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 hitching and unhitching a 5th-wheel RV rental work, and is it challenging?
Hitching and unhitching a 5th-wheel RV rental requires proper positioning of the RV and truck and connecting the hitch. It can be challenging for first-time renters, but the owner usually provides a thorough explanation of the process.
Are there any special driving considerations or techniques when towing a 5th-wheel rental RV in Brainerd, MN?
When towing a 5th-wheel rental RV in Brainerd, MN, it is important to note the weight and size of the RV and follow all traffic laws. Drivers should also be cautious of wind conditions as they can affect stability.
Do I use a generator to power the electrical system on a 5th wheel RV, or do I need to connect to a power source at a campground or RV park?
Most 5th wheel RVs come with a built-in generator, but some may require being plugged into a power source at a campground or RV park. RV owners will provide information on the specifics of powering the RV.
Are there any limitations on where I can park or store a 5th wheel RV in Brainerd, MN, such as zoning laws or homeowners' association regulations?
Renters should always check local regulations before parking a 5th wheel RV in Brainerd, MN. Some areas have specific zoning laws or homeowners' association regulations regarding parking and storing RVs.
What kind of maintenance or upkeep do I need to perform on a 5th-wheel RV rental during my rental period?
Renters should keep the RV clean and make sure to report any damages. Regular maintenance such as oil changes and tire checks are the responsibility of the RV owner.
Are there any safety concerns I should know when towing a 5th-wheel rental RV, such as sway or brake issues?
Sway and brake issues can occur when towing a 5th-wheel rental RV. Renters should be mindful of weight distribution and proper hitching to prevent these issues.
How do I properly level and stabilize a 5th-wheel rental RV at my campsite or RV park?
Leveling and stabilizing a 5th-wheel rental RV requires proper positioning and use of RV leveling blocks. The owner should provide instructions or assistance if needed.
Do I need to bring my cooking appliances or equipment for use in the 5th wheel rental RV's kitchen?
Most 5th wheel rental RVs come with a equipped kitchen, check the listing details or ask the owner for specific items. Renters may choose to bring additional cooking appliances or equipment if they desire.
Are there any unique features or amenities available in 5th wheel RV rental that may not be found in other towable RVs in Brainerd, MN?
5th wheel rental RVs may have additional features such as multiple bedrooms or bathrooms, larger living spaces, and better towing stability compared to other towable RVs in Brainerd, MN. RVshare owners may offer additional amenities or features for a more comfortable stay.
