Voyageurs National Park covers over 200,000 acres and is one of the best national parks for those wanting to enjoy waterways and island-filled lakes. Located close to nearby International Falls, it has four large lakes and 26 smaller bodies of water. Anglers can try for black crappie, northern pike, sauger, smallmouth bass, walleye, and yellow perch. If fishing is not your thing, explore 27 miles of hiking trails or stargaze at this remote location with dark skies. You will have to leave your fifth-wheel trailer behind, though, as the campsites here are only accessible by boat. Isle Royale National Park is becoming a popular destination for those looking for a different type of venue. This island sits within Lake Superior but is considered part of the nearby Upper Peninsula of Michigan. You can park your RV and take a ferry or seaplane to reach the 400 islands that make up the park. Guests enjoy tent camping at one of the 36 sites, hiking around the island, and visiting the three lighthouses here. People will also take boat cruises among the islands, scuba dive, and swim while visiting. You can find plenty of mainland camping with RV hookups along the lake shore in Minnesota and Michigan. If you are up for a road trip, you can drive to Badlands National Park in nearby South Dakota, a site that makes RVshare's Top Picks for national parks thanks to its remote nature and unique topography. The park contains mixed-grass prairie, eroded buttes, and pinnacles among its 244,000 acres. Animals that call Badlands home include bison, bighorn sheep, and prairie dogs. You can visit the Ben Reifel and White River visitor centers before you begin exploring. Before you leave, stop at the Fossil Preparation Lab to see what paleontologists are uncovering in the area.
Take your Brainerd, MN RV Rental on a drive to nearby Crow Wing State Park, a 3,119-acre site that offers some of the best peeks into the local history. You can visit the Old Crow Wing Town Site at the confluence of the Crow Wing and Mississippi rivers, a frontier town that peaked in the mid-19th century. Other popular activities include canoeing the riverways, fishing, hiking, and viewing nature. Bird watchers stay busy identifying different songbirds and waterfowl in the area, while others like to observe and photograph beavers, coyotes, deer, eagles, foxes, hawks, and muskrats. Nearby Banning State Park makes RVshare's Top Picks for nearby parks for the variety of activities it offers guests. One stand-out feature is the ten-mile section of the Kettle River, including the 1.5-mile section of rapids ranging from Class II to Class IV. There are 17 miles of trails to get around Banning State Park, including sections of paved bike trails and a wheelchair-accessible area. Those wanting to enjoy the rapids at their peak should visit in early summer, but visitors come even during winter to cross-country ski and snowmobile. Glendalough State Park is popular with anglers, offering shore access to Annie Battle Lake close to nearby Battle Lake. Local anglers report catching bullhead, crappie, bluegill, bowfin, carp, largemouth bass, muskie, pike, walleye, and yellow perch from the water here. You can bike or walk the Beaver Pond Interpretive Trail or Glenadlugh Trail if you want something to do off the lake. You can hike into a 22-site campground near the parking lot or stay at one of the three canoe-in campsites along the south end of the lake. You will need to go elsewhere nearby to find RV-friendly camping, however.
The Mississippi National River and Recreation Area is a popular river park that stretches 72 miles of the Mississippi River in the nearby Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area. You can paddle or fish portions of the river. Or, park your travel trailer and tour the dam at the St. Anthoney's Falls Visitor Center on foot. Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway makes RVshare's Top Picks for nearby landmarks for its 252 miles of protected water and adjacent shoreline along the Namekagon and Saint Croix rivers. Located in nearby Wisconsin, the riverway biking, boating, fishing, and hiking during the summer is phenomenal. The nearby Pipestone National Monument offers one of the best glimpses into Native American culture as it protects ancient quarries still used today for its sacred soft red stone. Explore the history at the visitor center and learn about the active quarries still in use for making ceremonial pipes before hiking trails around the rock pits and surrounding grasslands.
If you want to spend time on a private lake, you might consider staying at Shady Hollow Resort and Campground in Brainerd. It has access to Hardy Lake and a camp store that offers boat rentals. Crow Wing Lake Campground is another popular Brainerd facility, providing concrete pads, fire rings, and picnic tables at all sites. It is a pet-friendly site that offers good cell reception, full hookups, 30-amp and 50-amp power options, and showers to clean off after a day paddling the lake. Niemeyer's Rugged River Resort might be one of Brainerd's best campgrounds as it offers back-in and pull-through sites, providing room for a Class A motorhome. The resort has two seasonal parks with a pool, hot tub, showers, and a pet-friendly environment ideal for seasonal stays during the summer.
How does RVshare classify a cheap RV rental?
RVshare defines an affordable RV rental as any rental that is priced under $100 per night. Renters can search for RVs in a range of budget-friendly options.
What is the average cost of renting a cheap RV in Brainerd, MN, and how do I save money on my rental?
The average cost of renting a cheap RV in a specific city or state varies based on factors such as RV type, rental duration, and location. Renters can save money by renting during off-season months or by splitting the cost with a group of friends or family members.
Are any discounts or promotions available for renting a cheap RV, such as off-season rates or group discounts?
RVshare does not offer discounts or promotions for cheap RV rentals. However, renters may find cheaper options during off-season months or by negotiating with the owner for a lower rental rate.
How do I find cheap RV rentals in Brainerd, MN that meet my safety and reliability standards?
All RVs on RVshare are vetted and considered safe to operate. Renters can also read reviews from past renters to ensure the RV meets their standards for safety and reliability.
Do I bring my bedding and linens to use in a budget-friendly RV rental, and what storage options are available for these items?
The RV owners determine what is available with the rental, such as bedding and utensils. Renters should review the RV listing description or ask the owner for more information. Storage options for personal items can vary by RV, so renters should check with the owner for available storage space.
How can I properly clean and sanitize an RV rental before and after my rental period?
Renters should clean up and leave the RV as they found it, or follow instructions provided by the RV owner. RVshare recommends using cleaning products and disinfectants that are safe for use on RV surfaces.
Are there any specific safety features or amenities I should prioritize when renting an affordable RV?
Renters should prioritize safety features such as smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Other amenities, such as air conditioning and kitchen appliances, depend on the renter's personal preferences and needs.
Do I bring my outdoor equipment or appliances to use with an cheap RV rental?
The RV owners determine what is available with the rental, such as outdoor equipment and appliances. Renters should review the RV listing description or ask the owner for more information.
How can I ensure that a cheap RV rental is adequately insured and meets all legal requirements in Brainerd, MN before leaving on my trip?
All RVshare rentals come with insurance, with three packages available to choose from.
Are there any specific areas or routes I should avoid when driving an cheap RV rental in Brainerd, MN to minimize my risk of accidents or damage?
Renters should check with the owner or do research on the best routes for RV travel in a specific city or state. They should also be aware of any specific driving laws or restrictions, such as low bridges or weight limits.
