Best Campgrounds near Cuyuna, MN

Campgrounds near Cuyuna, Minnesota provide diverse camping options centered around mountain biking trails and former mine pit lakes. Established facilities like True North Basecamp and Red Rider Resort offer cabins, tent sites, and RV hookups within easy access to the Cuyuna Mountain Bike Trail System. Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area features tent camping, RV sites, and yurts, while municipal options include Crosby Memorial City Park and Cuyuna City Campground. The area has become known for its range of accommodation types from primitive tent sites to glamping options with scenic lake views.

Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from May through October, with limited winter availability. Red Rider Resort offers early spring camping beginning in March when other facilities remain closed. Campsites typically provide fire rings and picnic tables, with varying levels of hookups for RVs. The majority of developed sites require reservations, especially during summer weekends when mountain biking traffic is highest. Water access is available at most campgrounds, though quality may vary. "The water has a funky taste. You will need to go to the memorial park in town to fill/dump your RV and the Holiday Station for firewood," noted one camper describing Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area.

The region's standout feature is direct access to mountain biking trails, with many campgrounds offering trail connections from their property. Campers consistently highlight the crystal-clear former mine pit lakes as a unique attraction for swimming, fishing, and paddling. Privacy levels vary significantly between campgrounds, with some offering secluded wooded sites while others feature more open layouts. "The sites are gorgeous and secluded, a bike trail heads off from camp, there's showers, a sauna, and a lake. Wonderful vibe, not an RV park, more similar to a national forest campground," reported a visitor to Red Rider Resort. Bathroom facilities range from primitive outhouses at some tent sites to modern shower houses at the more developed campgrounds. Many visitors appreciate the proximity to downtown Crosby with its restaurants, breweries, and bike shops, making it possible to enjoy both outdoor recreation and town amenities.

Best Camping Sites Near Cuyuna, Minnesota (164)

    1. True North Basecamp

    9 Reviews
    Crosby, MN
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 833-2267

    "Super convenient to excellent restaurants and Cuyuna Brewery in downtown Crosby. Very clean bathrooms/showerhouse. Connected by trail to Cuyuna Rec Area world class mountain bike trails."

    "Great rustic campground with trail access to Cuyuna MTB trails. Offers hot showers. No water/electric hookups. A couple sites allow for smaller RVs and pop-ups but mainly tent sites."

    2. Cuyuna Range Campground

    8 Reviews
    Cuyuna, MN
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 228-2991

    $57 - $65 / night

    "We love camping at Cuyuna Range Campground. We stay at Cuyuna a couple of times each year. It is clean, quiet and so relaxing."

    "And, this campground is close to the fun downtown in Crosby and the great bike trails and parks there. The Ironwood spot I was in is also especially private, so highly recommend it!"

    3. Red Rider Resort

    7 Reviews
    Crosby, MN
    1 mile
    Website

    "Definitely a bit more private than other Cuyuna options. MTB access to the Yawkey section was nice and will be even better after more trail is added to the zone."

    "Most people come here to ride the red dirt mtb trails of Cuyuna so the showers are a great amenity! Beautiful views of the lake (mine pit) and swimming off of the private dock."

    4. Cuyuna Country State Rec Area

    4 Reviews
    Crosby, MN
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 546-5926

    "For someone who likes to do it all Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area is the place to be!!!"

    "The mountain biking trails were in great shape and were great for all skill levels. The lake was super clear and the small beach was wonderful."

    5. Crosby Memorial City Park

    3 Reviews
    Crosby, MN
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 546-5021

    "Easy trail access to the Cuyuna MTB trails and paved bike paths. Right on Serpent Lake for boating and swimming access."

    "On park, next to playground and beach. Walking distance to restaurants and bars, And easily bike to the Cuyuna Mountain Bike Trails.
    Cons. Road noise and low privacy."

    6. Camp Holiday Resort and Campground

    6 Reviews
    Bay Lake, MN
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 678-2495

    $30 - $66 / night

    "Right on the lake with private dock. Sites a close by. Most have water and electric. Full hookups are very limited. Only 4 site near the back. Off of a quiet road. No traffic noise."

    "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."

