Minnesota really does have 11,842 lakes (we counted — well, the DNR did). But which ones are the best for a camper or RV camping trip? Here are our favorites, from the big and bustling to the quiet and secluded.
Lake Superior Where: Northeast Minnesota (Duluth to Grand Portage) Best for: Dramatic scenery, state park camping, waterfall chasing
Not technically "a Minnesota lake" — it's the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area. But the Minnesota shoreline is some of the most beautiful terrain in the state. Camp at any of the North Shore state parks for cliffside views and crashing waves.
Mille Lacs Lake Where: Central Minnesota (2 hours from Twin Cities) Best for: Walleye fishing, family camping, summer fun
Minnesota's "walleye factory" and the second-largest lake entirely within the state. Mille Lacs Kathio State Park has great camping, and the surrounding resorts and restaurants make it a classic Minnesota lake vacation.
Leech Lake Where: Walker, MN (3 hours from Twin Cities) Best for: Muskie fishing, lakeside camping, small-town charm
The third-largest lake in Minnesota with over 195 miles of shoreline. Walker is a quintessential Minnesota lake town, and the campgrounds around Leech Lake are spacious and peaceful. Famous for trophy muskie fishing.
Lake Vermilion Where: Tower/Cook, MN (4 hours from Twin Cities) Best for: Island camping, wilderness feel, stunning scenery
365 islands, 1,200 miles of shoreline, and crystal-clear water. Lake Vermilion feels remote but has excellent campground access. Nearby Soudan Underground Mine State Park offers unique underground tours.
Voyageurs National Park (Rainy, Kabetogama, Namakan Lakes) Where: International Falls area (5 hours from Twin Cities) Best for: Houseboat-style camping, remote wilderness, northern lights
Minnesota's only national park is a water-based wilderness of interconnected lakes. While the backcountry is boat-access only, our campers are perfect for basecamping at the Kabetogama or Ash River visitor centers.
Gull Lake / Brainerd Lakes Where: Brainerd, MN (2 hours from Twin Cities) Best for: Family-friendly, water sports, resort-area camping
The Brainerd Lakes area is Minnesota's summer playground. Gull Lake, Mille Lacs, and dozens of smaller lakes offer swimming, tubing, jet skiing, and fishing. Crow Wing State Park nearby has great campgrounds.
Lake of the Woods Where: Baudette/Warroad, MN (5.5 hours from Twin Cities) Best for: Walleye fishing, remote beauty, Canadian border adventures
The northernmost point of the contiguous US (the Northwest Angle) is here, and the fishing is legendary. Zippel Bay State Park has beautiful sand beaches and camping.
Pro Tips for Lake Camping in Minnesota
- Bring bug spray — lakeside camping means mosquitoes, especially at dusk. No exceptions.
- Minnesota fishing license — Required for ages 16+. Buy online at mndnr.gov. Check mndnr.gov for current pricing.
- Water safety — Even in summer, Minnesota's larger lakes can get cold. Bring life jackets for the whole family.
- Leave early, arrive early — The best lakeside campsites fill up by early afternoon on summer Fridays.
