Gull Lake Recreation Area
Open for the 2026 season May 1 through October 15. Showers and potable water available May 14 through October 15. Reservations required via Recreation.gov. Main playground closed for construction; alternative playgrounds available near the picnic shelter and swimming beach. North park entrance closed; use south entrance only. Only certified firewood permitted.
From Recreation.gov
Our main playground near the campground is closed for construction. A new playground is coming soon! In the meantime, you may find our other playgrounds across the dam near the picnic shelter and by the swimming beach.
From Recreation.gov
Only 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 sits on the Gull River at the outlet of Minnesota's famous Gull Lake, carved by glaciers retreating from Canada. As part of the Mississippi Headwaters Project operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, this 39-site campground provides a quality camping experience with well-spaced wooded sites, each equipped with 30 or 50-amp electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings. A centrally located showerhouse with flush toilets serves the campground, with potable water and a dump station near the entrance. Recreational opportunities abound. Anglers target the lake's abundant walleye, northern pike, bass, and panfish populations. The swimming beach, two canoe launches, and boat ramp provide water access, while a paved shoreline fishing platform and fish cleaning station serve anglers. A self-guided interpretive trail winds through undeveloped forest, and the City of East Gull Lake's paved multi-use trail connects to the 100-mile Paul Bunyan State Trail. The area lies minutes from Brainerd, Baxter, and Nisswa, offering 520 holes of golf, amusement parks, a zoo, and shopping. Watchable wildlife includes bald eagles, white-tailed deer, river otters, songbirds, and loons.
Directions
From the intersection of MN 210 and MN 371 in Baxter, drive north 5.8 miles. Turn left on County Road 125 (Gull Lake Dam Road). Follow the signs approximately 3 miles. Turn left into the campground at the playground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $32 - $50 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 122ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 122ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (651) 290-5772 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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