the northwoods! Some sites are better than others in terms of privacy."

    2. Red Rider Resort

    7 Reviews
    Crosby, MN
    11 miles
    Website

    "Stayed at RV site 4 which is bordered by trees on one side which was nice for privacy."

    "Easy access to both single track and to paved cycling path. Sites are close but still felt private, especially when leaves fill in. Nice shower house, and a sauna we didn’t use."

    3. Cuyuna Range Campground

    7 Reviews
    Cuyuna, MN
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 228-2991

    $57 - $65 / night

    "And, this campground is close to the fun downtown in Crosby and the great bike trails and parks there. The Ironwood spot I was in is also especially private, so highly recommend it!"

    "It’s clean, well-maintained, and close to town for groceries and restaurants. Would stay here again."

    4. Aitkin County Campground

    3 Reviews
    Aitkin, MN
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (218) 927-7364

    "Central located water spigot for drinking also a dump station with water. Now the bad if the wind is blowing wrong you smell the waste water treatment plant next door."

    5. Camp Holiday Resort and Campground

    6 Reviews
    Bay Lake, MN
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 678-2495

    $30 - $66 / night

    "Right on the lake with private dock. Sites a close by. Most have water and electric. Full hookups are very limited. Only 4 site near the back. Off of a quiet road. No traffic noise."

    "We had site 4, lake side access. The site was amazing, with a dock to the lake. Has a picnic table with a lean to shelter, and a fire ring."

    6. Cuyuna Country State Rec Area

    4 Reviews
    Crosby, MN
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 546-5926

    "The mountain biking trails were in great shape and were great for all skill levels. The lake was super clear and the small beach was wonderful."

    "The old mine pits around and in the park are pristine and literally crystal clear! You can see hundreds of feet down through crystal clear water making it an amazing place to canoe and kayak."

    7. Crosby Memorial City Park

    3 Reviews
    Crosby, MN
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 546-5021

    "Easy trail access to the Cuyuna MTB trails and paved bike paths. Right on Serpent Lake for boating and swimming access."

    "On park, next to playground and beach. Walking distance to restaurants and bars, And easily bike to the Cuyuna Mountain Bike Trails.

    Cons. Road noise and low privacy."

    8. Cuyuna City Campground

    1 Review
    Cuyuna, MN
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 546-5883

    $30 - $45 / night

    "Trail connector with easy access to Bobsled is right there and you can ride to Cruser's Kettle. Highly recommend."

    9. Bergland County Park

    2 Reviews
    Palisade, MN
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 927-7364

    $20 / night

    "It provides easy access to recreational activities such as fishing and boating on the Mississippi River, and hiking, cycling or riding ATV’s on the nearby the Soo-Line Trail which stretches from Moose"

    "Near town. On the Mississippi River. Self service with self registration."

    10. Father Hennepin State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Isle, MN
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (320) 676-8763

    "Right on Lake Mille Lacs, one of Minnesota’s largest. Walking distance from the bakery and bar! Newer, updated facilities. Boat access. Lake side sites (if you book early enough)."

    "Smaller sites and a little privacy in the lake campground. The ones next to the waters edge have a nice view and are more completely in the shade. The inner sites have more sun."

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Recent Camping Photos near Aitkin, MN

103 Photos of 165 Aitkin Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Aitkin, MN

359 Reviews of 165 Aitkin Campgrounds

  • James R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Greer Lake

    Great rustic camp ground

    This my second time here and I love it. It’s on a lake on state forest trail and 2 toilets and water pumps.

  • Heather T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Sandy Lake

    Nice place to stay

    This campground has 2 parts, the north section and the south section. The south is on a peninsula with just a few campsites. The north is the bigger part of the campground. The sites in the north are large and very well kept, each with a picnic table, fire ring and level sights. Two campground hosts who are very friendly and accommodating. Just a few vault toilets. If there's anywhere to improve, it is the number of toilets in the bigger campground. The south campground has the shower house and laundry, along with flush toilets. All in all, a very nice place to stay.

  • Laura P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 29, 2025

    Boulder Woods RV Park

    Mature trees and park like setting

    Boulder Woods is mostly seasonal camping but does have RV sites for overnight and weekly camping. The park is well maintained with power and water at all sites. There is a view of Ann Lake, however, the RV park is not on the banks of the lake and does not have access to the lake.

  • Jessica P.
    Jul. 18, 2025

    Hay Lake

    Solitude and Service

    We arrived on a Thursday with only one other group here, today is Friday and at 2:30pm, we are now the only ones here. The pit toilets are clean and well stocked, the day use area is beautiful!!! Access to moor your boat at a few sites, though it is down the hill from your actual campsite, which is no problem as they have stairs/paths down to them. This beautiful park seems to be very underutilized as it is July, going into a weekend, and all we hear are the birds and critters!!! PERFECT

  • Joni Z.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 17, 2025

    Mabel Lake State Dispersed

    Beautiful on the lake

    What a gem! I was able to back to the water to have a gorgeous view from bed! It was so quiet last night, although the beaked neighbors get pretty chatty early.

    There is a large puddle and so many mosquitos.

    Is say there's comfortly room for eight campers or a small group.

    My signal rating may be higher than normal as it's on an Intsy Connect antenna. My phone is getting 1 bar ATT.

  • Joni Z.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 16, 2025

    Mabel Lake State Dispersed

    Large clearing in the woods

    This is a free dispersed camping site in the state forest with lake access. Large enough for multiple campers or a small group. There are four rings and a picnic table as well as a sandy boat launch.

    ATT is usable enough that I probably won't try Starlink, but there may be enough clear sky.

