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.

Best Camping Sites Near Deerwood, Minnesota (153)

    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

    8 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. Crow Wing State Park Campground

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

    $21 / night

    "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."

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

    9. 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."

    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."

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Recent Reviews near Deerwood, MN

307 Reviews of 153 Deerwood 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.

  • 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.


Guide to Deerwood

Deerwood camping options center around glacially-formed lakes averaging 15-30 feet deep, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 75-85°F during peak season. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region with Verizon offering the most consistent coverage along major roads while AT&T and T-Mobile customers may experience dead zones on the north side of larger lakes.

What to do

Fishing in multiple lakes: Bay Lake near Camp Holiday Resort provides excellent fishing opportunities. "We had site 1 which was right on the lake. We were able to park the camper parallel to the lake which was amazing. Such a beautiful view!" Turtle Lake connects to another lake, making "a great boat or kayak trip."

Mountain biking on red dirt trails: The Cuyuna trail system offers world-class mountain biking with various difficulty levels. At Red Rider Resort, "MTB access to the Yawkey section was nice and will be even better after more trail is added to the zone." One camper noted that Red Rider offers "easy access to both single track and to paved cycling path."

Paddleboarding and kayaking: Several former mine pits offer crystal-clear water for paddling. At True North Basecamp, "We brought our paddleboard and had a great time on the quiet lake." Many resorts provide equipment rentals - "There are a couple of tent sites than can accommodate small campers...They even offer up the option to have firewood delivered to your site before you arrive."

What campers like

Spacious, private campsites: Many camping sites near Deerwood, Minnesota feature good spacing between sites. At Cuyuna Range Campground, "The sites are wide to give you space. Picnic table and fire ring provided in each site." Another reviewer noted, "The sites were amazingly large with nice privacy between the lots. Easy to get into with plenty of room to spare."

Clean facilities: Shower houses and bathrooms across the region receive positive reviews. One camper at Cuyuna City Campground mentioned, "Shower house with toilets are clean." At Red Rider Resort, a camper appreciated "a very nice kitchen with running water and showers were large, private, and clean."

Multiple accommodation options: The area offers diverse lodging beyond traditional tent sites. True North Basecamp features cabins that "are basic but clean with comfortable beds, a table and ac! Right on the lake and direct access to the trails." One camper stated, "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."

What you should know

Seasonal variations affect camping experience: The camping season generally runs May through October, with most facilities closing for winter. At Crosby Memorial City Park, campers can stay "from May 10 to October 15." Some campgrounds like Red Rider Resort open earlier - "Camp Sites were open early (March), if not year round. Other campgrounds don't open until mid-April."

Campground locations vary in proximity to towns: Some campgrounds offer convenient access to local amenities. True North Basecamp is "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!" Crosby Memorial City Park offers "walking distance to downtown shops and brewery."

Reservation requirements and timing: Popular sites fill quickly during peak season. Make reservations well in advance for weekends. For True North Basecamp, "Check-in information is shared via email (key codes for the bathhouse and the cabin locks). The emails are very informative and the owners have been prompt to reply when I had questions."

Tips for camping with families

Playgrounds and kid-friendly activities: Aitkin County Campground offers "a nice little campground on the Mississippi River" with facilities families appreciate. Crosby Memorial City Park features "a swimming beach on Serpent lake" that is "nice for the whole family. When they're tired of swimming, the skate park is always a good time. The playground is modern and very nice."

Beach access considerations: Water depths vary at different beaches. At Red Rider Resort, "We went to Brainerd one day. Spent a couple days kayaking, swimming and snorkeling the lakes that were made by the mines." Mission Beach Resort accommodates all ages as "the resort is small, something we appreciate, but offers enough for my 84 yr old father to my 3 yr old granddaughter."

Camp kitchen facilities: Some campgrounds provide communal cooking areas. Red Rider Resort features "a very nice kitchen with running water." True North Basecamp cabins include "a pergola style shelter with a full roof for outdoor cooking."

Tips from RVers

Site leveling requirements: Prepare for uneven terrain at some campgrounds. At Camp Holiday Resort, "Most of the lake side sites were pretty uneven, bring plenty of leveling blocks. That was really the only negative we had, but it wasn't really a big deal because we came prepared with just enough leveling blocks."

Hookup variations: Full hookups are limited at some campgrounds. Camp Holiday Resort has "Most have water and electric. Full hookups are very limited. Only 4 site near the back." At Cuyuna Range Campground, campers appreciate that "Each lot has full hook-ups, that was a huge bonus!!"

Access constraints for larger rigs: Most campgrounds in the area accommodate medium-sized RVs but have limitations for larger vehicles. Cuyuna City Campground has "6 RV sites and a few tent camping sites. Has 30/50 hook up and a water filling station and dump station on site."

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.