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
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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
deborah l
VerifiedSeptember 19, 2023 • Stayed at: 29, Loop: GULL LAKE
Best campsites I've ever seen.....large & private. Our family has had an annual camping trip here for the last 3 years. Clean, beautiful park. A very fun, unique golf course, 'The Gravel Pit' is just 1-1/2 miles away.
Larry P
VerifiedSeptember 10, 2023 • Stayed at: 05, Loop: GULL LAKE
Beautiful sites, clean, well managed.
Mike S
VerifiedSeptember 8, 2023 • Stayed at: 23, Loop: GULL LAKE
Very nice campground! Sites were very well maintained and staff and volunteers were very helpful. No leveling required on our site. Beach was very nice.
Douglas N
VerifiedAugust 31, 2023 • Stayed at: 34, Loop: GULL LAKE
One of the best campgrounds in the USACE system.
Aaron L
VerifiedAugust 29, 2023 • Stayed at: 30, Loop: GULL LAKE
Well tended and ideal camping area. Been coming for a number of years and still a great experience
Diane S
VerifiedAugust 24, 2023 • Stayed at: 29, Loop: GULL LAKE
This campground is well cared for and clean. The camp hosts do a wonderful job!
Laura A
VerifiedAugust 23, 2023 • Stayed at: 14, Loop: GULL LAKE
Very well-maintained campground! We stayed there for a few days while we had family near by at a local resort, the kids loved coming over and walking around the dam, swimming at the beach, and the multiple (3) play sets around. For parents, the play sets are by the dam, at the beach, and by the offices/picnic area.
The camp sites were clean, they have volunteers there helping to maintain them, and the bath/shower houses were spotless. When we first pulled in there was no one in the ranger station so we proceeded to our site, they later came around and gave us a car pass that would give us free parking at the beach area. So just a heads up to grab one of those before to avoid the $5 fee, but they said they would absolutely reimburse if we happened to pay it. Both park rangers were so friendly and happy to answer questions.
We’re already planning our trip back next year!
Jennifer L
VerifiedAugust 22, 2023 • Stayed at: 26, Loop: GULL LAKE
Nice campground and well kept!
Lynn P
VerifiedAugust 19, 2023 • Stayed at: 37, Loop: GULL LAKE
Beautiful campground. Large private campsites. Very well kept campground.
Ken H
VerifiedAugust 18, 2023 • Stayed at: 21, Loop: GULL LAKE
The lot was neat, clean, and ready for use. The park was clean and well kept. The bathrooms were clean and fresh smelling.
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!
