Best Campgrounds near Bay Lake, MN
Several campgrounds surround Bay Lake in the Brainerd Lakes region of central Minnesota, offering a range of camping styles from lakefront tent sites to cabin rentals. Camp Holiday Resort and Campground provides waterfront sites with private docks on Round Lake, while Crosby Memorial City Park offers in-town camping with easy access to both Serpent Lake and the world-class Cuyuna mountain bike trail system. True North Basecamp caters to mountain bikers with tent sites, cabins and direct trail access. Most campgrounds in this region provide water and electric hookups for RVs while also accommodating tent campers.
Most campgrounds in the Bay Lake area operate seasonally, typically open from May through September or mid-October. "The sites aren't very private, but some are right on the lake with a beautiful view," noted one visitor to Camp Holiday. Winter weather makes camping challenging during colder months, though Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area remains open year-round for those prepared for Minnesota winters. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and holidays when lakefront sites fill quickly. The area features a mix of city-managed parks, private resorts, and state recreation areas, each with different reservation systems and amenity levels.
Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors, with many mentioning the quality of fishing and water recreation. Campers appreciate the proximity to lakes while still having access to towns like Crosby and Deerwood for supplies and dining. One camper described Camp Holiday as "the perfect size on a perfect size clean lake," highlighting the area's appeal for family camping. Beyond water recreation, the region is known for excellent mountain biking at the Cuyuna trail system, which connects directly to several campgrounds. Bathroom and shower facilities at most established campgrounds are frequently praised for cleanliness, with many campsites offering picnic tables, fire rings, and access to firewood.