    7. Mission Beach Resort

    2 Reviews
    Ironton, MN
    7 miles
    +1 (218) 765-3447

    "No tent sites available on the lake as those are reserved for rv, but the tent area is nice and wooded."

    8. Cuyuna City Campground

    1 Review
    Cuyuna, MN
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 546-5883

    $30 - $45 / night

    "Trail connector with easy access to Bobsled is right there and you can ride to Cruser's Kettle. Highly recommend."

    9. Cross Lake Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Pequot Lakes, MN
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 290-5793

    $24 - $40 / night

    "This 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."

    "Could just be the current political budget restraints but I tent camped Gull Lake RA for four nights never saw a Ranger."

    10. Aitkin County Campground

    3 Reviews
    Aitkin, MN
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 927-7364

    "Central located water spigot for drinking also a dump station with water. Now the bad if the wind is blowing wrong you smell the waste water treatment plant next door."

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Recent Reviews near Cuyuna, MN

336 Reviews of 164 Cuyuna Campgrounds


  • C
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Cuyuna Range Campground

    We won't stay anywhere else!

    We love camping at Cuyuna Range Campground. We stay at Cuyuna a couple of times each year. It is clean, quiet and so relaxing. There is so much to see and do in the area or just relax at our campsite. Check this campground out you will not be disappointed!

  • Lindsey R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Crow Wing State Park Campground

    Beautiful park with so many things to do!

    Set on the Upper Missisippi this was well worth the 8 Mile detour off the main east/west route through MN. History, hiking, biking, fishing and boating here. We grabbed a site just above the river. So peaceful and quiet. The few campers here on a late September day were mostly at the electric site area. There is an old town site with informational plaques along the way that depict what life was like here in the 1890s. Excellent map signage on the hiking trails too. Clean and tidy vault toilets. There is access to the extended bike path from this state park as well.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Ronald Cloutier - Cross Lake

    Crosslake MN COE campground

    This is a spacious campground with 123 sites, most with electricity, all wooded. The Lake is actually part of a string of lakes friendly to high speed motor boats as well as canoeing/kayaking. Like all other COE campgrounds, it honors campground passes, cutting the fees by half. A COE ranger patrols regularly. It of definitely dog friendly without breed or size restrictions. It is just north of Brainard, MN so civilization is nearby but the turn of Crosslake has All the amenities of city life. As with many other campgrounds, it's not busy Sunday-Thursday but gets much busier on weekend days. I would highly recommend this campground.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Rum River State Forest

    Free parking in solitude.

    No potable water, grey dump, nor trash cans, but it's rugged wilderness along a gravel road with plenty of space to park.

  • James R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Greer Lake

    Great rustic camp ground

    This my second time here and I love it. It’s on a lake on state forest trail and 2 toilets and water pumps.

  • Heather T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Sandy Lake

    Nice place to stay

    This campground has 2 parts, the north section and the south section. The south is on a peninsula with just a few campsites. The north is the bigger part of the campground. The sites in the north are large and very well kept, each with a picnic table, fire ring and level sights. Two campground hosts who are very friendly and accommodating. Just a few vault toilets. If there's anywhere to improve, it is the number of toilets in the bigger campground. The south campground has the shower house and laundry, along with flush toilets. All in all, a very nice place to stay.

  • Laura P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 29, 2025

    Boulder Woods RV Park

    Mature trees and park like setting

    Boulder Woods is mostly seasonal camping but does have RV sites for overnight and weekly camping. The park is well maintained with power and water at all sites. There is a view of Ann Lake, however, the RV park is not on the banks of the lake and does not have access to the lake.

  • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Stony Point

    Typical US Forest campground

    Nice spots, some with a lake view and big sites somewhat private. Clearly a fisherman's campground with hidden little bays to park your boat close to your site. Amenities are getting older but still a nice stop. Sandy beach for kids.

