99% (103) • 6 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Brainerd
East Lake Ranch
1. East Lake Ranch
96%
(57)
38mi from Brainerd · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
Our land is very special with positive energy vibes.
If you're looking for a relaxing place to watch the diamonds dance on the lake, listen to the birds sing and watch the butterflies flutter about in the meadow, you'll instantly start to relax.
Learn more about this land:
We offer TWO campsites, Meadow and Oak which you drive right up to!
Meadow is in an open meadow hill alongside forest and wetland, situated next to West Lake with dock access. Paddle to Waukenabo Lake through the channel. View the eagle's nest. Campfire ring in this site.
Oak is secluded and right on West Lake. Campfire ring in this site.
From Meadow and OAK, you have easy access [5-minute walk] to the outhouse called the "Scheissplatz" known as the cleanest and cutest in Aitkin County. Fresh well water available to all campers. Bring your container sto fill up. Wood can be gathered from the forest floor or any dead tree branches. No cutting of live trees. Do NOT peel the birch bark from live trees! You may bring your own wood as long as you burn it all up.
You can walk to the our pole shed, "Steinbeck" and pet the animals. We have a horse "Buddy", donkey "Archer", two goats "Frank and Randy", five sheep "Lorraine, Mabel, and Princess Mary Margaret just to name a few! We have 9 egg laying hens named "The Ladies", and our Brittany Spaniel dog., "Benji." You can hike through the woods. We are situated in 174 acres and adjacent to state forest land. The loons call in the evening and life is good relaxing at East Lake Ranch. Great first time experience for kids.
Learn about our protected shoreline by clicking: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/woodlands/harvesting-wild-rice.html
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$45
/ night
Spirits of the Forest
2. Spirits of the Forest
100%
(66)
49mi from Brainerd · 13 sites
How we ended up in Knife Lake Township on 81 acres of forested land.
We began looking for land in late fall of 1996.
After several months of searching, we happened upon a tiny newspaper ad for 81 acres of land described as "Beautiful, secluded, mature hardwoods, tall pines w/creek & beaver pond, many gd bldg sites & great hunting". We toured the property, covered in almost two feet of snow, on a snowmobile in January 1997 and fell in love with it.
We have been stewards of this piece of land for 25 years and are still enamored of its beauty and diversity. We are lulled to sleep by the sounds of owls and bullfrogs and the distant yipping of coyotes. Spring through fall we are often awakened by the rattling, honking of sandhill cranes and a wide variety of bird songs. Besides deer and lots of small critters, we've seen bear, bobcat, rafters of turkeys, quail, grouse, pheasant, owls, hawks and eagles. The sky, on a clear night, is breathtaking.
We have always visualized sharing the land with others, so come and immerse yourself in this bountiful space.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$60
/ night
PickleStone Farm
3. PickleStone Farm
30mi from Brainerd · 1 site · Tent, RV
Welcome to PickleStone – A Gathering Place for Family and Friends
Nestled on our family farm, PickleStone offers a peaceful and private retreat perfect for reconnecting with loved ones. The site can accommodate up to three individual campsites, each with access to 20-amp electrical hookups.
Amenities include:
Non-potable water on-site
An outdoor shower house
A primitive outhouse.
A fire ring with complimentary firewood (Bringing your own firewood is not allowed to control the spread of disease.)
A cooking grate and picnic table for your convenience
Explore over 100 acres of scenic Minnesota woodland with walking and biking trails throughout the property. Wildlife is abundant—keep an eye out for deer, turkeys, and even the occasional bear. While we do spray for insects, we recommend bringing bug spray for added comfort.
Whether you're gathering around the fire or exploring the trails, PickleStone is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy nature together.
Note: This is an active farm, we plant trees in the spring, and harvest and mill lumber and firewood throughout the year. We also have Chickens, Turkeys and Guinea hens, as well as two friendly dogs that tend to wonder the property.
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires
from
$45
/ night
Clear Lake Getaway
4. Clear Lake Getaway
100%
(6)
34mi from Brainerd · 1 site · Tent, RV
Located on the edge of the forest surrounding Clear Lake in the Glen township, 10 miles north of Mille Lacs Lake in beautiful Aitkin County. The campsite can accommodate tents or small RVs up to 25' in length. The site features a screen house, outhouse, hand washing station, firepit, seating areas and walking trails. The site is less than a mile from the Clear Lake public access and boat launch. The property is home to Clear Lake Gardens, a sustainable farm with an onsite farmstand featuring in-season veggies, fruit, herbs and flowers. This is a private, quiet, reflective spot, perfect for your personal retreat, forest bathing and soaking up nature.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$50
/ night
AN UNEXPECTED GREEN ISLAND
5. AN UNEXPECTED GREEN ISLAND
45mi from Brainerd · 1 site
Green Island is an unexpected pine forest located actually inside a small town in northcentral Minnesota. The camping area is incredibly private and surrounds a small pond. It is primitive with minimal amenities beyond an outhouse and hand pump for water. Accessibility is only for tenting or truly tiny camper vehicles. The campground is a huge semi-shaded space for up to 20 tents, still, we prefer 1 or 2 at a time. However, larger group retreats are possible.
We are serious environmentalists and we offer this opportunity just for true nature lovers as singles or couples, who totally take care of themselves, leave absolutely no trace, and are solid environmental stewards. In other words, its no place for a party.
Separate from the campground there are: apple orchards, outdoor sculptures, wildlife, a meditation kuti, and perfect spaces for forest therapy. Yet almost unbelieveably, you can walk to a Pizza Hut or Walmart in 5 minutes.
This is an excellent staging point for outdoors people en route to Itasca State Park, The Lost Fourty, and the state and national forests of the north.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from
$10
/ night
99% (103) • 6 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Brainerd
East Lake Ranch
1. East Lake Ranch
96%
(57)
38mi from Brainerd · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
Our land is very special with positive energy vibes.
If you're looking for a relaxing place to watch the diamonds dance on the lake, listen to the birds sing and watch the butterflies flutter about in the meadow, you'll instantly start to relax.
Learn more about this land:
We offer TWO campsites, Meadow and Oak which you drive right up to!
Meadow is in an open meadow hill alongside forest and wetland, situated next to West Lake with dock access. Paddle to Waukenabo Lake through the channel. View the eagle's nest. Campfire ring in this site.
Oak is secluded and right on West Lake. Campfire ring in this site.
From Meadow and OAK, you have easy access [5-minute walk] to the outhouse called the "Scheissplatz" known as the cleanest and cutest in Aitkin County. Fresh well water available to all campers. Bring your container sto fill up. Wood can be gathered from the forest floor or any dead tree branches. No cutting of live trees. Do NOT peel the birch bark from live trees! You may bring your own wood as long as you burn it all up.
You can walk to the our pole shed, "Steinbeck" and pet the animals. We have a horse "Buddy", donkey "Archer", two goats "Frank and Randy", five sheep "Lorraine, Mabel, and Princess Mary Margaret just to name a few! We have 9 egg laying hens named "The Ladies", and our Brittany Spaniel dog., "Benji." You can hike through the woods. We are situated in 174 acres and adjacent to state forest land. The loons call in the evening and life is good relaxing at East Lake Ranch. Great first time experience for kids.
Learn about our protected shoreline by clicking: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/woodlands/harvesting-wild-rice.html
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$45
/ night
Spirits of the Forest
2. Spirits of the Forest
100%
(66)
49mi from Brainerd · 13 sites
How we ended up in Knife Lake Township on 81 acres of forested land.
We began looking for land in late fall of 1996.
After several months of searching, we happened upon a tiny newspaper ad for 81 acres of land described as "Beautiful, secluded, mature hardwoods, tall pines w/creek & beaver pond, many gd bldg sites & great hunting". We toured the property, covered in almost two feet of snow, on a snowmobile in January 1997 and fell in love with it.
We have been stewards of this piece of land for 25 years and are still enamored of its beauty and diversity. We are lulled to sleep by the sounds of owls and bullfrogs and the distant yipping of coyotes. Spring through fall we are often awakened by the rattling, honking of sandhill cranes and a wide variety of bird songs. Besides deer and lots of small critters, we've seen bear, bobcat, rafters of turkeys, quail, grouse, pheasant, owls, hawks and eagles. The sky, on a clear night, is breathtaking.
