Brainerd area recommendation

[GBS]

The wife and I are looking a trying to go to the area next weekend. Real purpose is to spend some time driving around, checking out regional campgrounds, for a possible seasonal lease for the yet-to-be-purchased RV. The boat will come with, "just in case".

I've only been in the area a couple of times - once many years ago on Upper Cullen, and a few days in winter at a big resort on Gull. So not really that familiar with the territory.

Got any recommended motel or other places to stay for just two nights? Would need to drop the boat during the day Does not have to be plush, but neither does it need to be basic economy.

Even better if it was near-ish a good walleye lake (Gull and Mille Lacs are obvious, of course - but we're very open to other choices). Would actually prefer a lesser known, if it would help increase the odds of getting a space at a public launch. But we could pay, if that is the way to go. Probably would go out for a evening trip or two.

Icing on the cake would be pet-friendly for two dogs (we would not leave them alone in the room), but we already have a kennel lined up - just trying to save costs.

And, since we're asking - any "campgrounds" we should be looking at for the RV? (Just two near-retiring adults, and the two dogs....no kids. Mostly interested in fishing, with access to hiking (dog walking), so a lot of family friendly amenities or golf related would be unused by us. A good community would be great, though.

[Mpower]

Pelican. Good fishery, quiter. They did recently discover zebras, like two, literally.

[1750 FH]

There is a motel at sportland corners just before Nisswa,think its a days inn.it is close to all the lakes you mentioned except mille-lacs 45 minutes.google campgrounds and seasonal campgrounds around Brainerd there are lots to check out.You could also check the Brainerd chamber of commerce.

[Box]

Might want to add the Crosslake Corp of Engineers campground to your list of things to look at. There are some places to stay in the area, but I honestly don't know any that are cheap or that would likely even have openings with such short notice. Crosslake is a bit NE of where you are looking, but not too far.

Might want to check Breezy Point area or Pequot Lakes for motels, right on Highway 11 there are some, in addition to Nisswa area as mentioned. You have North Long to check, along with many smaller lakes and Pelican, and Gull, and the WFC in Crosslake.

It can be busy on the popular/big lakes, but I love the area. Our cabin is on tiny lake off of the chains in the Crosslake area. Good luck!

[1860Angler]

Horseshoe Lake, Upper Mission Lake and North Long Lake all have some pretty nice seasonal RV parks that you can do a yearly lease at. Gull Lake and Pelican have some nice Seasonal RV parks that you can purchase the lots. There are a ton of places to stay, not sure about pet friendly though. Good luck and fun in my backyard!!