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 do I properly navigate and park a Class A motorhome rental in urban areas or tight spaces in Brainerd, MN?
Class A motorhomes can be large and require a bit of practice and patience to navigate and park in tight spaces. When driving in urban areas, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and plan your route ahead of time to avoid narrow streets, low overpasses, or weight restrictions. When parking, look for spacious lots that allow for easy entry and exit. It may also be helpful to have a spotter help guide you into your parking spot.
Are there any special licensing requirements or restrictions for operating a Class A motorhome rental in Brainerd, MN?
In most cases, a standard driver's license is required to operate a Class A motorhome rental.
What kind of maintenance or upkeep do I need to perform on a Class A motorhome rental during my rental period?
As an RVshare customer, the only maintenance required is keeping the motorhome clean and returning it in the same condition it was received.
Do I need to know any weight restrictions or bridge height limitations when operating a Class A motorhome rental in Brainerd, MN?
Yes, it's important to be aware of weight restrictions and bridge height limitations when operating a Class A motorhome rental. It's important to check with your RV owner or local authorities for any specific restrictions in your area.
Can I bring my bicycles or other outdoor equipment to use with the Class A motorhome rental, and what storage options are available for these items?
Yes, you can bring your bicycles or other outdoor equipment to use with the Class A motorhome rental. Many motorhomes come equipped with exterior storage compartments or bike racks for convenient storage. Check with the RV owner to see what storage is available to you.
How do I properly level and stabilize a Class A motorhome rental at my campsite or RV park, and what equipment or tools do I need for this?
Sometimes stabilizing a Class A motorhome is needed to ensure a comfortable and safe stay at your campsite or RV park. Confirm the type of campsite you’ll stay at and any stabilizing actions or equipment necessary with the RV owner.
What fuel efficiency considerations do I need to consider when operating a Class A motorhome rental, and how can I minimize the impact on my fuel costs?
Class A motorhomes typically have lower fuel efficiency due to their size and weight. However, there are ways to minimize fuel costs such as driving at a steady speed and avoiding abrupt stops and starts.
Do I need to bring entertainment equipment or appliances for the Class A motorhome rental, such as a home theater system or outdoor grill?
Most Class A motorhomes come equipped with basic entertainment equipment and appliances such as a TV, DVD player, and refrigerator. However, if you have specific entertainment needs or preferences, it's best to check with your RV owner to ensure these items are provided or if you should bring your own.
Are any unique features or amenities available in Class A motorhome rentals that may not be found in other RVs in Brainerd, MN?
Class A motorhomes often feature high-end amenities such as leather seating, residential-sized kitchens, and luxurious bedding. Some may also feature high-tech entertainment systems or outdoor kitchens. It's best to check with your RV owner for any specific unique features or amenities that may be available in your rental.
