About the Aitkin Lakes Area

The Aitkin lakes area features abundant natural resources -- hundreds of lakes, the Mississippi River, the Ripple River, state parks, and trails.

The relaxing lake lifestyle is all around you here (there's only 1 stoplight in all of Aitkin County!), and you can leisurely explore the cities of Aitkin, MacGregor, Nisswa, Brainerd, Crosslake, Crosby, and Emily for more dining, shopping, and entertainment options. We've collected a few of our favorites to get you started.

FISHING
Go fishing everyday on Hickory Lake or try out one of the many lakes within minutes, including Mille Lacs Lake, just 9 miles south of the campground.

DINING
Eat out at great local restaurants in Deerwood, Aitkin, Garrison, Brainerd and around the lakes. Try Lonesome Pine on Bay Lake or Carlsona Beach on Mille Lacs for true “at the lake” ambiance.

Downtown Aitkin hosts the Tuscany Room, Birchwood Café, Rosallini’s Pizza and Pasta, Aitkin Bakery, and two coffee shops. Just out of town, make sure to stop at the Roadside Café for their famous caramel rolls!

GOLF
Get a tee time at Cuyuna Country Club, Ruttgers, or the Minnesota National Golf Course & Supper Club, all within a half hour of the campground. And just for fun, try the mini course at Traditions Mini Golf in Deerwood.

CASINO
Try your luck (or eat out in grand style) at Grand Casino-Mille Lacs, just 20 minutes south of the campground.

MOVIES
Catch a first-release movie at Rialto Cinema in downtown Aitkin.

CHURCH
Find a summer church home at one of the many denominational churches in Aitkin, Garrison, Deerwood, MacGregor, or Isle.

SHOPPING
In Downtown Aitkin, don't miss Bare's Bootery (a great family shoe store), The Gumdrop Tree (a terrific children's store), Aitkin Flowers and Gifts (for a wonderful selection of gifts), Cookies N Things (especially if you are Nascar fan), and Great River Gardens Greenhouse (they have the most interesting and creative collection of annuals).

Or, take a drive to Crosby, known as the “Antique Capital of the World,” Brainerd for both downtown shopping and all the major retailers, or Nisswa for great up-north charm. 

TRAILS
Discover the ATV or snowmobile trails throughout Aitkin and Mille Lacs County, with access to over 500 miles of trails!

PARKS
Take the kids or grandkids to a city park or playground in Aitkin or Garrison, within minutes of the campground. Or, visit Savanna State Park near McGregor for bird watching, fishing, hiking, camping, boating and canoeing.