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65 campgrounds and RV Parks near Lake Shore, MN. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
65 campgrounds
3639 campsites
33 RVs available for delivery
From $17/night
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Best campgrounds near Lake Shore, MN
Fritzs Resort Campground and Golf Course
Nisswa, MN (3 miles away)
$$$$$
(92 sites)
+9
Upper Cullen Resort and Campground
Pequot Lakes, MN (4 miles away)
$$$$$
(56 sites)
+10
Gull and Love Lake RV Park
Brainerd, MN (6 miles away)
Sullivans Resort and Campground
Brainerd, MN (7 miles away)
$$$$$
(50 sites)
+2
Wildwedge Golf and RV Park
Pequot Lakes, MN (9 miles away)
$$$$$
(31 sites)
+7
Highview Campground and RV Park
Breezy Point, MN (12 miles away)
$$$$$
(147 sites)
+9
Main - Crow Wing State Park
Brainerd, MN (16 miles away)
$$$$$
(59 sites)
+5
Cuyuna Country State Recreational Area
Ironton, MN (19 miles away)
$$$$$
(25 sites)
+2
Paul Bunyan Land Campground
Brainerd, MN (19 miles away)
The Harbor On Crescent Bay
Brainerd, MN (20 miles away)
$$$$$
(64 sites)
+5
Tuck-a-way Resort and Campground
Minnesota (21 miles away)
+4
Up A Creek Campground
Minnesota (22 miles away)
$$$$$
(20 sites)
+6
Most common amenities
Grills Showers Tables Pet friendly Playground Toilets Firewood Internet Laundry General store
Camping near Lake Shore, Minnesota
Lake Shore sits on the western narrows of Gull Lake in Cass County, roughly ten minutes north of Nisswa and about twenty minutes from Brainerd and Baxter. The town is part of the Gull Lake Chain of Lakes, a heavily developed vacation corridor with resort campgrounds, a US Army Corps of Engineers recreation area, and quick access to state trails and forests.
RV renters typically base out of private resort campgrounds close to the water. Fritzs Resort Campground and Golf Course, Upper Cullen Resort and Campground, Gull and Love Lake RV Park, Wildwedge Golf and RV Park, and Sullivans Resort and Campground all sit within a short drive of Lake Shore and offer hookup sites geared to family trips.
Public camping is anchored by the Gull Lake Recreation Area on the south end of the chain, which is run by the Army Corps of Engineers and reserved through Recreation.gov. Nearby Pillsbury State Forest adds rustic sites and trail access for travelers who want a quieter setting.
Things to do around Lake Shore
The Gull Lake chain is the main draw. Renters use it for boating, swimming, and fishing for walleye, northern pike, bass, and panfish, with public boat ramps on the lake and a swim beach at the Corps of Engineers recreation area.
On land, the paved Paul Bunyan State Trail runs through the area and connects Baxter, Nisswa, and Pequot Lakes, making it easy to bike between towns. Pillsbury State Forest, Minnesota's first designated state forest, offers hiking and mountain-biking trails through mixed conifer and hardwood woods just west of Lake Shore.
Families often add day trips to Nisswa for shops and mini-golf, and to Brainerd and Baxter for go-karts, water parks, and a small zoo. Several nationally ranked golf resorts sit on the lake itself.
Camping spots and RV parks near Lake Shore, MN
When to visit Lake Shore
- spring
March - May
52° / 32°F 51 mmResorts open by May; cool nights, black flies emerge
- summer
June - August
79° / 55°F 100 mmPeak season; sites fill months ahead, thunderstorms common
- fall
September - November
54° / 34°F 54 mmFall color peaks late September; campgrounds close by mid-October
- winter
December - February
21° / 7°F 20 mmDeep freeze; RV campgrounds closed, lakes frozen for ice fishing
Peak season runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day, when private resorts, public beaches, and the Corps of Engineers campground are all open. The Gull Lake Recreation Area operates on a May through mid-October camping season, and most private campgrounds in the area follow a similar pattern. Weekends in July and August book up months ahead, and holiday weeks fill fastest.
