Dog-Friendly Camping near Staples, MN

Camping areas around Staples, Minnesota sit within the Brainerd Lakes region at about 1,300 feet elevation. The area features a mix of prairie and deciduous forest landscapes with numerous waterways. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F with higher humidity in July and August, while black flies can be present near lakes and rivers during late spring and early summer.

What to do

Disc golf and wildlife viewing: Sunnybrook Park offers a complete disc golf course alongside unique animal encounters. "This park features fishing in Whiskey Creek, stocked with rainbow trout, crappies, and sunfish... frisbee golf, volleyball area and a children's zoo, which includes buffalo, whitetail deer, peacocks, and golden pheasants," reports Tori K.

Kayaking and canoeing: Crow Wing State Park Campground provides excellent river access for paddlers. "We canoed into the park on the Mississippi and had to carry a canoe to our site. It wasn't easy to find, but once we got there, we settled in," shares Amy G. The park offers "great access for canoeing and kayaking the Mississippi water trail. If you start at Kiwanis Park in Brainerd, you can make it to Crow Wing in four hours leisurely, or three fairly easily," adds HollyRose M.

Hiking and sunset views: Scenic walking trails connect many campgrounds to surrounding natural areas. "The scenic nature trail at Rock Lake Campground offers wooded terrain ideal for dog walks," while Crow Wing State Park features a "hiking club trail straight from the campground, which was nice. I went on a few beautiful sunset walks to watch the sunset over the river," notes Sarah D.

What campers like

Spacious, private sites: Rock Lake gets high marks for site layout. "Nice variety of campsites. There are about 10 sites that are next to the water giving you access to fishing, swimming and docking a small watercraft. Most of the sites are surrounded by trees, which is great for privacy," writes Mel G. Another camper adds, "It is a rustic state forest campground with great campsites located in a gorgeous oak-birch-pine forest and right on a pretty lake."

Free firewood: McGivern Park Campground stands out for its generous amenities. "Firewood's available for free. Water is old-fashioned pump so no hook up. Just fill buckets. Huge pine trees all around," reports Don L. Similarly, Cottingham Park Campground offers "private camping free firewood," according to Justin H.

Water recreation options: Campers appreciate the varied swimming and boating access. "There is a dock, sand swimming beach, horseshoe pits, disc golf, basketball court, and softball field," at Dower Lake Recreation Area, notes Tori K. Rock Lake campsites offer "a small lake access for swimming or launching a canoe or kayak. There is also a day use area with beach and boat launch, plus a nice nature trail," adds Janet R.

What you should know

Water access varies by site: Most campgrounds have basic water systems rather than hookups. At Old Wadena County Park, "they have old fashioned water pump if you need water. Not able to connect a water hose. But can fill up buckets for water," explains Don L. At some locations, water access may require planning ahead.

Campsite reservation systems differ: Many smaller campgrounds operate on first-come, first-served basis. "Get there early to find campsites," advises Don L. about Rock Lake. Knob Hill has both "upper level campground (for car camping and there is water here too for drinking) and a lower campground (for the canoe campers)," with staircase access between them.

Bathroom facilities are basic: Most campgrounds feature vault toilets rather than full facilities. "This is a rustic campground with no showers and vault toilets," notes Jennifer T. about Rock Lake. Bullard Bluff Campsite has "picnic tables and outhouses at the campground, maintenance is needed and appears to be a bit lacking," according to Janet R.

Tips for camping with families

Look for kid-friendly activities: Gull Lake Recreation Area offers multiple recreational options. "There is a picnic area, playground, and fishing pier on the river, and another playground at the beach on the lake," writes Janet R. The campground is "nicely handicapped accessible, with broad open campsites, accessible bathrooms, and paved trails."

Consider swimming areas: Lakes with sandy beaches work best for children. "The beach was nice and clean with playgrounds and the water crystal clear," notes Jessi about Gull Lake. Rock Lake has "a day use area with beach and boat launch," though one camper mentions "it is a smaller lake and if you have little kids you can catch a million Sunnys but not much past that."

Bring insect protection: Bugs can be prevalent during warmer months. "If you visit in the summertime, expect hellish mosquitoes and pack accordingly!" warns Sarah D. about Crow Wing State Park. Similarly, at Dower Lake, "lots of black flies but that's the lake," notes Corrie.

Tips from RVers

Site selection matters: Dower Lake Recreation Area provides varied hookup options. "Some full hookup sites but we just had electric only. Sites are nicely spaced but tight width wise," reports Corrie. For those seeking more basic options, Rock Lake has "a few sites that are open with no trees between the sites. These are great for trailers and 5th wheels or a large group requiring multiple sites."

Know hookup limitations: Many campgrounds have minimal services for RVs. "Water is old fashioned pump so no hook up. Just fill buckets," mentions Don L. about multiple campgrounds in the area. Gull Lake Recreation Area has "nice sandy beach on the other side of the dam" but charges a "$5 dumping charge," according to Scott G.

Plan for varying site surfaces: Surface types differ between campgrounds. At Gull Lake, "the pads are gravel, have plenty of space, and are also very well maintained," notes Jesse H., while other campgrounds may have grass pads without designated tent areas. "The sites are flat gravel (class5) no leveling blocks needed," adds Scott G.