Tent camping near Brainerd, Minnesota offers access to the Mississippi Headwaters region where the river averages 10-12 feet wide with gentle Class I rapids in many sections. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-80°F, creating ideal conditions for water-based camping from May through September. The area's glacial topography features sandy soil that provides natural drainage at most primitive sites.
What to do
Climb fire towers: At Ogechie Campground — Mille Lacs Kathio State Park, campers can climb an observation tower that offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. "They have a lot of hiking trails and a really cool fire tower that you can climb and see all of the surrounding area," notes one visitor who recommends spring or fall visits to avoid peak mosquito season.
River swimming: The Pine River Water Trail offers sandy-bottomed swimming areas with gentle currents. At South Bend Watercraft Site, the water is "never super deep or too strong a current, and in front of this site it's sandy and great swimming!" One paddler reported the site is "about an hour and a half - two hours downstream from the Pine River Damn access."
Historic exploration: Several campgrounds offer access to important historical sites. Crow Wing State Park contains remnants of the Red River Oxcart Trail from the 1800s. Near Overlook Park, campers can walk to interpretive displays about regional history. At Mille Lacs Kathio, visitors appreciate "the historic native village site and trail" with some reporting they "enjoyed watching the martins coming and going and feeding youngsters" at the Purple Martin houses.
What campers like
Elevated river views: Many watercraft sites sit on bluffs overlooking the rivers. At Overlook Park Canoe Campsite, campers enjoy "a specific spot RIGHT on the river with a picnic table, fire ring, and nice high ground soft space for a tent." One visitor noted it's "a well maintained park" with "pretty views and some rugged trails along the river for some hiking as well."
Wildlife encounters: Tent campers regularly report diverse wildlife sightings. Paddlers on the Pine River "saw so much wildlife on this kayak trip," while night campers should secure food properly as bears are common visitors. At South Bend Watercraft Site, the elevated position provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities from a safe distance.
Ample firewood: Unlike many dispersed sites, several Brainerd area campgrounds provide firewood. At Baxter Canoe Camp, campers discovered "a giant, huge, monstrous sized pile of firewood. The DNR had left it there. All you had to do was chop it and you were toasty for the night!" This amenity saves paddlers from carrying their own wood on multi-day trips.
What you should know
Mouse precautions: Small rodents can be problematic at certain campgrounds. One camper at Canoe Landing Campsite — Crow Wing State Park reported mice issues in vehicles, warning travelers to secure food in rodent-proof containers. "I found mouse poop EVERYWHERE. They got into plastic bins, duffel bags, backpacks, stuff sacks," noted a visitor at another nearby site.
Self-registration protocols: Many watercraft sites require self-registration or check-in at nearby offices. At Crow Wing State Park, "I self registered because the office was closed (wrote in canoe site since you can't reserve it online)," noted one paddler. The canoe landing campsite "is part of the water trail, and thus separate from the state park even though within its boundaries, you can not reserve the canoe campsite online."
Water access logistics: Some sites require specific landing approaches. At South Bend Watercraft Site, campers should "pull your watercraft ALL the way up the hill or secure it tightly! One of our Kayaks slide back down the hill into the river." At Baxter Canoe Camp, experienced paddlers recommend using the natural landing rather than the steep stairs, noting "it was a steep step up a nook in the hillside, it was still easier that teetering on the wooden steps."
Tips for camping with families
Off-peak timing: For families with children, mosquito intensity should guide visit timing. "Definitely recommend, but in the spring or fall months," advises one camper who visited during summer. Early May and late September typically offer the best combination of comfortable temperatures and reduced insect activity.
Campsite selection: Families should consider walk-in distance when selecting sites. At Ogechie Campground, "We chose one of the dispersed sites so had to walk aways but worth it! We had a pretty nice spot on bottom of hill away from everyone. It was nice and secluded." This distance creates natural sound buffering for families concerned about noise.
Water safety planning: The Mississippi and Pine Rivers require careful planning with children. Prepare for gentle currents at most sites, but secure personal flotation devices for all ages. The natural landing at Baxter Canoe Camp provides easier water access for families compared to the steeper stairs available at some locations.
Tips from RVers
Paddle-in alternatives: While RVs can't reach most watercraft sites, RV campers can park at designated access points and paddle to primitive sites for day visits. The Crow Wing State Park canoe landing is approximately 1.5 miles from the main campground, allowing RVers to base at the developed campground while exploring watercraft sites by day.
Group site options: For larger gatherings combining RVs and tent camping, Canoe Landing Campsite offers flexibility. "If you are paddling the river and have support crew, there is park road access into the canoe campsite area which is helpful." The site is "adjacent to, but sequestered away from, the group campsite which is remotely located in the park."
