Pleasant Pines Resort and Campground

For us Minnesotans, a trip "Up North" isn't just a vacation; it's a cherished tradition, a chance to reconnect with nature, family, and the tranquil beauty of our lakes. Pleasant Pines Resort and Campground in Hackensack, MN, embodies this spirit perfectly. With a legacy spanning five generations of the Tritz family since 1976, this resort and campground offers that quintessential, nostalgic Minnesota experience, making it a beloved destination for many of us seeking a true escape. It’s a place where the whispering pines, crystal-clear waters, and a genuine sense of calm set the stage for unforgettable memories.

Located on the pristine shores of Pleasant Lake, this establishment is more than just a place to stay; it's a community designed for relaxation and family fun. As one happy guest put it, it evokes a "Serene and nostalgic feeling, like you expect that it felt the same 50 or 60 years ago camping there." This speaks volumes about its enduring charm and commitment to providing a timeless outdoor experience. Visitors consistently highlight the "Friendly staff, clean amenities, quiet, and plenty for the kids to do."

Whether you're pulling in with your travel trailer, pitching a tent under the shade of mature trees, or settling into a cozy cabin, Pleasant Pines offers a welcoming atmosphere. It’s a perfect base to explore the local charm of Hackensack and Walker, or to simply unwind by the lake. If you've just acquired a new camper, as one reviewer noted about their Scamp, it's also a "good place to stay" to test out your systems in a comfortable environment. For creating new traditions or reliving cherished old ones, Pleasant Pines Resort and Campground promises a memorable Minnesota getaway.

Pleasant Pines Resort and Campground is idyllically located at 3443 Pleasant Pine Dr NW, Hackensack, MN 56452, USA. Hackensack is a charming small town in Cass County, nestled in the heart of Minnesota's famous Brainerd Lakes Area and just north of the larger city of Walker. This region is renowned for its abundant lakes, dense forests, and extensive recreational opportunities, making it a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

The resort's accessibility is excellent for those traveling from across Minnesota. It's easily reachable via major state highways. For instance:

• From Minneapolis-St. Paul: The drive is approximately 3 hours to 3 hours 30 minutes, covering about 170-190 miles north. This makes it a feasible weekend trip or a longer vacation destination for residents of the Twin Cities metro area.

• From Duluth: The drive is a bit longer, around 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours, covering approximately 140-160 miles west.

• From Brainerd/Baxter: It's a convenient shorter drive, typically 45 minutes to an hour north, about 40-50 miles.

The location on Pleasant Lake offers direct waterfront access, a significant draw for many. The roads leading to the resort, including Pleasant Pine Drive NW, are generally well-maintained, ensuring smooth travel for all vehicle types, including large RVs and travel trailers. Its proximity to the towns of Hackensack and Walker (a "short drive away") provides easy access to grocery stores, restaurants, bait shops, and other conveniences, blending a secluded natural feel with practical accessibility.

• Diverse Accommodations: Pleasant Pines offers a range of lodging options including spacious RV sites, tent sites, and "5 knotty pine cabins overlooking Pleasant Lake." They also have "2 spacious campers for rent," catering to various preferences and group sizes.

• Full Hookup RV Sites: Campsites come with full electrical hookups (30 and 50 amp, 110 volt) and water hookups. This ensures comfort and convenience for RVers, allowing for extended stays.

• Modern Restrooms & Hot Showers: The resort provides "Modern Showers & Restrooms" that are well-maintained and clean, a feature appreciated by guests.

• Dump Station: A dump station is available for RV waste disposal, ensuring a convenient experience for campers.

• Fully-Equipped Cabins: Cabins feature "fully-equipped kitchens, showers or shower/bath combos, flat screen Smart TV's with DVD/VCR combo, AC with ceiling fans, smoke free, and internet access." They are supplied with a gas grill, picnic table, and bed linens, offering a true "home away from home" experience.

• Boat Docking & Cemented Landing: The resort boasts a "protected harbor with cemented landing and five Fishing Docks," making it easy to launch and dock boats on Pleasant Lake.

• Fish Cleaning Building: A "stainless steel cleaning facility" is available for anglers to process their catch, a crucial amenity for a fishing-focused resort.

• Free Game Room: A "Free Game Room" with ping pong, foosball, and arcade basketball provides indoor entertainment, especially useful on rainy days.

• Water Toy Rentals: Guests have access to free kayaks, paddle boards, paddle boats, and a lily pad, encouraging water-based fun on Pleasant Lake.

