Crow Wing State Park Campground

As a distinguished offering within the Campgrounds & RV Parks category, Crow Wing State Park Campground provides a unique blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and diverse recreational opportunities for visitors to Minnesota. Situated at the confluence of the majestic Mississippi and Crow Wing Rivers, this campground serves as an excellent base for exploring the rich heritage and vibrant ecosystems of the central Minnesota region.

Crow Wing State Park Campground is set within a verdant landscape dominated by large oak and pine trees, providing a naturally shaded and aesthetically pleasing environment for campers. The park's most distinctive environmental feature is its location at the meeting point of the Mississippi and Crow Wing Rivers. This confluence not only offers stunning riverside views and access for water-based activities but also contributes to the park's diverse ecosystems. The park encompasses a unique blend of Minnesota's three major biomes: prairie, hardwoods, and pineland. This ecological diversity means visitors can experience various natural settings, from open savannas to dense forests. The serene atmosphere provides a tranquil escape, with opportunities for quiet reflection and wildlife viewing. Deer are commonly sighted, and various bird species, including songbirds and raptors like ospreys and hawks, frequent the area. While black bears are uncommon, they occasionally pass through, adding to the sense of wildness. The historic significance of the Old Crow Wing townsite, nestled within the park, adds another layer to the environment, allowing campers to walk through a landscape imbued with centuries of human history alongside its natural beauty.

Crow Wing State Park Campground offers a range of services designed to make camping accessible and comfortable for both RV and tent campers. The campground features 59 campsites in total, with 12 to 13 of these offering electric hookups, catering to recreational vehicles up to 45 feet in length. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill attachment, facilitating outdoor cooking and gathering. For convenience, a seasonal shower building with hot showers and flush toilets is centrally located among many of the campsites, ensuring that modern comforts are readily available. Vault toilets are also present. The campground provides drinking water and a sanitary dump station, essential for RVers. Pet owners will appreciate that the campground is pet-friendly, allowing furry companions at campsites. There is also a group camp facility available, ideal for larger gatherings of up to 75 people, with space for numerous tents or several RVs. For those seeking a slightly more rustic experience without a tent, a camper cabin is available, sleeping up to five people with mattresses provided. The park office offers a gift shop, and for those who didn't bring their own, boat and canoe rentals, ice, and firewood are available for sale, ensuring campers have access to necessary supplies. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak seasons, and a state park vehicle permit is required for entry.

Crow Wing State Park Campground's key features extend beyond its basic amenities, encompassing its rich historical context and its role as a hub for outdoor adventure. The park is a designated National Register of Historic Places site, preserving the remains of Old Crow Wing, once a bustling frontier settlement and one of Minnesota's most populous towns in the mid-1800s. Campers can walk along sections of the historic Red River Ox Cart Trail and visit interpretive signs that bring the past to life, including the site of the Beaulieu House and the Ojibwe Rifle Pits. The confluence of the Mississippi and Crow Wing Rivers is not only scenic but also provides excellent opportunities for boating, canoeing, and kayaking, with a boat ramp providing easy access to the rivers. Fishing is popular, with species like northern redhorse and white mudsucker present, and Minnesota residents can bank fish without a license. The park boasts 14 miles (23 km) of hiking trails, some of which are open to cross-country skiing or snowmobiling in winter. The Paul Bunyan State Trail, a paved bike trail spanning 115 miles, has its southern trailhead within the park, offering extensive cycling opportunities. For stargazers, the lower picnic area on clear nights provides an excellent spot to observe the night sky. The park also features a well-lighted picnic shelter with indoor restrooms and electric outlets, available for group events.

Crow Wing State Park Campground is promoted as a gateway to both the natural splendor and historical depth of the region. The emphasis is on the unique combination of outdoor recreation and historical immersion. Visitors are encouraged to explore the rich history of the Old Crow Wing townsite, understanding its significance as a trade and cultural hub. The park's extensive trail system for hiking and biking, including its connection to the Paul Bunyan State Trail, is a major draw for active individuals. The Mississippi River and Crow Wing River offer opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing, with rentals available directly from the park or nearby vendors. Wildlife viewing, bird watching, and geocaching are also promoted as ways to engage with the natural environment. Beyond the park's boundaries, the larger Brainerd Lakes Area offers a multitude of additional attractions. These include:

• The Brainerd International Raceway for motorsports enthusiasts.
• The Minnesota Military Museum at Camp Ripley, offering an extensive look at military history.
• Safari North Wildlife Park in Brainerd for animal encounters.
• Various golf courses within a few miles.
• Lakes and recreation areas like Gull Lake and Cross Lake, providing more boating, swimming, and fishing opportunities.
• Local towns like Brainerd, Crosby, and Fort Ripley, offering dining, shopping, and cultural experiences.