    The road in is good, but gets narrow after you turn off for the spot.

  • Katherine T.
    Jul. 3, 2025

    Willow River

    Wooded with i35 Access

    This was a nice spot to camp overnight before an event in the area. There were mosquitoes a plenty due to the lake. Good spacing between sites and wooded enough to almost forget how close you are to i35. There is some traffic noise though as a city dweller I slept right through it. Pit toilets were clean.

  • Kylie M.
    Jun. 25, 2025

    Camp Holiday Resort and Campground

    Wonderful Family Campground

    We tent camped and appreciated the clean facilities, activities for kids to do, and close to great fishing lakes (Bay Lake & Borden Lake).

  • Emily S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 16, 2025

    Floodwood Campground

    Stunningly clean

    This campsite really surprised me and exceeded my expectations. I simply was looking for a campground with a shower, and this definitely delivered that and so much more. Every single campsite has potable water and electric hook up, which I don’t need since I don’t have a camper, but it does come in handy. I was able to charge my E bike battery. Something I would not have been able to do Without it. The town is very small and has a few amenities. But this campsite is delightful. Campos is readily available to assist you and also sells firewood at a very fair price. There is a beautiful aluminum dock for campsite/public use. You are allowed to fish here and if you catch fish, there is a fish cleaning station that is Crisp and clean.

Guide to Aitkin

Camping near Aitkin, Minnesota, offers a great mix of nature, fun activities, and cozy campgrounds. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Biking: Explore the beautiful trails in the area. One camper mentioned, "Great trails. We will try site 34 next time, nice location," while another said, "Nice trails along the Mississippi River, easy to walk." You can find trails that cater to all skill levels.
  • Fishing: The lakes around Aitkin are perfect for fishing. A visitor at Leech Lake Recreation Area & Campground noted, "Good fishing lake," making it a great spot for anglers.
  • Canoeing and Kayaking: Many campgrounds, like Crow Wing State Park Campground, offer canoe and kayak rentals. One reviewer shared, "Canoe and kayak rentals available. Lots of trails for hiking and biking."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Gull Lake Recreation Area said, "The bathrooms and vault toilets are the cleanest I’ve ever seen!"
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds provide roomy sites. One camper at Crow Wing Lake Campground remarked, "What a beautiful, peaceful sight in the woods next to the lake."
  • Nature and Wildlife: Campers enjoy the natural beauty and wildlife. A reviewer at Savanna Portage State Park Campground mentioned, "I have hiked several of the trails and always see lots of wildlife."

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in the summer. A camper at Mille Lacs Kathio State Park warned, "The trails are probably not maintained because it was so wet but they were almost impossible to hike on simply because of the amount of mosquitoes."
  • Water Access: Some campgrounds do not have water hookups. A visitor at Charles A. Lindbergh State Park Campground noted, "There are no water hookups at the sites so be sure to fill up when you arrive."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have stores or markets nearby. A camper at Banning State Park Campground mentioned, "NO market," so plan ahead for supplies.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities. A reviewer at Crow Wing Lake Campground said, "Fun for the whole family. Amenities include: playground, pool, lake, dog park, and store."
  • Pack Bug Spray: With the presence of mosquitoes, it's essential to bring bug spray. A camper at Savanna Portage State Park Campground advised, "Mosquitoes are brutal here."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep kids entertained. A visitor at Father Hennepin State Park Campground shared, "Hiking was great, we saw an albino deer on the hiking club trail!"

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Crow Wing State Park Campground mentioned, "Some sites (12e) are hard to back a trailer into because the main road is VERY NARROW."
  • Bring Drinking Water: Some campgrounds have rusty water. A visitor at Banning State Park Campground warned, "The water is VERY RUSTY! We even ran the water through a filter and still couldn’t get it cleared up."
  • Look for Electric Hookups: Many campgrounds offer electric hookups, which can be a lifesaver. A camper at Leech Lake Recreation Area & Campground noted, "Clean bathrooms, hot showers, manicured grass - this place has it all."

Camping near Aitkin, Minnesota, is a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors, but being prepared will make your experience even better!

Frequently Asked Questions

What campgrounds are available in Aitkin, MN?

The Aitkin area offers several excellent camping options. Savanna Portage State Park Campground is situated near four lakes with great fishing, hiking, and biking opportunities, plus a beach at Loon Lake perfect for families. Aitkin County Campground provides drive-in sites with water and toilet facilities. Within a short drive, you'll also find camping at Mille Lacs Lake and in the Rum River State Forest. These campgrounds offer various amenities from basic rustic sites to full-service facilities, making Aitkin a versatile destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

What camping sites are currently available near Aitkin?

Several camping options are available near Aitkin. Father Hennepin State Park Campground offers sites right on Lake Mille Lacs with newer facilities and boat access. The lakeside sites provide shade and nice views but book up quickly. Crosby Memorial City Park provides easy access to Cuyuna MTB trails and Serpent Lake with water/electric hookups and shower facilities. For a more rustic experience, Rum River State Forest offers dispersed camping options. Availability varies by season, with most campgrounds accepting reservations through the Minnesota DNR reservation system or their own websites.

Are there RV rental options available in Aitkin, Minnesota?

While Aitkin itself has limited RV rental services, the area offers excellent RV camping options. Minnesota National RV Park is a newer facility built alongside a golf course with gravel pads and full 50-amp water and sewer hookups. South Isle Family Campground is another great option with an in-ground heated pool, quality showers, and shade trees, located near Mille Lacs Lake. For RV rentals, you may need to check with dealers in nearby larger towns or consider online RV sharing platforms that connect RV owners with renters.

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