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
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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
David P
VerifiedMay 24, 2021 • Stayed at: 07, Loop: GULL LAKE
Very clean. Relaxing atmosphere. Staff was very friendly and helpful
Paul K
VerifiedMay 24, 2021 • Stayed at: 26, Loop: GULL LAKE
Well kept campground, staff was very helpful.
Samuel N
VerifiedMay 24, 2021 • Stayed at: 02, Loop: GULL LAKE
Clean bathrooms, attentive staff, they deliver wood, plus there is a chipotle 10mins away if you want😆. A+
David P
VerifiedMay 24, 2021 • Stayed at: 07, Loop: GULL LAKE
Very clean. Relaxing atmosphere. Staff was very friendly and helpful
Paul K
VerifiedMay 24, 2021 • Stayed at: 26, Loop: GULL LAKE
Well kept campground, staff was very helpful.
Samuel N
VerifiedMay 24, 2021 • Stayed at: 02, Loop: GULL LAKE
Clean bathrooms, attentive staff, they deliver wood, plus there is a chipotle 10mins away if you want😆. A+
Alan W
VerifiedMay 23, 2021 • Stayed at: 09, Loop: GULL LAKE
The Army Corps of Engineers have set an expectation level for us in their campgrounds. They did not disappoint us at Gull Lake. This was our 5th stop on a trip and the only one that did not require blocks to level the trailer. The site had even been raked clean. The one disappointment is the fire ring being set so far down into the ground. It is both difficult to reach down and tend the fire and hard for air flow to keep the fire going. The staff and volunteers were friendly and willing to help. It is also the only place I have ever placed an online order for firewood and had it delivered faster than it would have taken me to walk up and buy it. Plus, the profits go to a local charity. Being on Gull Lake, the emphasis was toward fishing and water sports, but we found plenty of good hiking and relaxing without going out on the water.
Robb J
VerifiedMay 23, 2021 • Stayed at: 39, Loop: GULL LAKE
Gull Lake Recreation Area is a great location for us, being only 2+ hours from home. The Army Corps campsites are top drawer, being clean, spacious site and well maintained. Gull Lake is in a super location being just minutes from Brainerd, MN and tons of recreation options for both adults and kids. Gull Lake is a great fishing lake. Highly recommend this campsite.
Alan W
VerifiedMay 23, 2021 • Stayed at: 09, Loop: GULL LAKE
The Army Corps of Engineers have set an expectation level for us in their campgrounds. They did not disappoint us at Gull Lake. This was our 5th stop on a trip and the only one that did not require blocks to level the trailer. The site had even been raked clean. The one disappointment is the fire ring being set so far down into the ground. It is both difficult to reach down and tend the fire and hard for air flow to keep the fire going. The staff and volunteers were friendly and willing to help. It is also the only place I have ever placed an online order for firewood and had it delivered faster than it would have taken me to walk up and buy it. Plus, the profits go to a local charity. Being on Gull Lake, the emphasis was toward fishing and water sports, but we found plenty of good hiking and relaxing without going out on the water.
Robb J
VerifiedMay 23, 2021 • Stayed at: 39, Loop: GULL LAKE
Gull Lake Recreation Area is a great location for us, being only 2+ hours from home. The Army Corps campsites are top drawer, being clean, spacious site and well maintained. Gull Lake is in a super location being just minutes from Brainerd, MN and tons of recreation options for both adults and kids. Gull Lake is a great fishing lake. Highly recommend this campsite.
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
