Once an abandoned mine this new recreation area near Crosby & Brainerd has been transformed into a popular travel destination for bikers, hikers, campers, fishermen and more. Offering over 5000 acres of land to explore and 6 lakes covering 267 acres of water to fish & paddle, the once barren mine land is now a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts. Dozens of bike trails have been carved into the terrain & the mine pits have filled up with sparkling clear water and numerous fish species. Vehicle permits are required to visit this recreation area, you can purchase them online through the MN State Parks & Trails Website.
4 Seasons of Cuyuna Country Trails
The Cuyuna Country State Rec Area is wildly popular among trail riders & hikers of all kinds. Offering a variety of trails for many different skill levels for small children all the up to advanced riders. This area boasts 8 miles of paved bike trails, over 25 miles of mountain biking trails from beginner up to advanced and over 40 miles of snowmobile trails that connect with the extensive MN snowmobile trail system.
Download the Cuyuna Country Rec Area Trail Map PDF
Fishing, Boating & Scuba Diving
The 6 lakes in the area are a draw for those interested in canoeing, kayaking, boating & fishing. The old mine pits are stocked with trout and you will also find northern, bass, crappie & sunfish in the crystal clear waters. Be sure to remember to pick up a trout stamp and know that trout season closes Sept 31 each year, winter trout season open’s January 18th. Scuba diving is another popular activity in the mine pits, with lake depths reaching over 200 feet and visibility up to 40 feet. Old underwater forests, rock formations and deep clear water make this one of the best diving areas in the entire Midwest. Visit the Minnesota School of Diving to learn more.
Camping & Lodging
The Portsmouth Campground located on the northwest shore of Portsmouth Lake has 33 campsites along with one large group campsite that can accommodate up to 25 people. The campground has 18 electric campsites along with shower and bathroom facilities open spring through the fall. There are also 3 seven person Yurts located along Yawkey Mine Lake. Two new resorts have opened up near the Cuyuna Country Rec Area that offer even more camping and lodging options, learn more about them below or find other Brainerd Lakes Area Resorts just a short drive away. Make a camping reservation at the Portsmouth Campround via the MN DNR.
Red Rider Resort
218-833-2267 | Visit Website | Email
We are located on Manual mine pit on the far east side of the Cuyuna Recreational area. It is a short ride down our access trail to connect to the Cuyuna Recreational trails. A short ride down our access trail will connect you to the Cuyuna Recreational Trails. With future expansion of the trails you will be able to ride 3 days without riding the same trail. We are the only resort connecting the Cuyuna Rec Area to offer cabins on stilts. Have you ever wanted to feel like your sleeping in a tree house? Then these are the cabins for you with the cable walk bridge 7′ off the ground is a experience you won’t forget. All cabins come with a Fire Ring with a grate for cooking, park style charcoal grill, picnic table and 4 folding chairs for around the campfire.
True North Basecamp
218-833-2267 | Visit Website | Email
We’re not just another campground. We provide so much more than a simple space to pitch your tent and scrub up. True North Basecamp has six expertly crafted lakefont cabins. We’ve modeled them after the taconite mining industry buildings of the early 1900s that were ubiquitous in the area in centuries gone by. While the design may be old school, we’ve kitted each one out with modern conveniences. Each cabin is fully equipped with heating and air conditioning – so no need to beat yourself up for forgetting that extra sweater or travel fan.