Managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers within the Mississippi River Headwaters - Cross Lake protected area, Cross Lake Recreation Area sits directly in the town of Crosslake, Minnesota. That location cuts both ways. Restaurants and convenience stores are a short walk from camp. Highway noise, however, carries throughout the campground, reaching even the farthest sites, so campers expecting seclusion should factor that in before booking.
The sites themselves are large and wooded, with mature trees providing consistent shade. Joe S. describes the campground as "VERY well maintained and the campsites are big and spacious." Full hookups are available, including electric, water, and sewer, with RVs up to 87 feet accommodated. A security gate and regular ranger presence reflect the campground's managed character, and multiple reviewers note the facilities stay clean. The campground also has a sand beach, playgrounds, a pavilion, and a fishing dock near the dam where anglers can cast into Cross Lake, which connects to the broader Whitefish chain.
Rates run $24 to $40 per night, with reservations available. Pets are welcome, and those traveling with dogs can find pet-friendly camping near Mississippi River Headwaters - Cross Lake across several other area campgrounds as well. Paved internal roads make the campground accessible for bikes and easy to navigate with larger rigs. Campers wanting a quieter, more remote experience might consider Mosquito Ridge Watercraft Campsite a few miles south.
Description
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.
Facilities
The sizable campground has 122 campsites including 97 with electric hookups. Additional amenities include two accessible hot shower facilities, a boat ramp, playground, floating docks for boat parking, 2 picnic shelters, a dump station and accessible fishing piers.
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
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsCross Lake Recreation Area is located in Minnesota near Pequot Lakes
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
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 7/7/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/7/26- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/7/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 7/7/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/7/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/7/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Market
- 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
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 33 min from St. Cloud, MN
- 1 hr 56 min from Duluth, MN
- 2 hrs 21 min from Minneapolis, MN
- 2 hrs 36 min from Fargo, ND
