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.
About Gull Lake Recreation Area
Available sites
39 total sites
RV Sites
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
RV Utilities and Hookups
- Dump station on site
Rates, Sites & Availability
39 Sites Available
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No available sites
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Site Details
Select a site to view details
39 Sites Available
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
Reviews (1016)
What Guests Are Saying
Gull Lake Recreation Area is highly praised for its well-maintained, spacious campsites with good tree coverage, providing privacy and comfort. Visitors appreciate the friendly staff, clean facilities, and easy access to recreational activities like biking, swimming, and fishing. While mosquitoes can be a nuisance, overall experiences are positive, with many campers planning to return.
What Guests Are Saying
Gull Lake Recreation Area is highly praised for its well-maintained, spacious campsites with good tree coverage, providing privacy and comfort. Visitors appreciate the friendly staff, clean facilities, and easy access to recreational activities like biking, swimming, and fishing. While mosquitoes can be a nuisance, overall experiences are positive, with many campers planning to return.
Review Summary
Dennis L
VerifiedOctober 9, 2025 • Stayed at: 08, Loop: GULL LAKE
The campground is kept immaculate by the volunteers. One of them told my hubby that they want to have each new camper that comes in feel like they are the first ones ever to stay there. They have a box at each campsite that has your vehicle tag, brochure and firewood information in it, which is convenient.
There was a change since we were here a couple years ago, and a new road was built is right along the edge of the campground. The noise was noticeable with large vehicles "jake braking", motorcycles and just traffic in general. I am guessing it was changed to decrease the amount of traffic over the one lane bridge when the park had the North Entrance open too. That road and subsequent noise is the reason I did not give the park a 5 star score.
Annmarie B
VerifiedOctober 9, 2025 • Stayed at: 24, Loop: GULL LAKE
The Gull Lake COE campground is simply beautiful with large well maintained sites. The bathrooms were extremely clean. We had a lovely time there.
Dennis L
VerifiedOctober 9, 2025 • Stayed at: 08, Loop: GULL LAKE
The campground is kept immaculate by the volunteers. One of them told my hubby that they want to have each new camper that comes in feel like they are the first ones ever to stay there. They have a box at each campsite that has your vehicle tag, brochure and firewood information in it, which is convenient.
There was a change since we were here a couple years ago, and a new road was built is right along the edge of the campground. The noise was noticeable with large vehicles "jake braking", motorcycles and just traffic in general. I am guessing it was changed to decrease the amount of traffic over the one lane bridge when the park had the North Entrance open too. That road and subsequent noise is the reason I did not give the park a 5 star score.
Annmarie B
VerifiedOctober 9, 2025 • Stayed at: 24, Loop: GULL LAKE
The Gull Lake COE campground is simply beautiful with large well maintained sites. The bathrooms were extremely clean. We had a lovely time there.
michael k
VerifiedSeptember 30, 2025 • Stayed at: 02, Loop: GULL LAKE
Wonderful camping experience. Amazing what they are doing especially in light of how poorly the staff is being treated by their central office
michael k
VerifiedSeptember 30, 2025 • Stayed at: 02, Loop: GULL LAKE
Wonderful camping experience. Amazing what they are doing especially in light of how poorly the staff is being treated by their central office
Carol S
VerifiedSeptember 29, 2025 • Stayed at: 12, Loop: GULL LAKE
Clean campground and sites. Staff very nice and helpful. The beach was raked every day and was super clean. So was the lake!
Carol S
VerifiedSeptember 29, 2025 • Stayed at: 12, Loop: GULL LAKE
Clean campground and sites. Staff very nice and helpful. The beach was raked every day and was super clean. So was the lake!
Robert W
VerifiedSeptember 26, 2025 • Stayed at: 33, Loop: GULL LAKE
Rangers are always helpful and friendly. The Volunteers as well! Thank you ...
Robert W
VerifiedSeptember 26, 2025 • Stayed at: 33, Loop: GULL LAKE
Rangers are always helpful and friendly. The Volunteers as well! Thank you ...
Location & Directions for Gull Lake Recreation Area
10867 E Gull Lake Dr, Brainerd, MN 56401 United States
Elevation: 368 ft
Highway access
Gull Lake Recreation Area is accessible via Minnesota State Highway 371, which is approximately 10 miles to the east. Additionally, U.S. Highway 10 is about 15 miles to the south.
Policies & Rules
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. 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.
- Only two tents OR one wheeled-camping unit plus one tent is allowed per campsite.
- 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.
- 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.
- There are no sewer or water sites at this campground but potable water and a dump station are located at the campground entrance.
- The shower building and drinking water are available May 1 - October 15.
- 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.
Nearby Campgrounds
Last updated: October 20, 2026
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