The best campgrounds near Brainerd, Minnesota with hiking

Looking to go camping near Brainerd, Minnesota and love hiking? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 320 options available in the area, you'll have no shortage of choices. Whether you prefer tent camping, RV camping, or cabin rentals, we've got you covered. And with an average price per night of $40 and options as low as $10, you can find a campsite that fits your budget. Check out some of our top campsites with rave reviews: Stone Creek Farm (116 reviews), Vineyard Farm & Family Camp (103 reviews), and Dancing the Land Farm Camp (98 reviews). Plus, you'll find popular amenities like potable water, campfires, and toilets, as well as activities such as paddling, surfing, and snow sports. Get ready for an unforgettable camping experience!

95% (562)

Top-rated campgrounds

Looking to go camping near Brainerd, Minnesota and love hiking? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 320 options available in the area, you'll have no shortage of choices. Whether you prefer tent camping, RV camping, or cabin rentals, we've got you covered. And with an average price per night of $40 and options as low as $10, you can find a campsite that fits your budget. Check out some of our top campsites with rave reviews: Stone Creek Farm (116 reviews), Vineyard Farm & Family Camp (103 reviews), and Dancing the Land Farm Camp (98 reviews). Plus, you'll find popular amenities like potable water, campfires, and toilets, as well as activities such as paddling, surfing, and snow sports. Get ready for an unforgettable camping experience!

95% (562)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Harvest Loon Camp

100%

(119)

36mi from Brainerd · 1 site · Lodging · Outing, MN

📌Update: Cabin now complete with an indoor shower and toilet. ❄Cabin is now available year-round. 🌲 Picturesque lakeshore property located on 24 acres, with almost 2,000 feet of lake access right in front of the cabin. ⛵Lake public access is located at the end of the cabin driveway. Little Emily Lake Park is located 10.3 miles away from cabin. This park offers excellent swimming and Hiking Trails has public restrooms and a playground for kids - Address is 21517 Papoose Road, Emily, MN 56447 phone # (218) 824-1010 🏕 Serene, peaceful and unrivaled privacy. Water sports and trails for hiking and quads make Harvest Loon Camp the perfect spot to relaxation and fun. 😊Radiant heat, wood stove, air conditioning and fans. 🔥Wood available for use with woodstove and campfires. 🛌 Campers WILL NEED to provide their own bedding depending on their sleeping needs (pillows, linens, blankets). Accommodations include a bunk with two full beds stacked, a twin daybed and trundle (so two twin beds) and another full sized bed. All open concept. Also bring your own towels. 🍳 Kitchen has antique pots, pans, utensils, coffeepot, microwave, toaster, stove and refrigerator for your use. 🌟 Gorgeous furnished porch to watch wildlife. Grocery store within 5 miles. 🦆 This location is also perfect for horseback riding and snowmobiling and ice fishing. George lake is known to have nice sized pan fish.

2. The Camps at the Vineyards

97%

(339)

46mi from Brainerd · 19 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Ogilvie, MN

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. Your hosts live at 1010 205th Ave. It is just a vineyard for now. the winery we hope will be built in 2025.

3. Cuyuna/Mississippi River Land

94%

(211)

17mi from Brainerd · 5 sites · Tents · Crosby, MN

21 acres of land with over a half mile of Mississippi River frontage. It's mostly undeveloped and a great place to get back into nature. Close to town and amenities, but far enough into the woods to feel like you're Up North. 200 yards to The Bridge Tavern restaurant and bar 5 miles to Yawkey Unit Mountain Bike trails 5 miles to downtown Crosby shopping and restaurants 5.2 miles to Cuyuna Regional Medical Center 5.9 miles to Cykel Bike Shop in Ironton 6 miles to Cuyuna Recreation Area trailhead in Ironton 6 miles to Super One Foods in Crosby 10.1 miles to Sagamore Unite Mountain Bike Trails

4. The Hamlet Lake Homestead

94%

(32)

