12 Best Private Campsites Near Brainerd, MN, US 2026

Looking for a camping getaway near Brainerd, Minnesota? Hipcamp has over 28 private campsites available in the area. With options as low as $15 per night and an average price of $45 per night, you'll find the perfect spot to relax and recharge. Check out the top campsites in the area, such as Stone Creek Farm (116 reviews), Spirits of the Forest (41 reviews), and The Oaks at Oakwood Farm (40 reviews). These popular campsites offer amenities like cooking equipment, showers, and toilets. You can also enjoy activities like horseback riding, fishing, and boating. Book your campsite now and start planning your outdoor adventure!

96% (198)

Top-rated campgrounds near Brainerd

Looking for a camping getaway near Brainerd, Minnesota? Hipcamp has over 28 private campsites available in the area. With options as low as $15 per night and an average price of $45 per night, you'll find the perfect spot to relax and recharge. Check out the top campsites in the area, such as Stone Creek Farm (116 reviews), Spirits of the Forest (41 reviews), and The Oaks at Oakwood Farm (40 reviews). These popular campsites offer amenities like cooking equipment, showers, and toilets. You can also enjoy activities like horseback riding, fishing, and boating. Book your campsite now and start planning your outdoor adventure!

96% (198)

Top-rated campgrounds near Brainerd

1. East Lake Ranch

96%

(57)

38mi from Brainerd · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

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

2. Spirits of the Forest

100%

(66)

49mi from Brainerd · 13 sites · Lodging

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.

3. RV There Yet Campground

98%

(29)

45mi from Brainerd · 19 sites · RVs

The 80-acre property is carved out of a Norway pine plantation. Sites are approximately 10,000 square ft. in size with about 50 ft. of trees between each site for semi-privacy. We have tried to maintain a balance of nature while making the sites as RV friendly as possible. Although the property is located in the country, it is located along a state highway for easy access and there are three towns and many amenities and recreational venues within 15 minutes drive. Currently no hook-ups, but there is a yard hydrant and dump station. There are also portable restrooms on site. 

4. Cuyuna/Mississippi River Land

94%

(211)

17mi from Brainerd · 5 sites · Tents

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 www.cuyuna.com

5. Lake Placid Family Reunion Camp

100%

(7)

17mi from Brainerd · 8 sites · Tents, RVs

Beautiful 8 acre campground on Lake Placid 10 miles west of Brainerd MN. The Campground has 4 full RV hook ups with power, water and sewer. 1 RV site with power and water. The water comes from a low flow well that has been tested and is potable. It is great to fill your RV tanks. There is also several level areas for tents. There are 2 fire rings for camp fires a propane and charcoal grill. The campground has a dock to access the lake and Crow Wing river. There is approximately 25 steps down the bank to the dock. The steps are newer but steep, If you choose to use them you do so at your own risk.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

M

Michael

November 2025

21 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to RV There Yet Campground

The campground has really nice and private spots. Really enjoyed our stay!

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!

C

Cheryl

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to East Lake Ranch

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.

Great view of West Lake from the hill. Dock access to West Lake.

s

steve

October 2025

35 ft fifth wheel

2 nights at East Lake Ranch

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.

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)

Duane

September 2025

45 ft travel trailer

With pets

2 nights at East Lake Ranch

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

S

Sloane

September 2025

12 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to East Lake Ranch

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!

C

Cay

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Cuyuna/Mississippi River Land

My friends and I loved our experience at site #3. The view by the river was beautiful and the bugs weren't bad at all! The host was super easy to contact and quick to get back with any questions we had! Overall, it was the perfect weekend.

M

Miguel

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Cuyuna/Mississippi River Land

The site was secluded, which we love. Private and virtually quiet, with the occasional car in the far distance. The campsite was right by the river which is a great view early in the morning.

J

Jennifer

September 2025

30 ft Class A

With kids

Weekend Trip to Lake Placid Family Reunion Camp

We lived camping on Randy’s land. It was so spacious and made the 4 campers plus the tents have plenty of space and kids loved fishing off the docks all day long. Tons of grass areas for the dogs to run and play.

Nicole

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Cuyuna/Mississippi River Land

Great view, private and all around lovely spot to camp.

N

Noah

August 2025

Tent

3 nights at Cuyuna/Mississippi River Land

It was great tent camping here. The site was well maintained and had an amazing view. They gave amazing instructions for navigating the trails and some recommendations for touring the area. Would love to visit again!

Oak Campsite is right on West Lake which is pure nature. A channel connects West Lake to Waukenabo Lake. Great fishing lake, or kayaking.

M

Mike

August 2025

Tent

2 nights at East Lake Ranch

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.

J

Jenn

August 2025

With pets

2 nights at Spirits of the Forest

Had the most special time. First time staying ina yurt and it was everything I could have hoped for. Comfortable, secluded and all we needed and could have wanted. Such a kind couple and special place. Would love to come back with family and friends to share it with

N

Nicole

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Cuyuna/Mississippi River Land

First trip for our small crew - 2 adults and 3 doggos. Limited people sounds (a bit of traffic near by, but easy to tune out). The site is definitely new with lots of down sticks and branches for a fire. It was great to be close to town, but also distant from people. Looks like they are making great strides with expansion.

B

Benjamin

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Cuyuna/Mississippi River Land

Love the view and the privacy! Caught some fish and and had some peaceful nights by the fire! Trails are a bit tight but they were dry. I made it back there with a 2wd f150 no problem! I would highly recommend the stay!

Riley

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Cuyuna/Mississippi River Land

One of the BEST hipcamps we've ever been at. Amazing hosts, location, and sites. Will keep coming back as long as we can :)

M

Morgan

August 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to East Lake Ranch

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!

B

Bergen

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Cuyuna/Mississippi River Land

Sweet spot close to mtb and town. Bugs weren’t bad I was expecting worse. Would recommend!!!