Looking for the best campgrounds near Brainerd, MN? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Brainerd is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.
$21 / night
Family memories to be made just 2 hours from the Twin Cities! It is located just 10 miles south of Brainerd/Baxter, and 20 miles north of Little Falls on Highway 371. Crow Wing Lake Campground lies on 30 wooded acres of mature trees, on the shores of 400 acre - Crow Wing Lake. We have 80 full hook up sites (some seasonal) and 20 electric/water sites. Each site comes with its own picnic table and fire ring. Our full hook up and electrical sites also have a 7’ X 20’ cement patio for a more enjoyable camping adventure. Most of our sites offer shade for those hot summer days. The campground also offers full service restrooms, laundry facilities, fish cleaning house, boat launch, docks, slips and an on-site store. Our camp store has a variety of things that you might need, or forgot to pack! We have groceries and bait, a variety of beverages, snacks, pizzas, souvenirs, camping equipment and a whole slew of other things! You can also rent pontoons, canoes, funyaks, paddleboat, and paddleboards here.
Gull Lake Recreation Area offers something for everyone with boating, hiking, fishing and swimming at Minnesota's famous Gull Lake, the largest of the 10 lakes on the Gull Chain of Lakes. Visitors have the opportunity to see and hear an abundance of watchable wildlife like bald eagles, white-tailed deer, river otters, a variety of songbirds, and the legendary call of the loon.
Anglers will delight in the large population of fish including stocked walleye, northern pike, bass and a variety of panfish. Boaters can access crystal clear waters throughout the chain of lakes and enjoy the peaceful sunsets overlooking the woods. Hit the self-guided interpretive trail for a short hike with wildlife watching and scenic overlooks along the lake. Hop on your bike on the City of East Gull Lake's paved multi-use trail that starts by the dam, or head out to join up with the Paul Bunyan State Trail with trailheads located in Baxter and Nisswa. Got a kayak, canoe, or intertube? Try heading down the Gull River from the lower canoe launch. Ask the Park Rangers about river safety with current water flow and check-out a life jacket before you go.
The campground sits on the Gull River at the outlet of Gull Lake. The area was formed by a receding glacier that moved southward from Canada and carved the landscape. Gull Lake is one of the six Mississippi Headwaters Projects of the Mississippi River Watershed operated by The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Gull Lake is located minutes from 520 holes of golf, the 100-mile Paul Bunyan State Trail, amusement parks, a zoo, and numerous shopping opportunities in Brainerd, Baxter, and Nisswa.
$40 / night
Welcome to Cuyuna Range Campground! We offer private, spacious campsites on a nightly basis (with weekly/monthly discounts available) to recreational camping vehicles (RCVs) such as motor homes, fifth-wheel trailers and travel trailers. The campground does not have a separate bath/shower house so tent camping is not available and all RCVs staying at the campground must be equipped with their own bathroom.
Cuyuna Range Campground is located in the heart of Cuyuna Country - located within a 10-minute drive of the nearby cities of Crosby, Cuyuna, Deerwood, Emily and Ironton as well as the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area, mountain biking trails and ATV trails. We are your home base to come back to after exploring all the area has to offer for restaurants, shopping, activities and adventures. Relax, laugh and enjoy time with your friends and family in the beauty of nature! Cuyuna Range Campground is a place for you to rejuvenate in the privacy of your own wooded campsite.
Cuyuna Range Campground offers 17 private, wooded and level campsites, all with full hook-ups (water, septic and electric (20/30/50 amp)) - the only campground of its kind in the Cuyuna Area! Each campsite is 40' wide x 60' deep (with at least 30' of woods in between each site) giving you plenty of privacy. No overcrowding here! Each of our sites accommodate RCVs up to 50' in length and provide use of a picnic table and fire pit with grill attachment. There is a class 5 pad on which to park.
We live in the Cuyuna area so are available if you have any questions or issues and we'd love to make recommendations for restaurants, shops or activities! There is so much to explore and experience and we look forward to hosting you!
$57 - $65 / night
$15 / night
$21 / night
Family memories to be made just 2 hours from the Twin Cities! It is located just 10 miles south of Brainerd/Baxter, and 20 miles north of Little Falls on Highway 371. Crow Wing Lake Campground lies on 30 wooded acres of mature trees, on the shores of 400 acre - Crow Wing Lake. We have 80 full hook up sites (some seasonal) and 20 electric/water sites. Each site comes with its own picnic table and fire ring. Our full hook up and electrical sites also have a 7’ X 20’ cement patio for a more enjoyable camping adventure. Most of our sites offer shade for those hot summer days. The campground also offers full service restrooms, laundry facilities, fish cleaning house, boat launch, docks, slips and an on-site store. Our camp store has a variety of things that you might need, or forgot to pack! We have groceries and bait, a variety of beverages, snacks, pizzas, souvenirs, camping equipment and a whole slew of other things! You can also rent pontoons, canoes, funyaks, paddleboat, and paddleboards here.
