OutReserve

Sandy Lake

Sandy Lake Campground Docks
Winter Sunrise at Sandy Lake
Sandy Lake Dam Downstream
Tent Campsite
Winter at the Sandy Lake Dam

Featured amenities

Playground

About Sandy Lake

The Sandy Lake Dam and Recreation Area is situated at the outlet of Big Sandy Lake in northern Minnesota, 13 miles north of McGregor, MN. The dam is a part of the Mississippi Headwaters Project, one of the first reservoir systems in the country, and the Sandy Lake Dam structure dates back to 1895. Today the grounds have been developed into a park and campground that is noted for its clean, family-friendly environment and access to fishing and boating on both the lake and nearby Mississippi River. It offers the only public campground and beach on Big Sandy Lake. The area is also a part of the historic canoe route that connected the Mississippi River to Lake Superior and major fur trading companies. Artifacts from the area's long history are kept in a small museum located near the dam.

Number of accommodations: 60

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - May 1 to Oct 14

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Playground
RV Utilities and Hookups

RV Utilities and Hookups

  • Dump station on site
On Site Services

On Site Services

  • Playground
Missing information?

Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.

60 Sites Available

Site
Price
🚐 01, Loop: SPOI
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 02, Loop: SPOI
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 03, Loop: SPOI
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 04, Loop: SPOI
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 05, Loop: SPOI
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 06, Loop: SPOI
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 07, Loop: SPOI
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 08, Loop: SPOI
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 09, Loop: SPOI
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 10, Loop: SPOI
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 11, Loop: SPOI
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 12, Loop: SPOI
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 13, Loop: SPOI
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 14, Loop: SPOI
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 15, Loop: SPOI
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 16, Loop: SPOI
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 17, Loop: SPOI
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 18, Loop: SPOI
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 19, Loop: SPOI
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 20, Loop: SPOI
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 21, Loop: SPOI
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 22, Loop: NPOI
50 Amp · Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 23, Loop: NPOI
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 24, Loop: NPOI
50 Amp · Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 25, Loop: NPOI
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 26, Loop: NPOI
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 27, Loop: NPOI
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 28, Loop: NPOI
50 Amp · Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 29, Loop: NPOI
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 30, Loop: NPOI
50 Amp · Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 31, Loop: NPOI
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 32, Loop: NPOI
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 33, Loop: NPOI
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 34, Loop: NPOI
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 35, Loop: NPOI
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 36, Loop: NPOI
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 37, Loop: NPOI
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 38, Loop: NPOI
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 39, Loop: NPOI
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 40, Loop: NPOI
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 41, Loop: NPOI
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 42, Loop: NPOI
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 43, Loop: NPOI
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 44, Loop: NPOI
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 45, Loop: NPOI
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 46, Loop: NPOI
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 47, Loop: NPOI
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 48, Loop: NPOI
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 49, Loop: NPOI
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🏠 Camper Cabin, Loop: NPOI
7 guests · Campfire
Price not available
🚐 N-GROU, Loop: NPOI
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 S-GROU, Loop: SPOI
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
Tent 1, Loop: SPOI
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
Tent 2, Loop: SPOI
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
Tent 3, Loop: SPOI
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
Tent 4, Loop: SPOI
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
Tent 5, Loop: NPOI
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
Tent 6, Loop: NPOI
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
Tent 7, Loop: NPOI
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
Tent 8, Loop: NPOI
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available

Reviews (187)

What Guests Are Saying

Sandy Lake is praised for its clean facilities, friendly hosts, and beautiful natural surroundings, making it a great spot for family camping and relaxation. Many appreciate the spacious campsites, modern restrooms, and enjoyable fishing and hiking opportunities. While some sites can be tricky to access and there are occasional issues with bugs and overcrowding, overall, visitors express a strong desire to return.

Review Summary

4.4
187 reviews
5
62.6%
117
4
23.0%
43
3
9.6%
18
2
3.7%
7
1
1.1%
2

Loretta D

Verified

August 1, 2025 Stayed at: 25, Loop: NPOI

5

We have been to Sandy Lake recreation area many times and we love it! We camp with a large group of all ages and this campground accommodates every age. Kids fished and swam, rode bikes, plenty of places to walk our dog, it’s simply a beautiful place. The only thing we missed this time around was organized activities for the kids, 2 years ago they built boats and there was a contest to see which floated the longest. Super fun! Keep up the good work Big Sandy Army Corp of Engineers, love this place!!

Stephen M

Verified

July 31, 2025 Stayed at: 11, Loop: SPOI

5

If you had a magic wand to stop the rain!

Renee D

Verified

July 30, 2025 Stayed at: 37, Loop: NPOI

4

Campground was clean and well-maintained. Staff was friendly and helpful.

Chris J

Verified

July 30, 2025 Stayed at: Camper Cabin, Loop: NPOI

2

Was only able to stay 1 of the 2 nights first night was great second night power was nicked out do to storm had to leave because no power couldn’t just sit in dark tried to call park office no one got back to me about 1 day refund

Hank P

Verified

July 26, 2025 Stayed at: 27, Loop: NPOI

4

Nice, decent size & level site (27) with shade. Fairly quiet with a clean vault toilet on the north side. Walk to good showers on the south was not that far, at least for us. Horseshoe pits! Good, friendly hosts.

Lonnie B

Verified

July 24, 2025 Stayed at: 02, Loop: SPOI

5

Clean showers, clean sites

David C

Verified

July 23, 2025 Stayed at: 38, Loop: NPOI

4

The bugs were relentless this year, but we really liked our spot at sandy lake. The pit toilets, were getting kind of stanky, by the end of our stay, though, and it was a bit unhandy that the shower houses were in the other half of the park. The first day we didn't realize that there was a walkway, connecting the two, if you walk over the dam and so we drove, but the next time we were able to use the connecting walkway

john d

Verified

July 19, 2025 Stayed at: 42, Loop: NPOI

5

nice

David K

Verified

July 15, 2025 Stayed at: 38, Loop: NPOI

4

👍

Debbie B

Verified

July 13, 2025 Stayed at: 16, Loop: SPOI

5

Always love staying at this campground. Well maintained and clean.

Location Sandy Lake

Address:
22205 531 St Lane
McGregor, MN, 55760
United States

Latitude & Longitude: 46.7883 / -93.3283

Elevation: 376 feet

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: June 3, 2026

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Managed by US Army Corps of Engineers