We have always visualized sharing the land with others, so come and immerse yourself in this bountiful space.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$60
/ night
PickleStone Farm
3. PickleStone Farm
30mi from Brainerd · 1 site · Tent, RV
Welcome to PickleStone – A Gathering Place for Family and Friends
Nestled on our family farm, PickleStone offers a peaceful and private retreat perfect for reconnecting with loved ones. The site can accommodate up to three individual campsites, each with access to 20-amp electrical hookups.
Amenities include:
Non-potable water on-site
An outdoor shower house
A primitive outhouse.
A fire ring with complimentary firewood (Bringing your own firewood is not allowed to control the spread of disease.)
A cooking grate and picnic table for your convenience
Explore over 100 acres of scenic Minnesota woodland with walking and biking trails throughout the property. Wildlife is abundant—keep an eye out for deer, turkeys, and even the occasional bear. While we do spray for insects, we recommend bringing bug spray for added comfort.
Whether you're gathering around the fire or exploring the trails, PickleStone is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy nature together.
Note: This is an active farm, we plant trees in the spring, and harvest and mill lumber and firewood throughout the year. We also have Chickens, Turkeys and Guinea hens, as well as two friendly dogs that tend to wonder the property.
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires
from
$45
/ night
Clear Lake Getaway
4. Clear Lake Getaway
100%
(6)
34mi from Brainerd · 1 site · Tent, RV
Located on the edge of the forest surrounding Clear Lake in the Glen township, 10 miles north of Mille Lacs Lake in beautiful Aitkin County. The campsite can accommodate tents or small RVs up to 25' in length. The site features a screen house, outhouse, hand washing station, firepit, seating areas and walking trails. The site is less than a mile from the Clear Lake public access and boat launch. The property is home to Clear Lake Gardens, a sustainable farm with an onsite farmstand featuring in-season veggies, fruit, herbs and flowers. This is a private, quiet, reflective spot, perfect for your personal retreat, forest bathing and soaking up nature.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$50
/ night
AN UNEXPECTED GREEN ISLAND
5. AN UNEXPECTED GREEN ISLAND
45mi from Brainerd · 1 site
Green Island is an unexpected pine forest located actually inside a small town in northcentral Minnesota. The camping area is incredibly private and surrounds a small pond. It is primitive with minimal amenities beyond an outhouse and hand pump for water. Accessibility is only for tenting or truly tiny camper vehicles. The campground is a huge semi-shaded space for up to 20 tents, still, we prefer 1 or 2 at a time. However, larger group retreats are possible.
We are serious environmentalists and we offer this opportunity just for true nature lovers as singles or couples, who totally take care of themselves, leave absolutely no trace, and are solid environmental stewards. In other words, its no place for a party.
Separate from the campground there are: apple orchards, outdoor sculptures, wildlife, a meditation kuti, and perfect spaces for forest therapy. Yet almost unbelieveably, you can walk to a Pizza Hut or Walmart in 5 minutes.
This is an excellent staging point for outdoors people en route to Itasca State Park, The Lost Fourty, and the state and national forests of the north.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from
$10
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
C
Cody
October 2025
Tent
My wife and I had an amazing experience, and the joy began even before we actually “arrived” at Kelley’s farm.
The road to the farm gave us front row seats to a forest of beautiful, luminous orange fall leaves on our left and the deep blue lake on our right. We had to stop the car a few times along the way just to look around and snap some photos.
After a LOT of photos, we made it to Kelley’s farm—which, by the way, has a VERY cool shop at the entrance—and then our campsite! The location was as beautiful as the drive in and elevated by the range of thoughtful amenities Kelley had staged beforehand and also by a visit from their friendly dog!
I could write more, but you get it! 10/10 recommend!
See more
C
Cheryl
October 2025
Tent
It was a beautiful site, well kept and the entire ranch was beautiful. The land owners were welcoming and kind, and it was just phenomenal.
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s
steve
October 2025
35 ft fifth wheel
It's quiet at this location, and it feels remote -- even though you don't have to rough it to get there. We come here with a 35' 5th wheel; not a problem. Great view of an almost private lake, and great access. Jake and Amy are super friendly, but they never get in your hair. Love the farm animals. Fun to call them by their names and get close to them. We've been here before and will probably return.