Gull Lake Recreation Area offers something for everyone with boating, hiking, fishing and swimming at Minnesota's famous Gull Lake, the largest of the 10 lakes on the Gull Chain of Lakes. Visitors have the opportunity to see and hear an abundance of watchable wildlife like bald eagles, white-tailed deer, river otters, a variety of songbirds, and the legendary call of the loon.
Anglers will delight in the large population of fish including stocked walleye, northern pike, bass and a variety of panfish. Boaters can access crystal clear waters throughout the chain of lakes and enjoy the peaceful sunsets overlooking the woods. Hit the self-guided interpretive trail for a short hike with wildlife watching and scenic overlooks along the lake. Hop on your bike on the City of East Gull Lake's paved multi-use trail that starts by the dam, or head out to join up with the Paul Bunyan State Trail with trailheads located in Baxter and Nisswa. Got a kayak, canoe, or intertube? Try heading down the Gull River from the lower canoe launch. Ask the Park Rangers about river safety with current water flow and check-out a life jacket before you go.
The campground sits on the Gull River at the outlet of Gull Lake. The area was formed by a receding glacier that moved southward from Canada and carved the landscape. Gull Lake is one of the six Mississippi Headwaters Projects of the Mississippi River Watershed operated by The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Gull Lake is located minutes from 520 holes of golf, the 100-mile Paul Bunyan State Trail, amusement parks, a zoo, and numerous shopping opportunities in Brainerd, Baxter, and Nisswa.
$40 / night
Legend
offers sites with no hookups and sites with electric (no water, but potable water station is provided to fill up prior to parking) bathrooms and showers in the campground. Fire ring and picnic table provide for each site. Firewood and sewage dump station also provided for free to registered campers. There is a dock, sand swimming beach, horse shoe pits, disc golf, basketball court, and softball field.
Legend
park features fishing in Whiskey Creek, (stocked with rainbow trout, crappies, and sunfish), picnic area, children's playground, semi-enclosed shelters, campground area with full hook-up and tent sites, two camping cabins, softball fields, frisbee golf, volleyball area and a children's zoo, which includes buffalo, whitetail deer, peacocks, and golden pheasants. Site had picnic table and fire ring.
We thoroughly enjoyed the frisbee golf and the zoo!
Traveler
This Campground is closed permanently
Scout
Was here every summer in the late eighties and early nineties as a kid with my family and it’s still as nice and peaceful as it was then. I’ll continue to keep coming back every summer
Traveler
This is our second year and starting into our third. This campground has been great for our family. Everyone in the campground is very friendly, pool is amazing and the lake is great for fishing. It is a seasonal campground so it is awesome to be able to leave our camper here year-round.
Guide
The campground was nicely maintained. Had a nice pool and friendly seasonal campers. The management and reservation process was less than desirable. Very difficult to get ahold of management and upon arrival they had given our reserved site away to someone else and moved us. Paid for a water/ electric site and were moved to an electric only site and no cost difference or refund offered.
Legend
As this was our second time here at Minnesota National, we had no problem finding the course or RV park. The RV navigation in our new Ford 450 was also spot on. When you turn in at the golf course, drive all the way to the club house/lodge parking lot and there’s a road to the right that takes you into the campground (CG). As you check-in online prior to arrival, you simply proceed to your camp site. As you turn down the short road to the CG, there’s a sign to help you identify your site location. We proceeded to back-in site 25 with full hook ups. The utilities are in the back of pad in this CG, so you may need 20+ feet of electric, sewer, or water cord/hose depending on your rig’s configuration. The sewer grade is a bit up hill. We got 3 bars LTE on Verizon and no CG WiFi. There is only a vault toilet/out house in the CG. We came here to golf for two weeks. The 18 hole course is quite challenging where the 9 hole Savannah is shorter and a little bit easier. The golf course restaurant has decent food and a good deal on draft beer during their Sunday to Thursday Happy Hours.There is not much more to do here except golf. McGregor is about 15 minutes away and is where we did laundry and got our groceries.
Traveler
We got to the site and we had low branches asked them to cut them. They said they were at there standards so we had hold it up. Them the site next to us had to have rock concrete us and 4 others called several times nothing
Traveler
Came through on an evening in July to meet a buddy canoeing the misssissippi. This was easily the buggiest site we stayed in all summer. Mosquitos so thick we had to wear nets over our faces. Maybe we’re just sensitive about it, but it was hard to get anything done.
Guide
There are many different sites (most just pull offs) in this area! I did see one that was pull through further down game refuge road. The cell service with Verizon is good enough to stream videos and work on your laptop with ease. There aren't too many people in the area, even on a Sunday in July. The bugs are not great but that's just what you're going to get in an area like this one. Overall I would definitely stay here again.
Guide
Absolutely nothing interesting about this place. It’s just a standard issue dirt lot with a slight incline. Open parking, no sites.
Ranger
There were a good amount of spots, and I seemed to be the only person. Was a good and secluded. I did hear some weird noises throughout the night, but all was well. It is your average dispersed site. I made it fine with 2wd, just take it slow.
Guide
Nice campground. We were dry camping in the RV since there was no water. Still a nice place for a winter getaway. Will go back in the fall!
Ranger
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. One shower needs a new shower head.
