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Facilities
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People

Established Camping

Cross Lake Recreation Area

Cross Lake Recreation Area, near Crosslake, Minnesota, is a fantastic spot for families and campers looking for a mix of nature and convenience. The campground boasts spacious sites surrounded by mature trees, providing plenty of shade and a sense of being in the woods, even though you're close to town.

Visitors rave about the cleanliness and upkeep of the facilities, including well-maintained bathrooms and a small sandy beach area perfect for swimming. There’s also a playground nearby, making it a great choice for families with kids. One camper noted, “The sites are nice, there are lots of trees for shade,” which really captures the campground's inviting atmosphere.

For those who enjoy outdoor activities, you can fish from the dock or explore the nearby trails. The location is ideal for a quick trip into Crosslake for ice cream or shopping, so you can enjoy the best of both worlds. Whether you're setting up a tent or parking your RV, Cross Lake Recreation Area offers a welcoming environment for a memorable camping experience.

Description

US Army Corps of Engineers

Mississippi River Headwaters - Cross Lake

Overview

In Central Minnesota's popular lakes area, the Cross Lake Recreation Area is best known for its picturesque sunsets, beautiful beaches and well-maintained campsites. The campground provides a full menu of activities for camping enthusiasts, while being located just minutes from shopping and paved bike trails. For a virtual tour go to: http://www.photographyoptions.net/images/headwaters/tour.html

Recreation

The recreation area provides plenty of water based entertainment like boating, canoeing, kayaking, water skiing and fishing. Two onsite beaches are convenient for swimming and sunbathing. Two accessible fishing piers provide angling opportunities on both Cross Lake and the Pine River.

Natural Features

Cross Lake Recreation Area is nestled among tall pines on the eastern banks of Cross Lake on the Whitefish Chain of Lakes. The area has tremendous appeal, with access to 13 natural lakes, 13,660 acres of water and 119 miles of scenic shoreline. The collection of lakes help form the Headwaters of the Mississippi River.

Nearby Attractions

The Recreation Area is located adjacent to the city of Crosslake and is just a short walk from shopping and a paved bike trail. It's also near the Crow Wing State Park where visitors can view the Mississippi River from the historic "Chippewa Lookout."

Charges & Cancellations

Reservations must check in within 24 hours of their scheduled arrival or risk their reservation being cancelled. Modifications to existing reservations will be charged a $10.00 non-refundable modification fee. Modifications to reservations may be made online or by calling Recreation.gov at (877)444-6777

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Location

Cross Lake Recreation Area is located in Minnesota

Detail location of campground

Directions

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.

Address

35507 COUNTY RD 66, PO BOX 36
Crosslake, MN 56442-0036

Coordinates

46.6697222 N
94.1083333 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • 50 Amp Hookups

Contact

General Info

Reservations


Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

4 Reviews

Reviewed Oct. 29, 2021

Big, CLEAN campground

We stayed here in June 2021 for the first time ever. We were pleasantly surprised at how CLEAN this campground is! VERY well maintained and the campsites are big and spacious. Our campsite did have electric, sewer and water hookups. There are many playgrounds here as well. The trees are mature and provide ample shade as well. There is a very nice beach area and well maintained trails through the campground. Can't say enough good things about this place.

Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Jul. 14, 2020

Clean

Very nice campground. Clean bathrooms and nice sites.

Reviewed Aug. 4, 2019

Convenient Camping

Large, wooded sights. Clean & well kept. Small sand beach with a playground and pavilion. You can fish from a fishing dock by the dam. This is set right in the town so you do hear road traffic which takes away from the seclusion feeling that most desire when camping. However, it’s short walk to convenience stores and several restaurants. This is a great place for beginning campers, especially with children. Paved roads good for scooters & bikes. Also convenient for stop overs while traveling with easy road access.

  • Review photo of Cross Lake Recreation Area by Rachel H., August 4, 2019
  • Review photo of Cross Lake Recreation Area by Rachel H., August 4, 2019
  • Review photo of Cross Lake Recreation Area by Rachel H., August 4, 2019
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Reviewed Aug. 11, 2018

beautiful campground

This is a great campground in the Brainerd lakes area of Minnesota.it is right in the middle of the town of Crosslake but when you’re in the campground you feel like you’re out in the woods. The sites are nice, there are lots of trees for shade. Campers have access to Cross Lake and the Whitefish chain. This is a good family campground too, with play areas and a beach for swimming. You can easily walk into Crosslake to shop or get ice cream, or just stay in the campground and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. It’s also a good place to bring your bikes.

  • Review photo of Cross Lake Recreation Area by Kristen B., August 11, 2018

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much does it cost to camp at Cross Lake Recreation Area?

    Camping at Cross Lake Recreation Area can cost between $22.00 and $36.00 depending on the site.

  • Does Cross Lake Recreation Area have RV hookups?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Cross Lake Recreation Area has 50 amp electric hookups, water hookups and sewer hookups.

  • What is the max vehicle length at Cross Lake Recreation Area?

    Cross Lake Recreation Area allows vehicles up to 87 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Cross Lake Recreation Area?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Cross Lake Recreation Area, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Cross Lake Recreation Area?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Cross Lake Recreation Area. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Cross Lake Recreation Area, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Cross Lake Recreation Area?

    There are 122 campsites at Cross Lake Recreation Area and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts