Best Campgrounds near Baxter, MN

Camping near Baxter, Minnesota centers around the Mississippi River and surrounding lakes, with options ranging from state park campgrounds to specialized water-access sites. Crow Wing State Park Campground provides both tent and RV sites with varying levels of privacy, while the Baxter Canoe Camp offers primitive tent camping exclusively accessible by watercraft on the Mississippi River Water Trail. Overlook Park Canoe Campsite, maintained by the city of Baxter, serves as an official stop on the DNR's state water trail with designated tent sites right on the river. The area also includes Gull Lake Recreation Area, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which consistently receives high ratings from visitors for its clean facilities and waterfront access.

Most campgrounds in the Baxter area operate seasonally from April through October, with specific opening and closing dates varying by location. Summer brings warm temperatures ideal for water recreation but also significant mosquito activity, particularly in wooded areas. According to one camper at Crow Wing State Park, visitors should "expect hellish mosquitoes and pack accordingly" when camping in summer months. Winter camping options are limited, though some sites at nearby Mille Lacs Kathio State Park offer electric hookups for cold-weather camping. Fire restrictions follow Minnesota state regulations, with only approved local firewood permitted in state parks to prevent the spread of invasive species.

The camping experiences around Baxter vary significantly based on location and access type. RV campers will find full hookup options at several campgrounds, while paddlers can access unique riverside sites. One visitor described Baxter Canoe Camp as having "more amenities than most campgrounds I've paid to stay in," including level tent pads, picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. Wildlife sightings are common, with bears occasionally visiting campsites. For those seeking privacy, non-electric tent sites at Crow Wing State Park offer more seclusion than the more densely arranged RV sites. Cell service is generally available but varies in strength throughout the area, with better coverage at campgrounds closer to Brainerd.

Best Camping Sites Near Baxter, Minnesota (154)

    1. Crow Wing State Park Campground

    26 Reviews
    Baxter, MN
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 825-3075

    $21 / night

    "Tent camp here once and a while, but finally got around to officially doing the hiking club trail."

    "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."

    2. Gull Lake Recreation Area

    9 Reviews
    Baxter, MN
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 290-5772

    $32 - $50 / night

    "Minnesota in the summer the parks are very full of large RVs. Our teardrop fits inside one. Nice clean campground. Friendly rangers. Nice showers."

    "We stayed in site 29 with electric and it was large but the only down fall is the firewood for purchase is next to the site, so there is a bit more foot traffic walking by."

    3. Crow Wing Lake Campground

    10 Reviews
    Fort Ripley, MN
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 829-6468

    "What a beautiful, peaceful sight in the woods next to the lake. Sit back and relaxing camping at it finest"

    "Only drawback was the lake was too mucky and weedy to swim in but has to be a great fishing lake. The owner's were awesome. Seriously great family rv campground."

    4. Canoe Landing Campsite — Crow Wing State Park

    3 Reviews
    Baxter, MN
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 825-3075

    $22 / night

    "This is a canoe campsite that is part of the Mississippi River Headwaters Water Trail, one stop on the paddle trail which allows canoers and kayakers to paddle from Lake Itasca to to the north, all the"

    "We were bike riding the Paul Bunyon Trail and rode into Crow Wing in the dark. I self registered because the office was closed (wrote in canoe site since you can't reserve it online)."

    5. Lum City Park

    3 Reviews
    Brainerd, MN
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 828-2320

    6. Rock Lake

    5 Reviews
    Nisswa, MN
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 825-3075

    $15 / night

    "There are about 10 sites that are next to the water giving you access to fishing, swimming and docking a small watercraft. Most of the sites are surrounded by trees. Which is great for privacy."

    "This a rustic campground with no showers and vault toilets. some sites are open and next to each other. there are RV people who think that because it’s rustic that they can run their generators all day"

    7. Baxter Canoe Camp

    1 Review
    Baxter, MN
    2 miles
    Website

    "Baxter Canoe Camp is certainly accessible by canoe, and possibly by foot/car, but I'm not certain about the latter."

    8. True North Basecamp

    9 Reviews
    Crosby, MN
    18 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."

    9. Birch Bay RV Resort

    2 Reviews
    Nisswa, MN
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 963-4488

    $60 - $80 / night

    "Sites are huge, very dog friendly, quiet, ice and firewood on site, cute little lake with gorgeous sunsets, huge kiddy play area on water, free kayak and paddle board use, nice little onsite store."

    10. Overlook Park Canoe Campsite

    1 Review
    Baxter, MN
    2 miles
    Website

    "This hidden gem is on the Mississippi water trail around mile 996. It is called "Overlook Park" and owned/maintained by the city of Baxter, but is part of the DNR's state water trail."

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Recent Reviews near Baxter, MN

308 Reviews of 154 Baxter Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • 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.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 9, 2025

    Two Rivers Campground

    Great place to camp.