Late spring and early fall are quieter windows. May can still be cool and buggy, but sites are easier to secure. September brings fall color, cool nights, and strong fishing, with most resorts still open through the end of the month.
Winter shuts down almost all RV camping in the area. Roads stay open, and Pillsbury State Forest and local trails see cross-country skiers and snowmobilers, but hookup campgrounds are typically closed from mid-October until spring.
How to book
Public sites at Gull Lake Recreation Area are reserved exclusively through Recreation.gov. The park office cannot take reservations by phone or in person, so plan to book online before arrival. Summer weekends are usually gone by late winter, and cancellation alert services can help pick up last-minute openings.
Private resort campgrounds such as Fritzs Resort Campground and Golf Course, Upper Cullen Resort and Campground, Gull and Love Lake RV Park, Wildwedge Golf and RV Park, and Sullivans Resort and Campground book directly through their own websites or by phone. Many require multi-night minimums in peak season and prioritize returning guests, so reserve early.
Check rig-length limits, hookup type, and pet rules at time of booking, especially for larger Class A and fifth-wheel rentals.
What to expect on the ground
Roads into Lake Shore are paved and easy to navigate in a rental RV, though some resort access roads are narrow and wooded. Cell coverage is generally reliable along Highway 371 and thins out on back roads and in the state forest.
Sites at the Corps of Engineers campground are well-spaced with 30 and 50 amp electric, picnic tables, and fire rings, with a central shower house and a dump and fill station near the entrance. Private resorts typically offer full hookups, laundry, and lake access, and many bundle in extras like golf, mini-golf, or beach amenities.
Expect mosquitoes and biting flies from late May through July, occasional swimmer's itch in warm shallow water, and strong afternoon thunderstorms in summer. Bears are present in the surrounding forest, so store food and trash accordingly.
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
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Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Lake Shore, MN
How much does an RV rental in Lake Shore, MN typically cost?
RV rental in Lake Shore, MN is one of the more affordable ways to experience the Brainerd Lakes Area. On RVezy you'll generally see travel trailers starting around $90 to $150 per night, Class C motorhomes between $175 and $275, and larger Class A coaches from $250 to $400 per night, plus fuel and any optional add-ons. Hosts set their own nightly rates, so booking midweek or during late May or September shoulder season can shave 20 to 30 percent off peak summer Gull Lake pricing. Pro tip: filter by Delivery to skip towing if you're flying into Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport, then aim for a Sunday-to-Thursday window when lakefront sites and rental rates both ease up.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Lake%20Shore%2C%20MinnesotaWhat do I need to rent an RV in Lake Shore, MN?
Renting in Lake Shore is refreshingly simple. You'll need to be 25 or older with a valid driver's license, and a standard Class D license is all Minnesota requires for any RV you'll find on RVezy, including Class A motorhomes. No commercial driver's license (CDL) or special RV endorsement is needed. ID verification happens right through the RVezy platform during booking, so there's no extra paperwork at pickup. Visiting from outside the US? Bring your home-country license plus an International Driving Permit (IDP) and you're set. Most first-time renters in the Brainerd Lakes area are surprised how quickly they go from booked to behind the wheel and headed toward Gull Lake.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsIs my trip protected if something goes wrong with the RV?
Yes, every RV rental in Lake Shore, MN booked through RVezy includes a renter protection plan and 24/7 roadside assistance, so you're covered from the moment you pull out of the driveway. During checkout you choose the protection tier that fits your trip, and that plan covers physical damage to the RV up to the limits of the tier you select. You (not the host) choose the level of coverage, which means you control your protection. Pro tip: if you're planning a longer Gull Lake loop or heading up Highway 371 to Bemidji, the higher tier is worth the small daily upcharge for the extra peace of mind.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat if I need to cancel my Lake Shore RV rental?
