Red-dirt bike trails. Blue mine lakes. The Mississippi River. Gull Lake sunsets. Miles of paved trail. And Minnesota hardwoods beginning their annual color show. Fall camping in the Brainerd Lakes Area isn’t just pretty — it’s packed with things to do.
Some Minnesota camping trips are about slowing down.
A fall camping weekend in the Brainerd Lakes Area can absolutely be that.
But it can also involve mountain biking through former iron mines, pedaling part of one of America’s longest paved rail-trails, hiking through a vanished Mississippi River town, fishing from the shoreline, climbing 135 steps above the treetops and ending the day around a campfire.
That’s why Brainerd deserves its own stop in Hilltop Camper & RV’s fall camping series.
This article is part of Hilltop’s The Best Camping Season in Minnesota is Yet To Come celebration — our guide to enjoying the Minnesota camping season that’s happening right now.
When you’re choosing a campground, use Hilltop’s Ultimate Minnesota RV Camping Guide. We’ve independently researched 75 RV-friendly Minnesota campgrounds, including several excellent options in the Brainerd Lakes Area.
The Minnesota DNR scheduled the 2026 Fall Color Finder to launch on Thursday, September 10, giving campers an easy way to track color progression toward the Brainerd Lakes Area and plan a fall camping weekend around current conditions.
Historically, some of the area’s strongest colors arrive from late September into early October, but weather can move the timetable in either direction.
Instead of trying to predict one perfect weekend, use the Minnesota DNR Fall Color Finder, then use Hilltop’s Campground Guide to find a place to stay nearby.
Why the Brainerd Lakes Area Works So Well in Fall
Fall changes more than the color of the trees.
Explore Brainerd Lakes specifically points to crisp air, colorful scenery and smaller crowds as reasons to visit in autumn.
The Minnesota DNR makes another strong argument for camping during this part of the season: cooler, comfortable nights and fewer bugs.
|
Better Trail Weather
Hiking and biking get considerably more appealing when the heat and humidity ease up. |
Water + Color
Hundreds of lakes give you colorful shorelines, reflections, paddling and fishing in the same trip. |
Something Every Weekend
Nisswa Fall Festival, Crosslake Days, haunted mini golf and other local events give you reasons to build a trip around specific dates. |
Ride Cuyuna. Bike the Paul Bunyan Trail. Camp on Gull Lake. Explore Old Crow Wing. Attend a fall festival. Then let the changing trees be the backdrop to the experience.
Compare 75 Minnesota campgrounds in Hilltop’s Campground Guide →
1. Cuyuna Country: Red Dirt, Blue Water and Fall Color
There isn’t another fall landscape quite like Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area.
Former iron mines have become deep blue and turquoise lakes. White-barked birch and aspen line deep-red trails. Then autumn adds yellow, orange and red hardwoods to the mix.
The Minnesota DNR describes Cuyuna as a world-class mountain-biking destination with roughly 50 miles of mountain-bike trail across nearly 800 acres and more than 30 purpose-built routes ranging from beginner to expert.
And you don’t have to be an expert rider.
The DNR’s easiest trails are designed for beginners, while Explore Minnesota notes that a large portion of the system is family-friendly when riders stay on trails appropriate for their ability.
Miner’s Mountain is the highest point in the recreation area. The overlook sits above Huntington Mine Lake — a former mine pit that’s now approximately 258 feet deep — and provides a sweeping view across the Cuyuna landscape.
That overlook becomes especially interesting in autumn. The Brainerd Dispatch highlighted Miner’s Mountain as a prime fall-color vantage point, with colorful forest stretching for miles around the mine lakes.
The current DNR campground map shows 33 campsites, including 18 electric sites.
The campground sits on the northwest shore of Portsmouth Mine Lake, a former mine pit approximately 395 feet deep, and also has a swimming beach.
The paved Cuyuna Lakes State Trail gives families another option. It winds through the recreation area past lakes, mining relics, streams and old mine stockpiles without requiring singletrack mountain-biking skills.
And anglers have another reason to bring the camper: the recreation area’s mine lakes support trout, northern pike, bass, crappies, sunfish and walleyes.