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Duane
September 2025
45 ft travel trailer
With pets
Always looking for secluded camps near water where our 2 dogs can run and this place checks all the boxes!! Oak site is tucked into the trees and leaves you feeling like you are living on the frontier. (Note-best for camper vans/teardrop trailers. Larger trailers have to back down hill and then doors are facing away from lake). Meadow site best for larger rigs, not shaded but has better breezes and lake views. Great stargazing site, Milky Way was visible during our visit. Highly recommend a stay-several days at least just to unwind. ATT-2 bars if you can’t live without your phone
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S
Sloane
September 2025
12 ft travel trailer
We camped with our teardrop camper and this was the perfect spot for us! It was so peaceful and beautiful with access to the lake, fire pit, and being visited by the donkey and horse throughout our stay :) we will definitely be back!
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E
Emily
September 2025
20 ft pop-up camper
With kids
Our family of four loved our experience here. It was the little touches that made it feel magical:
The beautiful outhouses
The screen porch which provided a dry space during our rainy stay to play.
Fire starter, kindling and wood are available onsite.
A charming farm stand
Welcoming and kind hosts
And trails to explore right off the campsite
We will definitely return💜
There is water available by the greenhouses.
See moreE
Erik
September 2025
Tent
I loved camping at Clear Lake Getaway! The screened in porch and walking trails made this isolated site a true gem.
See more
M
Mike
August 2025
Tent
Secluded and peaceful camping spot with a little bit of magic. I hope to return next year.
Hosts were great! Good conversations and very helpful with my plans. Thank you Jake and Amy.
See moreM
Morgan
August 2025
Tent
Group trip
We tent camped in the meadow at East Lake Ranch. There was so much room, the property was so clean and well taken care of. One of the better parts was the abundance of animals not only with their small farm but the eagles on the property as well. One mega plus for me, was the fresh COLD well water. It was convenient and delicious. We are definitely considering booking a second trip. It would be so fun to book out both campsites with family and friends as they are separate but different and close enough to enjoy each others company!
See moreJ
J
August 2025
Tent
we LOVED our stay at Clear Lake Gardens... secluded, yet easy to get to and find. the enclosed porch area was PERFECT!
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H
Hannah
August 2025
1 night at Spirits of the Forest
The lush beauty and elegance of their property was very understated in the description! We loved our visit to the tipi, and would recommend the experience to other Hipcampers visiting the area. I wish we could have stayed another night or two!
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Alex
August 2025
20 ft pop-up camper
With pets
This is a beautiful spot. Private and well appointed with wonderful hosts
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Katie
August 2025
Tent
With kids
Great campsite overall. The Oak site has great shade and privacy and is very spacious. It's a short (2-3 min) walk over to the dock if you're going to go out on the lake, but you do have a beautiful view of the lake from your spot, too. Biggest downfall is how far the walk is to the outhouse. Mostly manageable but I think would be more difficult with young kids or any issues. We were able to use downed branches and logs for our fires without issue. Definitely would recommend!
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N
Naja
July 2025
Tent
With pets
I absolutely loved my stay at the Forest View campsite. It was the perfect peaceful escape from the city — private, cozy, and surrounded by nature. One of the highlights for me was being able to let my dogs roam off-leash and truly enjoy the outdoors. The seclusion made it feel like our own little retreat, and I felt completely relaxed the entire time. If you’re looking for a quiet getaway where you can unwind and reconnect with nature (and bring your pups!), this is the spot. I can’t wait to come back!
See moreK
Keithia
June 2025
25 ft pop-up camper
With pets
Hosts truly want you to experience and enjoy the features of their property! Both sites offer quick and easy access to the dock and provided kayaks, mowed walking path which has wonderful flower aroma and perfect view of the Eagle nest and a variety of butterflies. The animals were definitely a bonus, my daughter loved feeding the pigs! Meadow site doesn't have shade except down by the dock, but has views and open play space, where as the other site is more private and tree covered, but smaller area. All directions and descriptions given by owners were 💯 clear and accurate.
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S
Sedona
June 2025
Tent
With pets
Despite the rain, we were still able to enjoy the fresh air! We decided to stay an extra night this time around and now think we may have to stay 4 nights to do all we wanna do! The eagles and juveniles were fun to watch, as well as the other bird species in the area. Saw a hawk or falcon of some sort but it flew off before we were able to identify it. All in all, we had an amazing time and my dog got to meet all the animals which was extra cool. We also learned very quickly that the fish loved biting at the worms!
See moreD
David
June 2025
16 ft car
With pets
Fantastic spot and hosts! Can’t wait to go back!!!
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