17mi from Brainerd · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Deerwood, MN

The Hamlet Lake homestead is our 10-acre family home with two unique and private hip-camp sites. The Hamlet Lake Bunkhouse is located to the west of our home in its own secluded parcel next to the lake. The Camp on Hamlet Hill is to the north of our home, on a remote flat hill at the top of our property, on a hill over Cedar brook. with 300-acre, (private) Hamlet Lake in front, and the wide portion of the 20-mile Cedar brook in the back. We are a large "homesteading" family, with chickens, ducks, and a garden. The campsite is a private 1/2 acre clearing, surrounded by woods with a firepit, grill, cooking utensils, and an outhouse. (Tents are available for a small additional cost). There is an outdoor water pump below the hill. Guests can access the waterfront and beach in front, with the use of the swim raft, lily pad, fishing dock, canoe, kayak, and paddle boards included. At nearly 100 feet deep, Hamlet lake also boasts excellent fishing. Our home is located 6 miles from Crosby, with the world-class Cuyuna Lakes 50-mile mountain bike trail system. Crosby is a growing tourist town with many new and unique restaurants, outdoor adventures, and shopping opportunities. The paved bike trail begins 3.5 north of us. Milacs lake is 10 miles to the south.

5. Wise Woods on Fool Lake

99%

(76)

17mi from Brainerd · 1 site · Tent, RV · 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 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: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/st... Cuyuna Lakes State Trail: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/st... 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/m... Milford Mine Memorial Park - https://www.crowwing.us/294/Mi... Serpent Lake and Crosby Memorial Park/Playground Hard Water Lounge - https://www.hardwaterlounge.co... 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... 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/loc... North Country Cafe - https://north-country-cafe.bus... Cuyuna Brewing Company - http://www.cuyunabrewing.com/ The Bridge Tavern - http://bridgetavernmn.com/ Jack Pine Brewery - https://www.jackpinebrewery.co... is in Baxter, MN. Fire Shack - https://www.facebook.com/profi... Burritos California - https://zmenu.com/burritos-cal... Mixed Company - http://www.enjoymixedcompany.c... Hill City Coffee - https://www.facebook.com/C4Hil...

6. Sunset Pines MN

100%

(6)

34mi from Brainerd · 71 sites · RVs, Lodging · 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

7. Spirits of the Forest

100%

(66)

49mi from Brainerd · 13 sites · Lodging · Mora, MN

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.

8. Welle's Campsite

100%

(22)

19mi from Brainerd · 1 site · Tent, RV · Lastrup, MN

40 acres of peaceful hunting land with a mixture of woods, swamp, hay fields, and a permanent campsite established in the corner. Plenty of room for parking and multiple campers/tents. Campsite is well maintained and has 30 amp hookups, a picnic table, fire ring, and an outhouse to use.

9. Fish Trap Oasis

82%

(11)

21mi from Brainerd · 1 site · Tent, RV · Cushing, MN

Come relax and restore at a quiet lakeside camp spot on Fish Trap Lake! The property is perfect for any small group fishermen, campers or RVers who want private lake views. The property is next to a government nature preserve and located near various cabins. Fishing, boating, kayaking, canoeing and swimming can all be enjoyed on Fish Trap Lake. We are less than a mile from the boat launch on Lake Alexander which is great for fishing. A dock is also on the property for lake access.

10. Hay Lake Basecamp Canvas Tent

99%

(35)

10mi from Brainerd · 1 site · Lodging · Ironton, MN

Private campsite on the quaint Hay Lake, near Crosby/Ironton, MN! Within minutes of the Cuyuna State Recreation Area and all it has to offer. Coming Summer 2025, beautiful new White Duck canvas tent, in sunny yellow! We are also installing electric for your glamping convenience. This site is adjacent to the public lake access and features a 13 foot bell tent with a queen size bed and two cots for an easy and comfortable trip. The tent comfortably accommodates 2-3 adults, or a family with up to four small children. Enjoy fishing and boating on Hay Lake off your private dock. Canoe and two kayaks available for your use on the site. There are some lifejackets available for your use, but feel free to bring your own fishing and boating gear.

