Best Camping near Aitkin, MN

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Aitkin, MN is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Minnesota camping has to offer. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Aitkin. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Best Camping Sites Near Aitkin, MN (162)

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Showing results 1-10 of 162 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Aitkin

Recent Reviews in Aitkin

345 Reviews of 162 Aitkin Campgrounds


  • Amy G.The Dyrt ADMIN User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mille Lacs Kathio Petaga Campground — Mille Lacs Kathio State Park
    Dec. 17, 2024

    Mille Lacs Kathio Petaga Campground — Mille Lacs Kathio State Park

    Winter camping- very quiet with the electric hookups

    This is one campground in Minnesota that offers a handful of electric hookups for winter camping. The beauty of this campground, is that while the campsites available are in a row, there's plenty of space between sites and some of them are even pulled through. Making it easy for RVs to pull in and hook up.

    The vault toilet is not easy to find from where the electric openings are in the winter. While these spaces are right next door to a shower house with toilets, this is closed in the winter. The vault toilet is several rows over and down, making it hard to find if you don't already know where it is. But it was clean, and it was available.

    The campfire rings seemed clean, and each had a picnic table as well. We loved the pull-through site because then we were a little more protected from the road, although it's not busy this time of year at all. So it was very quiet except for our neighbors, and they didn't make much noise at all.

    There are trails nearby that are easily accessible on foot from the campground, and you can make loops that come back to the campground as well.

    There are two campgrounds at this park, but this is the one that has availability in the winter time. Ironically, they also have a couple of walk-in spots that are also open this time of year. If you're willing to brave the temps without an electric hookup. Not hard to find, not hard to access, but no electric hookups at these sites.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Moose Lake State Park Campground
    Oct. 7, 2024

    Moose Lake State Park Campground

    Beautiful & Quiet

    Very well laid out campground with large sites. Unbelievable AGATE MUSEUM at the main entrance. Men’s bathroom was very clean and showers worked great. Nice well groomed trails, well maintained campsites and campgrounds. Tall pines trail is beautiful, not real long. Nice picnic area on the trail across the blacktop road.

  • L
    Camper-submitted photo from Clint Converse Campground
    Sep. 14, 2024

    Clint Converse Campground

    Peaceful

    Was here every summer in the late eighties and early nineties as a kid with my family and it’s still as nice and peaceful as it was then. I’ll continue to keep coming back every summer

  • T
    Camper-submitted photo from Wilderness of MN Campground
    Sep. 5, 2024

    Wilderness of MN Campground

    Nice camping near Mille Lacs Lake

    The campground was nicely maintained. Had a nice pool and friendly seasonal campers. The management and reservation process was less than desirable. Very difficult to get ahold of management and upon arrival they had given our reserved site away to someone else and moved us. Paid for a water/ electric site and were moved to an electric only site and no cost difference or refund offered.

  • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Minnesota National RV Park
    Sep. 1, 2024

    Minnesota National RV Park

    Golf is the Thing Here

    As this was our second time here at Minnesota National, we had no problem finding the course or RV park. The RV navigation in our new Ford 450 was also spot on. When you turn in at the golf course, drive all the way to the club house/lodge parking lot and there’s a road to the right that takes you into the campground (CG). As you check-in online prior to arrival, you simply proceed to your camp site. As you turn down the short road to the CG, there’s a sign to help you identify your site location. We proceeded to back-in site 25 with full hook ups. The utilities are in the back of pad in this CG, so you may need 20+ feet of electric, sewer, or water cord/hose depending on your rig’s configuration. The sewer grade is a bit up hill. We got 3 bars LTE on Verizon and no CG WiFi. There is only a vault toilet/out house in the CG. We came here to golf for two weeks. The 18 hole course is quite challenging where the 9 hole Savannah is shorter and a little bit easier. The golf course restaurant has decent food and a good deal on draft beer during their Sunday to Thursday Happy Hours.There is not much more to do here except golf. McGregor is about 15 minutes away and is where we did laundry and got our groceries.

