The best camping near Pillsbury State Forest
Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Pillsbury State Forest adventure.
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100% (1 reviews)
Discover the natural splendor of Pillsbury State Forest.
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Top-rated campgrounds near Pillsbury State Forest
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Holiday Road
5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents1 acre · Isle, MN
Enjoy unforgettable sunsets over Lake Mille Lacs, painting the sky with vibrant hues. Step onto the sandy beach from your campsite and surround yourself with the soothing sounds of nature and the lapping of the lake's waves to help you unwind and connect with the outdoors. We have kayaks and paddle boards available, as well as a dock for fishing and swimming fun.
We are close to Father Hennepin and Kathio State Parks, where you can enjoy wildlife and hiking. There is a bowling alley in town along with a city park. Local fishing launches are available and ATV rentals with nearby trails provide even more opportunities for adventure.
End your days with a cozy campfire and stargaze under a clear night sky.
We have three campsite spots, a rustic one-room sleeping cabin, as well as a guest cabin with a bathroom and shower.
Adding to the welcoming atmosphere, are two friendly dogs – Frank, a Goldendoodle, and his sister/sidekick, Lucy, a Mini Goldendoodle. They roam freely on part of our property with the help of an invisible fence.
When we camp, we value privacy, and we'll ensure the same for you. Upon arrival, please head directly to your campsite or cabin. We can communicate through messaging to assist you with anything you need. Enjoy your stay!
Guests will need to be self contained, take waste with them and leave no trace.
Attention Guests: Swimmer's Itch Prevention
During the warmer summer months, please be aware of the potential for swimmer's itch in our lake. To help prevent it, follow these guidelines:
1. Apply Water Repellent Substances:
Use petroleum jelly, waterproof sunscreen, or other skin oils (put a layer of something between them and you). These can help reduce the ability of the Cercariae to penetrate your skin.
2. Dry Off Immediately:
As soon as you get out of the water, dry off with a towel. Do not let the water evaporate off your skin, as this can increase the risk of swimmer's itch.
By taking these precautions, you can enjoy swimming in our beautiful lake with less worry. Stay safe and have fun!
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$40
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East Lake Ranch
2 sites · RVs, Tents174 acres · Palisade, MN
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 dance around n the meadow, you'll instantly start to relax.
Learn more about this land:
We offer TWO campsites, Meadow and Oak. 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 both sites. Oak is secluded and right on West Lake. Access [5-minute walk] to outhouse "Scheissplatz" known as the cleanest and cutest in Aitkin County. Fresh well water available to all campers. Bring your container to fill up for the freshest Wasser! Wood can be gathered from the forest floor or any dead tree branches. No cutting of 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 & Randy", five sheep "Lorraine, Mabel, April, Lynn and Princess Mary Margaret. As of March 2024, we have 6 lambs! We have 3 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 shoreline by clicking: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/woodlands/harvesting-wild-rice.html
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$35
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Velkommen to Norske Camp!
5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents8 acres · Backus, MN
I bought this land near Pine River in August 2018. I wanted to have my own hunting land and something that was close to town and trails. A property that had a potential of multi-recreational use for people to enjoy while visiting. There are about 40 acres of county land surrounding three sides of the property. The main trail on my land goes thru the majority of the county land and loops back connecting to my main trail again.
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Harvest Loon Camp
1 site · Lodging24 acres · 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.
Kayaking State Land surrounds Harvest Loon Camp for peace and relaxation.
🏕 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 own bedding, (pillows, linens, blankets) for twin bunk and queen sized bed. 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.
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$125
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Winding Woods on Pine River
1 site · RV, Tent9 acres · Crosby, MN
Located on the Pine River just minutes from Crosby/Ironton with wooded mature trees that offer privacy. The land is quiet and calm. River is clear and varies in depth depending on the season. The Pine River State Water Trail flows gently through the jack pine forests and quiet water of west central Minnesota. The lake and hill country in this area illustrate classic glacial land forms. With easy access to a public launch and within a half mile of the Mississippi River it is a perfect spot for exploring some of Minnesota's greatest waterways, lakes and forests. Property backs up to privately owned conservation land.
Site is mostly primitive with electricity available. Green Elephant Utilitent for bathroom privacy.
Access to property is through a unpaved wrap around driveway. This is northern Minnesota in the Forest on a River so please be prepared for bugs and bring the appropriate clothing and bug spray/netting etc. We recommend Deep Woods with Deet!