See the red-dirt trails, mine lakes and terrain that make Cuyuna one of Minnesota’s most distinctive riding destinations.
Watch Mountain Biking at Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area on YouTube →
CUYUNA TRAIL REMINDER:
Mountain-bike trails close when they’re wet enough to be damaged. Check current trail conditions before riding. The Cuyuna trail organization also recommends wearing blaze orange beginning September 18 as Minnesota hunting seasons begin.
2. Crow Wing State Park: Camp Where Two Rivers and Minnesota History Meet
About six miles south of Baxter, Crow Wing State Park gives you a completely different type of fall weekend.
The park sits at the confluence of the Mississippi and Crow Wing rivers and preserves the site of Old Crow Wing, once one of Minnesota’s most important frontier communities.
You can walk through the former town site, follow interpretive signs along portions of the Red River Ox Cart Trail and see the 1849 Beaulieu House — the only surviving building from the original town.
Explore Brainerd Lakes specifically recommends Crow Wing in fall for its cooler air, fewer bugs and miles of trails through the river landscape.
The park offers roughly 18 miles of hiking trails, and approximately 6.5 miles of paved trail connect through the park toward the Paul Bunyan State Trail.
Hilltop’s Minnesota Campground Guide lists 59 campsites at Crow Wing, including 12 electric sites, and notes a published 45-foot RV length limit.
That makes checking your camper size before reserving especially important.
Get a look at the campground and park setting along the Mississippi and Crow Wing rivers.
Watch the Crow Wing State Park campground video on YouTube →
3. The Paul Bunyan State Trail: Your Fall Bike Ride Can Be As Long As You Want
If mountain-bike singletrack isn’t your thing, the Brainerd Lakes Area has another impressive option.
The Paul Bunyan State Trail runs 115 miles from Crow Wing State Park to Lake Bemidji State Park.
The Minnesota DNR identifies it as the state’s longest trail and the longest continuously paved rail-trail in the country.
You can access the southern trailhead from Baxter, or pick it up farther north around Nisswa, Pequot Lakes and other trail towns.
Pick a section. Ride through fall color. Stop in Nisswa or Pequot Lakes. Turn around when you’re ready. Then head back to the campground.
Explore Brainerd Lakes specifically recommends biking portions of the trail during fall for the red, orange and yellow scenery along the route.
4. Gull Lake Recreation Area: Electric Camping Right on One of Brainerd’s Signature Lakes
Sometimes the campground itself is the destination.
Gull Lake Recreation Area is a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers campground directly on Gull Lake.
Hilltop’s Minnesota Campground Guide identifies it as one of the strongest Brainerd-area choices for RVers who want lake access and electricity.
|
Electric Sites
The wooded campsites offer 30- or 50-amp electric service. |
Fish From Camp
There’s a paved shoreline fishing platform, fish-cleaning station, boat access and canoe launches. |
Wildlife
Bald eagles, deer, river otters, songbirds and loons are among the wildlife Recreation.gov highlights. |
Fall is also still very much within the campground’s operating window. Recreation.gov says the shower building and drinking water remain available through October 15.
That gives RVers a real opportunity to combine Gull Lake fall color with campground amenities instead of treating the lake as a summer-only destination.
Brainerd.com maps a 38-mile fall-color loop around Gull Lake using County Road 77. Explore Brainerd Lakes also recommends County Road 77, particularly the west side of Gull Lake, for autumn scenery.
That’s the kind of fall activity that works perfectly with an RV trip: leave the camper set up, take the scenic loop, stop somewhere along the way and come back before the evening fire.
5. Pequot Lakes: Climb 135 Steps Above the Fall Color
For one of the area’s biggest fall views, head toward Pequot Lakes.
At Paul M. Thiede Fire Tower Park, visitors can climb the historic 100-foot fire tower.
Explore Brainerd Lakes counts 135 steps to the top.
On a clear fall day, the tower gives you a treetop-level panoramic view of the changing Brainerd Lakes landscape.
If heights aren’t your thing, the surrounding park also offers trails and a picnic pavilion.