Booking is genuinely low-risk. RVezy (not the host) sets the cancellation policy, and there's a grace-period window after booking where you can cancel for a full refund, so you have time to firm up vacation days, weather forecasts, or who's actually coming on the trip. After that, refund amounts depend on how close you are to your trip start date, and there are extra protections for situations like natural disasters that occasionally affect northern Minnesota. The exact terms are spelled out on the RVezy website during checkout, so you'll see everything before you confirm. Pro tip: lock in your dates early to secure peak summer Gull Lake weekends, you've still got flexibility on your side.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on a pet-friendly RV rental in Lake Shore, MN?
Absolutely, the Brainerd Lakes area is one of the most dog-loving corners of Minnesota. On RVezy just toggle the Pet-Friendly filter to instantly see every pet-friendly RV rental in Lake Shore, MN. Once you arrive, your pup will love the off-leash area at Lum Park in nearby Brainerd, the wooded shoreline trails near Gull Lake Recreation Area, and the paved Paul Bunyan State Trail, where leashed dogs are welcome for miles. Most lakeside resorts around Lake Shore also accept dogs in RV sites, though some limit breeds or charge a small pet fee. Pro tip: pack a towel for the boat launch, Gull Lake's sandy entry points are basically a giant doggy splash pad.
dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/pets.htmlCan the RV be delivered straight to my campground in Lake Shore?
Yes, RV delivery in Lake Shore is one of the most popular options on RVezy, especially for first-timers who'd rather skip driving a big rig down Highway 371. Many local hosts will deliver your motorhome rental in Lake Shore directly to spots like Gull Lake Recreation Area, Cragun's Resort, or a private lakeside cabin, then level it, hook up water and power, and walk you through every system before they leave. Delivery fees are typically based on mileage from the host's location, and many hosts cover a 25 to 50 mile radius that easily reaches Nisswa, Pequot Lakes, and Crosslake. Pro tip: filter by Delivery and message a couple of hosts to compare their setup packages, some include outdoor rugs, bikes, and even paddleboards.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Lake%20Shore%2C%20MinnesotaHow does mileage work, and how far can I realistically travel?
You've got plenty of room to roam. Most Lake Shore hosts include between 100 and 150 free miles per night, and many offer an RV rental with unlimited mileage as an add-on, which is perfect for a bigger Minnesota loop. From Lake Shore you're roughly 8 miles to Nisswa, 15 miles to Brainerd, 75 miles to Itasca State Park (Mississippi headwaters), 135 miles to Duluth and Lake Superior, and about 150 miles to the Twin Cities. Extra miles beyond your allotment usually run $0.30 to $0.45 each. Pro tip: if you're planning an RV road trip from Lake Shore up to Grand Marais on the North Shore, ask the host about a weekly unlimited mileage package, it almost always pencils out cheaper than per-mile overages.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Lake%20Shore%2C%20MinnesotaWhere are the best campgrounds near Lake Shore, MN?
You're spoiled for choice. The best campgrounds near Lake Shore include Gull Lake Recreation Area, a US Army Corps of Engineers campground just minutes away with wooded sites, electric hookups, a dump station, and a swim beach on the Gull River. Cragun's Resort offers full-hookup resort sites on Gull Lake, while Gull Four Seasons RV Park gives you a quieter wooded base. Heading south about 20 minutes, Crow Wing State Park has electric sites along the Mississippi River. Pro tip: book Gull Lake Recreation Area on Recreation.gov six months ahead for July and August, those waterfront sites disappear the morning they release.
recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233648When is the best time of year for a Lake Shore RV trip?
Late May through mid-October is prime time for RV camping in Lake Shore, with the sweet spot being mid-June to late August when daytime highs sit in the upper 70s to mid-80s F and the lakes warm into the 70s for swimming. September is a local favorite, fewer mosquitoes, fiery maple and aspen color, and nighttime lows in the 40s F that are perfect for campfires. Winters are genuinely cold (highs in the teens and 20s F, lows often below 0 F), so most RV rentals in the area operate seasonally from May through mid-October when Gull Lake Recreation Area is open. Pro tip: target the week after Labor Day for warm days, cool nights, half the crowds, and easier campsite availability across the Gull Chain.
weather.gov/dlh/I've never driven an RV before, will I be okay?
