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.
About Gull Lake Recreation Area
Number of accommodations: 39
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
RV Utilities and Hookups
- Dump station on site
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Rates, 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 (898)
What Guests Are Saying
Gull Lake Recreation Area offers well-maintained, clean campgrounds with friendly staff and plenty of shade. Visitors appreciate the beautiful sites, clean facilities, and enjoyable beach and hiking experiences. While there are some minor concerns, such as a lack of water at each site and traffic noise from a newly built road, overall reviews highlight it as a favorite camping destination.
What Guests Are Saying
Gull Lake Recreation Area offers well-maintained, clean campgrounds with friendly staff and plenty of shade. Visitors appreciate the beautiful sites, clean facilities, and enjoyable beach and hiking experiences. While there are some minor concerns, such as a lack of water at each site and traffic noise from a newly built road, overall reviews highlight it as a favorite camping destination.
Review Summary
LuAnn L
VerifiedSeptember 23, 2021 • Stayed at: 03, Loop: GULL LAKE
Great place to camp, kayak, and bike.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Location Gull Lake Recreation Area
Address:
10867 E Gull Lake Dr
Brainerd, MN, 56401
United States
Gull Lake Recreation Area is accessible via Minnesota State Highway 371, which is approximately 10 miles to the east. Additionally, U.S. Highway 10 is about 15 miles to the south.
Latitude & Longitude: 46.4108 / -94.3514
Elevation: 368 feet
Policies & Rules
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. 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.
- Only two tents OR one wheeled-camping unit plus one tent is allowed per campsite.
- 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.
- 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.
- There are no sewer or water sites at this campground but potable water and a dump station are located at the campground entrance.
- The shower building and drinking water are available May 1 - October 15.
- 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.
Nearby Campgrounds
Last updated: June 4, 2026
