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
TOM E
VerifiedAugust 20, 2021 • Stayed at: 34, Loop: GULL LAKE
I know now why only site 34, w/elect., was available on the day I booked. It was mostly sunny all day. That's it.
William B
VerifiedAugust 18, 2021 • Stayed at: 13, Loop: GULL LAKE
Extremely nice sites with easy access. Great rangers/staff. Everything was clean - even the sites were raked prior to our arrival. Nice place and close to the Brainerd/Nisswa area for things to do and places to eat. Pricing for overnight was great too.
Highly recommend this spot for camping.
Scott T
VerifiedAugust 18, 2021 • Stayed at: 30, Loop: GULL LAKE
Clean, quiet campsite.
Shirley L
VerifiedAugust 13, 2021 • Stayed at: 04, Loop: GULL LAKE
Friendly staff and volunteers, clean bathrooms , very nice campground. We will be back.
William W
VerifiedAugust 10, 2021 • Stayed at: 02, Loop: GULL LAKE
Very helpful park ranger that told us a lot about the area and answered all our many questions! Thanks for a great memory
David L
VerifiedAugust 9, 2021 • Stayed at: 19, Loop: GULL LAKE
We were very happy with our camping spot, the park was cleaned and very well taken care off. The bathrooms were so nice. Thank you we had a great evening and look forward to camping there again.
Jeffrey M
VerifiedAugust 7, 2021 • Stayed at: 06, Loop: GULL LAKE
The site was great, the campgrounds was clean the staff was great to, we definitely will be back. When we made the reservation back in February, site 6 was the only one with six days together so we took it,not knowing what the site looked like. Answer to prayers it just what we needn't after our son passed away in April.
Peter V
VerifiedAugust 7, 2021 • Stayed at: 32, Loop: GULL LAKE
The park rangers were very active in the area and very helpful when we had problems with the electrical at the site. Our site was nicely shaded and quiet. Everyone respected quiet hours which is appreciated and the area was very clean. The play area was nice for the kids and the swim beach was not a far walk.
Andrew L
VerifiedAugust 6, 2021 • Stayed at: 07, Loop: GULL LAKE
This is a great campground...peaceful, quiet, and clean. We had an opportunity to meet Brian, the manager of the facility, and he was great. Gave us lots of info and advice. Definitely one of the top COE campgrounds we have visited.
Curtis S
VerifiedAugust 5, 2021 • Stayed at: 08, Loop: GULL LAKE
Nice park with good separation between sites.
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!
