Best Campgrounds near Brainerd, MN
The Brainerd, Minnesota area contains multiple campgrounds offering various accommodation options along the Mississippi River and nearby lakes. Crow Wing State Park Campground provides tent, RV, cabin, and glamping sites where the Crow Wing and Mississippi Rivers meet. Gull Lake Recreation Area, approximately 10 miles north of downtown Brainerd, offers tent and RV camping with boat access. Other options include True North Basecamp with cabin accommodations, Lum City Park with RV hookups, and several waterfront locations featuring tent-only sites accessible by canoe, including Baxter Canoe Camp on the Mississippi River.
Camping season in the Brainerd region typically runs from April through October, with most campgrounds closing by mid-November. Crow Wing State Park operates from April 1 to November 13, while Gull Lake Recreation Area is open May 1 through October 31. Water access sites on the Mississippi River remain available as long as the river is navigable. Many campgrounds provide amenities like showers, drinking water, and electric hookups, though facilities vary significantly between developed and primitive sites. Reservations are recommended, especially for summer weekends when waterfront locations fill quickly. According to one visitor, "There is a lake within walking distance. It is a small campground. 15 sites. Firepits. Water and electricity. Shower and restrooms."
Campers report high satisfaction with waterfront sites throughout the area. The Mississippi River corridor provides unique camping experiences with several boat-in sites receiving excellent reviews. A recent review noted, "Hands down, one of the all time best campsites I've ever been to. Not many places you can camp and wake up to the sound of water babbling on the Mississippi River." Wildlife encounters are common, with some campers reporting bear activity in more remote locations. Crow Wing State Park features historic sites and hiking trails along the river, adding educational value to camping trips. The Paul Bunyan Bike Trail passes through the park, connecting to over 120 miles of recreational paths. While most campgrounds maintain clean facilities, some visitors mention that bathrooms at certain locations are dated or limited in number relative to the campsite density.
