The best camping near Mille Lacs Kathio State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Mille Lacs Kathio adventure.

100% (5 reviews)

Discover Mille Lacs Kathio State Park's natural beauty and outdoor fun.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Mille Lacs Kathio State Park

Book externally

Public campgrounds in the park
Book externally

Stay at a public campground in Mille Lacs Kathio State Park

Rum River Group Camp

2 sites In Mille Lacs Kathio State Park

100%

(2)

Petaga Campground

25 sites · RVs, Tents In Mille Lacs Kathio State Park

from

$23

/ night

Horse Campground

10 sites In Mille Lacs Kathio State Park

Ogechie Campground

26 sites · RVs, Tents In Mille Lacs Kathio State Park

from

$19

/ night

Top-rated campgrounds near Mille Lacs Kathio State Park

96%

(14)

R&R Mille Lacs

1 site · RV1 acre · Garrison, MN

Learn more about this land: R&R Mille Lacs offers a private channel lake lot on beautiful Mille Lacs! The site will have a pull through driveway with 2 RV spots with electricity and water on a gravel pad. The gravel drive through is big enough for 1 more RV but there are no hookups. $60 per RV per night. (So if your group brings 3 RVs it totals to $180.00 per night. Tents are also allowed. There is one dump station as you pull out. The site also has a private dock to put your boat or other water toys on. With just a short boat ride through the channel you can be out fishing on the mighty Mille Lacs in minutes. There are no waves to worry about in the channel so just tying up to the dock is nice and easy. With the calm waters it is a great place to use your kayak or paddle board, or just some fishing off the dock. There will be a four person paddle boat available for guests, you must bring your own lifejackets for any water activities. There are also atv or mountain bike trails just feet away from the site. There is a fire pit on site with free split firewood. We are located 5 minutes south of Garrison, and 5 minutes north of Grand Casino Mille Lacs, and right across the road from Northwood Hills golf course with Charlie’s Bar & Grill. To launch your boat there are public water accesses to the north and south or there is a private launch near the mouth of the channel. It has a new cement ramp. To use the ramp you have a one time payment of $10.00.

98%

(269)

The Camps at the Vineyard

18 sites · RVs, Tents110 acres · Ogilvie, MN

We are closed for the Winter starting the 4th of December 2023. We look forward to welcoming you in Spring - bookings starting in March 2024! This is a 10-acre part of a larger 110-acre property, This section is reserved for tents, camping vans, and small trailers 20' or less. The river is great for small children to wade and swim in during the summer. During spring, the water is up higher for kayaks and canoes. Seasonal sites are 20' from the river, and a wonderful place to fall asleep and wake up to a babbling river. Learn more about this land: The camping area is ten acres alongside the Ground House River. There are fish in the river, and the water level fluctuates for tubing or kayaking. The property borders with state land used for horse riding, and great for biking

99%

(135)

Vineyard Farm & Family Camp

8 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Isle, MN

Once part of a large farm, the 20 acres is the perfect site for a vineyard & winery. Learn more about this land:Up to six people (maximum 2 adult guests per campsite and four children - i.e. one family unit!) and two license plates per campsite (one vehicle and one towed vehicle). Each campsite will contain one tent or RV. Larger and slide-out units must camp in designated areas at our discretion. No generators allowed.At the time of booking, please let us know what you are camping in, how many people, kids or pets, etc., and approximate check-in time. We prefer check-in times before 6 p.m. NO SURPRISES PLEASE! This will help everyone! We understand plans change. Please contact us for an emergency booking or any other issues if needed, such as change in check-in time.Quiet hours are 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. Additional daytime and overnight guests must pay an additional fee at check-in with prior approval. Additional vehicles must pay an additional fee per license plate at check-in with prior approval. We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone.We are a working off-the-grid Winery and Vineyard, featuring herbicide-free and pesticide-free wines and home made maple syrup, solar and wind 12 volt electric power and working water windmill, housed in a 1920s barn. Winery is open Friday 3-6 pm; Saturday 11 am-6 pm; and Sunday Noon-3 pm. Campers can request wine tastings and service anytime if available.We have twelve campsites with fire rings to choose from, with only eight sites rented per day. There is 20 acres of land, you can pick your campsite most anywhere you like. There are three acres of grape vines you can camp in or walk through. A one acre wind-aerated lake for swimming, boating and camping around. Eight acres of open hay land for larger RVs. Six acres of groomed woods for backwoods camping. We supply your firewood free, in moderation, shallow water hand pump wells for water, pumpable primitive toilets, boat landing and dock. We are located within one mile of public access to Mille Lacs Lake and the Soo Line ATV hiking and biking trail. Two miles from city of Isle and all its amenities. Three miles from Father Hennepin State Park and 19 miles from Kathio State Park. Many restaurants, bars, and fishing resorts in the area within ten miles. Wild life viewing is great from birds to bears, we have even had the white deer walk through our vineyard. Gravel pits near with great agate picking. While this is as remote and serene as a place can be close to civilization, ongoing vineyard activities take place seven days a week. ATV use to and from campsite only, with a 5 mph speed limit. All campsites are accessible by bike across mowed grass. Please be respectful and use mowed trails. No cutting live trees; taking dead and downed wood is acceptable.* June 26-27, 2021. Mille Lacs Lake History Festival & Rendezvous (1840s Traders Camp) is hosted the last weekend in June. Camping is available in designated sites on a limited basis for this weekend. A fun family event! An entrance fee will be charged at their gate. Check out their Facebook page for more information. Check out the Facebook page or website for DeCorsa Vineyard & Farm Winery LLC for specific events and up-to-date information about the winery.Our hope is everyone has a good stay!