    Two Rivers Campground is the perfect spot for a fun and relaxing getaway. They have a lazy river, a splash pool for little ones, and another pool for all ages. Kids will love the giant inflatable bouncy house, mini golf, and the many activities offered. The general store has all your camping essentials, plus they make great pizza and other food—delivered right to your campsite along with firewood and ice, just by calling or texting. The campground also features a beautiful beach area on the river that’s perfect for swimming. A few nice spots to shower and restrooms. Quiet beaches one is 1100 to 0900. It’s well maintained and taken care of. We will come back again.

  • 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.

  • The Rolling Panda  ..
    Jul. 16, 2025

    Charles A. Lindbergh State Park Campground

    Small quiet park

    This park is very small, minimal vegetation between sites. It was buggy, but manageable. Clean facilities, easy to navigate. If you're looking for a quiet small park this is a good place to start.

  • 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).

  • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 14, 2025

    Mississippi River County Park

    Quiet small park

    Group camp: Mississippi River County Park offers group camping for bona fide youth groups and educational groups (e.g. Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Church youth groups, 4-H Clubs, etc.). There is no charge but reservations are required.

    Canoe campsite: The canoe campsite is accessible from the river. Camping is allowed for those traveling by canoe and limited to one night of camping with no overnight vehicle. First come-first serve; Register onsite.

    Bicycle campsite: Camping is allowed for those traveling through on bicycles and limited to one night of camping with no overnight vehicle. The bicycle campsite is located by the fire pit near the picnic shelter. First come-first serve; Register onsite.


Guide to Baxter

Camping near Baxter, Minnesota, offers a fantastic mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, it’s a great spot for families, friends, and solo adventurers alike.

What to do

  • Hiking and Biking: Explore the scenic trails around the area. Campers at Crow Wing State Park Campground rave about the “nice wooded campground” and “lots of trails for hiking and biking.”
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing in the nearby lakes. One visitor at Gull Lake Recreation Area mentioned it’s a “good fishing lake,” perfect for casting a line.
  • Swimming: Take a dip in the refreshing waters. Campers at Stony Point appreciate the “great beach” and “nice soft sand” for a fun day by the water.

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Lake Carlos State Park Campground noted the “very clean restroom/shower house.”
  • Secluded Sites: Campers enjoy the privacy offered by many sites. One visitor at Crow Wing Lake Campground mentioned that the “spacious, level and secluded sites” made for a great experience.
  • Friendly Hosts: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff. A review for Father Hennepin State Park Campground highlighted the “nice hosts and park ranger.”

What you should know

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in the summer. A camper at Mille Lacs Kathio State Park warned about the “overwhelmingly buggy” conditions during a wet spring.
  • Reservations Required: Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak seasons. A visitor at Sinclair Lewis City Campground mentioned needing to reserve online.
  • Limited Services Off-Season: Some campgrounds may have limited services during the off-season. A reviewer at Charles A. Lindbergh State Park Campground expressed frustration about paying full price for reduced services.

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and swimming areas. Campers at Crow Wing Lake Campground enjoyed the “playground, pool, lake, and dog park” for family fun.
  • Pack Bug Spray: Don’t forget to bring bug spray to keep the mosquitoes at bay. A visitor at Father Hennepin State Park Campground reminded others to “bring bug spray in the summer!”
  • Plan for Rain: Be ready for wet weather, especially in spring. A camper at Mille Lacs Kathio State Park noted that the trails were “almost impossible to hike on” due to muddy conditions.

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Crow Wing State Park Campground mentioned that some sites are “tight for travel trailers.”
  • Fill Up on Water: Many campgrounds don’t have water hookups at the sites. A camper at Gull Lake Recreation Area advised to “fill up when you arrive.”
  • Watch for Extra Charges: Keep an eye on your account for unexpected charges. A visitor at Crow Wing Lake Campground noticed some “goggles charged to ours” that they didn’t buy.

Camping near Baxter, Minnesota, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but being prepared can make all the difference!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Baxter campground located in Minnesota?

Baxter Canoe Camp is located on the Mississippi River water trail around mile 996 in the city of Baxter, Minnesota. This campground is maintained by the city of Baxter but is part of the DNR's state water trail. Another option in the area is Overlook Park Canoe Campsite, which is also located in Baxter along the Mississippi River water trail and serves as a convenient stopping point for paddlers.

Are there seasonal camping options at Baxter campground?

While specific seasonal camping information for Baxter campgrounds is limited in the reviews, the area offers several options with varied seasonal availability. South Isle Family Campground near Mille Lacs Lake accommodates longer stays and weekend trips with amenities like a heated in-ground pool. For those interested in cabin rentals during different seasons, Bayside Cabins Resort on Pine Mountain Lake provides an alternative to traditional camping. Contact the specific campground directly for their exact seasonal operating dates and extended-stay policies.

What amenities are available at Baxter campgrounds?

Baxter Canoe Camp offers an impressive array of amenities for a river campsite, including fire rings, picnic tables, and potable water access. Campers report that this site has more amenities than many paid campgrounds. For those seeking different options in the surrounding area, Crosby Memorial City Park features shower facilities, water/electric hookups, a playground, and is situated on Serpent Lake with easy access to boating, swimming, and mountain biking trails.