We have stayed at TWO Brainerd-area, private campgrounds that Leslie and I are
CONVINCED would be GREAT for our grandchildren.  While lacking the mascots and
cartoon characters you specify, they each have amenities that are definitely
family-oriented and are VERY kid-friendly.

Sullivan's Resort & Campground

<http://www.sullivansresort.com>

Don and Mayva's Crow Wing Lake Campground

<http://www.brainerd.net/~cwcamp/index.html>

Sullivan's is situated adjacent to an alphalt-paved county road.  That is, of
course, MUCH quieter and cleaner than a graveled road.

We were placed on a site on the "outer rim" of the property, "next" to the
road, and did not find the "traffic" to be annoying.  The road was virtually
unused during overnights.

North Long Lake is a natural lake that is VERY clear and clean.  
Interestingly, and sometimes frustratingly so for boaters, the depth drops-off
EXTREMELY gradually.  One can wade out 100-yards and be barely waist deep.  
When the weather is inclement, you can swim in the INDOOR pool!

Crow Wing Lake, on the other hand, we found to be a virtual SWAMP - unsuitable
for pleasure swimming.  I am told that it is NOT a natural lake.  Instead, it
is a river impoundment.  To their credit, Don and Mayva have MORE than
compensated by creating a campground environment that is a kid's dreamland,
complete with HUGE swimming pool and expansive playground with play equipment
and structures "everywhere".

Good luck and have fun!

          :)
JR

If you are looking for a place to take children and grandchildren camping,
you should definitly check out Wylie Park/Storybook Land/Campground just
north of Aberdeen, SD.  Aberdeen is in NE part of South Dakota.  It has
everything for all ages.  They even have aqua shows at the lake in the
summer time.  Last weekend they had a blues festival and I know they have a
jazz festival coming up in July (I believe).  Once a year they have a big Oz
festival in the Storybook Land.  Check out the website:
http://www.aberdeen.sd.us/parks/wylie.html.

Don't plan on using Minnesota state parks right now.  They will shut down
tomorrow at 4 if the budget "crisis" isn't resolved.

More info:
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/shutdown2005.html

Note that if the state does shut down, the web site will go down as well.

Austin

Kampdells.com and it's not even close. We've stayed at most campgrounds
in MN and for activities they have them all beat. Oddly my kids second
favorite is Lambs in Schroeder. No pool or anything like that, but a
large waterfall and 1/2 mile of Lake Superior shoreline more than make
up for that.

Mike

Be sure to look into these.

All private small versions of
Jellystone and meeting your far
from I-90 and nice programs
criteria.

<http://moneycreekhaven.com/>
Money Creek Haven
Houston, MN    West

<http://www.ironwoodsprings.com/>
Ironwood Springs
Stewartville MN 55976   West

<http://www.campwinnebago.org/>
Camp Winnebago
Caledonia, MN  South

Then there is another  South of
Caledonia, MN  that was run by the
Andersons that had really nice
programs.

All are 2 hours SE of Jellystone
and I have personally enjoyed
each of these with children.

--
Bob Stan, I love simple things
<www.insty-grill.com>