Pete's Retreat Family Campground

What makes a campground truly memorable – is it sprawling recreational amenities, pristine natural beauty, or seamless proximity to regional attractions? Pete's Retreat Family Campground delivers all three with its heated pools, wooded 40-acre setting, and immediate access to Minnesota's walleye capital. This family-operated RV park north of Aitkin features 99 full-hookup sites accommodating rigs up to 140 feet, each equipped with fire rings and picnic tables amid mature tree cover. Two swimming pools, a BMX bike track, and planned hayrides create a classic summer camp atmosphere, while the on-site fishing pond and game room provide rainy-day alternatives.

The campground's location half a mile from Mille Lacs Lake positions anglers for premier walleye fishing, with a bait shop and fish cleaning station simplifying waterfront excursions. Local conveniences including a liquor store and restaurant sit within walking distance, while Grand Casino Mille Lacs and seven golf courses offer diversions within a 30-minute drive. Pools operate seasonally from Memorial Day through Labor Day, complemented by basketball courts, horseshoe pits, and a pavilion for group gatherings.

For extended stays, the property demonstrates thoughtful infrastructure with ADA-accessible facilities, a winter storage program, and a clubhouse hosting family activities. The wooded terrain provides natural screening between sites, though the BMX track and playgrounds maintain an energetic ambiance ideal for multi-generational trips. As one of only two Minnesota properties named to North America's Top 100 Campgrounds, Pete's Retreat balances developed comforts with its lakeside setting—a hybrid model catering equally to outdoor purists and amenity-focused travelers.