State Parks near Brainerd, MN

Wisconsin state parks don't come much more beautiful than Amnicon Falls State Park. Located about 20 minutes southeast of Superior, this pretty park sits on the banks of the Amnicon River.

It's home to a series of stunning waterfalls, making it a popular stop for anyone looking to snap the perfect photo or just admire these waterfalls from every possible vantage point. But with Amnicon Falls State Park also offering fishing, swimming, hiking trails, and snow sports, there's much more to enjoy in this park than just the scenery. And thanks to the park's 36-site rustic campground, it's a wonderful spot for a tranquil and relaxing RV camping getaway.

Just a few miles north of Sandstone, surrounding the banks of Kettle River in Minnesota, is Banning State Park. The park protects over 6,000 acres of Mille Lacs Uplands, an area that still bears the scars of the forest fires and growing industry of the 19th century. Even though the land is still recovering, the birch and aspen forests, along with the sounds of songbirds and running water, transformed this place into a true garden of tranquility.

With Kettle River and its rapids as the park’s focal point, some of the favorite activities include kayaking and fishing. Banning State Park campgrounds are lovely and decently equipped, so RV campers often book them in advance, as there's only a limited …

Buffalo River State Park makes up one of Minnesota's remaining prairies and is a beautiful place to explore no matter the season. As well as the prairie, there is a hardwood forest that runs alongside the river, giving you the best of all worlds. Alongside the Bluestem Prairie Scientific and Natural Area, it protects one of the highest quality prairies in the state and is most popular for swimming and picnicking.

The state park was originally established in 1937. At first it was created to provide recreational activities in an area that had very little. However, it wasn’t until the 1960s that the rarity of the land was recognized. Covering over 6000 acres, it draws people to search for an …

Crow Wing State Park is a rustic, 3,000-acre recreation area ideal for RV camping, fishing, hiking, or simply relaxing over a friendly picnic. With a diverse landscape and wildlife, there's no shortage of fun activities here. The valleys of the park are characterized by conifer bogs and wet prairies. The forests are brimming with pine and hardwood trees, and eagles and hawks can be seen soaring across the blue skies.

Crow Wing River, one of the park’s main attractions, was most likely named after the shape of the island, which resembles a crow's wing. However, there are also claims that it was incorrectly translated from the Ojibwe word for raven or possibly raven feather. You can find out more details …

Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area lies in central Minnesota, close to the towns and cities of Ironton, Aitkin, and Brainerd. The area was once one of the most prolific mining areas in all of Minnesota, and as a result, the land is peppered with pits and waste rock. These pits have slowly filled with water over the past decades and created a picturesque landscape of lakes and mine ponds. This unique landscape makes Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area an ideal place for lake fishing, nature watching, and hiking through some of Minnesota’s best countryside.

This long list of recreational opportunities makes Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area the ideal place to take an RV rental. Making your way …

Located on the shore of Mille Lacs Lake in the heart of Minnesota, Father Hennepin State Park is perfectly placed for exploring the beautiful rugged northern part of the state. Less than a two-hour drive east in your rental RV is the city of Duluth, on the edge of Lake Superior and to the north is a maze of lakes and forests waiting to be discovered by on your outdoor adventure.

The park, named after a French Franciscan priest, Louis Hennepin, visited the area in 1680. He was captured by Dakota Native Americans, but released after eight months. During this time, he wrote many journals about the area.

Although the park only covers around 320-acres, it gives easy access …

Fort Snelling State Park is situated in the southeast portion of Minnesota near the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers. The park is best known for containing Fort Snelling, which was used by the U.S. Army during the 1800s to manage the local fur trade. Besides its historic structures, this state park also features stunning landscapes that range from forests to meadows.

This area of Minnesota is somewhat warm during the summer, although winters can be brutally cold. Fort Snelling State Park is located near cities such as Minneapolis and Burnsville.

Tucked away in the lesser-visited Leaf Hills area of western Minnesota is Glacial Lakes State Park. Its location just off Highway 29 provides easy access to the closest big towns of Starbuck and Benson, while I-94 provides great access to Minneapolis and Fargo, ND, respectfully two hours to each.

Glacial Lakes State Park was originally established in 1963 in a bid to preserve some of the last remaining prairie habitats in Minneapolis. Glaciers that receded thousands of years ago carved these diverse landscapes, and, as a result, the state park has become a site of historical and geological significance.

With the park encompassing nearly 2,500 acres of land, there are plenty of rolling hills, lakes and marshes to …

Spanning over 1,900 acres, Glendalough State Park is a charming area that once served as a resort for the Cowles Media Company who owned the local newspaper. It was a popular site for many historical political figures to visit, such as former U.S. president Dwight Eisenhower and Walter Mondale. It was named after a monastery in Glendalough, Ireland.

This state park is situated next to Minnesota State Highway 78, making it very accessible for those who wish to tour the area with their motorhome. Glendalough State Park is a quick drive away from cities such as Alexandria and Fergus Falls.

Sprawling over 19,343 acres, Governor Knowles State Forest is located in Northwest Polk and Southwest Burnett Counties in Northwestern Wisconsin. The state forest sits close to Wisconsin and Minnesota border making it a popular outdoor destination with locals from both states. The forest is located about 20 miles away from the town of Siren, WI, approximately 13 miles from Pine City. The beautiful St. Croix River flows along the edge of the forest.

Governor Knowles State Forest has previously been known as St. Croix River State Forest. It was renamed Governor Knowles State Forest in 1981 after Warren P. Knowles, a famous conservationist and a prominent former governor in this state.

