Warning
GeneralCross Lake Recreation Area will open for the 2026 camping season on May 14. We look forward to seeing you then!
About Cross Lake Recreation Area
Number of accommodations: 122
Campground Amenities
-
Showers -
Dump Station
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Sites & Availability
122 Sites Available
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No available sites
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Site Details
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122 Sites Available
No available sites
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Reviews (604)
What Guests Are Saying
Cross Lake Recreation Area is a well-maintained campground with clean facilities, spacious sites, and a beautiful wooded setting. Visitors appreciate its proximity to local amenities, including restaurants and shops, making it a convenient getaway. While some sites can be challenging to maneuver into, overall, guests enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and friendly staff, with many returning year after year.
What Guests Are Saying
Cross Lake Recreation Area is a well-maintained campground with clean facilities, spacious sites, and a beautiful wooded setting. Visitors appreciate its proximity to local amenities, including restaurants and shops, making it a convenient getaway. While some sites can be challenging to maneuver into, overall, guests enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and friendly staff, with many returning year after year.
Review Summary
Shari S
VerifiedJune 13, 2021 • Stayed at: 017, Loop: CROSSLAKE
Family Friendly
Heidi L
VerifiedJune 13, 2021 • Stayed at: 108, Loop: CROSSLAKE
The park is beautiful and well taken care of. There a fun activities for kids and park rangers were very friendly. We got swimmers itch and that is the only reason I did not rate it a 4. Not something anyone can control, just made the experience less than desirable.
CHUCK A
VerifiedJune 13, 2021 • Stayed at: 064, Loop: CROSSLAKE
Nice place
TOM P
VerifiedJune 12, 2021 • Stayed at: 044, Loop: CROSSLAKE
Everything was great. Waiting to use the bathroom while they clean it can be a little tense cause it’s a long walk to the next one. Getting a little older you know. Ha ha. Everything was great!
Scholastica R
VerifiedJune 11, 2021 • Stayed at: 089, Loop: CROSSLAKE
Crosslake is a great campground. Nice big sites with lots of space to spread out. I love walking through the park in the morning and watching the sunset across the lake in the evening. We splurged and ate out for supper 3 of the nights we were there. Definitely recommend the Bourbon Room. Excellent food. And Rafferty's Pizza is the best.
Terry S
VerifiedJune 9, 2021 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: CROSSLAKE
Amazing location and great sites near the lake.
Al P
VerifiedJune 8, 2021 • Stayed at: 084, Loop: CROSSLAKE
WE HAVE BEEN CAMPING HERE SINCE 1966. MANY IMPROVEMENTS AND STILL LOVE IT.
Connie F
VerifiedJune 7, 2021 • Stayed at: 061, Loop: CROSSLAKE
Beautiful setting. Large lots, friendly park rangers. Nice public showers/ bathrooms. Close to many bars/restaurants. Nice boating lake, and beautiful sunsets.
Alan S
VerifiedJune 7, 2021 • Stayed at: 078, Loop: CROSSLAKE
Clean, well cared for by the staff!!
russ e
VerifiedJune 5, 2021 • Stayed at: 089, Loop: CROSSLAKE
We have enjoyed our camping for over 30 years and this past outing was no exception! We observed many improvements on the grounds and in the restrooms😀. The staff is friendly as well as the many volunteers. In our opinion, this is the “crown jewel” of campsites in MN.
HOWEVER, the one MAJOR criticism that I have mentioned on these surveys for years is the condition of the fish cleaning facility nearest the added docks on the south side of the park. The house is filthy, fly-infested, too small, and inefficient. Having taught biological science for 30 years, I know the facility is unhealthy, unsanitary and a breeding grounds for bacteria - I’m surprised it hasn’t been condemned for these reasons alone! The single clamp on the small table is broken, the screen door did not close, there are no sinks, and the drain is on the floor risking wet footwear each time the floor is hosed down. Please address your immediate attention to upgrade this facility. Because of its terrible condition, I can foresee individuals choosing to clean their catch on the campsite picnic tables, attempting to burn the entrails in the fire pits and littering the sites with fish scales! Thank you for your consideration.
Location Cross Lake Recreation Area
Address:
35507 County Rd 66
Crosslake, MN, 56442
United States
From Brainerd, Minnesota on Highway 25, turn right on County Road 3 and travel north
to Crosslake, Minn. The campground entrance is to the left, at the intersection of County Roads 3 and 66.
Latitude & Longitude: 46.6697 / -94.1083
Elevation: 376 feet
Policies & Rules
| Category | About |
|---|---|
| General |
Reservations* All reservations must be made and/or modified at recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. No walk ins allowed. * Cross Lake Recreation Area staff and volunteers do not make reservations on site.* Campers must check in within 24 hours of their scheduled arrival or risk their reservation being cancelled. |
| General |
Title 36: Rules and RegulationsIn the interest of more effective resource management and to increase the overall enjoyment of the visitor experience available at the Cross Lake Recreation Area, Corps wide rules and regulations have been established and will be enforced (Title 36). Click here for more information 14-Day Stay LimitTo ensure everyone has a chance to enjoy our campsites, please be aware of our 14-day camping policy.Camping at any of our sites is limited to a maximum of 14 days within any 30-consecutive-day period.This rule is in accordance with official regulation CFS 327.7(b). An extension may only be granted with written permission from the District Commander.Please be aware that violations may result in the cancellation of reservations or removal from the campground.America The Beautiful PassesWe proudly accept America The Beautiful passes. To ensure fair use, please remember:The pass may only be used for the single campsite you are actively occupying.Passes are non-transferable and cannot be shared with friends or family for other sites.If a pass is used for multiple sites simultaneously, it will be invalidated, and the full camping fee for the additional site(s) will be charged.Cross Lake Recreation Area has additional rules including but not limited to:* Firewood restrictions are in effect to prevent the spread of invasive insects and disease. Click here for more information * ATV/UTV and Golf Cart operation within the campground is not allowed. * All vehicles and camping equipment must fit on the campsite. Do not park or place camping equipment on the grass.* Posted speed limit is 10 mph.* Limit two tents per site, or one wheeled unit and one tent.* Reserved campsites must be occupied daily and with intention of overnight camping. Visitors may not book a site just for access to the boat docks. |
| General |
Closure* The Campground will close 15-OCT-2026 for the remainder of the season. This includes all dump stations, all restrooms, and water spigots. At this time, the main boat ramp is expected to remain available throughout October. |
Warnings & Advisories
Warning
GeneralCross Lake Recreation Area will open for the 2026 camping season on May 14. We look forward to seeing you then!
