Best Campgrounds near Deerwood, MN

The Deerwood, Minnesota area encompasses a diverse range of camping options centered around the Cuyuna Lakes region, with numerous water-based recreation opportunities. Established campgrounds like Camp Holiday Resort and Campground in Deerwood provide full hookup sites for RVs and tent camping areas with seasonal operation from May through September. The nearby Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area offers year-round camping with tent sites, RV spots, and even glamping options including yurts. True North Basecamp combines traditional tent camping with cabin accommodations, while Crosby Memorial City Park provides convenient in-town camping with easy access to mountain biking trails. Most campgrounds in this region feature water access, with many situated on or near lakes.

Minnesota's seasonal conditions significantly impact camping experiences in the Deerwood area. Summer months (June-August) bring warm temperatures ideal for water recreation, but also peak mosquito activity. As one camper noted, "Yes it is buggy but it's Minnesota so you deal with it." Fall offers spectacular foliage with fewer insects, while winter camping is limited to a few locations with electric hookups for cold-weather use. Spring can bring muddy conditions as snow melts. Cell service varies throughout the region, with better coverage in established campgrounds near towns and spotty reception in more remote areas. Most campgrounds require reservations, particularly for summer weekends and holiday periods.

Lakefront sites consistently receive high ratings from visitors, with many campers highlighting water access as a primary benefit. One reviewer of Crosby Memorial City Park noted it was "right on Serpent Lake for boating and swimming access" with the added benefit of being "walking distance to downtown shops and brewery." Mountain biking enthusiasts particularly value campgrounds near the Cuyuna trail system, with one camper mentioning it was "easy to bike to the Cuyuna Mountain Bike Trails." Privacy levels vary significantly between campgrounds, with some offering wooded, secluded sites while others feature more open layouts. Bathroom and shower facilities are generally well-maintained across most established campgrounds, though some state park facilities may be older. Wildlife sightings, including deer and various bird species, are commonly reported throughout the area.

Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Red Rider Resort

Red Rider Resort

2 min away

Snake River Campground

Snake River Campground

56 min away

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Best Camping Sites Near Deerwood, Minnesota (152)

    1. True North Basecamp

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

    "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."

    "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."

    2. Red Rider Resort

    7 Reviews
    Crosby, MN
    2 miles
    Website

    "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."

    3. Cuyuna Range Campground

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

    $57 - $65 / night

    "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!"

    "It’s clean, well-maintained, and close to town for groceries and restaurants. Would stay here again."

    4. Camp Holiday Resort and Campground

    6 Reviews
    Bay Lake, MN
    9 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."

    5. Cuyuna Country State Rec Area

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

    "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."

    "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."

    6. 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."

    7. Cuyuna City Campground

    1 Review
    Cuyuna, MN
    3 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."

    8. 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."

    9. Crow Wing State Park Campground

    26 Reviews
    Baxter, MN
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 825-3075

    $21 / night

    "Tent camp here once and a while, but finally got around to officially doing the hiking club trail."

    "Nice trails along the Mississippi River, easy to walk, good signage on trails, and good information signs with history of each site along the trail.

    Very Clean men’s bathroom."

    10. Mission Beach Resort

    2 Reviews
    Ironton, MN
    10 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."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 152 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Deerwood, MN

303 Reviews of 152 Deerwood Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • 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

  • Joni Z.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 17, 2025

    Mabel Lake State Dispersed

    Beautiful on the lake

    What a gem! I was able to back to the water to have a gorgeous view from bed! It was so quiet last night, although the beaked neighbors get pretty chatty early.

    There is a large puddle and so many mosquitos.

    Is say there's comfortly room for eight campers or a small group.

    My signal rating may be higher than normal as it's on an Intsy Connect antenna. My phone is getting 1 bar ATT.

  • The Rolling Panda  ..
    Jul. 16, 2025

    Charles A. Lindbergh State Park Campground

    Small quiet park

    This park is very small, minimal vegetation between sites. It was buggy, but manageable. Clean facilities, easy to navigate. If you're looking for a quiet small park this is a good place to start.

  • Joni Z.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 16, 2025

    Mabel Lake State Dispersed

    Large clearing in the woods

    This is a free dispersed camping site in the state forest with lake access. Large enough for multiple campers or a small group. There are four rings and a picnic table as well as a sandy boat launch.

    ATT is usable enough that I probably won't try Starlink, but there may be enough clear sky.

    The road in is good, but gets narrow after you turn off for the spot.

