- Camping with pets allowed
The best dog-friendly camping near Brainerd
90% (800) • 170 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Brainerd
Sunset Pines MN
1. Sunset Pines MN
100%
(6)
34mi from Brainerd · 71 sites · RVs, Lodging
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
Toilets
Campfires
Full hookups
from
$55
/ night
AN UNEXPECTED GREEN ISLAND
2. 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.
Campfires
Toilets
Showers
from
$10
/ night
Big Birch Slice Of Pie
3. Big Birch Slice Of Pie
47mi from Brainerd · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
A slice of heaven all for your viewing pleasure!
Connected to another 1.25 acres with cabins is a 3 acre wide open space with 360 views of the lake and a RV hookup.
Patios to sit and view and no neighbours make this the most sought after heavenly space!
Game room on property fun for all types with pool table and shuffleboard, darts and air hockey.
Great for rainy days too!
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires
from
$315
/ night
Oak Park Nature Nook
4. Oak Park Nature Nook
100%
(8)
48mi from Brainerd · 1 site · Tent, RV
Set on 36 acres we have a campsite back away from the house so you can have your own private area to camp! We have several maintained trails for walking or biking. Two small ponds on the property, one of which usually has turtles and the other brings in ducks, geese, deer and other wildlife. Eagles and cranes are often seen flying overhead. We do have a few hobby farm animals on the property that would love a visit from you if you request it for your stay. We are now offering our out house to our guests if needed, shown in the picture gallery. The outhouse is located closer to the resident's property, and you will have to go into our gated duck area to get to it. Milaca is about 10 miles away with great parks, biking trails, splash pad, Rum River and Frisbee golf. Foley is about 7 miles away and has a great family pool for summertime and nice parks. We are also about 25 minutes from St. Cloud if you want to venture further!
Toilets
Campfires
Picnic table
from
$40
/ night
The Hoffman Hideaway
5. The Hoffman Hideaway
100%
(1)
48mi from Brainerd · 1 site · Tent, RV
Just 5 miles south of Hill City lies a rare and breathtaking escape—67 acres of pristine, private land nestled along the serene Willow River. Surrounded by the peaceful beauty of Hill River State Forest, this secluded haven offers direct access to miles of scenic trails, perfect for hiking, ATVing, running the dogs, or simply soaking in the natural splendor.
Positioned in the heart of ATV country, adventure awaits right outside your door. Whether you’re exploring the rugged backwoods, unwinding by the gentle sounds of the river, or catching a glimpse of northern Minnesota wildlife, this property is the perfect balance of excitement and tranquility.
From the northwest corner, take in a stunning panoramic view of Quanda Mountain—a sight that transforms with the seasons and adds a majestic backdrop to your retreat.
Though remote, the site is easily accessible by vehicle and camper, making it an ideal basecamp for extended getaways. Off-grid and untouched, it’s a true hideaway where you can disconnect from the world and reconnect with nature.
Just one mile away, enjoy the Sunday Meat Raffle at the Corner Club.
6 miles north is Sunny’s Convenience Store for ice cream.
6 miles away from Quanda Mountain Park.
Feel free to message us with any questions! We’re happy to help.
-Zach & Nicole Hoffman
Campfires
from
$26
/ night
90% (800) • 170 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Brainerd
Sunset Pines MN
1. Sunset Pines MN
100%
(6)
34mi from Brainerd · 71 sites · RVs, Lodging
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
Toilets
Campfires
Full hookups
from
$55
/ night
AN UNEXPECTED GREEN ISLAND
2. 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.
Campfires
Toilets
Showers
from
$10
/ night
Big Birch Slice Of Pie
3. Big Birch Slice Of Pie
47mi from Brainerd · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
A slice of heaven all for your viewing pleasure!
Connected to another 1.25 acres with cabins is a 3 acre wide open space with 360 views of the lake and a RV hookup.
Patios to sit and view and no neighbours make this the most sought after heavenly space!
Game room on property fun for all types with pool table and shuffleboard, darts and air hockey.
Great for rainy days too!