100%

(24)

Wise Woods on Fool Lake

1 site · RV, Tent2 acres · MN

Located at the end of a private road on Fool Lake with wooded mature trees that offer privacy. The lake is quiet and calm. Fool Lake is a private, environmental lake, with many varieties of fish. Perfect for kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, and swimming. Boating is allowed up to 40 hp via gated private launch (no tubing or skiing). The land slopes to the lake where you will find small dock and a few stairs into the water. Well for water and electricity available including a 30 amp hookup for RV campers. Large outhouse also has electricity. Minutes away from access to Cuyuna trails, Crosby, and Emily, as well as nearby Nisswa and Crosslake. This central location offers access to any and all amenities. After a day on the trails, in town, or on the water, an evening at the at the fire pit overlooking the lake is a perfect way to end the day. Wind down, relax and enjoy the trees, lake and nature surrounding you. We expect all guests to respect the neighborhood, lake and nature! **November to early spring the water access will be winterized and NOT available for use. Any winter camping is at your own digression and snow removal will only be provided on the neighborhood road(s) up to the entrance of the site. Getting into the site could be difficult depending on the snow conditions.** Note: there is currently a locked camper & small kids house on site not available for use. Things To Do: Cuyuna Mountain Bike Trails - https://www.cuyunalakesmtb.com/ https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/cuyuna/mtnbiking.html Cuyuna Lakes State Trail: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_trails/cuyuna_lakes/index.html Super Premium Gourmet Cheeses, Artisan Ice-Cream, Wine & Spirits, MN Goodies & More - https://shopvictual.com/ Bike Rental, Sales, Service, Food, Coffee, Etc. - https://www.redraven.bike/ Soo Line Museum - http://www.cuyunahistory.org/museum.html Milford Mine Memorial Park - https://www.crowwing.us/294/Milford-Mine-Memorial-Park Serpent Lake and Crosby Memorial Park/Playground Hard Water Lounge - https://www.hardwaterlounge.com/ Paul Bunyan Land - https://paulbunyanland.com/ Paul Bunyan Trail: the longest Minnesota bike/hike trail at 120 miles! Dennis Drummond Winery - https://ddwco.com/ 20-min drive from Crosby! Traditions Mini Golf - https://www.traditionsminigolf.com/ Mille Lacs Lake - Minnesota’s second-largest inland lake. Places To Eat: Iron Range Eatery - http://ironrange.3cheersmn.com/ Rafferty's Wood Fired Pizza - https://raffertyspizza.com/location/crosby/ North Country Cafe - https://north-country-cafe.business.site/ Cuyuna Brewing Company - http://www.cuyunabrewing.com/ The Bridge Tavern - http://bridgetavernmn.com/ Jack Pine Brewery - https://www.jackpinebrewery.com/This is in Baxter, MN. Fire Shack - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069785463122 Burritos California - https://zmenu.com/burritos-califirnia-crosby-online-menu/ Mixed Company - http://www.enjoymixedcompany.com/ Hill City Coffee - https://www.facebook.com/C4HillCity

100%

(14)

The Forest Container

1 site · Lodging4 acres · Deerwood, MN

Tree house, tiny home, shipping container, luxury hotel - the Forest Container is all of these things. Set in a lush forest valley, this is an incredible and unique place to stay. The property is within the Cuyuna mountain bike area, between the Yawkey and the Cruser's Kettle trailheads. There is a fire ring as well as a great deck upon which you can camp or otherwise relax and enjoy the view of the forested valley. The container is heated and cooled, and the container has a luxurious warm tiled shower, sink, toilet (cassette style), power and of course, as pictured, a beautiful small bedroom and living room. Coffee machine and mini fridge included on the deck. 👍🏼

100%

(4)

Wise Lake Association

1 site · RV1 acre · Brainerd, MN

RV lot with beach and lake access 100 feet away. Wise lake is a beautiful clean and clear lake_. Located in the heart of brainerd just minutes away from everything Brainerd has to offer. Fishing doc, swim raft and nice sandy beach to spend those warm summer days. Picnic table and room to put your own fire pit on the lot.

97%

(75)

The Wooded Retreat/breakfast/spa

4 sites · Lodging8 acres · Pine City, MN

Situated just 3 miles from the interstate, our retreat offers the tranquility of a state park while being conveniently accessible. Prepare to be mesmerized by the stunning grounds featuring rolling hills, towering white pines, and a variety of deciduous trees. Immerse yourself in nature's beauty with ponds and trails scattered throughout. Discover an abundance of flowers and wildlife that call this haven home. On our 8 acres we have 5 private ponds, 3 unique cottages ; and a vintage safari tent!