Minutes away from access to Cuyuna trails, Crosby, Ironton 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 overlooking the river is a perfect way to end the day. Wind down, relax and enjoy the trees, water and nature surrounding you.
Pack in and pack out trash/recycling. Keep the forest and animals safe! Please be respectful of the property and the neighbors/neighborhood. Keep all vehicles and campers off the newly installed drain field and buried septic tank. When leaving please take all trash/recycling with you so it doesn't end up in the water or feeding the wildlife. :) Enjoy the amazing area!
**Please note there is no running water available (well pump not currently working). This is the forest in northern Minnesota so please be prepared for native insects! Snow removal will NOT be provided during the winter. Access to the site may be very difficult depending on the snow conditions.**
Things To Do: Cuyuna Mountain Bike Trails - https://www.cuyunalakesmtb.com/ https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/cuyuna/mtnbiking.html Cuyuna Lakes State Trail: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_trails/cuyuna_lakes/index.html 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/museum.html Milford Mine Memorial Park - https://www.crowwing.us/294/Milford-Mine-Memorial-Park Serpent Lake & Crosby Memorial Park/Playground Hard Water Lounge - https://www.hardwaterlounge.com/ 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.com/ 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/location/crosby/ North Country Cafe - https://north-country-cafe.business.site/ Cuyuna Brewing Company - http://www.cuyunabrewing.com/ The Bridge Tavern - http://bridgetavernmn.com/ Jack Pine Brewery - https://www.jackpinebrewery.com/This is in Baxter, Minnesota. Fire Shack - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069785463122 Burritos California - https://zmenu.com/burritos-califirnia-crosby-online-menu/ Mixed Company - http://www.enjoymixedcompany.com/ Hill City Coffee - https://www.facebook.com/C4HillCity
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Fish Trap Oasis
1 site · RV, Tent2 acres · Cushing, MN
Come relax and restore at a quiet lakeside camp spot on Fish Trap Lake!
The property is perfect for any campers or RVers who want private lake views. It is located on a quiet street next to state land.
Fishing, boating, kayaking, canoeing and swimming can all be enjoyed on Fish Trap Lake. We are 40 minutes from the Brainerd and Nisswa area where there are plenty of restaurants, shops and outdoor activities as well.
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Paul’s Lakeside Cottage
2 sites · Lodging36 acres · Park Rapids, MN
Very Quiet, Peaceful, Private, Off the Grid, Dark Sky, Wooded 36 acre+ homesteaded property with nice lakeshore guest cottage. Close to Itasca State Park, Nevis, Park Rapids, Dorset, Walker or Bemidji for Good Music, Food and Fun! Dock space for smaller fishing boats and close to many area lakes. Close to the North Country National Scenic Trail for some great hiking. Or just stay put here in nature amongst its non-human inhabitants. We look forward to
meeting YOU! 😎Paul+Piper🐕
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$120
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The Forest Container
1 site · Lodging4 acres · Deerwood, MN
Tree house, tiny home, shipping container, luxury hotel - the Forest Container is all of these things. Set in a lush forest valley, this is an incredible and unique place to stay. The property is within the Cuyuna mountain bike area, between the Yawkey and the Cruser's Kettle trailheads. There is a fire ring as well as a great deck upon which you can camp or otherwise relax and enjoy the view of the forested valley. The container is heated and cooled, and the container has a luxurious warm tiled shower, sink, toilet (cassette style), power and of course, as pictured, a beautiful small bedroom and living room. Coffee machine and mini fridge included on the deck. 👍🏼
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$150
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Mikko Kamp on the 4th Crow
2 sites · RVs4 acres · Nevis, MN
Very private 4 acre campsite in stand of Norway Pines and Birch overlooking the 4th Crow Wing Lake. Not off grid, but close to it. There is no potable water, just a peaceful Pine and Birch wooded area overlooking the lake. This location has two power stands 175ft apart. (20, 30, 50 amp Electric) and a Glamper. Ideal if you’re camping with friends/family. Pull your RV's in or pitch a tent and stay as long as you like. 8 miles south of Nevis in the Heartland Lakes area. Adjacent 8 acres of 'Common Use' woods and picnic area with dock for fishing. Or bring a canoe/Kayak to launch. 4th Crow is NOT a recreational lake, but great for fishing, waterfowl and wildlife spotting. Fire pit, picnic table and swing on site. 9 miles from Heartland Biking Trail and within 3 miles of OHV/Snowmobile trails access.
