Sandy Lake

Star4.25
234 reviews
22205 531ST LANE McGregor, MN 55760
SwimmingSummer Destination

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

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens US Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website
Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Sandy Lake
$16.00 - $60.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $16 for primitive walk-to tent sites to $60 for cabins and group sites with electric hookups. Additional reservation service fees...
Show more
Standard Site Fee$26.00
Hookup Site Fee$26.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$18.00
Group Site Fee$60.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
651-290-5850
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.25

Satisfactory

Based on 234 reviews

16 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspaciousstaffsites

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

22205 531ST LANE McGregor, MN 55760

Sandy Lake

22205 531ST LANE McGregor, MN 55760

Driving directionsTake Highway 65 for 13 miles north of McGregor, Minnesota. Follow 'South Entrance' signs for campsites 1-21, tent sites 1-4, and south group campsite. Follow 'North Entrance' signs for campsites 22-49, tent sites 5-8, north group campsite, and camper cabin. If assistance is needed, follow 'South Entrance' signs to the campground office.
Roads are paved and accessible year-round. Separate vehicle access roads to the north and south sides of the campground. Accessibility issues may arise due to heavy rain or snow.
Nearby places
McGregor (13 miles, approximately 20-minute drive)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel available in McGregor, MN, approximately 13 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Sandy Lake

Summer brings perfect camping weather with comfortable temperatures that invite long days on the water and cozy evenings around the campfire. While the warm season creates ideal conditions for outdoor recreation, savvy campers come prepared for nature's tiny aviators – mosquitoes can make their presence known, especially following summer rains when the forest comes alive with new growth.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 14% in MN

Summer called 'perfect camping weather' with peak activities: swimming, boating, fishing highlighted.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Highly popular for fall foliage; scenic hardwoods and pine contrast noted in overview.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Open in late spring but mosquitoes and wet conditions are frequently mentioned in reviews.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 1–Oct 14; winter rating not applicable.

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

About Sandy Lake

Nestled where Big Sandy Lake meets the mighty Mississippi River, Sandy Lake Recreation Area beckons families seeking pristine waters and outdoor adventure. This cherished destination combines crystal-clear swimming holes, prime fishing spots, and peaceful boating waters with immaculate facilities that have welcomed generations of visitors. The centerpiece Sandy Lake Dam, standing proud since 1895, serves as both a testament to engineering history and a scenic backdrop for your lakeside memories.
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.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
1:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 nights within rolling 30-day periods.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings

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.
HikingShort hiking trails are available, offering moderate exploration opportunities. "Day use facilities are intertwined within the campground and contain [...] a short hiking trail" confirms this.
FishingFishing opportunities are abundant, targeting species such as Northern pike, walleye, smallmouth bass, bluegill, crappies, and catfish. "Fishing was good even just from the docks" highlights user satisfaction.
SwimmingA well-maintained sandy beach is available for swimming. "The beach is wonderful with picnic area and campground" and "The swimming beach is large and plenty of sandy area for swimming, sunbathing, or playing" confirm this.
BikingBiking paths are available within the campground. "Appreciated the tar roads for kids to ride bike or to push our 5-month-old in the stroller" provides evidence of biking opportunities.
BoatingBoating activities include access points to Big Sandy Lake and Sandy River, with facilities such as boat ramps and docks. "Great spot! Plenty of boat slips to park and camp" emphasizes the suitability for boating.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities include sightings of bald eagles, loons, otters, and deer. "Areas flooded but still my favorite park. Discovered eagle's nest in park and photographed them" highlights unique experiences.
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes are a significant hazard during rainy seasons. Some sites face issues with eagle droppings and proximity to wildlife.

Weather at Sandy Lake

Reviews

4.3
234 reviews
Satisfactory
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"...
Show more
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...
Show more
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....
Show more
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...
Show more
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."...
Show more
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...
Show more
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...
Show more
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

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Sandy Lake? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Minnesota

Campgrounds
Mississippi River Headwaters - Sandy Lake
Sandy Lake