How much does camping cost at Sandy Lake?

Camping fees at Sandy Lake range from $16-$60/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Sandy Lake first-come first-served or reservation?

Sandy Lake accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Sandy Lake before I book?

Yes! Sandy Lake has 17 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Sandy Lake?

Sandy Lake is open May 01 to October 14. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Sandy Lake?

Yes, Sandy Lake has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Sandy Lake have?

Sandy Lake has 43 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Sandy Lake?

Yes, pets are allowed at Sandy Lake. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Sandy Lake?

Sandy Lake offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed, Laundry. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Sandy Lake?

Popular activities at Sandy Lake include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Sandy Lake

4.22

234 reviews

22205 531ST LANE McGregor, MN 55760

Top 23% in MNSummer

Summer Destination

Featured in:Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Minnesota Best Campgrounds Minnesota

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,234 ft

Price

$16 - $60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

43 campsites

Season

Open from May 1 to O...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on US Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,234 ft

Price

$16 - $60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

43 campsites

Season

Open from May 1 to O...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on US Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Sandy Lake

$16.00 - $60.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CAMPER CABIN W/ ELECTRIC: $60.00; Electric Double Site: $52.00; Electric Tent Walk To: $18.00; Group Campsite - Standard Electric : $60.00;...

Hike and Bike Site Fee$18.00

Group Site Fee$60.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

651-290-5850

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

22205 531ST LANE McGregor, MN 55760

Sandy Lake

22205 531ST LANE McGregor, MN 55760

Nearby places

McGregor (13 miles, approximately 20-minute drive)

Weather at Sandy Lake

Best Time to Camp at Sandy Lake

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather for water-based activities at Sandy Lake — expect daytime highs in the mid-70s to low-80s °F (24–28 °C) and lake surface temperatures in the low-to-upper 70s by July. This is peak time for swimming, boating, and family-friendly fishing (walleye, bass, northern pike), with long daylight hours and calm evenings for campfires. Weekends around holidays can be busy at the beach and boat launch, but weekdays are pleasantly uncrowded and ideal for paddls Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 23% in MN

Mid-70s/80s, lake temps in 70s, peak for swimming, boating and camping; reviews praise summer experience

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 01 to October 14. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 1 to October 14 (reservable season).

About Sandy Lake

Sandy Lake sits in the Mississippi River Headwaters foothills near McGregor, operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers. The mid-sized campground offers tent sites, RV hookups, primitive options, group areas, and cabins spread across a property known for clean facilities and spacious sites. Campers fish for walleye and northern pike, swim in summer lake waters, and launch boats from on-site access points.

Sandy Lake accommodates a variety of camping styles including tent camping, RV sites, group camping, and a camper cabin. "Eight primitive walk-to tent sites (four of which have electrical hookups), a camper cabin with bunk beds, and a day-use group picnic shelter are also available" highlights this.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather for water-based activities at Sandy Lake — expect daytime highs in the mid-70s to low-80s °F (24–28 °C) and lake surface temperatures in the low-to-upper 70s by July. This is peak time for swimming, boating, and family-friendly fishing (walleye, bass, northern pike), with long daylight hours and calm evenings for campfires. Weekends around holidays can be busy at the beach and boat launch, but weekdays are pleasantly uncrowded and ideal for paddls Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation1234 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryBig Sandy Lake stretches out beneath stands of red and white pines mixed with hardwoods. The reservoir sits at 1,234 feet elevation, its shoreline dotted with swimming beaches and boat launches. Eagles soar overhead, loons call across the water, and the dense forest shelters black bears and otters. The surrounding Mississippi Headwaters ecosystem blends towering conifers with seasonal hardwoods that shift color through the year.

Lodging & AccommodationsA camper cabin is available for rent, featuring bunk beds and located in a private and peaceful area. "Awesome little bunkhouse tucked away in the woods away from the other campsites" confirms this.

Programs & ActivitiesSeasonal educational programs and a museum with historical artifacts are available. "The old lock house has been converted into a free small museum containing historical artifacts from the area" confirms this.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 nights within rolling 30-day periods.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Each site can accommodate sufficient guests
exact number not specified.

Groups

Group sites accommodate larger parties with ample space. "Beautiful site very big had 4 picnic tables" confirms spacious setups.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAccessibility features include lighting, tent pads, and well-marked paths. "North camp sites have lots of room for your pets and you to relax in" suggests comfort and accessibility.

Site SizeSites range in size from standard to group accommodations, with many described as spacious. "The sites are very big and level" confirms this.

PrivacyMixed privacy levels are reported, with the north side offering better spacing and privacy than the south side. "The north side of the dam the sites are better spaced, but still pretty open and close to the road" and "South side the spots are much closer together and not much privacy" highlight this.

Total Campsites43 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid site 45 due to bright street lighting. Sites on the north side are generally more spacious and private.

Best CampsitesWalk-to Tent Site 4 gets high marks for privacy and views. Site 49 stands out for its size and openness. North-side sites offer better spacing than the south, though most remain fairly close to the road.

