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
MARK K
VerifiedJuly 29, 2024 • Stayed at: 14, Loop: GULL LAKE
Nice campground, things were well thought out and very clean. The ranger was making rounds regularly and was very helpful and friendly. The site all appeared to be perfectly level so setup was a breeze.
Kelsey S
VerifiedJuly 28, 2024 • Stayed at: 09, Loop: GULL LAKE
Site 9 was very level and easy to back into. Nicely wooded, VERY quiet and relaxing! The only downside was the streetlight at our site near the road. Very friendly workers came to greet us and check us in. The firepit had been emptied of ashes and the site was freshly raked.
Sarah P
VerifiedJuly 26, 2024 • Stayed at: 04, Loop: GULL LAKE
The mosquitoes here will eat you alive! The second you step out of your car, you will be swarmed. We couldn’t even stay here, we had to find a different place for the night and forfeit our money.
David S
VerifiedJuly 12, 2024 • Stayed at: 13, Loop: GULL LAKE
Beautiful layout of the campground. The two rangers/hosts that checked me in were friendly, polite and informative. The only drawback was the time of year with the mosquito population. Even the very clean bathrooms were invaded by the bugs.
Karry A
VerifiedJuly 10, 2024 • Stayed at: 39, Loop: GULL LAKE
things were neat and clean. staff was very friendly, highly recommend this campground
Lynn P
VerifiedJuly 10, 2024 • Stayed at: 37, Loop: GULL LAKE
Just an overall great experience.
James R
VerifiedJuly 10, 2024 • Stayed at: 33, Loop: GULL LAKE
the staff were very kind, friendly and helpful. The campground was in good shape and generally clean and well kept. some of the campsites could use a bit more gravel and leveling but other than that we found it to be a very nice place and plan to return.
Elisabeth M
VerifiedJuly 10, 2024 • Stayed at: 24, Loop: GULL LAKE
Very lovely campground. Well spaced, secluded sites.
Toilets/Showers were fine - did the job.
Great location - near Ernie’s for evening meal/drinks & music in the summer. Lovely short hikes nearby with lovely views over gull lake.
JoAnn A
VerifiedJuly 9, 2024 • Stayed at: 32, Loop: GULL LAKE
Gull Lake Recreation Area is our favorite campground. We have camped there at least once every season for many years. We are always pleased with how clean and neat the campground is. The sites are very spacious. We always feel sad when we have to leave.
jean b
VerifiedJuly 9, 2024 • Stayed at: 04, Loop: GULL LAKE
Very clean sites. Beautiful beach
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!