Glamping and camping options near Baxter, Minnesota range from rustic tent sites to fully-equipped luxury accommodations across the region's distinctive terrain. The area sits at approximately 1,200 feet elevation with summer temperatures averaging 70-80°F during peak camping months. Winter camping is limited at most locations, with many campgrounds closing between October and April due to Minnesota's harsh winter conditions.
What to do
Mountain biking at Cuyuna Recreation Area: Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area offers extensive trail systems with varying difficulty levels for mountain biking enthusiasts. According to one visitor, "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 recreation area features former mining pits transformed into crystal-clear lakes.
Fishing from multiple access points: Crow Wing Lake Campground provides excellent fishing opportunities directly from the property. "Great fishing, nice lake and good staff," notes one camper. The campground offers dock access for fishing without a boat, plus boat rentals for those wanting to explore deeper waters.
Kayaking and canoeing: Crosslake Campground offers direct water access with boat launches and fishing piers. "This has 2 boat ramps and a fishing pier. You can beach your boat but the spots can fill up pretty fast," explains a reviewer. The water contains zebra mussels, so proper cleaning protocols must be followed when moving watercraft between lakes.
What campers like
Secluded glamping options: True North Basecamp offers distinctive cabins with comfortable accommodations in a natural setting. A camper notes: "Cabin #5 has the best unobstructed views of the lake. Cabins have WiFi." These units provide elevated comfort compared to traditional tent camping while maintaining a connection to the outdoors.
Waterfront camping: Camp Holiday Resort and Campground features premium lakeside sites with personal docks. "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," shares one reviewer. The campground offers a mix of tent sites and RV hookups along the waterfront.
Historical attractions: Crow Wing State Park Campground provides access to significant historical sites. "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," reports a visitor. The historical elements offer educational opportunities beyond typical outdoor recreation.
What you should know
Site privacy varies significantly: Campgrounds in the Baxter area offer different levels of seclusion. At Crosslake Campground, one camper observed: "Feels more like a city/county park. No foliage between the many, many sites. Lots of big RVs and boats crowded in a small space."
Water quality considerations: Lake conditions vary throughout the region. While many lakes appear pristine, a camper at Cuyuna noted: "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."
Limited campground facilities: Some locations have minimal amenities. A visitor to Cuyuna Recreation Area commented: "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."
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated play areas: Pierz Park offers family-friendly amenities including multiple recreation options. "Great family park with something for everyone. Golf, river, swimming, water slide, playground," writes one visitor. The campground has shower facilities though some campers note they can be "sketchy."
Consider glamping cabins for easier family trips: When camping with children, glamping cabins provide convenience. At True North Basecamp, "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."
Check campground noise levels: Quieter campgrounds better suit families with young children. A solo camper at Crow Wing State Park noted: "The campground was overall pretty quiet, and my site was wooded so that I normally could not see other campers from my site, which was great!"
Tips from RVers
Reserve level sites when possible: Many campgrounds in the region have uneven terrain. At True North Basecamp, one camper mentioned: "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."
Prepare for access challenges: Sunset Pines Campground (formerly Pine Mountain) offers full hookup sites but requires careful navigation. Similar challenges exist at other area campgrounds, with one RVer noting: "There is also a pretty decent hill you have to go down to get to your site so if you're nervous or new to pulling a camper just be aware."
Electric options vary by campground: While many campgrounds offer electric hookups, amperage varies. Sunset Pines Campground provides both 30 and 50 amp service according to reviewers: "30, 50 amp hookups. Back in trailer sites... Everything REALLY CLEAN. Beautiful swimming pool."
