Best Camping in and near Sandy Lake Recreation Area

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Sandy Lake Recreation Area

Sandy Lake Campground

60 sites · RVs, Tents In Sandy Lake Recreation Area

Top-rated campgrounds near Sandy Lake Recreation Area

Booked 14 times

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. Ask us if you need an extra tenting spot, we may be able to accommodate.

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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 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.

88%

(4)

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.

93%

(30)

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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Wise Woods on Fool Lake

1 site · RV, Tent2 acres · 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: 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 and 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, MN. 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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The Camp on Hamlet Hill

1 site · RV, Tent9 acres · Deerwood, MN

Our campsite is behind our home, on a remote flat hill at the top of our 9-acre property, with 300-acre, (private) Hamlet lake in front, and the wide portion on 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.

Booked 4 times

Sunset Pines MN

71 sites · Lodging, RVs50 acres · 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

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(46)

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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(15)

RV There Yet Campground

19 sites · RVs80 acres · Akeley, MN

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. More details at https://rvthereyetcampground.com/

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Trails Inn Quadna Motel & RV Park

62 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Hill City, MN

Trails Inn Quadna Mountain Motel and RV Park offers guests a rustic retreat nestled in the natural beauty of Hill City, Minnesota. Here's what guests can expect: Scenic Surroundings: Immerse yourself in the picturesque surroundings of Quadna Mountain, with its lush forests, area lakes, and breathtaking views. Accommodations: The motel offers comfortable and cozy rooms, while the RV park provides spaces for those traveling with their own accommodation. Whether staying in a room or an RV, guests can expect clean, well-maintained facilities. Outdoor Activities: There's no shortage of outdoor activities to enjoy, from hiking and biking along scenic trails to fishing and boating on nearby lakes. The terrain also offers opportunities for ATV riding, mountain biking, and snowmobiling in the winter months. Relaxation: For those seeking relaxation, unwind by a campfire in the evenings to share stories and stargaze. Community Atmosphere: Trails Inn fosters a warm and welcoming atmosphere, where guests can connect with fellow travelers and exchange tips and recommendations for exploring the area. Overall, Trails Inn Quadna Mountain Motel and RV Park provides a perfect getaway for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

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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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.

The best camping near Sandy Lake Recreation Area guide

Overview

About

Dear nature lovers, if you make it to the Sandy Lake Recreation Area, be forewarned: you might never want to leave! This park has it all. Explore boating and fishing in the Big Sandy Lake or the mighty Mississippi River. Forge a canoe through the historic routes of fur trading companies. Be a beach bum and feast on an oversized picnic as you enjoy the mesmerizing views. Pitch a tent, start a campfire, and enjoy the distant call of the loons. Whatever you decide to do while you are there, just know that we are envious!