6. Circle September 19: Nisswa Fall Festival & Smokin’ Hot BBQ
Here’s a weekend worth actually building a camping trip around.
The festival runs alongside the 21st annual Smokin’ Hot BBQ Challenge and includes family activities, an artisan and crafters market, tournaments, live music, a pie-eating contest and public BBQ tasting.
Explore Brainerd Lakes lists the event from 7 a.m.–7 p.m., with music continuing into the evening.
A very good Saturday could be:
Wake up at the campground. Bike or hike in the morning. Spend the afternoon in Nisswa. Eat BBQ. Head back to camp for the fire.
7. Cross Lake Recreation Area: Camp in the Middle of a Huge Fall Festival Weekend
If you want a larger RV campground with a lot happening nearby, look toward Crosslake.
Cross Lake Recreation Area has 122 campsites, including 97 electric sites.
The campground sits among tall pines on the Whitefish Chain and provides access to 13 natural lakes, approximately 13,660 acres of water and 119 miles of shoreline.
It’s also adjacent to Crosslake itself, so campers can walk or make a very short trip into town.
And in late September, that matters.
Explore Brainerd Lakes calls it the area’s classic Up North fall festival, with fall color serving as the backdrop.
Events include the Lost Chili Pepper Hunt, arts and crafts, the chili cook-off, family activities, live music, a street dance and more.
There is even an activity right at the campground during the festival schedule: bonfire and s’mores at the Cross Lake Recreation Area.
That is about as direct a combination of camping and local fall festival as you can get.
From 7–9 p.m., historic buildings open with costumed guides, wagon rides, live music, apple cider and treats. Admission is free, with donations appreciated.
Cross Lake Recreation Area’s 2026 camping season is scheduled to continue through October 15, so Crosslake Days falls comfortably within the campground season.
8. Camping With Kids? Haunted Mini Golf Starts September 11
This family-friendly fall activity begins September 11 and continues on Friday and Saturday nights through October.
Whistling Wolf Mini Golf in Crosslake transforms into Whistling Werewolf, adding spooky lighting and creatures to its 18-hole course.
The event specifically describes itself as family-friendly and without jump scares.
5–9 p.m. • September 11 through October • Weather permitting
That gives families another easy formula: hike or bike during daylight, eat dinner, play haunted mini golf after dark, then head back to the camper.
9. Don’t Feel Like Hiking? Take the 54-Mile Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway
You don’t have to earn every fall view with a bike ride or a hike.
The Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway is a 54-mile paved route through Crow Wing and Cass counties.
The route passes lakes, forests, parks, wildlife areas and small communities around Pequot Lakes and Crosslake.
Brainerd.com’s fall-color route specifically highlights portions along Upper and Lower Whitefish, Cross Lake, Rush Lake and Big Trout Lake.
Sleep at the campground. Have breakfast outside. Drive part of the byway. Stop for a short hike or lunch. Get back to the camper while there’s still plenty of evening left.
10. Don’t Forget the Fishing Rods
Brainerd isn’t just a fall-color destination with lakes in the background.
The lakes are part of the trip.
At Gull Lake Recreation Area, campers have access to a paved shoreline fishing platform, fish-cleaning station and boat launch.
At Cuyuna, former mine lakes support everything from trout to bass, crappies, northern pike and walleyes.
At Cross Lake Recreation Area, accessible fishing piers provide angling opportunities on Cross Lake and the Pine River.
Even if the fish don’t cooperate, it’s difficult to complain about sitting beside a Minnesota lake surrounded by fall color.
Minnesota fishing seasons, limits and regulations vary by species and water. Check current Minnesota DNR regulations before fishing.
Visit Hilltop Camper & RV’s The Best Camping Season in Minnesota is Yet To Come page for the full fall camping series and current Hilltop opportunities.
A Pretty Good Brainerd Lakes Fall Camping Weekend
Put These 2026 Brainerd Lakes Fall Weekends on the Calendar
Compare campgrounds by region, RV friendliness, hookups, water recreation, scenery, family activities, RV size considerations and more.
You Don’t Have to Wait Until Next Year to Camp in a Different RV
If Cuyuna, Gull Lake or another Brainerd Lakes fall weekend has you thinking you’d rather be doing it in a different camper, this is an interesting time at Hilltop Camper & RV.
