The best camping near Pillsbury State Forest

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

100% (1 reviews)

Discover the natural splendor of Pillsbury State Forest.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Pillsbury State Forest

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Book externally

Public campgrounds in the park
Book externally

Stay at a public campground in Pillsbury State Forest

100%

(1)

Rock Lake Campground

48 sites · RVs, Tents In Pillsbury State Forest

from

$14

/ night

Walter E. Stark Assembly Area and Horse Campground

75 sites In Pillsbury State Forest

from

$16

/ night

Top-rated campgrounds near Pillsbury State Forest

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%

(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.

Booked 3 times

Love Lake Hacienda & Camp

2 sites · Tents1 acre · Brainerd, MN

Turtle site offers a safe place to lay one's head Semi-secluded campsite with easy access. This is a cleared, raked, and mowed spot behind the shop in the woods on one acre of backland. Hand pump sand well and porta potty. There is a walking trail to the end of the road that leads you to the Sailing Club. Lots of wildlife and chirping birds. Bring your own drinking or cooking water and come with all you need. Leave nothing behind! Ideal for the minimalist. Love Lake Hacienda and Camp is located in a lake's community with larger lots. Close to several lakes, biking and hiking trails and much more. Turtle camp is just the beginning of a dream to offer more camping sites in the future. With sustainability and natural environment in mind.

Saved 10 times

Horse Ranch camping

6 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Pequot Lakes, MN

Learn more about this land:Private setting away from main house. Open mowed pasture with plenty of space to host a group. Horse friendly accommodations close to horse riding paths or down country dirt road. Indoor riding arena for daytime use only. Open fenced pasture for grazing and stretching legs. Water provided plus generator or electricity hookup.

100%

(13)

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. 👍🏼

Fish Trap Oasis

1 site · RV, Tent2 acres · Cushing, MN

Come relax and restore at a quiet lakeside camp spot on Fish Trap Lake! The property is perfect for any campers or RVers who want private lake views. It is located on a quiet street next to state land. Fishing, boating, kayaking, canoeing and swimming can all be enjoyed on Fish Trap Lake. We are 40 minutes from the Brainerd and Nisswa area where there are plenty of restaurants, shops and outdoor activities as well.

Saved 12 times

White Pine Retreat

1 site · RV2 acres · Lake Shore, MN

Gorgeous 2 acre site with rolling topography within a mile of restaurants, boat launch on Gull Lake, and golfing. Also within 5 miles of the quaint Nisswa shopping, biking trails and so much more! Enjoy all the surrounding amenities or just the peace, quiet and privacy this site affords vs a cramped campground. This site has a nice open and level pad with towering white pines and lots of wildlife.Learn more about this land:Gorgeous 2 acre site with rolling topography within a mile of restaurants, boat launch on Gull Lake, and golfing. Also within 5 miles of the quant Nisswa shopping, biking trails and so much more! Enjoy all the surrounding amenities or just the peace, quiet and privacy this site affords vs a cramped campground. This site has a nice open and level pad with towering white pines and lots of wildlife.

Sunset Pines MN

71 sites · Lodging, RVs50 acres · Backus, MN

Mike and Loellen discovered Ruttger’s Camping Resort in the winter of 2005 while driving around the area and scanning websites for trailers. We bought a trailer on a seasonal site and have thoroughly enjoyed our summers here ever since! Our sons grew up on the lake, boating and fishing and exploring the area and we have developed a wonderful lake-family. We have watched Bill and Candy Ruttger build the resort into the beautiful property that it is today and feel privileged to have the opportunity to now share it with you. Under our new ownership and with a new name, Sunset Pines MN in January 2023, we are eager to carry on the legacy created by our friends and mentors. We welcome you to enjoy our piece of “Up North” Minnesota lake-life with your family and friends, and don’t forget to enjoy a sunset or two! Mike & Loellen

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!

Booked 1 time

Peaceful Rollin' Acres

3 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Motley, MN

10 acres of beautiful scenery with not another house in site Camp in the wide open hay field and at night the stars bright and clear! Close to Motley and Brainerd amenities Peaceful, Quite, bright Stars at night! *Free firewood and fire ring provided *Access to water *Wide open spots to spread out

93%

(45)

Velkommen to Norske Camp!

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents8 acres · Backus, MN

I bought this land near Pine River in August 2018. I wanted to have my own hunting land and something that was close to town and trails. A property that had a potential of multi-recreational use for people to enjoy while visiting. There are about 40 acres of county land surrounding three sides of the property. The main trail on my land goes thru the majority of the county land and loops back connecting to my main trail again.

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.

The best camping near Pillsbury State Forest guide

Overview

About

Pillsbury State Forest is the perfect place to work off those cookies. If you’re feeling guilty, just hop onto one of the many trails here that cut through the heavily forested area and start the pedometer. Should there be snow on the ground, then bring your cross-country skis. This is one of the best places in the state for it. Think pedometers still work on skis?

Anyways, that doesn’t matter, because you’ll be distracted by the beautiful surroundings before it even hits 100 paces. The forest is dotted with little ponds, where you’re likely to catch a beaver gnawing away at a new log for its dam. And the wildflowers that blossom in the Spring will stop you dead in your tracks. Given the choice, we’ll pick Pillsbury State Forest over a cookie any day.

Notable campgrounds

Walter Stark Horse Campground - A favorite among equestrians, featuring access to trails and natural splendor.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early to secure your spot at the popular Walter Stark Horse Campground.
Visit the official DNR website to check availability and reserve online.
Consider off-peak seasons for better chances of getting a reservation.
Explore nearby camping options for alternative accommodations.

When to go

The best time to visit Pillsbury State Forest is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural beauty is at its peak. Summer offers lush greenery, but be prepared for busier trails and campsites. Winter can be harsh, with some areas less accessible due to snow.

Know before you go

Check the DNR website for any campground construction updates and closures.
Ensure you have the appropriate licenses and permits for activities like fishing and hunting.
Be mindful of local wildlife and practice safe viewing from a distance.
Heavy machinery may be operating during campground improvements; heed all safety signs.
For inquiries, the DNR provides contact numbers and email for visitor support.