  • Kylie M.
    Jun. 25, 2025

    Camp Holiday Resort and Campground

    Wonderful Family Campground

    We tent camped and appreciated the clean facilities, activities for kids to do, and close to great fishing lakes (Bay Lake & Borden Lake).

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 8, 2025

    father Hennepin State Park

    Not a very quiet camp

    Nice park camping but way too close to other campers. Rob wouldn’t stay here.


Guide to Deerwood

Camping near Deerwood, Minnesota, offers a mix of beautiful nature, fun activities, and cozy campgrounds. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Biking: Explore the scenic trails at Banning State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "Great trails. We will try site 34 next time, nice location."
  • Fishing and Boating: At Leech Lake Recreation Area & Campground, you can enjoy fishing and boating. A visitor shared, "This campground has large, nicely spaced sites with lots of mature trees."
  • Historical Tours: Visit Crow Wing State Park Campground for a mix of history and nature. One camper noted, "There's lots of history here... a lot of trails and a lot of signs."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A review for Crow Wing State Park Campground stated, "Very Clean men’s bathroom. One shower needs a new shower head."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds, like Gull Lake Recreation Area, offer spacious and private sites. One happy camper said, "The sites are spacious and most are quite private!"
  • Nature and Wildlife: Campers love the natural beauty and wildlife. A visitor at Savanna Portage State Park Campground mentioned, "I have hiked several of the trails and always see lots of wildlife."

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in the summer. A review for Mille Lacs Kathio State Park warned, "The trails are probably not maintained... it was almost impossible to hike on simply because of the amount of mosquitoes."
  • Water Access: Some campgrounds, like Father Hennepin State Park Campground, have limited water access. A camper noted, "We were dry camping in the RV since there was no water."
  • Reservations Recommended: Popular spots fill up quickly. A visitor at Gull Lake Recreation Area advised, "Book early on Recreation.gov - we reserved 6 months out for memorial weekend."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds and Activities: Look for campgrounds with family-friendly amenities. Crow Wing Lake Campground has a playground and pool. One family said, "Fun for the whole family. Amenities include: playground, pool, lake, dog park."
  • Nature Exploration: Encourage kids to explore nature. A camper at Savanna Portage State Park Campground shared, "Kids were always exploring."
  • Pack Bug Spray: Don’t forget bug spray to keep the mosquitoes at bay. A visitor at Mille Lacs Kathio State Park mentioned, "Mosquitoes are terrible - come prepared!"

Tips from RVers:

Camping near Deerwood, Minnesota, has something for everyone. With beautiful parks and campgrounds, you're sure to have a memorable experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Deerwood Campground located in Minnesota?

Deerwood Campground, also known as Camp Holiday Resort and Campground, is located in the heart of Minnesota's lake country near Deerwood, MN. This area is situated in central Minnesota's Crow Wing County, approximately 20 miles northeast of Brainerd. The region is known for its proximity to Crosby Memorial City Park, which offers easy access to the popular Cuyuna Mountain Bike trails and Serpent Lake. Deerwood is nestled among numerous lakes including the Mille Lacs Lake system, making it an ideal base for exploring Minnesota's abundant waterways and outdoor recreation opportunities.

What amenities are available at Deerwood Campground in Minnesota?

Deerwood Campground offers full hookup sites with water, electric, and sewer connections. The campground features clean bathroom facilities with showers, similar to those found at South Isle Family Campground which has great shower facilities and an in-ground heated pool. For those seeking RV accommodations, the nearby Minnesota National RV Park provides 50-amp service with water and sewer on gravel pads. Typical amenities include boat access to nearby lakes, fishing opportunities, playground facilities for families, and proximity to hiking and biking trails. Many campgrounds in the area offer shaded sites, picnic tables, and fire rings, with varying levels of privacy between sites.

When is the best time to visit Deerwood Campground?

The best time to visit Deerwood Campground is from late May through early October when Minnesota's weather is most favorable for outdoor activities. Summer (June-August) offers warm temperatures ideal for swimming and water recreation, similar to the peak season at Father Hennepin State Park Campground on Lake Mille Lacs. Early fall brings spectacular foliage colors and fewer crowds, comparable to the experience at Mille Lacs Kathio State Park where autumn reveals beautiful scenery. Spring offers good fishing but can be wet with lingering snow melt. Winter camping is possible for cold-weather enthusiasts, though facilities may be limited and roads can be challenging without 4WD, as noted in experiences at other Minnesota forest campgrounds.