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
John B
VerifiedAugust 17, 2023 • Stayed at: 12, Loop: GULL LAKE
Very nice campground and wonderful sites.
Milton L
VerifiedAugust 17, 2023 • Stayed at: 07, Loop: GULL LAKE
Enjoyed a 14-day stay, site 07, July 27 thru August 10, 2023. My rig is a 40-ft 5th wheel with 5-slides. Pros: 1) nice swimming area, 2) boat ramp is accessible and well maintained, 3) shore fishing available along the Gull river, 4) clean rest rooms and shower facilities all within walking distance of camp sites, 5) staff very friendly and ready to assist, 6) camp sites are clean and well-groomed, 7) nice walking trails, 8) electrical service is in good condition at site 07 with 50, 30 & 20 amp services. Cons: 1) trees need to be trimmed and some removed through out the campground to prevent damage to rigs, 2) site 07 has a tree that nearly prevents you from backing into this site, even though this site is 110’ feet deep it will take a high degree of skill to back a long trailer into it due to this tree, 3) campground roads are very narrow with posts and trees very close to the road which makes large rig spotting challenging, 4) at site 07 you could have challenges setting up your entry door steps depending on where your access door is located.
Janice V
VerifiedAugust 17, 2023 • Stayed at: 12A, Loop: GULL LAKE
What we love the most, is the quality of the campsites. It feels like you are the only one camping because trees and smaller undergrowth have been left between the sites.
Ron F
VerifiedAugust 16, 2023 • Stayed at: 15, Loop: GULL LAKE
Great campground. Spaces are tight but accessible. Few mosquitos and close to city. Plan on returning.
Chrysi S
VerifiedAugust 9, 2023 • Stayed at: 27, Loop: GULL LAKE
We love this campground
Frank M
VerifiedAugust 1, 2023 • Stayed at: 27, Loop: GULL LAKE
Great location. Staff was very informative. We saw a bear!!
Shawn P
VerifiedAugust 1, 2023 • Stayed at: 30, Loop: GULL LAKE
This is a very nice campground. The hosts and Rangers make sure that it is in pristine shape all the time.
Mick R
VerifiedJuly 28, 2023 • Stayed at: 34, Loop: GULL LAKE
This is a great campground, very helpful and courteous staff. The restrooms and showers were centrally located and clean. One thing to be aware of: If you are combining boating with your camping, there is no overnight or day use boat dock. Meaning, you will need to trailer your boat whenever you come in.
Chad J
VerifiedJuly 25, 2023 • Stayed at: 32, Loop: GULL LAKE
All sites are generously spaced, large and extremely clean!
Shawn P
VerifiedJuly 23, 2023 • Stayed at: 24, Loop: GULL LAKE
This is the best Corp of Engineers camp in the state that I have stayed at. It is one of my favorites also. It is always clean, the volunteers are friendly and it is a good quit campground.
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!
