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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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 (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
Scott H
VerifiedOctober 2, 2021 • Stayed at: 11, Loop: GULL LAKE
Nice campsite in beautiful location close to many attractions. Aaron was especially helpful and added to the experience.
Charlotte M
VerifiedSeptember 30, 2021 • Stayed at: 12, Loop: GULL LAKE
Traveling in a 45 ft coach with a toad and crossing the narrow 1 lane bridge to get to the office for registration, just to be told the camping section was back across the narrow bridge and no easy turn around spot. Very narrow road to maneuver in the camping section and dump facilities with our size coach. Local 231 and the Skillet were great places to have breakfast and dinner in Brainerd.
Larry T
VerifiedSeptember 30, 2021 • Stayed at: 13, Loop: GULL LAKE
Great place with nice clean spots with enough woods between so you're not looking in your neighbors window.
2 nice play areas for the kids....one by the dam and another one by the swimming beach.
Very well laid out and a very relaxing park
Eric M
VerifiedSeptember 29, 2021 • Stayed at: 18, Loop: GULL LAKE
Site was perfect. Park was clean and well kept. Staff was wonderful.
Monica W
VerifiedSeptember 27, 2021 • Stayed at: 12A, Loop: GULL LAKE
Friendly staff and volunteers. Clean facilities. Nice campsites.
Christine C
VerifiedSeptember 26, 2021 • Stayed at: 02, Loop: GULL LAKE
Very clean campgrounds. We camped after Labor Day so very quiet (few kids) even though the campground was full. We had some hungry raccoons at our campsite but other than that no issues!
Randall F
VerifiedSeptember 26, 2021 • Stayed at: 08, Loop: GULL LAKE
Very accessable...wishing for better place to leave boat in water overnight while in campground
Dave S
VerifiedSeptember 25, 2021 • Stayed at: 02, Loop: GULL LAKE
Hidden Gem. Every time I visit the Rangers seem to go out of there way!
Leroy G
VerifiedSeptember 23, 2021 • Stayed at: 15, Loop: GULL LAKE
everyone was very nice the camp grounds were very clean keep up the good work
LuAnn L
VerifiedSeptember 23, 2021 • Stayed at: 03, Loop: GULL LAKE
Great place to camp, kayak, and bike.
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!
