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
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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
Garth C
VerifiedJuly 20, 2021 • Stayed at: 12, Loop: GULL LAKE
What a nice campground! We were greeted when we pulled in. Our campsite was recently cleaned and raked. The restrooms and showers were immaculately maintained and the people, all of them, were friendly and courteous. You could not ask for a nicer place to camp. We were towing a small (18') travel trailer and had no trouble fitting in. There were much larger units in the campground and they, too, seemed to fit in nicely. Next to us was a couple who were tent-camping, so the campground can be adapted to whatever you camping needs may be. Happy travels.
Carlene L
VerifiedJuly 18, 2021 • Stayed at: 31, Loop: GULL LAKE
This is a beautiful campground. The staff are all so friendly. So clean and well maintained.
Steve C
VerifiedJuly 15, 2021 • Stayed at: 16, Loop: GULL LAKE
I couldn't make it to the campground because I was buying real estate, so I thought I would cancel so maybe someone else could use it. I could not get through on the computer, even at 5 AM the next morning. I suppose it sat empty
Dan P
VerifiedJuly 12, 2021 • Stayed at: 14, Loop: GULL LAKE
They used to have a sand beach to park your boat. Now it’s all rocks so there isn’t anywhere to beach your boat. You have to take your boat out every day. Not great when you are there for a week and the boat ramp is busy. Camp ground, bathrooms and everything else is great!
Charles L
VerifiedJuly 9, 2021 • Stayed at: 33, Loop: GULL LAKE
Squeaky clean campground, nice spaces, no problems. Will be back again.
Jeff K
VerifiedJuly 5, 2021 • Stayed at: 31, Loop: GULL LAKE
This is a very nice campground. The restroom and shower facility is first rate. The park rangers were friendly and helpful. The firewood sold at the camp goes to a good cause, but it is a ripoff. The bundle we purchased (mostly bark) burned very quickly. Buy your firewood somewhere else.
Karen G
VerifiedJuly 4, 2021 • Stayed at: 09, Loop: GULL LAKE
Very clean and well managed . Would definitely stay again.
Leroy G
VerifiedJuly 4, 2021 • Stayed at: 15, Loop: GULL LAKE
everyone was very nice and helpfull keep up the good work
Marlys W
VerifiedJuly 2, 2021 • Stayed at: 37, Loop: GULL LAKE
We were in a spot with no shade during most of the day. We finally moved the table to the far side and were able to get a little shade. We won't go to that campsite again.
Stephen E
VerifiedJune 29, 2021 • Stayed at: 07, Loop: GULL LAKE
A beautiful campground that is beautifully run. The campsites are the cleanest and most well kept of any we have stayed in the entire country. My highest praise to the staff and volunteers.
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!