From Booking to Check-Out: What It’s Like to Stay with Book the B.L.A.
September 30, 2025
Hey there, fellow dog lovers! Welcome to the Brainerd Lakes Area, where the lakes are pristine, the trails are begging to be explored, and the best adventures always include a four-legged friend. ‘Cause a vacation just isn’t the same when your favorite furry pal has to stay behind, right?
That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of our favorite pet-friendly vacation rentals in the Brainerd Lakes Area, where wagging tails are not just allowed, but welcomed! And honestly, planning a trip with your pup is easier than it seems, especially when you have a little local help. When you book with us, our concierge service is here to make it a breeze.
Now, let’s get to the good stuff. Here are a few of our top picks for you and your best buddy.
Follow a quiet dirt road to its restful end, and you’ll find this cozy A-frame rooted on 40 secluded acres — a total doggie paradise! Tucked away in the northwoods by the trickling Little Pine River, this 3-sleeper is the ultimate hideaway.
The open living space is a natural fit for relaxing with your pup, complete with a crackling wood-burning fireplace, a stocked kitchen for small meals, and plenty of games and puzzles for a quiet night in. It also has a screened porch, so you can enjoy the fresh air bug-free.
Start your day with a peaceful stroll to the river, spend the afternoon exploring miles of on-property trails, and kick back by the fire pit under the stars at night. Totally solitary, you and your furry friend will get to hang out and enjoy all the sights, smells, and sounds of northwoods nature.
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This premier estate on the shores of Leech Lake offers a massive, tree-lined backyard perfect for a game of fetch. The yard slopes down to the water, giving you an awesome lake view. It’s one of those special pet-friendly vacation rentals in the Brainerd Lakes Area that has space for everyone, comfortably sleeping up to 18 people and their four-legged pals.
The home is fully equipped for a memorable group stay, featuring a spacious kitchen, multiple living areas, and a warm fireplace. The real perks for you and your pup include direct access to the water from the private dock, with kayaks and a paddleboat ready for adventure. Inside, an exercise room and a dedicated game room offer fun for all, while a bonus space above the garage is ideal for additional guests. It’s the perfect blend of northwoods charm and modern indulgence for the whole pack.
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For the inside scoop on local fun, check out our Area Guide!
Settle into a modern cabin right on the calm, protected waters of Cree Bay, where your dog can splash along the shoreline and you have easy access to the vastness of Pelican Lake. It’s just the spot for a pup who loves the water and an owner who loves a good view.
Inside, the cabin may be cozy (sleeping up to 3), but it’s equipped with everything you need, including a full kitchen for preparing meals after a day in the sun. The real magic happens outside, where a fire pit and provided kayaks invite you to have a great time on the water. This pet-friendly cabin is perfectly situated for world-class golf minutes away, making it easy to mix a day on the links with an evening paddle with your best friends, both two-legged and four.
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Find your ultimate lakefront retreat at this Scandinavian-inspired cabin, perched on the serene shores of Bass Lake with a sandy beach your dog will love to explore. Resting between Pequot Lakes and Crosslake, it offers a classic northwoods feel with all the comforts of home.
The cabin easily sleeps 11 and is packed with amenities for the whole crew, including a modern kitchen, a sizable deck with a picnic table, and in-unit laundry. The place just oozes rustic charm, with knotty pine all over, a stone fireplace, and direct lake access for hopping on a kayak or paddleboard. Teeming with lots of wildlife, making every walk an exciting adventure for you and your furry friend.
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Slow down and stay a while at this cozy cabin on the shores of Upper Whitefish Lake. The main attractions here are fishing off the dock, watching for eagles, and listening to the loons call. It’s a quiet spot practically made for chilling out with your favorite furry companion by your side.
The cabin sleeps 4 and comes fully loaded for fun, including a canoe, kayaks, and paddleboards for exploring the entire Whitefish Chain. Inside, the space feels bright and open thanks to large windows that bring the northwoods inside, while the back deck is a prime spot for outdoor dining.
After a day on the water, the wood-burning fireplace creates an intimate atmosphere for relaxation, especially in the winter months. It’s a standout among pet-friendly vacation rentals in the Brainerd Lakes Area for its direct access to legendary fishing and boating—great for adventures with your pup.
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This newly renovated cabin sits right on the gentle shores of Round Lake. It’s a serene spot with a bright, airy feel, offering a spacious beach where your dog can frolic in the water and a large deck for you to soak up those famous sunset views.
The home sleeps 9 and features a fully-equipped kitchen and an open living area that makes relaxing with the whole group easy. While the beach is ideal for swimming, the Gull Lake Chain is just a short ride away from the public launch, opening up a world of boating and fishing, from summer angling to winter ice fishing.
Its location is a major perk, putting you just minutes from Nisswa’s shops, breweries, and a huge range of outdoor activities like premier golf courses and hiking or cross-country skiing through the Paul Bunyan Trail, making it simple to plan adventures for every interest.
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Discover the best local activities and attractions in our Area Guide!
A year-round haven on the shores of Upper Hay Lake, this spot offers a classic northwoods escape with a sandy beach and stunning waterfront views that’s just right for your dog to roam. The 3-bedroom main cabin offers a snug and inviting base, no matter the season.
The property comfortably sleeps 13 and has all the good stuff, including kayaks, a paddleboard, and a gas fireplace for chilly evenings. Need a little extra space? The separate guest cottage provides added flexibility for larger groups.
It’s an ideal base for adventures, with the Paul Bunyan Trail just a 3-minute drive away for summer biking and winter snowmobiling. You’re also a short drive from Pequot Lakes’ shops and mini-golf, all while enjoying the stillness that comes with a secluded location.
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The best memories are made when the whole family is together, and that includes the four-legged members who make a house feel like a home. At Book the B.L.A., we make finding your pet-friendly retreat easy. When you book with us, you’ll receive personalized concierge support to ensure your vacation not only works for you, but your pets too.
Instead of worrying about the logistics of finding a place that welcomes everyone, it’s time to start dreaming about those lakeside sunsets and morning hikes with your pup leading the way. Browse all our pet-friendly vacation rentals in the Brainerd Lakes Area and get ready for those wagging tails!