Wonderful public swimming beach 3 miles away on Big Stony Lake.
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$50
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Rolling Hills Resort-RV Sites
14 sites · Lodging, RVs100 acres · Garrison, MN
Immerse yourself in the tranquility of Rolling Hills Resort, a hidden gem nestled on 100 private acres of lush woodland, gracing the shores of the picturesque Smith Lake.
Our serene location is the perfect getaway for fishing enthusiasts, offering a bountiful catch of Bass, crappies, Bluegills/Sunfish, Northern, and Walleye in the 679-acre lake.
For thrill-seekers, the nearby Pine Center Trails offer a thrilling 23‑mile trail system with a variety of terrains to challenge riders of all levels.
If you crave a mountain biking experience, Crosby, just 15 miles away, boasts a 30-mile trail network within the 800-acre Cayuna County State Recreation Area. This area also offers unique activities such as scuba diving and trout fishing.
With over 1000 acres of public land adjoining our resort, nature walks and hiking are popular activities among our guests. For golfing enthusiasts, a selection of five golf courses are located within a few miles, with many more just an hour's drive away.
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White Pine Retreat
1 site · RV2 acres · Lake Shore, MN
Gorgeous 2 acre site with rolling topography within a mile of restaurants, boat launch on Gull Lake, and golfing. Also within 5 miles of the quaint Nisswa shopping, biking trails and so much more! Enjoy all the surrounding amenities or just the peace, quiet and privacy this site affords vs a cramped campground. This site has a nice open and level pad with towering white pines and lots of wildlife.Learn more about this land:Gorgeous 2 acre site with rolling topography within a mile of restaurants, boat launch on Gull Lake, and golfing. Also within 5 miles of the quant Nisswa shopping, biking trails and so much more! Enjoy all the surrounding amenities or just the peace, quiet and privacy this site affords vs a cramped campground. This site has a nice open and level pad with towering white pines and lots of wildlife.
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Hay Lake Basecamp Tent and Hammocks
1 site · Lodging1 acre · 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.
This site is adjacent to the public lake access and features a large tent with two cots for an easy and comfortable trip. The tent accommodates 4 adults, or a family with up to four children (bring an air mattress!) Enjoy fishing and boating on Hay Lake off your private dock. Canoe is available for your use on the site.
* The tent was replaced in Spring 2024 with a bell tent instead of the square wall tent. It makes it a little bit tighter for 4 adults.
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The best camping near Pillsbury State Forest guide
Overview
About
Pillsbury State Forest is the perfect place to work off those cookies. If you’re feeling guilty, just hop onto one of the many trails here that cut through the heavily forested area and start the pedometer. Should there be snow on the ground, then bring your cross-country skis. This is one of the best places in the state for it. Think pedometers still work on skis?
Anyways, that doesn’t matter, because you’ll be distracted by the beautiful surroundings before it even hits 100 paces. The forest is dotted with little ponds, where you’re likely to catch a beaver gnawing away at a new log for its dam. And the wildflowers that blossom in the Spring will stop you dead in your tracks. Given the choice, we’ll pick Pillsbury State Forest over a cookie any day.
Notable campgrounds
- Walter Stark Horse Campground - A favorite among equestrians, featuring access to trails and natural splendor.
Tips for snagging a campsite
- Book early to secure your spot at the popular Walter Stark Horse Campground.
- Visit the official DNR website to check availability and reserve online.
- Consider off-peak seasons for better chances of getting a reservation.
- Explore nearby camping options for alternative accommodations.
When to go
The best time to visit Pillsbury State Forest is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural beauty is at its peak. Summer offers lush greenery, but be prepared for busier trails and campsites. Winter can be harsh, with some areas less accessible due to snow.
Know before you go
- Check the DNR website for any campground construction updates and closures.
- Ensure you have the appropriate licenses and permits for activities like fishing and hunting.
- Be mindful of local wildlife and practice safe viewing from a distance.
- Heavy machinery may be operating during campground improvements; heed all safety signs.
- For inquiries, the DNR provides contact numbers and email for visitor support.
Top cities near Pillsbury State Forest
- Pillsbury State Forest
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