Need help booking Sandy Lake?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Sandy Lake campground is well-equipped with a variety of amenities, offering flush and vault restrooms, showers, potable water sources, laundry facilities, electricity hookups, and a dump station. Users have praised the cleanliness and convenience of these facilities. "Very clean and well maintained campground" and "Showers were very clean and well maintained and the shower house even had free laundry for guests" are specific user sentiments highlighting the quality of amenities.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Sandy Lake offers a wide range of recreational activities, including fishing, swimming, hiking, boating, wildlife viewing, and cultural programs. "Lots of amenities n beach, multiple boat ramps, docks, and slips," and "Fishing was good even just from the docks" showcase its variety.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.2

234 reviews

Satisfactory

Sandy Lake is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, amenities, and variety of activities, while also mentioning issues such as mosquitoes and limited privacy in certain areas. "Fantastic state park extremely well managed" and "Very clean and well maintained campground" showcase overall positive sentiments.

Review Summaries

Based on 234 reviews

What Campers Love

Users frequently praise the cleanliness of the facilities, the variety of activities, and the friendliness of staff. "The sites are spacious, the facility clean, the play areas looked fun"...

Based on 234 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include mosquitoes, limited privacy in certain areas, and occasional maintenance issues such as docks and mowing accidents. "Need massive mosquito treatment throughout the campground" and...

Based on 234 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews provide insight into individual experiences. For example, "Site 45 is right under a bright street light, chose another site" and "The bald eagle nest and watching the eaglet and...

Based on 234 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend staying on the north side for better spacing and privacy, bringing bug spray for mosquitoes, and using the south side for better access to amenities like flush toilets and showers....

Based on 234 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Mosquitoes are frequently mentioned in reviews during late spring and summer, correlating with wet conditions. The campground is highly popular for fall foliage and summer activities, with "The fall...

Based on 234 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Fantastic state park extremely well managed." "The pros on the south side are that you're much closer to the showers and at least on the peninsula you can dock your boat right at your camp spot."...

Based on 234 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are appreciated by users, especially in the north campground where pets and spacious areas are highlighted. "North camp sites have lots of room for your pets and you to relax...

Based on 234 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and users often comment on spacious sites and the ability to relax with their pets. "North camp sites have lots of room for your pets and you to relax in" confirms this.

Based on 234 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a well-maintained lakefront campground with full facilities, boat access, and variety in site types from primitive to cabins.

Skip if

You need seclusion or privacy between sites, or you're visiting during peak mosquito season without strong repellent.

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4.2

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Savanna Portage State Park

Savanna Portage State Park's Camper Cabin Campground sits in the northwoods forest along Lake Shumway, offering heated sleeping shelters with drive-in convenience. The park has a mix of electric sites, primitive tent spots, hike-in and paddle-in sites, and camper cabins tucked into heavily wooded loops. Reviewers praise clean bathhouses and quiet interior sites with good privacy, though mosquitoes hit hard in late spring and summer.

Savanna Portage State Park

The camper cabins sit in the developed campground loop at Savanna Portage State Park, roughly eight miles from McGregor in Minnesota's northwoods. Reviewers consistently rate the facilities highly (4.6/5 from 22 reviews) and note clean restrooms, maintained sites, and a quiet feel despite family amenities nearby. The park offers paddling on small dark-water lakes, hiking the historic portage trail and Continental Divide overlook, and a beach and playground at Loon Lake.

Savanna Portage Campground

Savanna Portage State Park

Extend your adventure beyond a day trip at Savanna Portage, where the magic happens after sunset. Join ranger-led evening programs, embark on moonlit walks through the forest, or gather around a crackling campfire under a canopy of stars—this is camping the way it's meant to be experienced.

Savanna Portage State Park

Gather your group under the towering pines of Savanna Portage State Park for an unforgettable camping adventure. After days spent exploring historic portage trails, extend the magic into evening with ranger-led programs, starlit walks, and stories around the crackling campfire. Be sure to reserve your group site in advance, though last-minute availability sometimes opens up for spontaneous adventurers.

RVs

Reservable

No fees available

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Gull Lake Recreation Area sits in the Mississippi River Headwaters region near Brainerd, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This mid-sized campground in the foothills offers electric hookups, showers, and a dump station alongside tent and RV sites. Campers fish, swim, boat, and bike, with fall bringing peak foliage and excellent wildlife viewing including loons and eagles.

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Campgrounds

Mississippi River Headwaters - Sandy Lake

Sandy Lake

About Mississippi River Headwaters - Sandy Lake

Context for the broader area surrounding Sandy Lake, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

The Headwaters Lakes Project is located in Minnesota?s lake country. Campfires and sunsets and the peacefulness of the water make each day a special event. The dams were originally constructed of native materials (earthen embankments filled with puddled clay, and timber control structures) in the early 1880s, except Gull Lake, which was constructed in 1912, using concrete. Sandy Lake Dam had the northernmost navigational lock on the Mississippi River and was the site of an early trading post.