  • Denny K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Crosslake Campground
    Aug. 7, 2024

    Crosslake Campground

    Bad time

    We got to the site and we had low branches asked them to cut them. They said they were at there standards so we had hold it up. Them the site next to us had to have rock concrete us and 4 others called several times nothing

  • Lindsay T.
    Camper-submitted photo from Savanna Portage State Park Campground
    Aug. 5, 2024

    Savanna Portage State Park Campground

    Savanna Portage Long Weekend

    Lovely sites with plenty of trees so most sites are quite private. Mosquitoes are brutal here, especially on the hiking club trail and to a somewhat lesser degree in the campground. We were thankful to have a screen tent for this visit. No Verizon cell service at the campground. Surprisingly good cell service at the Loon Lake area of the park, which also has a beautiful short hike!

  • E
    Camper-submitted photo from Rum River State Forest Dispersed
    Jul. 28, 2024

    Rum River State Forest Dispersed

    Secluded, Quiet, Good Cell Coverage, Bugd

    There are many different sites (most just pull offs) in this area! I did see one that was pull through further down game refuge road. The cell service with Verizon is good enough to stream videos and work on your laptop with ease. There aren't too many people in the area, even on a Sunday in July. The bugs are not great but that's just what you're going to get in an area like this one. Overall I would definitely stay here again.

  • Tracy M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Schoolcraft State Park Campground
    Jul. 25, 2024

    Schoolcraft State Park Campground

    Hidden Gem

    I had the entire park to myself. Beautiful view of the Mississippi River, not far from the headwaters. Enjoyed the sounds of nature as I relaxed in site #6. I took advantage of the on-site fire wood via the Yodel Portal app. Amazed that I had the place to myself.

  • samuel C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hill River State Forest
    Jul. 18, 2024

    Hill River State Forest

    Okay

    There were a good amount of spots, and I seemed to be the only person. Was a good and secluded. I did hear some weird noises throughout the night, but all was well. It is your average dispersed site. I made it fine with 2wd, just take it slow.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sandy Lake
    Jul. 8, 2024

    Sandy Lake

    Small clean park with active host and rangers

    Base camp for fishing Big Sandy. Stayed here several times in a tent and a trailer. Nice sites but surrounded by swampy areas so mosquitoes are thick.

    Very clean, pay attention to north or south entrance. Have to drive on either end can’t cross the dam with a vehicle.

    But firewood before hand as well.

  • Emelia O.
    Camper-submitted photo from Banning State Park Campground
    Jun. 15, 2024

    Banning State Park Campground

    Average State Park

    Nice campground well maintained. The water and subsequently bathrooms were not available but this information was available ahead of time of the state park website. The vault toilets were in great shape

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Crow Wing State Park Campground
    Jun. 10, 2024

    Crow Wing State Park Campground

    Beautiful trails, easy to walk

    Nice trails along the Mississippi River, easy to walk, good signage on trails, and good information signs with history of each site along the trail.

    Very Clean men’s bathroom. One shower needs a new shower head.

    Sites 40 to 45 are very nice and secluded. Sites 58 and 59 are prime secluded sites.

  • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Snake River Campground
    Jun. 7, 2024

    Snake River Campground

    I think this place is great

    Friday afternoon 5:00 finished out my work day here. I've had great wireless I'm getting 5G Verizon believe it or not. We're the only ones here it is pretty rustic coming in so if your camper is very sensitive you need to take your time. But the river is going past it's lazy it's quiet I hope it stays quiet all nice and it's $20. Hi Summer might be hot most of the park spots are in the sun but if you had a tent you can find a shady spot down by the river. Their are mosquitoes this year and I don't think the four wheeler trails are highly used I was hoping there would be hiking trails we'll probably just stay one night because the limited walking and I won't go in the high grass with the ticks in the mosquitoes. But it's beautiful I'll upload some pictures in a video.

  • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Father Hennepin State Park Campground
    Jun. 2, 2024

    Father Hennepin State Park Campground

    This place is great

    Smaller campsite with less spaces but right on the waters edge which provides a breeze and keeps the bugs down. Wet spring so Kathoy was terrible but works here. Trails, town which has a grocery store, place to wash cloths and a place to trade out the books I've ready for a new set. Good connectivity so easy to work from with decent bathrooms.

  • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mille Lacs Kathio Petaga Campground — Mille Lacs Kathio State Park
    Jun. 2, 2024

    Mille Lacs Kathio Petaga Campground — Mille Lacs Kathio State Park

    Nice enough spots but not my kind of park.

    I came in the spring it was a wet spring there were a lot of bugs. 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. The bathrooms are nice the camp spots were nice they had good signage for the archaeological stuff. It was just very hard to enjoy it because it was so overwhelmingly buggy.

  • Emelia O.
    Camper-submitted photo from Crow Wing State Park Campground
    Jun. 1, 2024

    Crow Wing State Park Campground

    Semi Secluded Site

    The campsite was pretty wooded on most sides. I visited in the late spring so there were quite a few mosquitos since the campground is near the river. Bathrooms/showers were cleanish, water was mid from the outdoor taps but not horrible

  • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Crow Wing State Park Campground
    May. 28, 2024

    Crow Wing State Park Campground

    What you expect in the state park

    This is a more rustic State Park. There's lots of history here most of it is just a plaque not actually something to see. The river was really high and there was a fair amount of mosquitoes outside but a lot of trails and a lot of signs and a lot of history in the park.

  • R
    Camper-submitted photo from Father Hennepin State Park Campground
    May. 27, 2024

    Father Hennepin State Park Campground

    Nice weekend spot

    Hiking was great, we saw an albino deer on the hiking club trail! Site was a bit tight for our travel trailer and a tight fit to back up on the pad. Recent rain had the campsites pretty muddy but the paved spaces were well maintained.

  • Renee H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Crow Wing State Park Campground
    May. 23, 2024

    Crow Wing State Park Campground

    Wooded with abundant hiking and biking nearby

    Nice wooded campground. Gravel sites, fairly level. Water fill and firewood available at the registration building. The water was high in iron. Canoe and kayak rentals available. Lots of trails for hiking and biking. Bring bug spray in the summer!
    Historical sites along hiking path. Bathrooms and showers were decent. Dump station on site.

  • Stacy M.
    Camper-submitted photo from True North Basecamp
    Mar. 8, 2024

    True North Basecamp

    Great spot

    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. We did hike up to the top of the camp area and were glad we stayed in the cabins. The shower/bathroom house was nice. Overall, we would stay here again.

  • Jake C.The Dyrt ADMIN User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunset Pines MN
    Mar. 1, 2024

    Sunset Pines MN

    New to the Dyrt

    Jake from the Dyrt here! We're excited to have this campground on the Dyrt and ready for you to book, check them out and make sure to leave a review!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Rum River State Forest
    Jan. 26, 2024

    Rum River State Forest

    Great place to camp!

    Most of these spots are cutoffs on the sides of the dirt road. They are deep and have plenty of room, though. Almost all of them I could see have firepits. The spot I stayed in was the most secluded I could find. It was through a ditch and up a small hill and set back in the woods. There is a firepit up there as well. I spent 3 days here with only one car passing through on the first night. After that, nothing! You wouldn't have a problem finding a place if your pulling a trailer.



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 camping is available near Aitkin, MN?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Aitkin, MN offers a wide range of camping options, with 162 campgrounds and RV parks near Aitkin, MN and 8 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Aitkin, MN?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Aitkin, MN is True North Basecamp with a 4.7-star rating from 9 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Aitkin, MN?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 free dispersed camping spots near Aitkin, MN.

  • What parks are near Aitkin, MN?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Aitkin, MN that allow camping, notably Mississippi River Headwaters - Cross Lake and Mississippi River Headwaters - Sandy Lake.