Best Campgrounds near Aitkin, MN

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."

Best Camping Sites Near Aitkin, Minnesota (168)

    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 Reviews near Aitkin, MN

366 Reviews of 168 Aitkin Campgrounds


  • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Barnum City Park

    This entire section of the dirt needs to be cleaned up

    There's a sign that says no camping, and there are no rv spots. Or camp spots at this park. Some things in this area are listed twice the g. PS takes you to the wrong place. And something like the city park doesn't allow camping.

  • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Carlton County Bear Lake Campground

    Very small park on freeway

    I believe I only saw 3 full R. V electric spots. It is literally right beside the freeway. I would not personally feel comfortable camping here as a female traveler alone. I also think this is listed twice and I will try to correct that.

  • Lindsey R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Crow Wing State Park Campground

    Beautiful park with so many things to do!

    Set on the Upper Missisippi this was well worth the 8 Mile detour off the main east/west route through MN. History, hiking, biking, fishing and boating here. We grabbed a site just above the river. So peaceful and quiet. The few campers here on a late September day were mostly at the electric site area. There is an old town site with informational plaques along the way that depict what life was like here in the 1890s. Excellent map signage on the hiking trails too. Clean and tidy vault toilets. There is access to the extended bike path from this state park as well.

  • Christine H.
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Dago Lake

    God's Country

    Free dispersed camping off Dago Lake Road between Willow River & Sturgeon Lake. Quiet aside from the occasional car. Pitch black at night.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Ronald Cloutier - Cross Lake

    Crosslake MN COE campground

    This is a spacious campground with 123 sites, most with electricity, all wooded. The Lake is actually part of a string of lakes friendly to high speed motor boats as well as canoeing/kayaking. Like all other COE campgrounds, it honors campground passes, cutting the fees by half. A COE ranger patrols regularly. It of definitely dog friendly without breed or size restrictions. It is just north of Brainard, MN so civilization is nearby but the turn of Crosslake has All the amenities of city life. As with many other campgrounds, it's not busy Sunday-Thursday but gets much busier on weekend days. I would highly recommend this campground.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Rum River State Forest

    Free parking in solitude.

    No potable water, grey dump, nor trash cans, but it's rugged wilderness along a gravel road with plenty of space to park.

  • Christine H.
    Sep. 11, 2025

    North Country Campground

    Expensive but nice

    Owners are very nice, greet you upon arrival, very helpful. Bathroom/shower is very nice. Trampoline & playground on site. Close to the highway so a lot of traffic noise until about midnight. People fly down the road even though the speed limit is 20mph. 3 minutes from Willow River, 45 minutes to Cloquet & Pine City.

  • 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.


Guide to Aitkin

Camping spots near Aitkin, Minnesota offer varied terrain around former mining sites, creating unique lake access and recreational experiences. The Cuyuna region features clear, deep mine pit lakes with depths reaching over 300 feet in some locations. Temperatures can range from 70s during summer days to 40s at night, requiring layered clothing even in peak season.

What to do

Mountain biking at True North Basecamp: Connect directly to Cuyuna's extensive trail system with varied difficulty levels. "Great rustic campground with trail access to Cuyuna MTB trails. Offers hot showers. No water/electric hookups. A couple sites allow for smaller RVs and pop-ups but mainly tent sites," notes Kim H. from True North Basecamp.

Kayaking and paddleboarding: Explore crystal clear mine pit lakes with striking visibility. "I've stayed in both the cabins and the camping area... There are no electric or sewer hookups, but there are a couple of tent sites than can accommodate small campers... Great stargazing at both the cabins and the tent sites," shares Makayla B.

Fishing with trout stamp: The former mining pits require specific permits for fishing. "Myself and some friends spent the weekend here in July. Beautiful views of the lake (mine pit) and swimming off of the private dock. If you want to fish here you must have a trout stamp," explains Rene N. from Red Rider Resort.

Off-season exploration: Some campgrounds operate year-round or open earlier than others. "Camp Sites were open early (March), if not year round. Other campgrounds don't open until mid-April. Easy access to both single track and to paved cycling path," reports Matthew H.

What campers like

Spacious, private sites: Newer campgrounds offer more separation between campers. "All sites are large and private. Our family enjoyed being close to everything we needed to make our vacation and outdoor adventures perfect," explains Noelle M. from Cuyuna Range Campground.

Clean facilities with extras: Comfort amenities enhance the camping experience. "The shower house with toilets are clean. Pump track is great to warm up on. Trail connector with easy access to Bobsled is right there and you can ride to Cruser's Kettle," shares Kellen W. from Cuyuna City Campground.

Lake and beach access: Many sites provide water recreation opportunities. "The campground we stayed in was the Lakeview. Right next to the lake, the sunset is amazing if the weather is good. There is even a paved trail next to the lake that leads to a floating dock and beyond," Amy G. explains about Father Hennepin State Park.

Proximity to towns: Convenient access to local services while maintaining a nature experience. "True North Basecamp is great for those wanting to 'camp lite'. You're enjoying the outdoors & camping in a tent but there's a bathroom (outhouse style) & fresh cold water near by. Town is close enough you can even skip the cooking if you choose. Heck, the BBQ joint in town (excellent, btw) even delivers to the campground!"

What you should know

Seasonal water and bathroom facilities: Infrastructure changes with seasons. "There are 2 shower houses, 2 flush toilet buildings, vault toilets scattered around and water (in season, when it's turned on)," notes Amy G. about Father Hennepin State Park Campground.

Reservation requirements: State parks have specific booking policies. "In Minnesota, reservations are required. We've found that if you make them in advance, and then decide to cancel the day of the reservation, there are cancellation fees and first night fees. If, however, you decide to take your chances and book it the 'day of', there are no online reservation fees."

Water considerations: Lake water clarity varies significantly across the region. "The lake was super clear and the small beach was wonderful. The fishing was productive for small mouth bass and rock bass, but snorkelers told of huge pike in the nearby drop off. The fish meat was speckled in parasites."

Site terrain and leveling: Some sites require additional equipment. "I camped in site #18 and it either isn't very level or I just did a poor job of setting up my tent because we were slanted all night."

Tips for camping with families

Beach and playground access: Choose family-oriented campgrounds with multiple activities. "Nice campground for a family experience. Camping with two toddlers can be a lot, it helps when there are two nice playgrounds here, a slide, water trampoline, nice beach, and nice, clean bathrooms," explains lexie from Camp Holiday Resort and Campground.

Cabin options for mixed comfort levels: Some family members might prefer solid structures. "We stayed in a cabin for a week of biking. Excellent location with all the trails. It has a great swimming area, though it did get deep fast for little kids. We brought our paddleboard and had a great time on the quiet lake."

Group sites for family gatherings: Some campgrounds offer specialized areas for larger parties. "True North Basecamp is a more recent development in the Cuyuna area. Since I've only stayed at the Group campsite I shall reflect on that. We had many people and cars and usually parking would be a nightmare but we all fit, bike racks and all!"

Tips from RVers

Site width considerations: Campgrounds vary in how much space they provide. "This new campground has everything you need and nothing you don't. Nice layout with ample trees between every site, and each pad is super wide. We parked two vehicles and our Airstream and still had plenty of space for relaxing," shares Janae L. about Crosby Memorial City Park.

Limited full-hookup options: Know which utilities are available. "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."

Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds have on-site services. "The park office is in town and also hard to find. They are also not open very much. There is no wood for sale, no dump station and the water has a funky taste. You will need to go to the memorial park in town to fill/dump your rv and the Holiday Station for firewood."

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.