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Established Camping

Cross Lake Recreation Area

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

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.

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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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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

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Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Red Rider Resort

Red Rider Resort

24 min away

Sunset Pines Campground

Sunset Pines Campground

30 min away

Drive Time

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Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites 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

Contact

General Info

Reservations


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Reviews

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4.5

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5 Reviews

Reviewed May. 11, 2025

Crowded but clean. Gets quiet after 10 PM.

Could just be the current political budget restraints but I tent camped Gull Lake RA for four nights never saw a Ranger. Here there is a security gate you have to go through before you enter and multiple Rangers. Could be that were so close to town here. highway traffic noise even at furthest site. I will ask about dispersed camping and try to report back. They have shower facilities here just like a gull lake. Yes that means noisy Motorhomes, and travel trailers at all sites.

Site37
Month of VisitMay
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
  • (8) View All
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

What do visitors say about their experience at Cross Lake Recreation Area?

Visitors to Cross Lake Recreation Area consistently praise the cleanliness and maintenance of the facilities. Campers appreciate the spacious, wooded sites that provide ample shade and privacy. The campground earns high marks for its well-maintained bathrooms, multiple playgrounds, and access to both Cross Lake and the Whitefish Chain. While some note that road noise can be heard due to the proximity to town, most campers enjoy the unique blend of feeling secluded in the woods while being close enough to walk to town amenities. The mature trees, sandy beach area with playground, and fishing opportunities at the dam are frequently highlighted features.

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

Cross Lake Recreation Area offers full-hookup campsites with electric, water, and sewer connections. While specific pricing information isn't detailed, camping fees are typical for Minnesota state recreation areas with amenities. Expect to pay standard rates for developed campgrounds in the Brainerd lakes region. For current and exact pricing, it's best to contact the recreation area directly or check their official website before planning your trip.

Are there photos available to preview Cross Lake Recreation Area before visiting?

Yes, photos of Cross Lake Recreation Area are available online through various camping websites including The Dyrt. These images typically showcase the wooded campsites, beach area with playground and pavilion, fishing dock by the dam, and the overall layout of the recreation area. Viewing these photos before your visit can help you get a sense of the campground's mature trees, spacious sites, and amenities. For the most comprehensive collection of current photos, check the official Cross Lake Recreation Area website or contact the campground directly.

Is there a map of Cross Lake Recreation Area campground showing campsites and facilities?

Cross Lake Recreation Area does have campground maps available, though they may not be extensively published online. The recreation area features a security gate entrance, multiple camping loops with wooded sites, and various facilities including playgrounds, a beach area, and a fishing dock by the dam. For the most accurate and up-to-date map showing specific campsites and facilities, contact the recreation area directly or check at the ranger station upon arrival. Maps are typically provided during check-in to help visitors navigate the campground and locate amenities.