• Pet-Friendly: The resort welcomes pets, allowing families to bring their furry companions along for the vacation.

• Prime Lakefront Location on Pleasant Lake: The most significant highlight is its direct access to Pleasant Lake, a 1036-acre lake known for its "crystal, clear water," "low entry, sugar sand beach," and good depth (72' deep with 14' clarity). This provides an ideal setting for swimming, sunbathing, and various water activities.

• Exceptional Fishing: Pleasant Lake is a renowned fishing lake, with "excellent fishing for walleye, crappies, northern and sunfish." The resort's multiple fishing docks and a dedicated fish cleaning building cater perfectly to anglers.

• Nostalgic and Serene Atmosphere: Visitors consistently praise the "serene and nostalgic feeling," describing "quiet nights" and "much tree cover." This creates a truly relaxing environment, reminiscent of classic Minnesota resort vacations.

• Family-Owned and Operated (Five Generations): The fact that it's been "Minnesota's longest owned and operated family resort and campground, since 1976" by the Tritz family highlights a deep commitment to hospitality and creating lasting memories for generations of guests.

• Abundant Family Activities: With a "large playground with sandbox," free game room, and complimentary use of kayaks, paddle boats, paddle boards, and a lily pad on the beach, there's "plenty for the kids to do," ensuring entertainment for all ages.

• Proximity to Paul Bunyan State Trail: The "Paul Bunyan bike trail is great!" and is a short drive away, offering extensive paved paths for biking, walking, and exploring the beautiful surrounding area.

• Well-Maintained Grounds and Facilities: Guests commend the "clean amenities" and "well mown in proper areas," indicating a high standard of upkeep which contributes to a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

• Close to Hackensack and Walker: The short drive to these charming towns allows for easy access to local restaurants, shops, and attractions like the Longville Turtle Races (seasonal) or Rendevous Brewing in Hackensack, balancing a natural retreat with convenient town amenities.

For inquiries, reservations, or more detailed information about Pleasant Pines Resort and Campground, you can use the following contact details:

Address: 3443 Pleasant Pine Dr NW, Hackensack, MN 56452, USA

Phone: (320) 760-1120

Mobile Phone: +1 320-760-1120

There is also an older phone number listed on some sites (218) 675-6618, but the 320 number appears to be more current based on recent directory listings and provided information. It is always recommended to check their official website (pleasantpinesresortllc.com) for the most up-to-date information on rates, availability, cabin specifics, resort policies, and to make online reservations. You can also typically find an online contact form on their website for email inquiries.

For us Minnesotans, Pleasant Pines Resort and Campground isn't just a place to visit; it’s a living piece of our state's vacation heritage, perfectly tailored to what we locals truly cherish. It's a multi-generational, family-owned establishment that understands the essence of a "Minnesota Up North" getaway, making it an ideal choice for anyone from our state.

Firstly, its location on Pleasant Lake in Hackensack is quintessential Minnesota. We know and love our lakes, and a resort nestled on a clear, clean lake with a "sugar sand beach" and "deep lake views" is exactly what we crave. The excellent fishing for walleye, crappies, Northern Pike, and sunfish directly from their docks or in the expansive lake means countless hours of enjoyment for anglers of all ages. This is our backyard, and Pleasant Pines makes it incredibly accessible and enjoyable.

The "serene and nostalgic feeling" and "quiet nights" resonate deeply with the kind of relaxation we seek. It reminds us of childhood vacations, a place where time slows down, and the focus is genuinely on family, nature, and simple pleasures. The "much tree cover" offers that comforting Northwoods ambiance we adore. This sense of timelessness allows us to truly disconnect from the daily grind and immerse ourselves in the natural beauty of our state.

From a practical standpoint, the clean, modern amenities, including full hookups for RVs and well-equipped cabins, mean comfort without sacrificing the outdoor experience. The "friendly staff" and "plenty for the kids to do," from the playground to free water toys, ensure that everyone in the family, from toddlers to grandparents, has a fantastic time. And for those of us with travel trailers or even new Scamp owners, the park's understanding of our needs (like a place to run through systems) shows a genuine connection to the RV community.

Being a "short drive away" from towns like Hackensack and Walker also means we get the best of both worlds: secluded natural beauty with easy access to local breweries, restaurants, and the incredible Paul Bunyan State Trail for biking. Pleasant Pines Resort and Campground isn't just a place to stay; it's a place to create, or recreate, those treasured Minnesota memories that define our summers and beyond.