Pleasant Pines Resort and Campground

- 3443 Pleasant Pine Dr NW, Hackensack, MN 56452

Introduction / Overview

For Minnesotans seeking a classic, nostalgic Northwoods experience, Pleasant Pines Resort and Campground, nestled on the shores of Pleasant Lake near Hackensack, offers a retreat that feels like stepping back in time. This family-owned and operated establishment, managed by five generations of the Tritz family since 1976, has cultivated a reputation for its quiet, serene atmosphere and commitment to providing a clean, memory-making environment. It perfectly embodies the "up north" vacation that so many locals cherish.

Pleasant Pines is truly a resort and campground hybrid, offering a range of accommodations that cater to all styles of vacationers. Whether you are traveling in a large RV, pitching a tent, or looking to rent a comfortable, fully-equipped cabin, the property is designed for relaxation. Guests consistently praise the extensive tree cover—which provides plenty of shade and a natural backdrop—the well-maintained grounds, and the palpable sense of tranquility. It's the kind of place where, as one long-time visitor noted, it feels the same as it did decades ago—a rare and treasured quality in today's fast-paced world.

The resort's crown jewel is its location on 1,036-acre Pleasant Lake, which boasts exceptional water clarity (up to 14 feet) and a beautiful, low-entry sugar-sand beach. This combination makes it a premier spot for families, anglers, and anyone simply looking to enjoy the quiet waters and deep lake views. The focus is squarely on creating a relaxed, family-friendly environment with plenty of on-site activities to keep kids—and adults—entertained.

Location and Accessibility

Pleasant Pines Resort and Campground is perfectly positioned for those who love the heart of Minnesota's lake country. You can find this tranquil spot at 3443 Pleasant Pine Dr NW, Hackensack, MN 56452, USA. This address places the resort conveniently close to Hackensack, a charming town that is only a short drive away, providing easy access to local shops and restaurants.

The location is strategically excellent for local adventurers. While surrounded by the natural beauty and quiet of the pines, it sits just minutes from major recreational arteries. A major draw is the close proximity to the Paul Bunyan State Trail, one of Minnesota’s longest and most celebrated multi-use trails, making the campground an ideal base for biking enthusiasts. Additionally, the area offers easy access to the Chippewa National Forest trails and the deeper amenities found in the larger town of Walker, which is also a short drive away.

For water access, the campground provides a cemented boat landing and a protected harbor, allowing guests to effortlessly launch their craft onto the clear waters of Pleasant Lake to fish for walleye, crappies, northern pike, and sunfish, or simply to enjoy the scenery of the quiet waters and bullrushes.

Services Offered

Pleasant Pines Resort and Campground provides a comprehensive suite of services and amenities that support both short-term stays and extended family vacations, focusing heavily on convenience and family fun:

• Campsites and Utility Hookups: The campground offers 27 grass-level, shaded sites for RVs and tents, with options for water and electric hookups (30, 50, and 110 amp). Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring.
• Modern Facilities: Clean and well-maintained modern restrooms and hot shower facilities are available for all campers. A sanitary dump station is also on-site for RV convenience.
• Waterfront Access: A low-entry, sugar-sand swimming beach on Pleasant Lake is a major highlight. The resort also offers a cemented boat landing, fishing docks, and a protected harbor for boat mooring.
• Free Water & Land Recreation: Complimentary use of equipment including kayaks, paddle boards, paddle boats, and a large ‘Lily Pad’ water mat is provided to guests, maximizing family fun on the lake.
• Family Activities: A large playground with a sandbox, a free game room (featuring ping pong, foosball, and arcade basketball), as well as dedicated areas for volleyball, horseshoes, and bean bags ensure plenty of on-land activity for all ages.

Features / Highlights

Pleasant Pines stands out in the Minnesota camping landscape by successfully balancing an atmosphere of quiet reflection with abundant family activities and services:

• Nostalgic, Serene Atmosphere: Customers consistently describe the resort as having a "serene and nostalgic feeling," reminiscent of classic Minnesota family vacations from decades past. This quiet environment is maintained by the extensive tree cover and commitment to orderly, well-mown grounds.
• Ideal for Small Campers: The resort is particularly welcoming and well-suited for smaller travel trailers, such as Scamps, serving as an excellent nearby base for local owners to test out new equipment systems before a long trip, while still offering all necessary hookups and amenities.
• Direct Paul Bunyan Trail Access: Its proximity to the famed Paul Bunyan State Trail allows guests to easily hop on one of the state’s best paved trails for miles of biking, walking, or running right from their campsite.
• High-Quality Lake Experience: Pleasant Lake is noted for its clarity and depth, offering not only great fishing but also a premium swimming experience with the gentle, shallow entry of the sugar-sand beach.
• Family Legacy: Being one of Minnesota’s longest-owned and operated family resorts, the Tritz family’s dedication ensures a personal touch and a focus on providing multigenerational memories, which is evident in the many second and third-generation families who return annually.

Contact Information

To learn more about current availability, rates for RV sites or rental cabins/campers, and specific booking policies, please use the following contact details:

Campground Name: Pleasant Pines Resort and Campground

Address: 3443 Pleasant Pine Dr NW, Hackensack, MN 56452, USA

Phone: (320) 760-1120

Mobile Phone: +1 320-760-1120

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For a Minnesota resident, Pleasant Pines Resort and Campground is the perfect antidote to the stresses of city or suburban life. It encapsulates the ideal Northwoods vacation: quiet nights under a dense tree canopy, mornings spent fishing for walleye on a clear lake, and days filled with simple, free family fun on the water or the playground. The resort's appeal lies in its genuine, established family management and its commitment to preserving a "nostalgic" camping experience—a connection to the past that many locals seek. It offers the critical trifecta of a Minnesota getaway: excellent water access for fishing and swimming, easy proximity to a premier recreational trail (the Paul Bunyan Trail), and the convenience of being just a short, manageable drive from both Hackensack and Walker for any supplies or dining needs. This is a place where new generations can create the same cherished summer memories as their parents and grandparents before them.

Pleasant Pines Resort and Campground

3443 Pleasant Pine Dr NW, Hackensack, MN 56452, USA