11. Love Lake Hacienda & Camp

90%

(5)

7.9mi from Brainerd · 2 sites · Tents · 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.

Camper favorites near Brainerd

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Spirits of the Forest

100%

(66)

49mi from Brainerd · 13 sites · Lodging · Mora, MN

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.

Welle's Campsite

100%

(22)

19mi from Brainerd · 1 site · Tent, RV · Lastrup, MN

40 acres of peaceful hunting land with a mixture of woods, swamp, hay fields, and a permanent campsite established in the corner. Plenty of room for parking and multiple campers/tents. Campsite is well maintained and has 30 amp hookups, a picnic table, fire ring, and an outhouse to use.

Fish Trap Oasis

82%

(11)

21mi from Brainerd · 1 site · Tent, RV · Cushing, MN

Come relax and restore at a quiet lakeside camp spot on Fish Trap Lake! The property is perfect for any small group fishermen, campers or RVers who want private lake views. The property is next to a government nature preserve and located near various cabins. Fishing, boating, kayaking, canoeing and swimming can all be enjoyed on Fish Trap Lake. We are less than a mile from the boat launch on Lake Alexander which is great for fishing. A dock is also on the property for lake access.

Hay Lake Basecamp Canvas Tent

99%

(35)

10mi from Brainerd · 1 site · Lodging · Ironton, MN

Private campsite on the quaint Hay Lake, near Crosby/Ironton, MN! Within minutes of the Cuyuna State Recreation Area and all it has to offer. Coming Summer 2025, beautiful new White Duck canvas tent, in sunny yellow! We are also installing electric for your glamping convenience. This site is adjacent to the public lake access and features a 13 foot bell tent with a queen size bed and two cots for an easy and comfortable trip. The tent comfortably accommodates 2-3 adults, or a family with up to four small children. Enjoy fishing and boating on Hay Lake off your private dock. Canoe and two kayaks available for your use on the site. There are some lifejackets available for your use, but feel free to bring your own fishing and boating gear.

Love Lake Hacienda & Camp

90%

(5)

7.9mi from Brainerd · 2 sites · Tents · 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.

Public campgrounds near Brainerd

100%

(1)

Crow Wing Campground

8.1mi from Brainerd · 60 sites · Tents, RVs · in Crow Wing State Park

Walter E. Stark Assembly Area and Horse Campground

12mi from Brainerd · 75 sites · in Pillsbury State Forest

100%

(1)

Rock Lake Campground

14mi from Brainerd · 48 sites · Tents, RVs · in Pillsbury State Forest

Greer Lake Campground

21mi from Brainerd · 31 sites · Tents, RVs · in Crow Wing State Forest

100%

(3)

Ogechie Campground

25mi from Brainerd · 26 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mille Lacs Kathio State Park

100%

(2)

Petaga Campground

26mi from Brainerd · 25 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mille Lacs Kathio State Park

Rum River Group Camp

27mi from Brainerd · 2 sites · in Mille Lacs Kathio State Park

Horse Campground

27mi from Brainerd · 10 sites · in Mille Lacs Kathio State Park

100%

(2)

Lindbergh Campground

29mi from Brainerd · 39 sites · Tents, RVs · in Charles A. Lindbergh State Park

Clint Converse Campround

36mi from Brainerd · 31 sites · Tents, RVs · in Land O'Lakes State Forest

100%

(1)

Maple Grove Campground

37mi from Brainerd · 41 sites · Tents, RVs · in Father Hennepin State Park

100%

(2)

Lakeview Campground

37mi from Brainerd · 62 sites · Tents, RVs · in Father Hennepin State Park

Stories from the community

Evan

3 weeks ago

Tent

1 night at The Camps at the Vineyards

Nice quiet spot. I stayed at site 9 and it was visible from the road, but that probably wouldn’t be the case in the spring and summer. I came specifically to see the northern lights because it was the closest area to the Twin Cities with low light pollution, and it was perfect for that. Fairly tucked away with a big open field down the trail.

