Glamping cabins near Brainerd, Minnesota range from basic to fully equipped, with most situated around the area's numerous lakes and mine pits. The region sits at approximately 1,200 feet elevation with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F during peak camping season. Winter camping options remain available at select locations, with temperatures often dropping below freezing between November and March.
What to do
Kayaking on pristine waters: Rent kayaks from local shops for exploring the crystal-clear mine pit lakes at Cuyuna Country State Rec Area. "The old mine pits around and in the park are pristine and literally crystal clear! You can see hundreds of feet down through crystal clear water making it an amazing place to canoe and kayak," notes Allison K.
Fishing from multiple access points: Fish from docks, boats, or shorelines for various species across the region's interconnected waterways. At Camp Holiday Resort and Campground, "There are several docks you can fish from if you want. So much to do in the area and this resort is right in the middle of it all," says Nick K.
Winter camping experiences: Unlike many seasonal operations, some area campgrounds offer year-round accessibility. "We booked early an early trip to pick up our new camper and ended up pushing out due to weather. They plowed out a site for us and we're when we cut our trip short because of an incoming storm refunded our 2nd night," shares Nicole P. about her winter camping experience.
What campers like
Lakefront accommodations: Many sites offer direct waterfront placement with personal dock access. "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," explains Angela J. about Camp Holiday Resort.
Family-friendly amenities: Playgrounds, beaches, and water activities make the area ideal for families seeking glamping near Brainerd. "Nice campground for a family experience. Camping with two toddlers can be a lot, it helps when there are two nice playgrounds here, a slide, water trampoline, nice beach, and nice, clean bathrooms," reports Lexie about Camp Holiday.
Historical elements: Many campgrounds incorporate local history into their trail systems and amenities. At Crow Wing State Park Campground, "Historic signs describing the old town are along the beginning part of the trail near the picnic area. Kinda fun to read about and feel what old settlements were like!" says HollyRose M.
What you should know
Campsite privacy varies significantly: Some campgrounds offer secluded sites while others are more open. "Tent camp here once and a while, but finally got around to officially doing the hiking club trail. Love doing a sunset hike, this trail is just over two miles, all along the river, with pretty much continual sunset views if you take the trail East to West," notes HollyRose M. about Crow Wing State Park.
Sanitation facilities differ by location: From basic outhouses to modern shower houses, bathroom options vary across campgrounds. At Crosslake Campground, a camper noted, "Clean shower facilities... 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: Some locations have distinctive water characteristics. "The lake is clean but dark with ore. Loons frequent. Turtle lake channels over to another lake. Makes a great boat or kayak trip," notes Katherine O. about the water at Camp Holiday Resort.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access with amenities: When glamping with children near Brainerd, choose sites with swimming areas and play equipment. "Lovely park on cross lake. Sites are large although not always easy for bigger rigs to get into due to trees. But trees are part of the beauty. Camp amenities in good shape," explains Mary F. about Crosslake Campground.
Group camping options: For larger family gatherings, seek specific group facilities. "We loved the group camp site except for the fact the people would walk through it. There was a main hiking trail and lots of people came through. Our dogs did not care for that surprise. Otherwise fairly clean," reports Lauren S.
Level site selection: For tent campers with children, prioritize flat terrain. At True North Basecamp, a camper reported, "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. Great stargazing at both the cabins and the tent sites."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling preparation: Many lakeside sites require additional leveling equipment. "Most of the lake side sites were pretty uneven, bring plenty of leveling blocks. That was really the only negative we had, but it wasn't really a big deal because we came prepared with just enough leveling blocks," advises Angela J.
Seasonal considerations: For RVers considering glamping near Brainerd during shoulder seasons, check for early/late accessibility. "Our quick stay was fine as we were passing through. This campground definitely caters to seasonal stays although was a convenient location off the highway," notes Jackie F. about camping options in the broader region.
Access challenges: Tree coverage can create access issues for larger rigs. "Sites are large although not always easy for bigger rigs to get into due to trees. But trees are part of the beauty," mentions Mary F. about navigating Crosslake Campground with an RV.
