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
Joan L
VerifiedSeptember 23, 2021 • Stayed at: 39, Loop: GULL LAKE
Such a nice, clean campground with spacious sites. The campground volunteers are wonderful!
Robert B
VerifiedSeptember 17, 2021 • Stayed at: 17, Loop: GULL LAKE
Very nice check in with our Army Core staff. She answered my questions and addressed my concerns.
WILLIAM S
VerifiedSeptember 16, 2021 • Stayed at: 34, Loop: GULL LAKE
We stayed in site 34 which was very clean and had excellent privacy and space to camp. I wouldn’t recommend any motorhome longer than 35 feet to try backing into this space due to a large tree that hangs over the road at the sites entrance. The ground of sand and gravel had been raked and the picnic table had been sanitized, both a very welcome sight. Although there were other campers near by they were mostly invisible due to the trees and brush that surrounded the site. With the weather being in the mid to low 70’s during the day we did not need to use the air conditioners for any extended period of time. The nights were pleasant and cool. The roads and local trails were excellent for walks and short hikes through the woods with beautiful scenery. We were very pleased with how quiet it was while camping there. The park rangers were very friendly and ready to help if you needed any assistance. The site had 50 Amp service and a dump facility was available upon departure. Although we only stayed three days we would have loved to stay longer. In the past twenty years we have stayed in campgrounds all across the USA and Canada. It would be nice if full hookups were provided but other than that you can not beat the pristine campsites we saw in this Recreation Area. We would definitely stay here again.
Sheerie B
VerifiedSeptember 16, 2021 • Stayed at: 07, Loop: GULL LAKE
Campground was emaculate, clean, and pretty. The dnr people were very nice and informative. The sites are roomy and have nice space away from neighbors. The nicest Campground we have stayed at so far.
Laura R
VerifiedSeptember 15, 2021 • Stayed at: 32, Loop: GULL LAKE
Very relaxing. Quiet, clean sites. Cleanest campground restrooms I have ever seen, including ones at $100/night. Park Rangers were very thoughtful. Good stay.
John Y
VerifiedSeptember 13, 2021 • Stayed at: 39, Loop: GULL LAKE
If staying at this location one must make to trip to the Mississippi Head Waters, it’s worth the drive
John A
VerifiedSeptember 13, 2021 • Stayed at: 26, Loop: GULL LAKE
Solid campground with excellent facilities and staff. Will definitely stay here again.
Robert B
VerifiedSeptember 9, 2021 • Stayed at: 15, Loop: GULL LAKE
Everyone working there were great! Grounds and rest rooms are very clean, best I have ever seen. I would rate this camp ground as excellent.
Megan M
VerifiedSeptember 8, 2021 • Stayed at: 21, Loop: GULL LAKE
No fires was disappointing. Didn’t leave for easy cooking. Especially not be able to use charcoal either.
Katherine B
VerifiedSeptember 8, 2021 • Stayed at: 27, Loop: GULL LAKE
Very nice park. The only downfall is it’s very tight for a large 5th wheel ours is 40’ but the site is very large and Ranger Aaron was very helpful! Hosts keep this camp ground in excellent care what a great job they do!
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!
