Tent campsites near Pequot Lakes, Minnesota connect paddlers to several water trails including the Pine River and Mississippi waterways. The area sits at approximately 1,300 feet elevation with the Crow Wing River forming natural boundaries through this north-central region. Many remote sites require visitors to bring all supplies and properly store food due to occasional wildlife encounters in this mixed coniferous forest environment.
What to do
Paddle the Pine River Water Trail: Access the South Bend Watercraft Site for swimming in sandy riverbed areas. "We saw so much wildlife on this kayak trip, and enjoyed a great swim in the river. It's never super deep or too strong a current, and in front of this site it's sandy and great swimming!" reports HollyRose M.
Explore historic sites: Visit Crow Wing State Park's historic townsite and Red River Oxcart Trail while camping at their canoe landing. Janet R. notes, "You can hike the trails, visit and learn about the historic townsite and the Red River Oxcart Trail that went through in the 1800's, and visit scenic overlooks around the park, including the confluence of the Crow Wing and Mississippi Rivers."
Wildlife viewing: The Overlook Park Canoe Campsite provides excellent river observation opportunities. "The opposite land bordering this city park is part of Crow Wing State Park, so even though it's close to town, it does feel fairly remote," writes HollyRose M., who appreciated the maintained trails along the riverbank.
What campers like
Convenient river access: Baxter Canoe Camp offers superior waterfront camping. Amy G. reports, "There were two spots off the water where you can get out of a canoe and hit dry land. The first has some stairs, but they are VERY steep. After trying that once or twice, I discovered a landing about 20 yards farther down shore that was a better spot for docking."
Multiple campsite configurations: Anderson's Crossing provides various tent camping options. Stephen L. found it ideal for larger groups: "It was located right on the river. This was a great campsite for the 7 of us! Planning on going back a few times this summer!"
Peaceful atmosphere: Many water-access sites offer significant privacy and quiet. John N. describes Knob Hill: "It is surrounded by trees so I would imagine bug spray would be a must have... No scenic views of the river, just trees."
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most watercraft sites have minimal amenities. At Canoe Landing Campsite, Brittany experienced this firsthand: "Didnt stay long. We were bike riding the Paul Bunyon Trail and rode into Crow Wing in the dark. I self registered because the office was closed."
Navigation challenges: Some sites aren't precisely where maps indicate. Amy G. warns about Baxter Canoe Camp: "This camp is not located exactly where it shows on the map. I'm not certain if the camp was moved after the map was printed, or if it was just printed in the wrong spot, but it was about a 1/2 mile to a mile farther south of Brainerd than we were expecting."
Wildlife encounters: Bears and other animals may visit campsites. One camper at Baxter Canoe Camp shared: "We did have a nighttime visitor in the form of something big and black and furry. We didn't see him, but heard the sounds of a bear. It never approached the tent, we never had to yell, and it never threatened."
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with easy water access: Some waterfront sites have challenging approaches. Amy G. noted about Knob Hill, "There is an upper level campground (for car camping and there is water here too for drinking) and a lower campground (for the canoe campers). The lower has a view of the river and it a little further from the bathrooms, but much prettier."
Plan for supplies: Most primitive tent campsites require bringing everything you need. Janet R. explains about Anderson's Crossing: "This is yet another canoe campsite and canoe launch on the state-designated Crow Wing River Water Trail. This is a good paddle-in stop or primitive camping destination."
Secure equipment properly: When camping on hills near water, take precautions with gear. One camper at South Bend Watercraft Site learned this lesson: "Make sure to pull your watercraft ALL the way up the hill or secure it tightly! One of our Kayaks slide back down the hill into the river, got caught in a branch so we were lucky!"
Tips from RVers
Access limitations: Most riverside tent sites aren't suitable for RVs. John N. warns about Knob Hill: "This place is off the beaten path for sure. It's more of a trail than a road for the last part and I was riding my Victory Motorcycle. 4 wheels is advised or a dirt bike."
Consider primitive RV options: Some sites may accommodate small rigs but with minimal amenities. Many watercraft sites connect to larger recreation areas where RVs can stay while tent campers explore downriver options.