Side Lake Campground

4.75

6 reviews

SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

1,417 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Prime use is late sp...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Pets Allowed

RV FriendlyElectricShowersWiFi

Opens Minnesota DNR — Minnesota State Parks site

Official Website

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Quick Facts

1,417 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Prime use is late sp...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Pets Allowed

RV FriendlyElectricShowersWiFi

Opens Minnesota DNR — Minnesota State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Side Lake Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Minnesota State Parks

Provider

888-646-6367, 651-296-6157

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What Campers Say

4.75

Top-Rated

Based on 6 reviews

4 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanrestroomswaterlake

Some mention

bugsmosquitoes

"Visitor sentiment is largely positive: reviewers praise the beach, clear lakes, wooded and scenic campsites, clean facilities, and good staff. Common negatives are summer insects, variable northern weather, and congestion at the boat ramp and popular Sturgeon Lake day‑use beach."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Side Lake Campground

47.6706, -93.0310

Nearby supplies

Park Nature Store (small park store) at the park entrance

a nearby convenience store and local businesses just outside the park (visitor reports mention a CCC campground convenience store and local eateries)

Best Time to Camp at Side Lake Campground

The campground welcomes visitors from late spring through early fall, with mid-summer drawing the biggest crowds for good reason—warm days, perfect swimming, endless sunshine. But this is Minnesota's north country, where Mother Nature keeps you on your toes. Even July evenings can turn cool enough for a sweatshirt by the fire, and afternoon thunderstorms love to make dramatic entrances. Smart campers pack layers for those crisp mornings, rain gear for surprise showers, and plenty of bug spray for those gorgeous, still evenings when the mosquitoes remind you that you're guests in their territory.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Below Average

Beach, boating and paddling are highlights in warm months; reviewers praise summer features.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Below Average

Northwoods foliage likely attractive in fall, though reviewers don't detail autumn visits.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Average

Spring brings paddling and budding forest scenery, but seasonal specifics aren't provided.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Below Average

No winter offerings noted; Minnesota winters likely limit typical lake/beach use.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Prime use is late spring through early fall, with the busiest period in mid-summer; main campground is primarily a warm-season destination.

About Side Lake Campground

Nestled under towering pines on Side Lake's tranquil shores, this northwoods gem gives you two lakes for the price of one: your own peaceful swimming beach steps from camp, plus McCarthy Beach's legendary sandy stretch on Sturgeon Lake just across the road. It's classic Minnesota lake country with the comforts you want—electric hookups, modern facilities, and miles of forest trails—making it perfect for first-time campers and northwoods veterans alike.

The campground includes sites with electric and water service and facilities to support RV camping; other specific site-type designations are not explicitly stated in the sources.

Historical SignificanceThe broader park has Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) era history and long-standing regional use as a family camping and beach destination, though specific historic structures or interpretive features at Side Lake Campground are not described in available sources.

Weather and SeasonsThe campground welcomes visitors from late spring through early fall, with mid-summer drawing the biggest crowds for good reason—warm days, perfect swimming, endless sunshine. But this is Minnesota's north country, where Mother Nature keeps you on your toes. Even July evenings can turn cool enough for a sweatshirt by the fire, and afternoon thunderstorms love to make dramatic entrances. Smart campers pack layers for those crisp mornings, rain gear for surprise showers, and plenty of bug spray for those gorgeous, still evenings when the mosquitoes remind you that you're guests in their territory.

Natural Features and SceneryPicture this: your morning coffee steaming as sunlight breaks through a canopy of red and white pines, some over a century old, casting dancing shadows across your campsite. Side Lake stretches out before you, its calm waters practically begging for an early paddle. The campground's Lakeshore Trail weaves through the forest and along the water's edge, where you might catch the eerie, beautiful call of loons drifting across the bay or spot a bald eagle riding the thermals overhead. This is the Sturgeon Lake chain at its finest—pure northwoods magic, minus the crowds.

Geological RegionNorthwoods setting (Sturgeon Lake chain, mixed pine and hardwood lakeshore)

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

WiFi

Flush toilets

Dump station

Activities you can enjoy

Side Lake Campground provides water- and forest-based recreation with easy access to the long sandy Sturgeon Lake beach, boat launches and rentals, trails, and wildlife viewing.

HikingTrails such as the Lakeshore Trail connect directly from the campground and provide scenic loops along Side Lake and through pine forest.

FishingFishing from shore, a fishing dock, or by boat on the five-lake Sturgeon Lake chain; park office has historically offered loaner rods/tackle per visitor reports.

SwimmingLong, shallow sandy swimming beach on Sturgeon Lake is across the road from the campground and is a primary draw for families.

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNarrow campground roads and a very busy boat-ramp area can create congestion and tight navigation for RVs and tow vehicles during peak times. Typical northwoods insect activity (mosquitoes, ticks) can be problematic in summer; variable weather may bring cool or wet conditions.

Weather at Side Lake Campground

Reviews

4.8

6 reviews

Top-Rated

Side Lake Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Visitor sentiment is largely positive: reviewers praise the beach, clear lakes, wooded and scenic campsites, clean facilities, and good staff. Common negatives are summer insects, variable northern weather, and congestion at the boat ramp and popular Sturgeon Lake day‑use beach.

Review Summaries

Based on 6 reviews

What Campers Love

Long, sandy Sturgeon Lake beach ideal for kids and families; scenic northwoods campsites with mature pines and some waterfront/filtered‑view sites; clean restrooms and a modern shower building; boat...

Based on 6 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring insect repellent and warm layers; arrive early for the popular Sturgeon Lake beach to secure parking/space; expect narrow roads and limited maneuvering room near the boat ramp; pack supplies as...

Based on 6 reviews