  • Jessica P.
    Jul. 18, 2025

    Hay Lake

    Solitude and Service

    We arrived on a Thursday with only one other group here, today is Friday and at 2:30pm, we are now the only ones here. The pit toilets are clean and well stocked, the day use area is beautiful!!! Access to moor your boat at a few sites, though it is down the hill from your actual campsite, which is no problem as they have stairs/paths down to them. This beautiful park seems to be very underutilized as it is July, going into a weekend, and all we hear are the birds and critters!!! PERFECT


Guide to Cuyuna

Camping near Cuyuna, Minnesota, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're into hiking, biking, or just relaxing by the water, there’s something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Biking: The area is known for its extensive trails. One camper mentioned, "We went to Brainerd one day. Spent a couple days kayaking, swimming, and snorkeling the lakes that were made by the mines." This highlights the variety of outdoor activities available.
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds are near lakes, making it easy to cast a line. A reviewer at Gull Lake Recreation Area said, "Good fishing lake," which shows that anglers will find plenty of opportunities.
  • Exploring History: At Crow Wing State Park Campground, visitors can learn about local history. One review noted, "There's lots of history here... a lot of signs and a lot of history in the park."

What campers like:

  • Secluded Sites: Campers appreciate the privacy offered at many sites. A visitor at Cuyuna Range Campground said, "The sites were amazingly large with nice privacy between the lots."
  • Clean Facilities: Clean bathrooms and showers are a big plus. A reviewer at Red Rider Resort mentioned, "The bathrooms are spotless and come with real flush toilets and sinks."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. One camper at True North Basecamp said, "The owners are very responsive and super nice people."

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in the summer. A visitor at Mille Lacs Kathio State Park warned, "There were a lot of bugs... it was just very hard to enjoy it because it was so overwhelmingly buggy."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have full amenities. A camper at Ogechie Campground noted, "Very quiet campground, rustic (no running-water toilets or showers)."
  • Reservations Recommended: Popular spots fill up quickly. A reviewer at Gull Lake Recreation Area advised, "Book early on Recreation.gov."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and swimming areas. A family at Crow Wing Lake Campground said, "Fun for the whole family. Amenities include: playground, pool, lake, dog park, and store."
  • Pack Bug Spray: Protect the little ones from mosquitoes. A camper at Mille Lacs Kathio State Park reminded others, "Bring bug spray in the summer!"
  • Plan for Rain: Be ready for wet weather. A visitor at Father Hennepin State Park Campground mentioned, "Recent rain had the campsites pretty muddy."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Father Hennepin State Park Campground noted, "Site was a bit tight for our travel trailer."
  • Fill Up Before Arrival: Many campgrounds don’t have water hookups. A camper at Gull Lake Recreation Area said, "There are no water hookups at the sites so be sure to fill up when you arrive."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Some campgrounds offer full hookups for convenience. A visitor at Cuyuna Range Campground appreciated, "Each lot has full hook-ups, that was a huge bonus!!"

Camping near Cuyuna, Minnesota, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. Just remember to plan ahead and be ready for the elements!

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area campground?

Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area offers basic camping amenities in a wooded setting. While specific amenities aren't detailed in the reviews, typical Minnesota state park campgrounds include vault or flush toilets, drinking water, and fire rings with grill grates. For more amenities, Crosby Memorial City Park nearby offers full hookups (sewer, electric, water), a shower house, playground, swimming beach on Serpent Lake, and easy access to downtown shops and restaurants. The recreation area is primarily known for its world-class mountain biking trails, which are accessible directly from the campgrounds in the region.

Are there photos or reviews available for the Cuyuna Range campground?

Yes, photos and reviews for campgrounds in the Cuyuna area are readily available on The Dyrt. True North Basecamp has several reviews highlighting its rustic sites, cabin options, hot showers, and excellent trail access to the Cuyuna mountain bike system. Campers frequently share photos showcasing the views of Armour Mine 2 and the campground's proximity to trails. Crosby Memorial City Park also features numerous reviews and photos highlighting its amenities and lakeside setting.

Where is the Cuyuna Range campground located in Minnesota?

The Cuyuna Range camping area is located in north-central Minnesota near the towns of Crosby and Deerwood. Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area (specifically the Portsmouth Campground) is situated within this range, though signage can sometimes be confusing for first-time visitors. The recreation area is surrounded by former mine pits that have filled with water, creating numerous lakes. Red Rider Resort offers another camping option in the area with good access to the Yawkey section of trails.