About the Area

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, McGregor, 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 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.

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, McGregor, or Isle.

Shopping

In Downtown Aitkin, don’t miss Bare’s Bootery (a great family shoe store), Aitkin Flowers and Gifts (for a wonderful selection of gifts), 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.