Cross Lake Day Use
Closed — Closed for the winter season. The facility typically operates seasonally and is closed during winter months.
From Recreation.gov
**Cross Lake Recreation Area will open for the 2026 camping season on May 14. We look forward to seeing you then!**
About
Cross Lake Day Use is a popular day-use recreation area managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, situated on the eastern bank of Cross Lake in central Minnesota's lakes region. The facility is surrounded by tall pines and provides access to the Whitefish Chain of Lakes, which boasts 13,660 acres of water and 119 miles of scenic shoreline. The day-use area features a swimming beach for families, numerous individual picnic sites, and two group picnic shelters available for reservation. Shore fishing is popular on accessible fishing piers located both upstream and downstream of the dam. Canoe access is available for paddlers wanting to explore the Pine River downstream of the dam. The facility is located within walking distance of the city of Crosslake, where visitors can access local shopping, a paved walking and biking trail, and other amenities. This is a day-use area only and does not offer overnight camping facilities. The area operates seasonally, typically closing for the winter months when facilities are not maintained.
Directions
From Brainerd, Minnesota on Highway 25, turn right on County Road 3 and travel north to Cross Lake. The Day Use area entrance is on the left, directly across from the intersection of County Roads 3 and 66.
Nearby Campgrounds
- Cross Lake Recreation Area 0.0mi
- Portsmouth Campground 14mi
- Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area Group Campground 14mi
- Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area Yurts 14mi
- Gull Lake Recreation Area 21mi
- Mabel Lake 26mi
- Crow Wing Campground 29mi
- Crow Wing State Park Camper Cabin 29mi
- Crow Wing State Park Group Campground 30mi
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | — |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $50 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (651) 290-5793 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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