Best Campgrounds near Woodrow, MN

Campgrounds near Woodrow, Minnesota span from state parks to lakeside resorts, offering a range of overnight options. Crow Wing State Park Campground provides developed camping with electric hookups, showers, and sites for tents, RVs, and cabins where the Mississippi and Crow Wing rivers meet. In the Cuyuna Lakes area, several campgrounds like True North Basecamp and Red Rider Resort offer direct access to world-class mountain biking trails, with accommodations ranging from tent sites to cabins and glamping options. Most campgrounds operate seasonally, typically from May through October, though some extend their seasons into early spring or late fall.

The Brainerd Lakes region experiences distinct seasonal shifts that impact camping accessibility. Most developed campgrounds near Woodrow open in May and close by late October, with peak season occurring during summer months. "We stayed two nights in October. Quiet park. The park picnic area gets lots of day use which doesn't bother the campground. Well kept up," noted one visitor about Lum City Park. Winter camping is limited to a few facilities like Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area, which offers year-round camping and winter-accessible yurts. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and holidays when lakefront sites fill quickly. The area's numerous lakes and former mine pits create unique camping environments with crystal-clear water views and recreational opportunities.

Waterfront camping represents a significant draw throughout the region. Many campgrounds feature lake access, swimming beaches, and boat launches. According to one camper, "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." Mountain biking enthusiasts particularly favor campgrounds near the Cuyuna trail system, with several visitors mentioning the convenience of having trail access directly from their campsites. Campgrounds like True North Basecamp are designed specifically for outdoor recreation access, with facilities that cater to bikers and water sports enthusiasts. City park campgrounds in Brainerd and Crosby offer the advantage of walkable access to downtown amenities while maintaining proximity to lakes and trails, though some campers note these locations have less privacy than more remote options.

Best Camping Sites Near Woodrow, Minnesota (165)

    1. Crow Wing State Park Campground

    27 Reviews
    Baxter, MN
    15 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."

    2. True North Basecamp

    9 Reviews
    Crosby, MN
    8 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."

    3. Red Rider Resort

    7 Reviews
    Crosby, MN
    10 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."

    4. Gull Lake Recreation Area

    9 Reviews
    Baxter, MN
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 290-5772

    $32 - $50 / night

    "Minnesota in the summer the parks are very full of large RVs. Our teardrop fits inside one. Nice clean campground. Friendly rangers. Nice showers."

    "We stayed in site 29 with electric and it was large but the only down fall is the firewood for purchase is next to the site, so there is a bit more foot traffic walking by."

    5. Camp Holiday Resort and Campground

    6 Reviews
    Bay Lake, MN
    12 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."

    6. Lum City Park

    3 Reviews
    Brainerd, MN
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 828-2320

    7. Cuyuna Country State Rec Area

    4 Reviews
    Crosby, MN
    9 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."

    8. Cuyuna Range Campground

    7 Reviews
    Cuyuna, MN
    15 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."

    9. Crow Wing Lake Campground

    10 Reviews
    Fort Ripley, MN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 829-6468

    "What a beautiful, peaceful sight in the woods next to the lake. Sit back and relaxing camping at it finest"

    "Only drawback was the lake was too mucky and weedy to swim in but has to be a great fishing lake. The owner's were awesome. Seriously great family rv campground."

    10. Crosby Memorial City Park

    3 Reviews
    Crosby, MN
    8 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."

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Recent Reviews near Woodrow, MN

319 Reviews of 165 Woodrow Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 9, 2025

    Two Rivers Campground

    Great place to camp.

    Two Rivers Campground is the perfect spot for a fun and relaxing getaway. They have a lazy river, a splash pool for little ones, and another pool for all ages. Kids will love the giant inflatable bouncy house, mini golf, and the many activities offered. The general store has all your camping essentials, plus they make great pizza and other food—delivered right to your campsite along with firewood and ice, just by calling or texting. The campground also features a beautiful beach area on the river that’s perfect for swimming. A few nice spots to shower and restrooms. Quiet beaches one is 1100 to 0900. It’s well maintained and taken care of. We will come back again.

  • 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.

  • 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 Woodrow

Camping near Woodrow, Minnesota, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Biking: There are numerous trails around the area. At Crow Wing State Park Campground, one visitor mentioned, "Nice trails along the Mississippi River, easy to walk, good signage on trails." You can also find great biking trails at True North Basecamp, which is close to many biking routes.
  • Canoeing and Kayaking: Rent a canoe or kayak at Father Hennepin State Park Campground. One camper shared, "Canoe and kayak rentals available. Lots of trails for hiking and biking."
  • Fishing: The lakes around Woodrow are perfect for fishing. A review for Gull Lake Recreation Area noted, "Good fishing lake," making it a great spot for anglers.

What campers like:

  • Secluded Sites: Many campers appreciate the privacy offered by the sites. A review for Crow Wing State Park Campground mentioned, "Sites 40 to 45 are very nice and secluded."
  • Clean Facilities: Clean bathrooms and showers are a big plus. One visitor at Father Hennepin State Park Campground said, "Bathrooms/showers were cleanish," which is always a good sign.
  • Family-Friendly Amenities: Campgrounds like Crow Wing Lake Campground have playgrounds and pools, making them great for families. A review noted, "Fun for the whole family. Amenities include: playground, pool, lake, dog park, and store."

What you should know:

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with amenities like playgrounds and pools. Crow Wing Lake Campground is a great option, as one review highlighted, "Each site has a table and fire pit."
  • Pack Bug Spray: With the presence of mosquitoes, especially in summer, make sure to bring bug spray. A camper at Mille Lacs Kathio State Park advised, "Bring bug spray in the summer!"
  • Plan for Activities: Keep the kids entertained with activities like hiking and fishing. A review for Gull Lake Recreation Area mentioned, "The sites are spacious and most are quite private!"

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Cuyuna Range Campground noted, "The sites were amazingly large with nice privacy between the lots."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Hookups: Some campgrounds may not have full hookups. A camper at True North Basecamp mentioned, "There are no electric or sewer hookups."
  • Explore Nearby Towns: If you need supplies or want to eat out, check out nearby towns. One camper at Gull Lake Recreation Area recommended, "It is a short 10-minute drive into Brainerd."

Camping near Woodrow, Minnesota, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to pack your bug spray and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Woodrow, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, Woodrow, MN offers a wide range of camping options, with 165 campgrounds and RV parks near Woodrow, MN and 10 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Woodrow, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Woodrow, MN is Crow Wing State Park Campground with a 3.9-star rating from 27 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Woodrow, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 free dispersed camping spots near Woodrow, MN.

What parks are near Woodrow, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 parks near Woodrow, MN that allow camping, notably Mississippi River Headwaters - Cross Lake and Mississippi River Headwaters - Sandy Lake.