Sites 40 to 45 are very nice and secluded. Sites 58 and 59 are prime secluded sites.
Ranger
Friday afternoon 5:00 finished out my work day here. I've had great wireless I'm getting 5G Verizon believe it or not. We're the only ones here it is pretty rustic coming in so if your camper is very sensitive you need to take your time. But the river is going past it's lazy it's quiet I hope it stays quiet all nice and it's $20. Hi Summer might be hot most of the park spots are in the sun but if you had a tent you can find a shady spot down by the river. Their are mosquitoes this year and I don't think the four wheeler trails are highly used I was hoping there would be hiking trails we'll probably just stay one night because the limited walking and I won't go in the high grass with the ticks in the mosquitoes. But it's beautiful I'll upload some pictures in a video.
Ranger
Smaller campsite with less spaces but right on the waters edge which provides a breeze and keeps the bugs down. Wet spring so Kathoy was terrible but works here. Trails, town which has a grocery store, place to wash cloths and a place to trade out the books I've ready for a new set. Good connectivity so easy to work from with decent bathrooms.
RangerI came in the spring it was a wet spring there were a lot of bugs. The trails are probably not maintained because it was so wet but they were almost impossible to hike on simply because of the amount of mosquitoes. The bathrooms are nice the camp spots were nice they had good signage for the archaeological stuff. It was just very hard to enjoy it because it was so overwhelmingly buggy.
GuideThe campsite was pretty wooded on most sides. I visited in the late spring so there were quite a few mosquitos since the campground is near the river. Bathrooms/showers were cleanish, water was mid from the outdoor taps but not horrible
RangerSmall, well spaced out camp spots and very quiet. This was a wet spring and under the trees, the bugs were overwhelming so keep that in mind. Few nice trails, several museums right across the street, really nice parks in little falls and neat views of the dam on the river
RangerThis is a more rustic State Park. There's lots of history here most of it is just a plaque not actually something to see. The river was really high and there was a fair amount of mosquitoes outside but a lot of trails and a lot of signs and a lot of history in the park.
ScoutHiking was great, we saw an albino deer on the hiking club trail! Site was a bit tight for our travel trailer and a tight fit to back up on the pad. Recent rain had the campsites pretty muddy but the paved spaces were well maintained.
RangerNice wooded campground. Gravel sites, fairly level. Water fill and firewood available at the registration building. The water was high in iron.
Canoe and kayak rentals available. Lots of trails for hiking and biking. Bring bug spray in the summer!
Historical sites along hiking path.
Bathrooms and showers were decent. Dump station on site.
Guide
We stayed in a cabin for a week of biking. Excellent location with all the trails. It has a great swimming area, though it did get deep fast for little kids. We brought our paddleboard and had a great time on the quiet lake. We did hike up to the top of the camp area and were glad we stayed in the cabins. The shower/bathroom house was nice. Overall, we would stay here again.
Legend
Jake from the Dyrt here! We're excited to have this campground on the Dyrt and ready for you to book, check them out and make sure to leave a review!
Ranger
Most of these spots are cutoffs on the sides of the dirt road. They are deep and have plenty of room, though. Almost all of them I could see have firepits. The spot I stayed in was the most secluded I could find. It was through a ditch and up a small hill and set back in the woods. There is a firepit up there as well. I spent 3 days here with only one car passing through on the first night. After that, nothing! You wouldn't have a problem finding a place if your pulling a trailer.
RangerYou'll want to come in on 640th lane. The road does a lot of winding, and sections aren't always in the best shape. I wouldn't recommend any trailers unless you have 4x4 and the trailer is set up for offroad. Ideally, this is a better straight vehicle spot. There are numerous spots off the road to camp. I stayed over at the very dead end, which, on Google, is labeled "deer camp." It's quiet and deep in. Good luck. No amenities.
Legend
While I did not actually stay, I drove through for future reference. It looks very private and lots of tree cover (maybe a tree farm?) All pine. Each sie has tons of space and lots of trees between sites. No looking into your neighbors site. Plenty of space for hammocks! Each side has a plentiful pile of pine to burn. Nice addition and offering!
Appeared to have a dump station and port o lets scattered all over for ease of access.
I should mention (and maybe this will be improved in the future) the road was very bumpy. This time of year it is fairly frozen, but could be messy in wet weather. Class 5 or gravel would be an awesome addition. The current road is primitive and might be difficult with RVs.
I would absolutely consider this for the price if I needed something in this area.
Camping near Brainerd, Minnesota, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for you.
Camping near Brainerd, Minnesota, offers a great mix of nature and activities. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful surroundings!
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Brainerd, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, Brainerd, MN offers a wide range of camping options, with 155 campgrounds and RV parks near Brainerd, MN and 9 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Brainerd, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Brainerd, MN is Crow Wing State Park Campground with a 3.9-star rating from 25 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Brainerd, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 free dispersed camping spots near Brainerd, MN.
What parks are near Brainerd, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near Brainerd, MN that allow camping, notably Mississippi River Headwaters - Cross Lake and Mississippi River Headwaters - Sandy Lake.
