Warning
GeneralOnly firewood certified, or approved by a state or
federal natural resource agency is permitted. Certified firewood is available
for purchase in the campground. Any unauthorized firewood in the campground
may be removed and destroyed by Corps of Engineers staff.
Warning
GeneralGull Lake Recreation Area will open for the 2026 camping season on May 14. We look forward to seeing you then!
About Gull Lake Recreation Area
Number of accommodations: 39
Campground Amenities
-
Dump Station
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Sites & Availability
39 Sites Available
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Site Details
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39 Sites Available
No available sites
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Reviews (359)
What Guests Are Saying
Gull Lake Recreation Area is highly praised for its cleanliness, well-maintained facilities, and friendly staff, making it a pleasant camping destination. Campers appreciate the spacious and private sites, along with the beautiful beach and nearby hiking opportunities. While some noted issues with mosquitoes and nearby road construction, the overall experience remains positive, with many expressing a desire to return.
What Guests Are Saying
Gull Lake Recreation Area is highly praised for its cleanliness, well-maintained facilities, and friendly staff, making it a pleasant camping destination. Campers appreciate the spacious and private sites, along with the beautiful beach and nearby hiking opportunities. While some noted issues with mosquitoes and nearby road construction, the overall experience remains positive, with many expressing a desire to return.
Review Summary
Steven M
VerifiedJanuary 16, 2026 • Stayed at: 18, Loop: GULL LAKE
Excellent stay
Steven M
VerifiedJanuary 16, 2026 • Stayed at: 21, Loop: GULL LAKE
Very nice campgrounds. Clean, well maintained. Plenty of shade.
Mackenzie K
VerifiedDecember 31, 2025 • Stayed at: 05, Loop: GULL LAKE
Excellent campground! Clean, quiet and friendly staff.
Kevin g
VerifiedDecember 24, 2025 • Stayed at: 33, Loop: GULL LAKE
Very good.
Donald P
VerifiedDecember 23, 2025 • Stayed at: 14, Loop: GULL LAKE
The sites were clean and spaced well. The bathhouses were clean. There is an area people were fishing near the parking lot. We enjoyed walking through the campground. The only negative was no water at each site but we knew that ahead of time. With the Senior National Park pass, our stay was $16.
Todd B
VerifiedDecember 23, 2025 • Stayed at: 23, Loop: GULL LAKE
Great experience at Gull Lake, had a ranger trim a few branches out of the way. Grounds were clean and well taken care of.
Steven J
VerifiedDecember 23, 2025 • Stayed at: 30, Loop: GULL LAKE
Always good beach time and hiking at Gull Lake. Campsites are well kept. Only negative was the Canadian smoke. Nice to be near Baxter to get laundry done washing bedding from a leaking camper :)
Roger M
VerifiedSeptember 12, 2024 • Stayed at: 11, Loop: GULL LAKE
The staff and hosts are excellent!
Max H
VerifiedSeptember 6, 2024 • Stayed at: 07, Loop: GULL LAKE
Very clean park that is well maintained! Unfortunately while we were there we overwhelmed by mosquitoes. Yes, I would go back either eaiin the season or later.
Ken H
VerifiedSeptember 6, 2024 • Stayed at: 22, Loop: GULL LAKE
This is a very well kept campground. The staff are very friendly and accommodating. It was quite full but quiet. We had a great experience.
Location Gull Lake Recreation Area
Address:
10867 E Gull Lake Dr
Brainerd, MN, 56401
United States
Latitude & Longitude: 46.4108 / -94.3514
Elevation: 368 feet
Policies & Rules
| Category | About |
|---|---|
| General |
Reservations MUST be made online utilizing recreation.gov either prior to your visit or immediately upon arrival. The park office can not make reservations. However, the staff are happy to help walk you through the process on your smart phone or tablet. Firewood sales will be available at the wood shed on site #40 ONLY between 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Upon arrival, you will be provided with instructions on how to pay for firewood with a credit/debit card online with wood delivery straight to your site. Exact cash sales are still available at the wood shed during hours of operation. |
| General |
Only two tents OR one wheeled-camping unit plus one tent is allowed per campsite. |
| General |
During the 2025 camping season, rangers will not be checking you in at your site in person. Instead, you will find a box on your site post with check-in information such as firewood ordering hand out, your day use camper pass, and an important campground information handout. Please review these materials when you arrive. If you need assistance, contact a ranger or a volunteer. |
| General |
There is no longer an entrance at the north side of the park. All users will need to access the park via the south entrance. There is a new roundabout on Gull Dam Road to route you to the south if you still wish to come via Gull Dam Road. Suggested directions are as follows:From the intersection MN 210 and MN 371 in Baxter, drive north 2.6 miles. Turn left on Cty Rd 77 (Pine Beach Road). Drive west for 4.7 miles. Turn right onto Cty Rd 70 (E. Gull Lake Drive). You will come to a stop sign in 2.1 miles, go straight, this will take you into the park. Follow the road over the dam and the campground will be straight ahead. |
| General |
There are no sewer or water sites at this campground but potable water and a dump station are located at the campground entrance. |
| General |
The shower building and drinking water are available May 1 - October 15. |
| General |
ONLY CERTIFIED FIREWOOD is allowed in the park. Firewood restrictions are in effect to prevent the spread of harmful forest insects and disease. Click here for more information |
Warnings & Advisories
Warning
GeneralOnly firewood certified, or approved by a state or
federal natural resource agency is permitted. Certified firewood is available
for purchase in the campground. Any unauthorized firewood in the campground
may be removed and destroyed by Corps of Engineers staff.
Warning
GeneralGull Lake Recreation Area will open for the 2026 camping season on May 14. We look forward to seeing you then!
