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
Available sites
39 total sites
RV Sites
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
RV Utilities and Hookups
- Dump station on site
Rates, 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 (1016)
What Guests Are Saying
Gull Lake Recreation Area is highly praised for its well-maintained, spacious campsites with good tree coverage, providing privacy and comfort. Visitors appreciate the friendly staff, clean facilities, and easy access to recreational activities like biking, swimming, and fishing. While mosquitoes can be a nuisance, overall experiences are positive, with many campers planning to return.
What Guests Are Saying
Gull Lake Recreation Area is highly praised for its well-maintained, spacious campsites with good tree coverage, providing privacy and comfort. Visitors appreciate the friendly staff, clean facilities, and easy access to recreational activities like biking, swimming, and fishing. While mosquitoes can be a nuisance, overall experiences are positive, with many campers planning to return.
Review Summary
Haidee W
VerifiedAugust 8, 2026 • Stayed at: 20, Loop: GULL LAKE
It was easy to check in and to find our campsite. The site was long enough for the 28 ft travel trailer and truck. And it was nice and shady which was critical when the temperatures run in the high 90s. We plan to come back!
Shannon R
VerifiedAugust 9, 2026 • Stayed at: 20, Loop: GULL LAKE
Nice rv spots, not close to neighbors with trees between. We love being on the bike path that can take you to Nisswa and to lots of restaurants. We also love Gull Lake access there, so able to bring boat and able to swim down the river without getting swimmers itch at the regular beach. Bugs were bad at site, but great staff raking and cleaning each spot.
David O
VerifiedAugust 11, 2026 • Stayed at: 13, Loop: GULL LAKE
Always good
Harlan A
VerifiedAugust 12, 2026 • Stayed at: 28, Loop: GULL LAKE
always clean and well taken care of campground.
Kelly C
VerifiedAugust 13, 2026 • Stayed at: 23, Loop: GULL LAKE
Gull Lake Recreation Area was a great, solid overnight stop. We especially loved our campsite, which was wooded, spacious, and so private we couldn’t even see our neighbors. With easy access to Gull Lake and the entire Gull Chain of Lakes for boating, swimming, fishing, and exploring, it’s a great base for enjoying the Brainerd Lakes area.
Bernie D
VerifiedAugust 15, 2026 • Stayed at: 21, Loop: GULL LAKE
Enjoyed the beautiful water and nice walking area. All staff, were very friendly.
Joseph H
VerifiedAugust 20, 2026 • Stayed at: 13, Loop: GULL LAKE
It was very nice and lots were spacious. The associates there were very friendly people as well.
John C
VerifiedAugust 20, 2026 • Stayed at: 33, Loop: GULL LAKE
We love camping at Gull Lake Recreation Area near Baxter MN. There is a nice hiking trail through the woods that overlook the lake. We especially like to bike on the many bike paths available. The beach area is a nice walk from the campground. This was our 5th trip to this COE campground. It’s one of our favorites for many reasons. One of which is it’s only 2 +hours from our home. All of the camp hosts were great.
Donna D
VerifiedAugust 21, 2026 • Stayed at: 08, Loop: GULL LAKE
Loved the campsite. Great tree coverage, sites not too close, and well-kept. Friendly staff. Nice you can purchase wood and have it delivered. Not far from Nisswa and Baxter if you want to venture out. Plan to go back again soon.
Joshua M
VerifiedAugust 29, 2026 • Stayed at: 01, Loop: GULL LAKE
Our family had a wonderful experience at this campground. It was well maintained and had great options for biking, swimming, children's activities and enjoying the great outdoors.
Location & Directions for Gull Lake Recreation Area
10867 E Gull Lake Dr, Brainerd, MN 56401 United States
Elevation: 368 ft
Highway access
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.
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: October 20, 2026
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