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.
Are there any additional fees or charges associated with renting a pet-friendly RV in Brainerd, MN, and what kind of pet policies do I need to be aware of it?
The fees and charges associated with renting a pet-friendly RV vary by individual listings and are determined by the RV owner. Be sure to check the specific listing for details on any additional fees or deposits required for pets. Additionally, the pet policies for each rental will also vary and are at the discretion of the RV owner. Be sure to review the listing description or ask the owner for more information on their pet policies before booking.
How do I properly prepare my pet for traveling in an RV rental, and what kind of equipment or supplies do I need to bring for them?
To properly prepare your pet for RV travel, bring along their favorite bed, food and water bowls, food, and any medications they may need. Additionally, bring your pet's leash, waste bags, and any toys or treats they may enjoy. It's also a good idea to acclimate your pet to the RV before your trip by introducing them to the space gradually if possible.
Can I bring multiple pets in a pet-friendly RV rental, and are there any size or weight restrictions for my pets?
The number and type of pets allowed will vary depending on the RV owner's policies. Be sure to check the listing details for any restrictions on pet size or weight, as well as the number of pets allowed per rental.
Are any specific RV parks or campgrounds in Brainerd, MN particularly well-suited for pets, and what amenities do they offer?
Some RV parks and campgrounds are more pet-friendly than others, so be sure to research your destination beforehand. Look for parks that offer amenities such as pet-friendly trails or dog parks. Additionally, some parks may have specific pet policies or restrictions, so be sure to check before making a reservation.
How do I properly clean and sanitize a pet-friendly RV rental before and after my rental period, particularly regarding pet hair and odors?
Renters should vacuum and sweep thoroughly and wipe down all surfaces with pet-safe cleaning products. Additionally, be sure to dispose of any pet waste in designated trash areas.
What safety considerations must I be aware of when traveling with pets in an RV rental, particularly regarding hot or cold weather conditions?
Pet owners should be aware of hot and cold weather conditions when traveling in an RV with pets. Keep pets hydrated and ensure the RV is properly ventilated and climate-controlled. Additionally, never leave pets alone in a hot or cold RV and be sure to monitor their behavior for signs of distress.
Can I bring my pet supplies and equipment to use with a pet-friendly RV rental, such as a portable pet fence or outdoor playpen?
Yes, renters can bring their own pet supplies and equipment to use with a pet-friendly RV rental, such as a portable pet fence or outdoor playpen. However, be sure to check with the RV owner before bringing any large or bulky items to ensure they can be accommodated.
How do I properly secure and restrain my pet during travel in a pet-friendly RV rental, and what kind of safety equipment or devices do I need to use?
Pets should always be properly secured and restrained during travel in an RV rental. This can include using a pet carrier, seat belt harness, or pet barrier. Ensure that all safety equipment or devices are properly installed and used according to manufacturer instructions.
Can I leave my pet unattended in a pet-friendly RV rental, and if so, are there any specific guidelines or restrictions I need to follow?
Pets should not be left unattended in an RV rental, as it can be dangerous for them and may result in damage to the rental. If it is necessary to leave your pet briefly, ensure that they are properly secured and that the RV is climate-controlled and ventilated.
Can I bring my pet to any activities or attractions in Brainerd, MN during my RV rental trip, and what kind of pet policies or restrictions may be in place for these locations?
Pet policies and restrictions for activities and attractions in Brainerd, MN will vary by location, so be sure to research beforehand. Some locations may not allow pets at all, while others may have specific areas or guidelines for pet access. Always check with the location beforehand to ensure pets are allowed and to understand any restrictions or guidelines in place.