S

Sara

November 2025

With pets

3 nights at Harvest Loon Camp

It truly is a special place. The cabin, lake, sunrises, the loons and swans and the stars! the wind through the pines and the quiet, I loved it all. The cabin all by itself is extraordinary but add all the rest to it and it was simply magical. I can’t wait to return.

D

Damian

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Camps at the Vineyards

Clean and quiet, beautiful ambience with the birds and the creek.

D

Danny

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Wise Woods on Fool Lake

A great spot on the side of Fool Lake, where you can enjoy the weather and sit on a dock.

C

Cassidy

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Cuyuna/Mississippi River Land

Campsite 1 was an awesome camping spot on the River. The road to get there wasn’t bad at all. I was able to drive my fwd sedan down there easily.

J

Jordan

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Cuyuna/Mississippi River Land

We wanted to find somewhere last minute to camp and it was a really cool spot. Plenty of firewood, nice view of the river. We didn’t face any issues driving to the site, off roading but a clear path. The fire pit was awesome and our fire was still smoking when we woke up!

Erica

October 2025

With pets

3 nights at Harvest Loon Camp

My husband and I stayed in the Harvest Loon Cabin for three nights for our 10 year wedding anniversary. It was the perfect getaway - the cabin was cozy and the scenery was beautiful. We would love to come stay again in the future!

D

Dylan

October 2025

30 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Welle's Campsite

Great site, sadly could only stay one day but highly recommend! Quiet / private site ! The dogs loved the space to play ball! The electric was a great plus!! 10/10 recommend !

S

Stacey

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Harvest Loon Camp

This was our second trip and it was just as great as the first! My husband hates camping but he loves this cabin! Perfect blend of rustic outdoors with comfortable, modern amenities. Our 3 kids love it too! It's very peaceful and private. Highly recommend for families or anyone looking to rent a nice cabin!

T

Tracy

October 2025

With pets

2 nights at Harvest Loon Camp

Amazing spot! Well-appointed cabin in a beautiful setting and the host is excellent.

A

Andrew

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Wise Woods on Fool Lake

This spot was perfect for our group of 4. Really pretty view and we had a lot of fun paddling around the lake. Jackie was a wonderful, responsive host.

C

Cheryl

October 2025

18 ft travel trailer

With pets

2 nights at The Camps at the Vineyards

Very serene and rustic sites. A great place to go and unplug! Nice area for walks in the woods and not seeing others. The camp host is very helpful when needed.

I

Isaac

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Cuyuna/Mississippi River Land

What a fantastic spot! As the host recommends, definitely plan to walk. We drove out there in a very small AWD car and we got out and in in mostly one piece, but it is very tight. That said, site 3 is stunning. The stars were out and it was the perfect site to stargaze. We managed to get a couple walleye off of the bank in front of the camp. Definitely bring your rod and some heavy lures to get across the wide Mississippi if you like fishing. They are out there! -Tons of wood -good views -well kept -very dog friendly -no bugs (when we went)

A

Amanda

September 2025

With pets

3 nights at Hay Lake Basecamp Canvas Tent

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!

E

Erin

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Harvest Loon Camp

We had a great time disconnecting from the busy city life. The cabin was so cozy and it was amazing to be able to take a hot shower after a long chilly fall day. We will definitely be back with friends. There was so many places for people to sleep.

Gemma enjoying the view from the camper!

C

Cheryl

September 2025

18 ft travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at The Camps at the Vineyards

It was a very private rustic campsite. Carl's a very good host and will help out with whatever you need. The campground is right next to the Rum River State Forest with lots of hiking and trails to explore. The night skies are fantastic! I was able to have my dogs off leash, they loved exploring and taking a little dip in the river!