Governor Knowles State Forest is a paradise …

The aptly named Interstate State Park straddles the Wisconsin-Minnesota state line, encompassing more than 1,600 acres on either side of the St. Croix River. Considering the park's diverse landscape and wildlife, it’s no wonder that campers from Saint Croix Falls, Taylors Falls, and beyond all frequent the park. Whether you want to climb the cliffs, hike across glacial potholes and old lava flows, conquer the rushing rapids, or simply explore the woods and thickets brimming with oak, maple, and pine, the park has you covered.

This is the first interstate park in America. In the mid-19th century, as the mining industry encroached on the area, government officials in both states worked to protect the land. Thanks to these efforts, …

Interstate State Park is currently the oldest state park in Wisconsin is one of the most loved state parks and is a perfect escape for a motorhome camping trip. Covering 1330-acres of forested land, the state park lies within the Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway and the Ice Age National Scientific Reserve in the city of Saint Croix Falls, WI, and includes the scenic Dalles of St. Croix River. Surrounded by basalt cliffs, cavernous depressions, stunning rock formations, and miles of trails, its no surprise why Interstate State Park is considered one of the best state parks in the area where you can go camping with an RV.  Wisconsin's state park is adjacent and alongside Interstate State Park in …

The wide expanse of Itasca State Park is nestled two hours outside of Fargo, North Dakota and four hours north of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Studded with over 100 lakes, rolling hills, and thick patches of forest, this glacial region crowns the headwaters of the Mississippi River as it winds over 2,000 miles south to the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Opened in 1891, Itasca State Park is considered Minnesota’s oldest state park, but it's refused to slow down in its old age. Activities abound for those in search of adventure, or for those RV ramblers looking to relax and unwind, there's plenty of space to spread out and find a bit of peace and quiet. Keen to …

Jay Cooke State Park combines the natural beauty of the Midwest with the rich history and cultural heritage of the North Star State. It straddles the St. Louis River and is a paradise for outdoor adventurers. Spend your days hiking in the rocky gorge, birdwatching in the boreal forest and picnicking by the river. As a bonus, the park offers year-round appeal. Summers are beautiful, though you can also admire wildflowers in the spring, leaf peep in the fall and cross-country ski in the winter.

There's also plenty of history to soak up in the 8000-acre park, whether you're strolling around the pioneer cemetery, peering over the rails of the Swinging Bridge or exploring stone ruins from the Civilian Conservation …

Lac Qui Parle State Park lies in southwestern Minnesota, close to the towns and cities of Montevideo, Milan, and Appleton. The state park itself is situated on the eastern shores of Lac Qui Parle, a lake whose name is a French translation of a native Dakota name, meaning lake that speaks. The Lac Qui Parle is a man-made reservoir created by damming the Minnesota River to help with flood defenses. This lake and park have quickly become one of the best recreational sites in all of southwestern Minnesota.

From its reputation for excellent fishing, its vast lake for boating and watersports, down to the camping amenities and facilities it provides, Lac Qui Parle State Park has it …

Bemidji is an anglicization of a Native American word, “Bemiji-gau-maug,” which roughly means cutting sideways. Mississippi River cuts through the lake on a diagonal, which is how the lake earned its name. Lake Bemidji State Park and its namesake lake were formed by the last great glacier as it scraped its way north on its retreat, some 10,000 years ago.

Heavily logged in the late 19th century, the state park was officially established in 1923, which preserved the last few groves of virgin trees that are hundreds of years old.

The Lake Bemidji State Park campground is close to several other state and national parks, as well as the town of Bemidji, which is about eight miles south. Centrally …

Located within 10 miles of Alexandria and slightly over 15 minutes from Parkers Prairie, lies the expansive Lake Carlos State Park. The park is right on the shores of the famous lake that gives it a name, and a few miles from Lake Ida and Lake Miltona. Its captivating natural beauty, a wide variety of recreational offerings and RV camping opportunities make it a favorite destination for Douglas County, MN campers.

Straddling over 1230 acres of Minnesota’s prairie landscape, it stretches out in a transition zone into tall coniferous forests. If what you are looking for is a break from a busy urban life, you can get away to Lake Carlos State Park for breathtaking natural scenery with marshes, …

Located among the glacial hills of Leaf Mountain is a lovely area caped with maple trees, elms, basswood, and oak. Named after its scenic woodland setting, Maplewood State Park protects 9,250 acres of land and attracts campers, horseback riders, hikers, and nature lovers throughout the whole year. The park also boasts pristine lakes and ponds where guests can relax, watch wildlife, or fish.

One of the top attractions during the summer season is definitely the picnic areas and sandy coastline of Lake Lida. During the winter, on the other hand, the park undergoes a transformation. The lake surface freezes and snow completely covers the grass prairies, which makes the place ideal for cross-country skiing.

Maplewood State Park is also near …

Famously known as the land of a thousand lakes, Minnesota’s McCarthy Beach State Park was established in 1945 when locals raised the money to purchase the land from property owner John A. McCarthy. Though the region was heavily logged in the decades prior, there are still a few groves of virgin wood trees that are hundreds of years old. Ancient hunting and tool artifacts found around the lake indicates people were living and hunting in the region for at least 10,000 years before European settlers ever laid eyes on it. Archaeologists believe they first arrived shortly after the last great glacier left the area, some 12,000 years ago.

Lake Sturgeon and its neighboring lakes, Side Lake, Perch Lake, Little Sturgeon …

Mille Lacs Kathio State Park is a historic Minnesota park situated near the heart of the state and is best known for containing many ancient Native American sites. During the mid-1800s, the state park was a sought-after logging spot. The trees cut down here would then be sent down to local sawmills via the Mille Lacs Lake.

The area has a humid continental climate, which causes the summers to be hot and the winters to be brutally cold and snowy. Mille Lacs Kathio State Park is a short drive away from major cities such as Brainerd and St. Cloud.