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
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 (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
Joy W
VerifiedJune 13, 2022 • Stayed at: 01, Loop: GULL LAKE
Unfortunately weather did not cooperate and I only showed up for lunch second day.
No camping. Tornado watch.
Marie M
VerifiedJune 10, 2022 • Stayed at: 04, Loop: GULL LAKE
Very nice COE campgrounds, clean bathhouse, gravel sites. We had two different sites Site #4 sits very low with all the rain they received it was only about 3 feet from the gravel site, the other site was #22 pull thur on top of a small hill. This park is only 7 miles from the town of Baxter and Brainard with everything you would need. The only thing the park ranger told me was that Crow county is known for its' deer ticks, so bring Deet. Happy camping!
Gary B
VerifiedJune 7, 2022 • Stayed at: 03, Loop: GULL LAKE
The park is well maintained, the camper pads are clean and raked between every camper. The host campers were friendly and helpful.
Katie H
VerifiedJune 2, 2022 • Stayed at: 07, Loop: GULL LAKE
Very clean restrooms and grounds
April J
VerifiedMay 31, 2022 • Stayed at: 01, Loop: GULL LAKE
I love comping here. I will be coming back.
william b
VerifiedMay 30, 2022 • Stayed at: 07, Loop: GULL LAKE
Even though the weather was cold we still enjoyed it
Timothy B
VerifiedMay 29, 2022 • Stayed at: 31, Loop: GULL LAKE
We were in site #31. Just a short walk to the bath/showers. Nice sized sites...though not as large and secluded as some of the other ACE campgrounds we have stayed at. Very clean and well kept.
Brian, the park manager was very friendly and helpful.
There are opportunities to kayak either the river, or the lake, depending on where you launch from. Either launch location is just a short distance from the campground.
They have paved roads throughout the park. We heard that bike trails were accessible to the park, although we did not explore that option.
Mark H
VerifiedMay 22, 2022 • Stayed at: 29, Loop: GULL LAKE
.
shelli h
VerifiedMay 21, 2022 • Stayed at: 23, Loop: GULL LAKE
4th time we've been here. we love it. very clean shower/toilet.
friendly hosts. great ranger
probably the most level pad we have ever had!
Craig M
VerifiedMay 10, 2022 • Stayed at: 08, Loop: GULL LAKE
Arrived at the campground, no power at our RV site. Tried to speak with the national park representative, and the representative was unwilling to contact the park folks. I attempted to contact the park ranger, unable to get anyone…. Left a voicemail, no return call.
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!