100%

(18)

Ringler's Family Campground

8 sites · RVs, Tents49 acres · Brook Park, MN

We dreamed of our own land to expand Ringler's Haunted Trail, this property called to us the first day we stepped foot here. Each year our family opens up for the month of October a haunted trail, complete with actors, a half mile long wooded trail with buildings to wander through. Now our dreams are expanding to a winter wonderland and a hipcamp campground. We enjoying sharing the beauty of our land with others, including every now and again the neighbors cattle (they like to wonder over and check things out and then wonder back home, lol). Come on over and join the fun.

Nature’s Playground Basecamp

1 site · RV, Tent4 acres · Crosby, MN

Welcome to our slice of paradise in the heart of Cuyuna Country Recreation Area! Situated on a tranquil 4-acre private lot, our camp offers a serene escape surrounded by the beauty of nature. Nestled on the shores of an environmental lake, you'll be treated to the sights and sounds of local wildlife, including majestic loons, ducks, geese, and various fish species. Feel free to explore the waters with our complimentary canoe and paddle boat, perfect for leisurely paddles or fishing excursions. Conveniently located just 1.25 miles from the Portsmouth Trailhead, outdoor enthusiasts will find themselves at the gateway to endless adventure. Take the paved trail to Ironton for a scenic bike ride, or venture onto the singletrack trails leading to the Rally Center for an adrenaline-pumping mountain biking experience. ATV and OHM trails are also nearby, offering additional opportunities for exploration. County owned public boat ramp down the road. After a day of outdoor fun, unwind at your campsite and hang your hammock by the lake. As the sun sets, gather around the fire pit with the lake as your backdrop, and marvel at the starry skies above. With peaceful nights and breathtaking views, our campground is the perfect place to reconnect with nature and create cherished memories with loved ones. Come join us for a relaxing getaway where adventure awaits at every turn!

100%

(3)

Poplar paradise

1 site · RV1 acre · Deerwood, MN

We have two simple sites that allow you to camp within 2 miles of cuyuna mountain bike trails and the town of Crosby. Perfect for those just looking for a quite place relax after a great day of riding, hiking and enjoying the outdoors! Set a hammock, start a fire and just relax! Bike to town and have dinner, ice cream and visit a local pub.

from

$49

/ night

Saved 1 time

Lake Mille Lacs camping

1 site · RV1 acre · Isle, MN

We are located right on lake Mille lacs. With a deck right on the water, fire pit and dock. Enjoy beautiful sunsets from the deck and fishing right off the dock. Camper parking is located in the driveway. Tents are permitted near the water with a camper space rental for an additional charge. Electric hook is available (extension cord)

Booked 1 time

Dad's Piece of Heaven

3 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Deerwood, MN

Lake front property with crystal clear water. Great for snorkeling and swimming. Excellent fishing. We offer pontoon rental and kayak rental. No outside boats or kayaks permitted. We want to keep our lake safe. Small campers can park near the water. Large campers on the driveway. We do not offer bathroom facilities at this time so please have a bathroom in your camper. https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/minnesota/small-town-comes-alive-autumn-mn/?fbclid=IwAR34l0_A3XDuSJl3Vss6F8iDC_yjJrmgdfsTijdftdtOp7a4CIrsWulvIek_aem_Abx1r4nmTDT9xKAvkVcU1XdIIFcL5FYapo9nPFR5v4QbXtbx7f2I1S8hVsLiXDAjjX4

The best camping near Mille Lacs Kathio State Park guide

Overview

About

Mille Lacs Kathio State Park is an historical treasure trove, protecting 19 archaeological sites dating as far back as 3000 B.C. It's considered one of the most significant archeological collections in Minnesota and is a National Historic Landmark. Awesome, right?

The beautiful Mille Kathio Lake has an amazing swimming beach, canoe and kayak rentals, and excellent fishing opportunities. There’s also an extensive trail system, a 100-foot observation tower, and a wide variety of campsites for the most social and the most secluded campers alike. Head out to Mille Kathio, and we guarantee you won’t look back.

Notable campgrounds

Yellow Medicine Campground – Nestled on the east side, this campground is a gateway to tranquility.
Horse Campground – Saddle up for an equestrian escape amid the park's western trails.
Backpack/Watercraft Campground – For the adventurous at heart, this site is accessible by a trek or paddle.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early to secure your spot, especially during peak seasons.
Consider mid-week stays for better availability and a quieter experience.
Keep an eye on cancellations for last-minute opportunities.
Explore nearby camping options if the park is fully booked.

When to go

The best time to visit Mille Lacs Kathio State Park is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural beauty is at its peak. Summer offers warm days perfect for water activities, while winter brings a snowy wonderland ideal for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Avoid busy holiday weekends for a more peaceful experience.

Know before you go

Check for any trail or area closures before your visit.
Remember, Highway 67 is closed; follow alternative directions provided by the park.
Prepare for varying weather conditions and dress in layers.
GPS apps may be inaccurate; use park-provided coordinates for navigation.
Facilities include restrooms and picnic areas, but always pack essentials.