The Brainerd Lakes region encompasses over 450 interconnected lakes spanning approximately 25 miles around Brainerd and Baxter in central Minnesota. Winter camping options exist, with some RV parks like Hidden Bay RV Resort specifically catering to ice fishing enthusiasts from January through February with plowed access roads and shower facilities. During summer months, the area experiences average high temperatures around 80°F, making water-based recreation popular.
What to do
Golfing access: Minnesota National RV Park sits directly within a golf course property offering 27 holes. "The golf course is amazing - one of the nicer public courses in the state. I can see a lot of folks choosing this RV park as a golf vacation," notes one visitor. The 18-hole course presents more challenges while the 9-hole Savannah course offers a more approachable experience.
Biking trails: Several campgrounds provide access to the Paul Bunyan Trail. "Rode our bikes on the Paul Bunyan Trail to Nisswa and had some ice cream at The Chocolate Ox. Did a little shopping and got a beer at the brewery," shares a Wildwedge Golf and RV Park camper. The paved trail stretches 120 miles from Brainerd to Bemidji.
Water recreation: Free kayak and paddle board use is available at Birch Bay RV Resort, which features "a cute little lake with gorgeous sunsets, huge kiddy play area on water...also have 3 docks and a small boat landing." For those with their own equipment, Pine River offers launch points for kayaking with convenient return access.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Hardy's Lake in the Woods RV Resort receives high marks for site size. "The sites are very large and it is nicely wooded. They have a few areas where the sites are more in the open but not many," reports a camper. Many campers appreciate the additional room for equipment and activities.
Concrete pads: The RV Resort Village in Pequot Lakes features cement pads that simplify setup. "The grounds were beautifully landscaped with full grass. Many lots were set with concrete slabs, making set-up fast and easy," notes one reviewer. These leveled surfaces eliminate the need for stabilizers at many sites.
Winter fishing opportunities: Ice fishing enthusiasts find Hidden Bay RV Resort particularly accommodating during winter months. "I'm talking winter camping on the lake on the Ice in an 'Ice castle' catching walleye. Had a great time fishing in the camper...well plowed roads, nice showers. Lots of other ice fisherman in January and February," explains a visitor who caught numerous slot-sized walleye.
What you should know
Visitor policies: Some resorts maintain strict rules about outside guests. "We give this resort 5 stars because, despite it not being visitor friendly, they are up front in their policies about visitors and the place is great in all other respects," explains a Birch Bay camper. Verify visitor regulations before making reservations if you expect additional guests.
Pet fees: Some campgrounds charge additional fees for pets. Fiddlestix RV and Golf Resort charges "$10 dollars a day for each dog" according to reservation confirmations. Always check pet policies and associated costs when booking.
Seasonal population: Many campgrounds in the region primarily serve seasonal residents. Boulder Woods RV Park "is mostly seasonal camping but does have RV sites for overnight and weekly camping," according to a visitor. Minnesota National RV Park similarly had "only one other camper came in for 2 days" during a week-long stay outside of seasonal residents.
Tips for camping with families
Mini-golf options: Some resorts offer on-site mini-golf courses for younger visitors. "The kids loved the mini golf and maze," reports a Wildwedge Golf and RV Park visitor. Fiddlestix also recently added putt-putt golf along with other family activities.
Water activities: Dedicated water play areas exist at certain resorts. Birch Bay features "a huge kiddy play area on water" plus complimentary kayak and paddleboard use. Pine River also offers a public park with "a small beach area and playground" accessible for day use.
Transportation considerations: At Fiddlestix RV and Golf Resort, many seasonal guests use golf carts for transportation. "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...kids who rode on all sorts of electric bikes and scooters plus golf carts behaved themselves."
Tips from RVers
Hookup configurations: Utility placement varies significantly between campgrounds. At RV Resort Village, "the utility hookups are designed for a Class A Motorhome so for my trailer, they were on the wrong side. Had to get a longer water hose and extension for sewer line...NOT IDEAL." Minnesota National requires "about 20' of sewer, electric, and water hose to reach my rig."
Water pressure: Higher than average water pressure exists at some locations. Minnesota National RV Park provides "very good at 60+ psi, so suggest a reducer," notes one experienced RVer. Pressure regulators prevent potential damage to RV plumbing systems.
Limited facilities: Despite the "RV Park" designation, some locations offer minimal amenities. Riverview RV Park provides "recycling/garbage readily available to use as well as a dump station" but lacks shower facilities. Minnesota National has only "one outhouse in the CG, along with a dumpster" without traditional bathhouse facilities.
