OutReserve

Gull Lake Recreation Area

Warning

General

Only 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

General

Gull Lake Recreation Area will open for the 2026 camping season on May 14. We look forward to seeing you then!

GULL LAKE RECREATION AREA
GULL LAKE RECREATION AREA
Sunset view from the hiking trail
GULL LAKE RECREATION AREA
Catch of the day at the upper fishing pier

About Gull Lake Recreation Area

Gull Lake Recreation Area offers something for everyone with boating, hiking, fishing and swimming at Minnesota's famous Gull Lake, the largest of the 10 lakes on the Gull Chain of Lakes. Visitors have the opportunity to see and hear an abundance of watchable wildlife like bald eagles, white-tailed deer, river otters, a variety of songbirds, and the legendary call of the loon.

Number of accommodations: 39

Campground Amenities

  • Dump Station
    Dump Station

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently closed - Opens on May 14

Sites & Availability

39 Sites Available

Site
Price
🚐 01, Loop: GULL LAKE
50 Amp · Electric Only
$32.00
/ per night
🚐 02, Loop: GULL LAKE
50 Amp · Electric Only
$32.00
/ per night
🚐 03, Loop: GULL LAKE
50 Amp · Electric Only
$32.00
/ per night
🚐 04, Loop: GULL LAKE
50 Amp · Electric Only
$32.00
/ per night
🚐 05, Loop: GULL LAKE
50 Amp · Electric Only
$32.00
/ per night
🚐 06, Loop: GULL LAKE
50 Amp · Electric Only
$32.00
/ per night
🚐 07, Loop: GULL LAKE
50 Amp · Electric Only
$32.00
/ per night
🚐 08, Loop: GULL LAKE
50 Amp · Electric Only
$32.00
/ per night
🚐 09, Loop: GULL LAKE
50 Amp · Electric Only
$32.00
/ per night
🚐 10, Loop: GULL LAKE
50 Amp · Electric Only
$32.00
/ per night
🚐 11, Loop: GULL LAKE
50 Amp · Electric Only
$32.00
/ per night
🚐 12, Loop: GULL LAKE
50 Amp · Electric Only
$32.00
/ per night
🚐 12A, Loop: GULL LAKE
50 Amp · Electric Only
$32.00
/ per night
🚐 13, Loop: GULL LAKE
50 Amp · Electric Only
$32.00
/ per night
🚐 14, Loop: GULL LAKE
50 Amp · Electric Only
$32.00
/ per night
🚐 15, Loop: GULL LAKE
50 Amp · Electric Only
$32.00
/ per night
🚐 16, Loop: GULL LAKE
50 Amp · Electric Only
$32.00
/ per night
🚐 16A, Loop: GULL LAKE
50 Amp · Electric Only
$32.00
/ per night
🚐 17, Loop: GULL LAKE
50 Amp · Electric Only
$32.00
/ per night
🚐 18, Loop: GULL LAKE
50 Amp · Electric Only
$32.00
/ per night
🚐 19, Loop: GULL LAKE
50 Amp · Electric Only
$32.00
/ per night
🚐 20, Loop: GULL LAKE
50 Amp · Electric Only
$32.00
/ per night
🚐 21, Loop: GULL LAKE
50 Amp · Electric Only
$32.00
/ per night
🚐 22, Loop: GULL LAKE
50 Amp · Electric Only
$32.00
/ per night
🚐 23, Loop: GULL LAKE
50 Amp · Electric Only
$32.00
/ per night
🚐 24, Loop: GULL LAKE
50 Amp · Electric Only
$32.00
/ per night
🚐 25, Loop: GULL LAKE
50 Amp · Electric Only
$32.00
/ per night
🚐 26, Loop: GULL LAKE
50 Amp · Electric Only
$32.00
/ per night
🚐 27, Loop: GULL LAKE
50 Amp · Electric Only
$32.00
/ per night
🚐 28, Loop: GULL LAKE
50 Amp · Electric Only
$32.00
/ per night
🚐 29, Loop: GULL LAKE
50 Amp · Electric Only
$32.00
/ per night
🚐 30, Loop: GULL LAKE
50 Amp · Electric Only
$32.00
/ per night
🚐 31, Loop: GULL LAKE
50 Amp · Electric Only
$32.00
/ per night
🚐 32, Loop: GULL LAKE
50 Amp · Electric Only
$32.00
/ per night
🚐 33, Loop: GULL LAKE
50 Amp · Electric Only
$32.00
/ per night
🚐 34, Loop: GULL LAKE
50 Amp · Electric Only
$32.00
/ per night
🚐 35, Loop: GULL LAKE
50 Amp · Electric Only
$32.00
/ per night
🚐 37, Loop: GULL LAKE
50 Amp · Electric Only
$32.00
/ per night
🚐 39, Loop: GULL LAKE
50 Amp · Electric Only
$32.00
/ per night

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.

Review Summary

4.7
359 reviews
5
77.7%
279
4
16.2%
58
3
3.3%
12
2
1.4%
5
1
1.4%
5

Bill And Debbie E

Verified

September 5, 2022 Stayed at: 30, Loop: GULL LAKE

5

Very nice campground that is well kept with nice facilities

Timothy B

Verified

September 1, 2022 Stayed at: 14, Loop: GULL LAKE

5

Nice, clean campground and the Rangers (Brian, Ryan, Nicole and August) were all friendly and very helpful. We launched our kayaks from the boat launch and paddled 45 minutes over to Ernies on Gull Lake for lunch and a drink (s).
This was our 2nd visit to Gull Lake Rec Area this summer and we plan to visit more in the future.

Doris V

Verified

August 31, 2022 Stayed at: 25, Loop: GULL LAKE

5

Very well maintained. Beautiful lake. Wish we’d had more time there.

Carol L

Verified

August 28, 2022 Stayed at: 18, Loop: GULL LAKE

4

Great campground. Close to Brainerd/ Baxter are.

Raymond H

Verified

August 26, 2022 Stayed at: 35, Loop: GULL LAKE

5

Great camping experience?
They keep the campground in excellent shape and very friendly and helpful 🙂

Thomas K

Verified

August 23, 2022 Stayed at: 09, Loop: GULL LAKE

4

Nice, clean well-spaced campsites.
Great location.

Lynn V

Verified

August 23, 2022 Stayed at: 30, Loop: GULL LAKE

5

Pretty campground. Excellent paved bike trail starts at campground.

Gary B

Verified

August 17, 2022 Stayed at: 22, Loop: GULL LAKE

5

Best campground in the area

Mark K

Verified

August 16, 2022 Stayed at: 13, Loop: GULL LAKE

5

Nice big, semi private sites. Volunteers take great pride in the campground. Our site was mostly gravel, but you could tell it was raked prior to our arrival.

jeremy w

Verified

August 13, 2022 Stayed at: 09, Loop: GULL LAKE

5

This is one of the cleanest well kept campground we have ever stayed in. We will stay here again.

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

General

Only 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

General

Gull Lake Recreation Area will open for the 2026 camping season on May 14. We look forward to seeing you then!

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations