Looking for the best campgrounds near Brainerd, MN? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Brainerd is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.
$21 / night
"I live close so I visit frequently to use the trails for running."
"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."
$32 - $50 / night
"It is a short 10 minute drive into Brainerd. If you are looking to eat out we love The Boulder Tap House and Rafferty’s pizza! You will love staying at this campground."
"Minnesota in the summer the parks are very full of large RVs. Our teardrop fits inside one. Nice clean campground. Friendly rangers. Nice showers."
"Amenities include: playground, pool, lake, dog park, and store. Each site has a table and fire pit. Keep an eye on your account."
"Clean bathrooms, nice sized park for kids, pool (not open in Sept), lake with ample docks for fishing or you can rent boats."
"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."
"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."
$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)."
"Stayed at RV site 4 which is bordered by trees on one side which was nice for privacy."
"Easy access to both single track and to paved cycling path. Sites are close but still felt private, especially when leaves fill in. Nice shower house, and a sauna we didn’t use."
"There is a trail for maintenance workers to drive in (they come by regularly to empty the trash cans!), but I don't know if it's for drive in traffic as well."
$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."
$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"
LegendFun for the whole family. Amenities include: playground, pool, lake, dog park, and store. Each site has a table and fire pit. Keep an eye on your account. We noticed goggles charged to ours even though none of the 3 of us bought any. Somebody must've given them the wrong site number to charge to. Overall great campground, but a little spendy.
ScoutWe stayed at the campground during the week, it was so relaxing and not a lot of campers out felt like we had the park to ourselves. Had a nice park area with playground, clear lake swimming area. We had a dog with so limited areas that pets can go. It was very enjoyable. Would recommend
TravelerA 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. The bathrooms were always clean. Situated right on a quarry with fun fishing and kayaking opportunities. Connects to the mountain bike trails too! They do charge for pets.
LegendOur RV GPS brought us right to the campground(CG). We arrived about an hour early of their 3:00 PM check-in time with no issues checking in. We drove to FHU site 38 and backed in one and done. Our utilities were at the back of the site, and we needed about 35’ of electric and water hose. The sewer was more central, and I needed about 18’ of sewer hose for our rig. Our area had a few shade trees, but we had no problem hitting the north sky for Starlink. The water pressure was good, and we put on a reducer. Our nightly rate is based on an average over the weekday and weekend rates with no discounts offered. We stayed here three years ago when the CG was fairly young and not so built up. The clubhouse had gone to a full-service restaurant and bar, and when we were there around 10:30 AM, quite a few people were eating breakfast. We were told that the seasonal guests can golf on the weekends/holidays for free as part of their package, so tee times are needed. We saw a few seasonal folks going out, but just about every seasonal guest here has a golf cart, and they drove them around continuously during our Labor Day stay. Many of the seasonals also had ATVs, which they took off to ride the local trails. With the pool, new putt-putt golf, and other family activities, the CG was full of people. We were pleasantly surprised that the kids who rode on all sorts of electric bikes and scooters plus golf carts behaved themselves, and the parents seemed attentive. Everyone was friendly, and we happily noticed that the seasonal guests kept their sites clean and picked up after their dogs. They had expanded their dog park that’s up near the clubhouse, basketball court, and playground, but the dog area was not very convenient to the backside of the CG now that there are about 142 sites plus cabins/trailer park models available(with plans for more sites). However, there was plenty of room and little trails to walk your dog. The original/older sites 4-12 and the 30-40 area are currently being used for short-termers. Sites 1-3 are now cabins/park models. They have WiFi, but the signal was not very strong in our area. The golf course was under new design construction due to adding additional sites, but it was playable. Based on this CG becoming a seasonal golf cart community, we probably will not return.
TravelerFirst the negatives. No internet, medium phone signal. The campsites are too small and too crowded. The adults let their young kids drive their cold carts and atvs back and forth from the campground to the beach all day long. I counted one particular one make 34 trips in less than 6 hours. I used to golf and I occasionally used a cart but usually I walked. Kids and young parents are way too lazy now, because it's a small campground and short walk to the beach from the farthest site. I think they do it for 2 reasons, they are bored, and they can. There is only one road in and out so there is constant traffic, and the road is gravel so prepare to eat dust. The sites aren't paved or even gravel, you park on the grass. Now for the positives. Some sites have 50 amp, most just 30 amp or less. Water hookups at most. No full hookups or dump site. There is a beach and swim area on Skunk Creek. A playground by the bathroom and showers. That building is clean, showers are free. Lots of shade from all the trees. Mosquitoes are few, flies plentiful. It is a quiet park after 10pm, but although they say closed after 8pm there was traffic all night long. Ask for a site in the back to avoid headlights shining on you all night long. Rates are $40/night for the pull through site we had w50 amp service. It has a few seasonal sites, all located at the rear. There is a golf course right next door across the creek. That is where the office is located. The town is small, only a gas station and small grocery store, so bring what you need. A Subway and nice drive-in are close by. Oh, the water is in me/my dogs opinion not for drinking. I wouldn't suggest weekends here unless you're into hearing every conversation your neighbors have or want to sleep in. Maybe the week days are better? They do allow leashed pets.
GuideThis is a great campground in the Brainerd lakes area of Minnesota.it is right in the middle of the town of Crosslake but when you’re in the campground you feel like you’re out in the woods. The sites are nice, there are lots of trees for shade. Campers have access to Cross Lake and the Whitefish chain. This is a good family campground too, with play areas and a beach for swimming. You can easily walk into Crosslake to shop or get ice cream, or just stay in the campground and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. It’s also a good place to bring your bikes.
ScoutAmazing, Family-owned campground, just far enough from “the cities” to get away for the weekend, without spending too much time in the car. Clean bathrooms, nice sized park for kids, pool (not open in Sept), lake with ample docks for fishing or you can rent boats. The “general store” has everything you need from souvenirs to wood, to marshmallows for s’mores, and all at reasonable prices. Each campsite has electrical hookup, picnic table and fire pit. Pets welcome.
ScoutNew owner as of 2022- huge jump in prices! Extra fees added everywhere-more than two children fee, guest fees, pet fees, river view fees, holiday fees. One year difference our bill went from $235 up to $347 for a 3 night stay. Not worth it! Not family budget friendly for the average family. I could stay in a hotel for cheaper.
ScoutWe visit annually and love this campground. The sites are spacious and most are quite private! There are no water hookups at the sites so be sure to fill up when you arrive. It is a short 10 minute drive into Brainerd. If you are looking to eat out we love The Boulder Tap House and Rafferty’s pizza! You will love staying at this campground.
Brainerd, Minnesota, offers a variety of camping options that welcome pets, making it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts who want to bring their furry friends along.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Brainerd, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Brainerd, MN is Crow Wing State Park Campground with a 3.8-star rating from 26 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Brainerd, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 117 dog-friendly camping locations near Brainerd, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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