Totally, first time renting an RV is way easier than most people expect, and Lake Shore is a forgiving place to learn. Your host gives you a full walkthrough at pickup covering driving, leveling, hookups, tanks, propane, and the generator, plus they're a quick text away during your trip. Roads around Lake Shore are wide, flat, and well-marked, with Highway 371 being the main artery through the lakes region. If you'd rather not drive at all, choose a host who offers delivery and setup, you'll arrive to a fully ready RV. Pro tip: do your first short drive on County Road 77 toward Nisswa before tackling longer routes, it's a relaxed warm-up with lots of pull-offs.
dot.state.mn.us/What happens if I have a breakdown or issue on the road?
You're never on your own. Every RV booked in Lake Shore through RVezy includes 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the renter protection plan, covering flat tires, dead batteries, lockouts, towing, and mechanical issues. One phone call gets help dispatched to wherever you are, whether that's a Gull Lake campsite, the shoulder of Highway 371, or a remote forest road in Chippewa National Forest. Your host is also reachable directly through the RVezy app for quick questions about quirks of their specific rig, and RVezy customer support is available throughout your trip. Pro tip: save the roadside number to your phone before you leave the driveway, you almost certainly won't need it, but it's nice insurance.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat are some great RV road trip routes from Lake Shore, MN?
You're sitting on some of the Midwest's best RV road trip launching points. Top loops include the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway up through Pequot Lakes and Crosslake (about 30 miles), the Mississippi Headwaters run to Itasca State Park (75 miles, roughly 1.5 hours), the Lake Superior North Shore route to Duluth and Gooseberry Falls (135 to 175 miles), and a Voyageurs National Park push to International Falls (about 175 miles, 3.5 hours). Crossing into Canada is possible with host approval, while trips to Mexico are not permitted under RVezy coverage. Pro tip: build your route around dump-station-equipped campgrounds every 3 to 4 days and your trip stays effortlessly smooth.
nps.gov/miss/index.htmWhat should I budget for fuel on a Lake Shore RV trip?
Fuel is usually the biggest variable, but it's easy to plan for. Expect 8 to 10 miles per gallon (MPG) for a Class A, 10 to 14 MPG for a Class C motorhome, 18 to 22 MPG for a Class B campervan, and similar math for a truck towing a trailer (around 12 to 15 MPG combined). Gas prices in the Brainerd Lakes area typically track close to the Minnesota state average, with stations in Nisswa, Baxter, and Pequot Lakes being convenient fill-up points on Highway 371. A typical 4-day, 300-mile Gull Lake loop in a Class C burns roughly $90 to $130 in fuel at current prices. Pro tip: fuel up in Baxter before heading north, prices climb noticeably once you get past Pine River.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book a campground near Lake Shore?
For the prettiest sites, sooner is better. Gull Lake Recreation Area releases reservations six months ahead on Recreation.gov, and lakefront sites for July and August weekends often vanish within hours of the release window opening. Minnesota state parks like Crow Wing and Itasca book through the DNR's reservation system up to 120 days in advance. Private resorts around Lake Shore (Cragun's, Madden's, Grand View Lodge) take direct bookings and tend to fill 2 to 4 months out for peak season. Pro tip: if peak weekends are sold out, target a Sunday-to-Wednesday stay, midweek availability is dramatically better, and many resorts discount weeknight rates 15 to 25 percent.
recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233648What are driving conditions like around Lake Shore, MN?
