Nisswa, Minnesota offers numerous camping options with forest-lined lakes and former mining areas. The region sits on the Pine Moraines and Outwash Plains at 1,300 feet elevation. Seasonal temperatures range from below freezing in winter to 80°F in summer, with spring and fall being ideal camping seasons due to moderate temperatures and fewer insects.
What to do
Bike the Paul Bunyan Trail: The 120-mile paved trail runs through Crow Wing State Park, connecting multiple camping destinations. "Great state campground, good hiking trails, Paul Bunyan Bike Trail passes through park(120 miles long). Crow Wing town site interesting," notes a camper at Crow Wing State Park Campground.
Explore local history: Visit the historic sites within camping areas to learn about the region's past. "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," shares a visitor to Crow Wing State Park.
Winter recreation: Experience snowshoeing and cross-country skiing when temperatures drop. "Sunset Hike... Love doing a sunset hike, this trail is just over two miles, all along the river, with pretty much continual sunset views if you take the trail East to West," describes a camper at Crow Wing State Park.
Paddleboard the mine pits: The former mining pits offer unique paddleboarding opportunities. "I was looking to take a solo camping trip for the weekend and paddleboard on the Cuyuna Mine Lakes. I booked the trip pretty late because of a lot of different factors, but Crow Wing State park still had plenty of availability," explains a visitor.
What campers like
Heated cabins with trail access: Modern accommodations provide comfort in all seasons. "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," notes a guest at True North Basecamp.
Proximity to town amenities: Many campgrounds are located near restaurants and services. "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," explains a camper at True North Basecamp.
Private waterfront campsites: Sites along the water provide direct lake access. "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. Was quiet and peaceful," shares a visitor at Camp Holiday Resort and Campground.
Rustic glamping options: Camping facilities range from basic to luxury. "True North Basecamp is great for those wanting to 'camp lite'. You're enjoying the outdoors & camping in a tent but there's a bathroom (outhouse style) & fresh cold water near by. Town is close enough you can even skip the cooking if you choose," explains a camper.
What you should know
Campsite privacy varies significantly: Some sites offer seclusion while others are more open. "Some sites are better than others in terms of privacy. The bathrooms were always clean. Situated right on a quarry with fun fishing and kayaking opportunities," notes a visitor to True North Basecamp.
Seasonal insects: Be prepared for mosquitoes during summer months. "If you visit in the summertime, expect hellish mosquitoes and pack accordingly!" warns a camper at Crosslake Campground.
Shower facility limitations: Facilities may have limited capacity during busy periods. "There was only 1 shower/toilet building and 7 water spigots for 48 camp sites - most of which were for tents. Of the 2 women's shower stalls, only one worked properly," reports a camper at Crow Wing State Park.
Water clarity differences: Lakes have varying visibility based on their origin. "Lake is clean but dark with ore. Loons frequent. Turtle lake channels over to another lake. Makes a great boat or kayak trip," explains a visitor to Camp Holiday Resort and Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Choose campgrounds with children's facilities. "Nice campground for a family experience. Camping with two toddlers can be a lot, it helps when there are two nice playgrounds here, a slide, water trampoline, nice beach, and nice, clean bathrooms," shares a camper at Sunset Pines Campground.
Heated pool options: Some resorts offer swimming alternatives to natural lakes. "The kids loved the heated pool and tether ball! We all had a great time riding 4 wheelers on the Spider Lake trails a few miles away. Great sites, great time!" notes a visitor to Sunset Pines.
Cabin rentals for easier camping: Glamping near Nisswa offers cabin options for families new to camping. "Peaceful and serene, at the end of the road. Family camping RV sites have playground right there. Paddle Boats available and swimming beach," explains a camper at Tuck-a-way Resort and Campground.
Safety considerations for solo travelers: Some campgrounds offer better security for those camping alone. "I noticed that the rangers stopped and talked to me night one, and remembered me- which made me feel very safe as a solo female camper," shares a visitor to Crow Wing State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Be prepared with leveling equipment. "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," advises a camper at Camp Holiday Resort.
Limited full hookup sites: Call ahead to confirm availability. "Full hookups are very limited. Only 4 site near the back. Off of a quiet road. No traffic noise," notes an RVer at Camp Holiday Resort.
Campground navigation: Some areas have difficult access roads. "There is also a pretty decent hill you have to go down to get to your site so if you're nervous or new to pulling a camper just be aware," warns a visitor to Tuck-a-way Resort.
Site width considerations: Waterfront sites may have different dimensions. "The lake front sites are small width wise but your view of the lake makes up for it and helps the site feel more spacious," explains a camper.
