Gull Lake Recreation Area

4.67

539 reviews

10867 E Gull Lake Dr

SwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Beach Camping Minnesota#1 Tent Camping Minnesota#2 Swimming Camping Minnesota#2 +12 more

Quick Facts

1,240 ft

Price

$32 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

39 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

1,240 ft

Price

$32 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

39 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Gull Lake Recreation Area

$32.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Peak season rates for campsites range from $32 for standard electric sites to $50 for group shelter electric sites. Additional reservation service...

Standard Site Fee$32.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$50.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(651)290-5772

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What Campers Say

4.67

Top-Rated

Based on 539 reviews

229 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspaciousstaffsites

Some mention

reservation

"The campground receives high praise for cleanliness, spacious and private sites, and well-maintained amenities. Staff and volunteers are frequently mentioned as friendly and helpful. However, some concerns include narrow roads, older facilities, and occasional issues with site reservations."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

10867 E Gull Lake Dr

Gull Lake Recreation Area

10867 E Gull Lake Dr

Driving directionsFrom the intersection MN 210 and MN 371 in Baxter, drive north 5.8 miles. Turn left on Cty Rd 125 (Gull Lake Dam Road). Follow the signs for approximately 3 miles. Turn left into the campground when you see the playground.

The roads to the campground are accessible and well-marked; however, crossing the narrow one-lane bridge can be challenging for larger RVs, as noted by reviewers. The road to the campground itself is described as narrow, with limited space for maneuvering large rigs.

Nearby places

Brainerd (approximately 7 miles), Baxter (approximately 7 miles), Nisswa (approximately 13 miles)

Nearby supplies

Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be found in Brainerd and Baxter, both approximately 7 miles away. Firewood is available for purchase at the campground at site #40 during specified hours.

Best Time to Camp at Gull Lake Recreation Area

Summer transforms this Minnesota gem into an outdoor paradise, with gentle breezes carrying across the lake and temperatures hovering in that sweet spot between refreshing mid-60s mornings and pleasantly warm 80-degree afternoons. Early season campers might wake to misty mornings and experience the occasional dramatic thunderstorm rolling across the lake, while evening campfires become especially cozy when those characteristic cool Minnesota nights settle in. The shoulder seasons offer their own magic, with fewer crowds and nature putting on spectacular displays of spring awakening or autumn transformation.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season for swimming, boating and beach use; reviews praise summer activities.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall camping singled out for quiet, privacy and vibrant foliage in reviews.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Open beginning May 1; late-spring use OK but peak season starts in summer.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground is closed outside May 1–Oct 14; winter season not served.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 1 - October 14. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open for reservations from May 1 to October 14 each year. Shower and drinking water facilities operate seasonally from May 1 to October 15.
Current Alerts: There is a detour on Gull Dam Road requiring users to access the park via the south entrance.

About Gull Lake Recreation Area

Nestled along the pristine waters where Gull Lake meets the river, this recreation area beckons adventurers with its perfect blend of aquatic adventures and woodland tranquility. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, paddling across mirror-like waters, or spotting bald eagles from scenic hiking trails, every day brings new discoveries. The meticulously maintained grounds feature thoughtfully spaced campsites that offer both privacy and comfort, while the welcoming staff ensures your stay is nothing short of memorable. Here, the rhythms of nature set the pace for unforgettable family getaways and peaceful solo retreats alike.

The campground accommodates various camping styles, including tent, RV, and group camping. Primitive camping and luxury glamping options are unavailable.

Historical SignificanceThis cherished recreation area plays a vital role in protecting the headwaters of America's mighty Mississippi River. As an integral part of the Mississippi Headwaters Projects, these grounds serve as both guardian and gateway to one of North America's most important watersheds. While the campground itself may not house ancient artifacts, every visit connects you to the ongoing story of conservation and the delicate balance between recreation and preservation that defines our relationship with these precious waterways.

Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms this Minnesota gem into an outdoor paradise, with gentle breezes carrying across the lake and temperatures hovering in that sweet spot between refreshing mid-60s mornings and pleasantly warm 80-degree afternoons. Early season campers might wake to misty mornings and experience the occasional dramatic thunderstorm rolling across the lake, while evening campfires become especially cozy when those characteristic cool Minnesota nights settle in. The shoulder seasons offer their own magic, with fewer crowds and nature putting on spectacular displays of spring awakening or autumn transformation.

ElevationThe gently rolling terrain of this Minnesota campground creates natural privacy between sites and offers varied perspectives of the surrounding landscape, though specific elevation data has not been documented for this location.

Natural Features and SceneryPicture waking to the haunting call of loons echoing across Gull Lake, where ancient glaciers once carved this stunning landscape into existence. The campground's prime location at the confluence of lake and river creates a diverse ecosystem where towering pines provide shade, eagles soar overhead, and deer quietly browse at the forest's edge. These woods and waters, sculpted by ice age giants from Canada, now offer modern adventurers a chance to immerse themselves in the raw beauty of Minnesota's lake country, where every sunset paints the water in different hues and morning mists reveal nature's daily masterpiece.

