96% (73)
Top-rated campgrounds
96% (73)
Top-rated campgrounds
Public campgrounds near Brainerd
Stories from the community
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Asya
October 2025
With pets
We had the loveliest time here. Beautiful, quiet spot looking out over the lake. Bunks are simple but comfy. Hosts are incredibly kind and welcoming. We really enjoyed the goats :) Big thanks to Eric and family for sharing your space with us!
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Amanda
September 2025
With pets
This was a fabulous spot for a long weekend trip! The tent was super cozy and clean, and it included a nice air mattress with bedding, a mini fridge, and a coffee maker insider (there is electricity, which was super convenient when needed). The site itself had great amenities like a picnic table, canoe/kayaks/paddleboards to use off of the private dock, and hammocks that were already set up for use. Really lovely touches like solar lights lining the path from the parking area to the campsite/the path to the bathroom and a bin with wood for the firepit. There was some occasional noise in the early mornings from people unloading their boats at the public lake access nearby (a couple hundred feet away from the tent with woods in between, you can see the cars from the campsite through the trees), but not too bad. There was also hunting fairly close by one of the mornings we were there if that's something that you or any dogs you might camp with are bothered by and you're visiting during hunting season. Overall this was a super nice campsite, we would absolutely return and recommend it!
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Kasey
September 2025
Weekend Trip to Hay Lake Basecamp Canvas Tent
This camp was well-equipped and had all the essentials. It was located a short walk-in from the parking area. We enjoyed fishing from the private dock and using the kayaks and the canoe. The site was clean and comfortable. We did have rain off-and-on, and it was chilly at night; the thick tent did help us stay warm(er) and dry. We had beautiful views of the sky, and the sunsets were spectacular.
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Ashley
September 2025
Weekend Trip to The Hamlet Lake Homestead
We had a great time canoeing, playing games, biking and had a nice bonfire! Beautiful area.
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Robert
September 2025
30 ft travel trailer
Was easy to back into site. Easy water, sewer and electric hook up. Nice , helpful neighbors. Great beach.
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Donny
August 2025
With pets
Leah’s site is certainly a treat! Very well maintained with a gorgeous bell tent onsite just feet from the lake- which we had to our selves for the entire Labor Day weekend. Paddle boards, kayaks, even a canoe- all included! There’s a wonderful little hammock / chair spot up on a ridge overlooking the lake. Had I known it would be this romantic of a set up I would have taken just my lady friend and left the dogs at home!
And as for dogs- if you have a pup that prefers to run on land, this may not be the best location for you. More than enough water, though- if that’s what your pet is in to. Also expect decent mosquitoes with all that water- however, the tent is more than roomy enough if you need a bug break.
So if you’re looking for a quiet spot with some extra comforts beyond those most often found on Hipcamp, give this one a try!
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Lynn
August 2025
With pets
The bunk house was very cute and comfortable. Access to the lake was great and Eric and his family were wonderful.
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Carla
August 2025
With kids
Leah’s land was as described and was a very nice place to stay for what my husband referred to as “camping-lite”: not full blown glamping but not totally roughing it. We had our kids along for their first camping trip. The tent provided was nice and roomy and the added amenity of electricity and a fridge with separate freezer was great. We really appreciated the potable water, the out-house and all of the equipment for some fun on the lake. The lake was very pretty, we did some fishing and we enjoyed spotting the loons, but I would not consider it swimable off of the dock considering all of the lily pads. One thing I wish I would have brought were some folding camping chairs for around the fire pit, but none of this took away from how much we enjoyed our stay. We would absolutely recommend this property.
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Theresa
July 2025
Weekend Trip to Hay Lake Basecamp Canvas Tent
Beautiful camping spot on the lake. The kayaks were a huge plus. The glamping tent had everything that we needed. We will defintely be back.
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Kyle
July 2025
With kids
This camping spot is amazing! The hut is very clean and there is a blow up mattress with sheets all ready made up. There is electricity with a small fridge and freezer that is very convenient! Theres a couple of hammocks on top of the overlook that my kid absolutely loved. They have 2 paddle boards, 2 kayaks, and 1 canoe that are available for use, and we used the canoe entire time. The fishing is awesome!!! Sunfish are very very active. One after another for most of the weekend. Caught a bass, crappie, and perch. We had a great time and the hosts are very responsive and clearly run this spot with a lot of pride. I wouldn’t hesitate to stay here again and would recommend this spot to anyone.
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Katie
July 2025
With pets
Awesome site!! Two people and two dogs and we had plenty of room. Not to mention very clean, responsive hosts, and perfect blend of privacy and not being in the middle of nowhere. Would absolutely stay here again!
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Chia
July 2025
With pets
Great hosts! Such a great glamping experience! The lake was def an awesome bonus! They let us use their canoe, paddleboards and kayaks. We also got to enjoy the slide and the plank in the lake. The water was amazing!
They have two fans in the bunkhouse. That was very nice. We brought our two dogs and it went well. The Blackstone was very convenient. We lit a campfire and enjoyed the night. No mosquitoes during the day but they def come out as the sun set. Lol.
Had such a good time. I'd def book again!
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Ericka
July 2025
3 nights at Hay Lake Basecamp Canvas Tent
We had a wonderful relaxing time. The view was beautiful and we loved hearing the lake sounds at night.
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Jenipher
June 2025
With pets
Oh, you want a romantic, secluded getaway that feels like Mother Nature herself sprinkled a little extra magic on it? This place delivers. Leah and Josh created an absolute gem—think luxury meets wilderness without the Wi-Fi guilt trip.
Let’s talk amenities: queen bed with fluffy blankets, games for when you’re feeling competitive, fairy lights for that romantic glow, clean water, an actually clean bathroom (a unicorn in the camping world), kayaks, a canoe, and firewood ready to go. But wait—there’s a dock for lounging like you're in a rom-com, and the local wildlife... Adorable. Curious frogs, chatty birds, and a mouse or two living their best forest-core lives. 🐭🛶✨
Honestly? 15/10. Don’t question it. Book it, show up, and try not to fall in love (with the place or your person… or both). 😏🔥🌿🛶
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Lianna
June 2025
Weekend Trip to Hay Lake Basecamp Canvas Tent
3rd time staying at hay lake. Love the improvements with the new yellow tent. Large queen size blow up mattress was an added bonus. Can’t wait to stay again 💚
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