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires
from
$315
/ night
Oak Park Nature Nook
4. Oak Park Nature Nook
100%
(8)
48mi from Brainerd · 1 site · Tent, RV
Set on 36 acres we have a campsite back away from the house so you can have your own private area to camp! We have several maintained trails for walking or biking. Two small ponds on the property, one of which usually has turtles and the other brings in ducks, geese, deer and other wildlife. Eagles and cranes are often seen flying overhead. We do have a few hobby farm animals on the property that would love a visit from you if you request it for your stay. We are now offering our out house to our guests if needed, shown in the picture gallery. The outhouse is located closer to the resident's property, and you will have to go into our gated duck area to get to it. Milaca is about 10 miles away with great parks, biking trails, splash pad, Rum River and Frisbee golf. Foley is about 7 miles away and has a great family pool for summertime and nice parks. We are also about 25 minutes from St. Cloud if you want to venture further!
Toilets
Campfires
Picnic table
from
$40
/ night
The Hoffman Hideaway
5. The Hoffman Hideaway
100%
(1)
48mi from Brainerd · 1 site · Tent, RV
Just 5 miles south of Hill City lies a rare and breathtaking escape—67 acres of pristine, private land nestled along the serene Willow River. Surrounded by the peaceful beauty of Hill River State Forest, this secluded haven offers direct access to miles of scenic trails, perfect for hiking, ATVing, running the dogs, or simply soaking in the natural splendor.
Positioned in the heart of ATV country, adventure awaits right outside your door. Whether you’re exploring the rugged backwoods, unwinding by the gentle sounds of the river, or catching a glimpse of northern Minnesota wildlife, this property is the perfect balance of excitement and tranquility.
From the northwest corner, take in a stunning panoramic view of Quanda Mountain—a sight that transforms with the seasons and adds a majestic backdrop to your retreat.
Though remote, the site is easily accessible by vehicle and camper, making it an ideal basecamp for extended getaways. Off-grid and untouched, it’s a true hideaway where you can disconnect from the world and reconnect with nature.
Just one mile away, enjoy the Sunday Meat Raffle at the Corner Club.
6 miles north is Sunny’s Convenience Store for ice cream.
6 miles away from Quanda Mountain Park.
Feel free to message us with any questions! We’re happy to help.
-Zach & Nicole Hoffman
Campfires
from
$26
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
S
Steve
October 2025
With pets
I noticed their website said they were already closed for the season but HipCamp still let me book it. I was half-expecting a call back and a refund but instead, they were more than welcoming of my stay and even sort of apologetic that some of the amenities were no longer available this late in the year. On top of that, I got held up in traffic and didn’t arrive until almost 8:30pm which they did not seem the least bit bothered by. One day, as I was returning from the trails with my dog, they offered her treats and an adorable Sunset Pines scarf!
I was only in town for a wedding but will definitely make the trip again in the future, maybe even get myself a seasonal RV lot someday!
See more
V
Vandde
September 2025
25 ft travel trailer
With kids
We enjoyed our short time on Zach's land. He showed us the location where he wanted us to setup and then left us alone for the entire stay. (Which I appreciated)
See more
K
KATHLEEN NEFF
July 2025
23 ft travel trailer
Fantastic! We have been on the road camping for a month and a half, and Rick said this was his favorite site of all. No hookups, no road noise, just nature, and an amazing variety of birds, including at least one rare one (loggerhead shrike). So peaceful, and such gracious hosts. Left us some wood by the picnic table at the site. Would definitely come back and definitely recommend.
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j
joy
June 2025
Tent
I enjoyed the camping area. The thunder and lightning show was quite an experience.
See more
c
carmen
June 2025
25 ft travel trailer
With pets
Easy check in, nice level site near the pool, camp store with a nice view of the lake while enjoying the shade
See more
T
Tara
May 2025
20 ft travel trailer
With pets
This is a place that is perfect for families. We enjoyed reading quietly in our RV site and listening to the kids pal around and have the time of their lives. The manager was very friendly and really accommodating when we had to stay part of a day longer because our camper awning got stuck in the open position. The facilities including bathrooms are clean and well kept. And it's free to use the kayaks and canoe. They also have fishing boats for rent.
See moret
tristan
April 2025
24 ft pop-up camper
With kids
Absolutely loved the place such a beautiful area to camp and relax at! The hosts are super nice and friendly and are always a call away. We loved the all animals there, such a cool experience getting to meet the emu they had. Definitely a place I'd love to check out again. Would recommend for great family camping experience. Thank you guys for being amazing hosts!
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Trevor
November 2024
16 ft car
Excellent hosts. Beautiful property. Cool hobby farm!
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