Driving around Lake Shore is genuinely easy, which is part of why the area is so popular with first-time RV renters. Highway 371 is a smooth multi-lane corridor connecting Brainerd, Nisswa, and Pequot Lakes, and most county roads in the lakes region are well-paved with generous shoulders. Watch for deer at dawn and dusk year-round, and slow down on narrow approaches into Gull Lake Recreation Area, larger rigs need to take them gently. Summer brings occasional thunderstorms, and from November through April snow, ice, and sub-zero cold can make travel tricky, which is why most rentals operate May through October. Pro tip: avoid Highway 371 northbound Friday afternoons in summer, the cabin-country traffic from the Twin Cities backs up considerably.
511mn.org/What amenities should I expect at campgrounds around Lake Shore?
Lake Shore-area campgrounds are well set up for a comfortable RV stay. Gull Lake Recreation Area offers electric hookups, picnic tables, fire rings, a centrally located showerhouse with flush toilets, a swim beach, and a water fill and dump station near the entrance (individual sites don't have water hookups). Private resorts like Cragun's and Gull Four Seasons typically include full hookups (water, sewer, 50-amp), Wi-Fi, laundry, pools, and boat rentals. Dump stations are also available in Baxter and at most Crow Wing County parks. Pro tip: top off your fresh water tank before heading into any Corps of Engineers campground, you'll fill at the entrance rather than at your individual site.
recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233648What's actually inside the RVs available in Lake Shore?
More than you'd think. Most RVs available for campervan and motorhome rental in Lake Shore come fully equipped with sleeping for 2 to 8 people, a full kitchen (fridge, stove, microwave, sink, cookware, plates, utensils), a bathroom with toilet and shower, climate control (furnace and air conditioning), and seatbelted travel seats. Many include a TV, Bluetooth stereo, outdoor awning, and an onboard generator for boondocking. Wi-Fi varies by host, but cell coverage around Gull Lake is generally strong enough for a hotspot to work well. Pro tip: scan the listing's amenities list and message the host to confirm linens, towels, and kitchen basics are included, most Lake Shore hosts include them at no extra cost.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Lake%20Shore%2C%20MinnesotaWhat add-ons and pickup options do Lake Shore RV hosts typically offer?
Lots of useful ones. Common add-ons for an RV rental in Minnesota out of Lake Shore include kayaks and paddleboards ($25 to $50 per day), bikes, fishing gear, generators, propane refills, linen and towel packages ($35 to $75 per trip), outdoor grills, and pet cleaning fees ($50 to $100). Pickup is usually between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m. with dropoff before 11:00 a.m., though many hosts flex on times if asked. Mileage allowances typically run 100 to 150 miles per night, with unlimited-mileage upgrades available for longer trips. Pro tip: bundle a kayak or paddleboard add-on with delivery to Gull Lake Recreation Area, having watercraft already at your campsite changes the whole trip.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Lake%20Shore%2C%20MinnesotaHow does payment and the security deposit work on RVezy?
Payment is straightforward and secure. You pay through the RVezy platform with a credit or debit card, never directly to the host, which keeps your trip protected. A security deposit (typically $500 to $1,500 depending on the rig) is pre-authorized on your card before pickup and released after dropoff once the host confirms the RV came back in the same condition it left. To avoid hold-ups, take date-stamped photos at pickup and dropoff, return with the same fuel and propane levels, and empty the black and gray tanks at a dump station like the one at Gull Lake Recreation Area. Pro tip: a quick 5-minute walkaround video at handoff is the cheapest deposit protection there is.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksAre there cheap RV rental options in Lake Shore for a family trip?
Definitely. The most affordable family RV trip in Lake Shore option is usually a travel trailer (often $90 to $140 per night) paired with delivery, since you skip towing-vehicle requirements and save on fuel. Pop-up campers and smaller Class C motorhomes also keep nightly rates low while still sleeping 4 to 6. Booking shoulder season (late May, early June, or post-Labor Day September) routinely cuts 20 to 30 percent off summer pricing, and midweek stays at Gull Lake Recreation Area run noticeably less than weekend nights. Pro tip: combine a midweek booking, a delivered travel trailer, and a state-park campsite at Crow Wing State Park, you'll have a full Brainerd Lakes family trip for a fraction of a resort vacation.
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