State Parks Near Brainerd, Minnesota

5 state park units lie within 50 miles of Brainerd. The closest is Crow Wing State Park, about 9 mi southwest of town. 2 parks are within 25 miles, close enough for an evening visit.

Closest park
Crow Wing State Park9 mi southwest
Within 25 miles
2of 5 within 50 mi
With camping
53 with cabins
Dog-friendly
1pets allowed

State parks near Brainerd, nearest first

Straight-line distance from central Brainerd; driving distance is usually longer.

  1. Crow Wing State Park

    9 miles southwest · Brainerd, Minnesota · State Park

    Popular activities here are historic sites, canoeing and kayaking, boating, fishing, and wildlife watching. Its trail network totals roughly 18 miles, according to the park.

    1 alert71 campsitesCabins/lodgingHikingFishingBoatingAccessible features

    Hours, fees and rules for Crow Wing State Park →

  2. Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area

    13 miles northeast · Ironton, Minnesota · State Recreation Area

    Visitors come for snorkeling and diving, mountain biking, canoeing and kayaking, swimming, and boating. On the water side, there is a swimming beach.

    1 alert47 campsitesCabins/lodgingDogs allowedSwimmingFishingBoating

    Hours, fees and rules for Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area →

  3. Mille Lacs Kathio State Park

    27 miles southeast · Onamia, Minnesota · State Park

    Visitors come for cross-country skiing, historic sites, winter sports, canoeing and kayaking, and swimming. The official site lists about 19 miles of trails. Facilities for water recreation include a swimming beach.

    6 alertsCampingCabins/lodgingSwimmingFishingBoatingAccessible features

    Hours, fees and rules for Mille Lacs Kathio State Park →

  4. Charles A. Lindbergh State Park

    29 miles south · Little Falls, Minnesota · State Park

    The park supports horseback riding, historic sites, boating, wildlife watching, and picnicking. The official site lists about 8 miles of trails.

    1 alertCampingBoating

    Hours, fees and rules for Charles A. Lindbergh State Park →

  5. Father Hennepin State Park

    37 miles southeast · Isle, Minnesota · State Park

    Visitors come for swimming, boating, fishing, and picnicking. The official site lists about 4.5 miles of trails. On the water side, there is a swimming beach and a fishing pier.

    1 alertCampingSwimmingFishingBoatingAccessible features

    Hours, fees and rules for Father Hennepin State Park →

Best picks by activity

Camping near Brainerd

  1. Crow Wing State Park 9 mi southwest · 71 campsites
  2. Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area 13 mi northeast · 47 campsites
  3. Mille Lacs Kathio State Park 27 mi southeast · Campground listed
  4. Charles A. Lindbergh State Park 29 mi south · Campground listed
  5. Father Hennepin State Park 37 mi southeast · Campground listed

Cabins and lodging near Brainerd

  1. Crow Wing State Park 9 mi southwest · Cabins or other roofed stays
  2. Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area 13 mi northeast · Cabins or other roofed stays
  3. Mille Lacs Kathio State Park 27 mi southeast · Cabins or other roofed stays

Dog-friendly state parks near Brainerd

  1. Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area 13 mi northeast · Pets allowed under park rules

Swimming near Brainerd

  1. Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area 13 mi northeast · Beach, pool or swim area
  2. Mille Lacs Kathio State Park 27 mi southeast · Beach, pool or swim area
  3. Father Hennepin State Park 37 mi southeast · Beach, pool or swim area

Hiking near Brainerd

  1. Crow Wing State Park 9 mi southwest · Hiking trails listed

Fishing near Brainerd

  1. Crow Wing State Park 9 mi southwest · Fishing listed
  2. Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area 13 mi northeast · Fishing listed
  3. Mille Lacs Kathio State Park 27 mi southeast · Fishing listed
  4. Father Hennepin State Park 37 mi southeast · Fishing listed

Questions about state parks near Brainerd

What is the closest state park to Brainerd?

Crow Wing State Park is the closest, about 9 miles southwest of Brainerd in a straight line. Next are Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area and Mille Lacs Kathio State Park.

How many state parks are near Brainerd?

5 state park units are within 50 miles, and 2 within 25 miles. That includes parks, recreation areas, historic sites and natural areas run by the state.

Which state parks near Brainerd have camping?

5 parks list camping, the nearest being Crow Wing State Park, Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area and Mille Lacs Kathio State Park. Check each park page for site types, hookups and how to reserve.

Are dogs allowed at state parks near Brainerd?

Yes, at 1 park, including Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area. Dogs usually must be leashed, and some areas such as beaches or buildings may be off-limits.

Are there free state parks near Brainerd?

None of the nearby parks list free entry; most charge a daily vehicle fee or accept an annual pass. Fees are on each park page.

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Built from official park data and updated as parks change; this list was last rebuilt Oct 30, 2026. Features shown are those the official source lists. Filter these parks on the map.