Geological RegionThousands of years ago, massive glaciers journeyed south from Canada, sculpting the landscape that would become this beloved recreation area. Today, campers enjoy the legacy of that ice age artistry at the strategic junction where Gull Lake flows into the Gull River. Under the careful stewardship of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as part of the Mississippi Headwaters Projects, this geological treasure offers visitors a chance to camp atop ancient history while contributing to the protection of one of America's most vital river systems.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in process is self-service with site-specific boxes containing check-in materials. Standard check-in times not explicitly stated.

Check-out

Check-out time not explicitly stated.

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights allowed. Within rolling 30 days, the maximum total stay is also 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Two tents OR one wheeled camping unit plus one tent allowed per campsite.

Groups

Group camping includes spaces for shelters with 50 amp electricity, ideal for larger gatherings.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground features loops with well-spaced, wooded sites offering privacy and ample space. Roads are paved but narrow in some areas.

Reservation PlatformsReservations must be made online at Recreation.gov. Staff at the campground can assist with the process but cannot make reservations on your behalf.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up reservations are available; all reservations must be completed online through Recreation.gov.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations before the check-in date incur a $10 fee, and late cancellations for individual campsites will also forfeit the first night's recreation use fee. Group sites and cabins have stricter late cancellation policies starting 14 days before check-in.

AccessibilityAccessible sites are available, with mostly level pads and wide camping areas. "Plenty of space between campsites," was noted by users.

Site SizeSites are described as generously spaced, large, with some up to 110 feet deep. "Lovely camp sites with lots of trees," remarked one user.

PrivacyHigh privacy is noted due to dense foliage between sites. "Trees and smaller undergrowth have been left between the sites," one camper commented.

Total Campsites39 campsites

Recommended SitesSite #34 is noted for its space and privacy, although large RV users should exercise caution due to overhanging trees. Sites #07 and #23 are recommended for spacious layouts and proximity to clean facilities.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers an array of activities including hiking, fishing, boating, swimming, biking, wildlife viewing, stargazing, and interpretive programs. Seasonal activities such as ice fishing and snowshoeing are also available.

HikingHiking options include a self-guided interpretive trail with scenic overlooks and geocaching opportunities. However, some reviewers mentioned the trails could benefit from better maintenance: "The only hiking trail is not well-maintained," one camper noted.

FishingFishing is a highlight, with opportunities to catch walleye, northern pike, bass, and panfish. "Shore fishing available along the Gull River," noted one user.

SwimmingSwimming is available at a beach praised for cleanliness and proximity. "Very nice beach for swimming," commented one guest.

BikingComprised of paved trails within the park and links to the Paul Bunyan State Trail, biking is highly recommended. "Bike trails adjacent to the grounds were great," stated one reviewer.

BoatingBoating options include canoeing, kayaking, and motor boating on Gull Lake and the Gull River. "The boat ramp is accessible and well-maintained," wrote one camper.

Wildlife viewingCommon sightings include bald eagles, white-tailed deer, river otters, and songbirds. "We saw a bear!!" exclaimed one user.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSome reviewers highlighted challenges such as mosquitoes, narrow roads for large RVs, and difficulties driving stakes into the hard-packed ground. Bald eagles and raccoons have been noted, along with deer ticks in Crow County.

Active AlertsThere is a detour on Gull Dam Road requiring users to access the park via the south entrance.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed within designated campfire rings. Certified firewood must be used, and firewood sales are available on-site during specified hours.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are enforced but exact times are not specified.

Emergency ServicesNearest hospital is in Brainerd, approximately 7 miles away. Police and fire services are also accessible in nearby towns. Ranger office is located across the dam.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are located near the main office and dump station, which some users found inconvenient.

Water FeaturesLocated near the Gull River and Gull Lake, the campground offers access to swimming beaches, boat ramps, fishing platforms, and canoe launches.

Camp HostHosts are described as friendly, informative, and committed to maintaining the campground's cleanliness and operations.

Weather at Gull Lake Recreation Area

Reviews

4.7

539 reviews

Top-Rated

Gull Lake Recreation Area is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground receives high praise for cleanliness, spacious and private sites, and well-maintained amenities. Staff and volunteers are frequently mentioned as friendly and helpful. However, some concerns include narrow roads, older facilities, and occasional issues with site reservations.

Review Summaries

Based on 539 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers consistently cited clean facilities, helpful staff, spacious sites, and proximity to attractions. "The cleanest bathrooms we’ve ever seen at a campground," and "Campground hosts take great...

Based on 539 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints included narrow roads for large RVs, difficulty with reservations and modifications, limited laundry access, and occasional electrical issues.

Based on 539 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests suggest bringing DEET for ticks, planning ahead for narrow roads, and filling water tanks early as potable water is only available at the entrance.

Based on 539 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Fall camping is especially praised for its quiet atmosphere and vibrant foliage. Summer reviews highlight swimming and boating activities but note higher mosquito presence.

Based on 539 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Best campground ever! Shady and private sites," "Excellent time at Gull Lake recreation area. Well-maintained and clean," "Campground appearance was very good, neat and well-maintained," "Clean...

Based on 539 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #07: Spacious but challenging for large rigs; Site #34: Excellent privacy but not recommended for motorhomes longer than 35 feet due to tree obstacles; Site #12A: Shared site with minimal...

Based on 539 reviews