Some Minnesota campers are taking advantage of clearance opportunities on remaining 2026 models. Others are becoming some of the first families to camp in newly arriving 2027 RVs.
Purchase a camper from Hilltop Camper & RV by September 19, 2026, enjoy Minnesota fall camping now, then bring it back to Hilltop for free winterization.
Fall Camping in the Brainerd Lakes Area: Frequently Asked Questions
When do fall colors peak around Brainerd, Minnesota?
Historically, some of the strongest fall color around the Brainerd Lakes Area develops from late September into early October, but timing varies by weather and location. Use the Minnesota DNR Fall Color Finder for current conditions.
Where is a good RV campground near Brainerd?
Options include Gull Lake Recreation Area, Crow Wing State Park, Portsmouth Campground at Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area, Cross Lake Recreation Area and several other campgrounds profiled in Hilltop’s Minnesota Campground Guide.
Can beginners mountain bike at Cuyuna?
Yes. Cuyuna has purpose-built trails across multiple difficulty levels, including beginner and adapted options. Riders should choose trails appropriate for their ability, wear a helmet and check current trail conditions before riding.
Is there paved biking near Brainerd?
Yes. The 115-mile Paul Bunyan State Trail begins in the Brainerd area and passes through communities including Nisswa and Pequot Lakes. Cuyuna also has a paved state trail through the recreation area.
What fall events are happening around Brainerd in September 2026?
Highlights include the Nisswa Fall Festival and Smokin’ Hot BBQ on September 19, Crosslake Days September 24–26, Okbobberfest in Pequot Lakes September 26 and Whistling Werewolf Haunted Mini Golf on Friday and Saturday nights beginning September 11.
Where can I camp near Crosslake during Crosslake Days?
Cross Lake Recreation Area is located directly next to the community and has 122 campsites, including 97 electric sites. Its 2026 campground season is scheduled through October 15.
Where can I find more Minnesota campgrounds?
Hilltop Camper & RV’s Ultimate Minnesota RV Camping Guide includes 75 independently researched RV-friendly campgrounds throughout Minnesota.
Sources & Helpful Brainerd Lakes Fall Camping Resources
Hilltop Camper & RV — Ultimate Minnesota RV Camping Guide
Hilltop Camper & RV — The Best Camping Season in Minnesota is Yet To Come
Minnesota DNR — Fall Color Finder
Minnesota DNR — 2026 Fall Color Finder Launch Information
Minnesota DNR — Cuyuna Country Mountain Bike Trails
Minnesota DNR — Cuyuna Lakes State Trail
Minnesota DNR — Cuyuna Country Virtual Tour
Minnesota DNR — Crow Wing State Park Virtual Tour
Minnesota DNR — Paul Bunyan State Trail
Recreation.gov — Gull Lake Recreation Area
Recreation.gov — Cross Lake Recreation Area
Explore Brainerd Lakes — Where to See Fall Colors
Explore Brainerd Lakes — Reasons to Love Fall in the Brainerd Lakes
Brainerd.com — Brainerd Lakes Fall Color Tours
Brainerd.com — Gull Lake Fall Color Tour
Brainerd.com — Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway Fall Tour
Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway Association
Explore Brainerd Lakes — 2026 Nisswa Fall Festival & Smokin’ Hot BBQ
Explore Brainerd Lakes — 2026 Crosslake Days
Explore Brainerd Lakes — Crosslake Log Village Cider & Candlelight Tour
Explore Brainerd Lakes — Whistling Werewolf Haunted Mini Golf
Explore Brainerd Lakes — Pequot Lakes Okbobberfest
Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Crew — Trail Conditions & Events
Brainerd Dispatch — Autumn Splendor at Miner’s Mountain
Videos featured in this article:
This article includes content supported by AI-assisted research. Event dates, campground availability, amenities, trail conditions, fishing regulations, fees, weather and seasonal services may change. Please confirm current information with the campground, park, event organizer or appropriate agency before traveling. Video previews link to YouTube and remain the property of their respective creators.
